Day
01: Abroad / BombayArrive Mumbai International airport. On
arrival, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred
to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day
02: BombayMorning, one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour
brings you to the lush green Elephanta Island. Here, visit some of
the huge and intricately carved Elephanta Caves that date back to
the 8th century. For rows of massive columns cut into solid rock
from three magnificent avenues, lead to the outstanding three-headed
sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and
Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty and power of
these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various manifestations of
Shiva is overpowering. Afternoon, City tour of Bombay - the great
port city with its Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj
Era mingling with the modern. The tour includes 'Gateway of India'
overlooking the Harbour, the 'Towers of Silence', 'Marine Drive',
the 'Colaba Causeway' - the commercial heart of Bombay and the Dhobi
Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor 'laundry'. Drive upto the
Malabar Hill to the lovely 'Hanging Gardens' and the Kamla Nehru
Park from where you will get a wonderful view of Mumbai and the
Arabian Sea, spread out before you. Also visit Mani Bhawan, a small
museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, and the
bustling Crawford Market. Overnight at hotel
Day 03:
Bombay - Cochin - PeriyarMorning transfer to the airport to
connect flight to Cochin Upon arrival, meet & transfer to the
hotel for lunch. Thereafter drive to Periyar (190 kms) Upon arrival
at Periyar - check into hotel Periyar - Sprawling across 777 sq.
kms. of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is the
home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with
exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked
away among hills. Spice Village Resort is situated just outside the
famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This unique and deluxe village
resort is set in a spice garden - with 37 cottages of thatched roofs
which blend well with the surrounding greenery. Overnight at hotel
Day
04: Periyar - KumarakomEarly morning boatcruise on the Lake
of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar -
an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is
the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer,
Black Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink.
Return to hotel for breakfast After breakfast a guided walk around
the Spice Village to see the various spices grown in the resort
garden. Thereafter drive through the winding "Ghats" lined
with prosperous tea plantations & then arrive the fascinating
countryside of low-lying palms and paddy fields to Kumarakom (190
kms) enroute visit the tea estates. Kumarakom - is a beautiful
backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake,
criss crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages. A
holiday in Coconut Lagoon promises to be different from any other.
Every "tarawad" or cottage you stay in is at least a
century old, reconstructed piece by piece in accordance with ancient
rites of carpentry. Relax at the waterfront, with the occasional
native row boat gliding silently by, and the air so calm, you can
reach out and touch the sky with your finger tips. Overnight at
hotel.
Day 05: Kumarakom - HouseboatMorning at
leisure at Coconut Lagoon, taking a cruise on the backwaters in
traditional country canoes called "vanjis" to see the
agricultural activities of the local people living on the back
waters. Visit also the beautiful bird sanctuary. Lunch at the hotel
Afternoon board the traditional rice boats - "Ketuvallam"
and begin your journey through the picturesque backwaters and small
lakes relaxing in the tranquillity of Kerala's beautiful scenery.
Experience the way of life and activity of the local people, the one
bedroom house with a lounge is exclusively for you, meals will be
served with freshly bought produce from the local markets and cooked
on board. Overnight on board.
Day 06: Houseboat -
MarariBreakfast on board. Sail to Alleppey & disembark
at Puthenagady Jetty. On arrival proceed directly to Mararikulam (30
kms) Mararikulam - is one of the picturesque fishing villages that
dot the lovely coast line of Kerala. This private, shallow beach is
fringed with unending lines of coconut palms. Rest of the day at
leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: MarariFull day at
leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Marari - CochinCochin
- Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is the
oldest European settlement in India. Frilled with backwaters and
rich with old world charm, this city has lured many a great voyager
to its shores. Arrive Cochin & check into hotel Tour of Cochin
or "Kochi"- the palm green, commercial captial of Kerala
is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". From time
immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese
seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their
impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of
these myriad influences. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish
Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the
famous Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon, Harbour cruise - Cochin has
one of the finest natural harbours. The backwaters extending to the
east & south from the harbour are dotted with tiny islands,
formed naturally by alluvial deposits from the rivers. Evening
witness the Kathakali dance performance + make up demonstration -
Kathkali is a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with
more than 100 different 'mudras' or gesture depicting deities,
demons, heroes, heroines and kings - each based on episodes from the
Mahabharata and Ramayana, the two epic Indian myths. Dinner and
overnight at hotel.
Day 09 : Cochin - BombayMorning
transfer from hotel to the airport for flight to Bombay.(1055 hrs /
1240 hrs) Upon arrival - met & transferred to the hotel where
rooms will be provided for wash and change. Rest of the day at
leisure for own activities and to enjoy the facilities of the hotel.
Later transfer to the International airport for onward flight.
Day
10 : Abroad - BombayLeave Bombay.
Tour Ends