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Backwaters and Beaches
South India Explored - 08 nights/09 days
Destinations of Backwaters of Kerala and Kovalam Beaches - Cochin - Kumarakom - Houseboat - Kovalam
Included in National Geographic Traveller Magazine's Millennium issue as one of the 50 "must see places in a lifetime", Kerala now competes with Rajasthan as India's most popular destination. This short journey through Kerala, takes you from the harbour city of Cochin to the calm serenity of Kumarakom, includes a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala and ends on the sandy beaches of Kovalam.
DAY 01 - Arrive Cochin
You will be met upon your arrival in Cochin and transferred to your chosen hotel for a 2 night stay.
DAY 2 - In Cochin
Cochin's half day of sight seeing includes Cochin Harbour terminus where the Chinese fishing nets present a wonderful sight; Mattancherry Dutch Palace; The Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church (built in 1510 Vasco Da Gama was originally buried here). Later visit the Hill Palace which was built in the 19th century by the Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled from here. Later you will be collected for a Kathakali Dance Show.
DAY 03 - Drive Cochin to Kumarakom (85 kms/02 hrs)
This morning drive to the tranquility of Kumarakom where you check in to your chosen retreat and enjoy the remainder of the day discovering nature's beauty at your own pace.
DAY 04 - In Kumarakom
Day at leisure in Kumarakom - a charming emerald peninsula jutting into Lake Vembanad whose waters run into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. Set out to explore the area and enjoy the spectacular flora and fauna or relax in your hotel and treat yourself to delicious Keralan cuisine and pampering treatments.
DAY 05 - Kumarakom to your Houseboat
Board your private house boat for an overnight stay. This cruise along the beautiful backwater canals of Kerala is a highlight for most travellers. The converted rice barges or "Kettuvallams" sail along shallow, palm-fringed lakes and narrow canals where coconut and cashew are loaded onto dugouts. You pass villages built on narrow spits of land, stopping to visit local markets by bullock-cart, or to marvel at craftsmen engaged in centuries-old boat-making traditions.
The boats offer one or two cabins with a small sitting room and a crew of 2 staff and a chef. Onboard the cuisine is authentic Kerala cuisine, purchased fresh along the way. For most of the journey, the boat is poled, sailing only between dawn and dusk. Although the accommodation on board is basic, this is an unforgettable experience.
DAY 06 - Alleppey to Kovalam (150 kms/03 hrs)
Disembark your houseboat at Alleppey and drive to Kovalam, one of India's internationally renowned beaches - with its sheltered natural bay, azure blue waters and a spread of green palm groves it is a tropical paradise. On arrival, you will be delivered to your Kovalam hotel for a 3 night stay. The remainder of the day is free so that you can relax and enjoy the sandy beaches of Kovalam.
DAY 07 - In Kovalam
A day in Kovalam to be as relaxed or as active (in the water sports department) as you like, be sure to try some local seafood specialties and perhaps indulge in another aryurvedic treatment. Overnight in Kovalam.
DAY 08 - In Kovalam
A last night in paradise, take it easy before the long journey home and the return to 'real' life. Overnight in Kovalam.
DAY 09 - Kovalam to Trivandrum airport (20 kms/½ hrs) and depart Trivandrum
You will be transferred to Trivandrum Airport for your departure flight.
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