Kerala, caressed by the Arabian Sea on the west and the misty mountains of the Western Ghats to the east, is popularly known as “God’s own Country”.
This tour can be done as part of 14 night twin centre combining 8 nights stay in Goa with 6 nights tour of Kerala. Flights depart every Saturday and Tuesday from Goa. Guests who arrive in Goa on Friday will spend the first night at a hotel either near to the airport or in Panjim on bed & breakfast, and then depart Goa for Cochin on Saturday. Guests who arrive in Goa on any other day, will spend the first few nights in Goa before flying on Tuesday to Cochin to start their tour of Kerala.
TASTE OF KERALA
Locations : Periyar, House Boat, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Cochin
Duration : 6 Nights
Day 1 – Goa • Cochin
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for the 70-minute flight to Cochin. On arrival transfer to Hotel Casino or similar. In the afternoon, you will go on a sightseeing tour of Cochin, one of Kerala’s most interesting experiences. Cochin has a delightfully cosmopolitan look. A Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, mosques and Hindu temples co-exist amicably in a typical example of Indian secularism.
Mainland Ernakulam, Gundu Island, Fort Cochin, Boighatty Island and Mattancheri have many interesting sights to offer. Visit St. Francis Church in Fort Cochin where Vasco da Gama was buried before his body was interred and moved to Portugal. The ancient synagogue and the Dutch Palace known for its exquisite murals are located in Mattancheri, the home of the ethnic Jews in Cochin. In addition to visiting these places, you will also see the Chinese fishing nets, unique to this part of Kerala. In the evening watch a performance of the Kathakali dance. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 2 – Cochin • Periyar
Early departure by road for Periyar in the Thekkady district (225km – 6 hours). The lush green scenery all around is dotted with pepper, rubber, tea and cardamom plantations, which then give way to tea and spices as you head east towards the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Check in at your hotel. In the evening take a boat cruise on the lake where you are likely to catch a glimpse of the wildlife that Periyar is renowned for. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3 – Periyar
After breakfast, take a trek through the forest and visit a fragrant spice plantation. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You will have a chance to do some shopping and explore more of the local area. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 4 – Periyar • Kumarakom
After breakfast, drive down the valley to continue the journey to Kumarakom, a typical backwater village (125km – 4 hours). Enroute there may be the opportunity to take an elephant ride at Kottayam – you will be advised by your guide. On arrival, check in at your hotel.
Day 5 – Kumarakom (Houseboat)Enjoy the morning at leisure, before boarding the houseboat (kettuvallam) to cruise along the backwaters. Cruise through the palm fringed canals, see the paddy fields and watch the village folk going about their daily lives. Visit a nearby backwater village and lunch with a typical Kerala family. Optional ayurvedic massage for the day. Dinner and overnight stay on the houseboat.
Day 6 – Kumarakom • Alleppey • Cochin
Continue the cruise as you travel to Alleppey, often referred to as the “Venice of the East”. After breakfast, disembark and travel by road to Cochin and check in at your hotel. (70km – 1 hr 30 mins)
Day 7 – Cochin • Goa
Morning at leisure. Later in the afternoon depart for the airport for your flight to Goa. Spend the rest of the stay in Goa at your chosen beach hotel.
End of Tour
