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Kerala Backwaters Cruise and Holidays
Unique to Kerala, hundreds of interlinked canals weave their ways through panoramic landscapes, paddy fields and palm-fringed lakes. Intricate lacework of brackish and fresh water lagoons and waterways make for an ultimate waterfront experience. Kerala Backwater Cruises on a houseboat with in-built luxurious and elegant suites, fitted with all the modern amenities necessary for a comfortable stay, extends an opportunity to see the exotic aquatic marine life and spot a number of bird species that thrive in the mangroves of the region.
The traditional Kerala houseboat, known as Kettuvallam, was initially used for transporting rice from one place to another. These large boats were built using local and eco-friendly materials such as wood, coir ropes and resin extracted from boiled cashew kernels. A traditional Kettuvallam does not have a single nail in its entire hull. Especially tied coir knots hold the wooden planks together. The crewmembers are experiences and well versed with local traditions and folklores. The Kerala Backwaters Cruise and Holiday tour takes you to the highlights of emerald backwaters of God’s Own Country such as Cochin and Kumarakom. The tour also covers beautiful tropical beaches of Kovalam and Marari.
The traditional Kerala houseboat, known as Kettuvallam, was initially used for transporting rice from one place to another. These large boats were built using local and eco-friendly materials such as wood, coir ropes and resin extracted from boiled cashew kernels. A traditional Kettuvallam does not have a single nail in its entire hull. Especially tied coir knots hold the wooden planks together. The crewmembers are experiences and well versed with local traditions and folklores. The Kerala Backwaters Cruise and Holiday tour takes you to the highlights of emerald backwaters of God’s Own Country such as Cochin and Kumarakom. The tour also covers beautiful tropical beaches of Kovalam and Marari.
Duration : 09 Night / 10 Days
Destination Covered : Cochin, Kumarakom, Marari, Poovar, Kovalam
Your Kerala Holidays
DAY-01 ARRIVE COCHIN
Upon arrival in Cochin traditional welcome and transfer to your pre booked Hotel .
Later transfer to the backwaters of Cochin, which run from the sea inland
through lush tropical countryside. It could be compared to a cruise down
the eAmazon with jungle foliage hanging from the banks. This relaxing
boat trip is fascinating, as our guide discussed the history of the early
explorers and traders who used this as a main artery to the sea. Even
the locals board and disembark, coming and going from village. Return
to Cochin and afternoon spent exploring the unexpected and isolated Jewish
community. It was a main area for spice trading. Scores of small companies
huddle together in old buildings, with the air filled of ginger, cardamom,
cumin and clove scent. Local potters load carts of spices running up and
down narrow lanes for transport. One street - long area is the Mattacncherry
section, used to occupy virtually all Jewish homes, the oldest synagogue
in the former British Empire. Cochin is one of the most fascinating cities
of coastal south India. It is a city with indelible marks of Christian,
Islamic, Hindu and Jewish traditions. The true character of the city us
to be found in the older part of the Fort Cochin area which remains as
it used to be a 1000 years ago. This part of the City reflects an unusual
bled of medival Portuguese, Dutch and English life grafted on to the tropical
Malabar coast. A unique feature here is isolated Jewish community, whose
origins date back to AD 52. Evening we go to watch the famous Kathakali
Dance Performance.Overnight at the hotel
DAY-02 COCHIN - KUMARAKOM ( BY SURFACE)
After breakfast today we depart for Kumara. The rest of the day relaxing by the pool or taking a sunset cruise on a man - powered nice-boat. You may wish to visit the Ayurvedic centre for a herbal massage. In the Evening attend a demonstration
of Kerala cuisine cooking. Overnight
at Resort DAY-03 KUMARAKOM
Day at at leisure for relax and personal activities. Overnight at Resort DAY-04 KUMARAKOM - MARARI ( BY SURFACE)
After breakfast we leave for Marari . A beach is just a beach, until you find its living heart. For us, the search ended in the little village of Mararikulam.
Somewhere around the middle section of Kerala's coast, the Indian Ocean finally realises that it has now become the Arabian Sea. The result of this personality change is a splendid azure colour, quite distinctive, with frothy whitecaps and a translucent, pearl-like quality. The sands that fringe this coastline for endless miles are themselves distinctive, deep and rich and fine, in a shade closer to ocher than gold. Upon arrival check in at your Resort .
DAY-05 MARARI
Day at at leisure for relax and personal activities. Overnight at resort.
DAY-06 MARARI - POOVAR (BY SURFACE)
After breakfast we leave for Poovar - Unspoilt and miraculously unexplored, Poovar Island is a rare Adam and Eve find in Southern Kerala. Enveloped by the most serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach. Poovar is truly a window into paradise. Time stopped a few decades ago. The tranquility is punctuated by the sound of waves and the birds. The acreage is abundant in well preserved local flora, with hundreds of species of spices, exotic flowers, complete with banana and coconut groves. The sun God smiles generously on idyllic Poovar. There's lots to do in addition to soaking in nature, and the hammocks and the beach. Row to a neighbouring fishing village in 2 minutes. Alter course, and visit a centuries old martial arts village. Kerala is the birthplace of a unique martial art form. Upon arrival check in at your resort .
DAY-07 POOVAR
Day at at leisure for relax and personal activities. Overnight at resort
DAY-08 POOVAR - KOVALAM
After breakfast we leave for Kovalam . Kovalam is an internationally
renowned beach of Kerala , with three adjacent crescent beaches. Kovalam
has been a favorite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the
1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful
bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this
beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning
massages, special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc. DAY-09 KOVALAM
Day at at leisure for relax and personal activities. Overnight at resort
DAY-10 LEAVE KOVALAM
Transfer to Trivandrum airport to board flight for onward Journey.
