Day 01 ARRIVE TRIVANDRUM /KOVALAM
On arrival in Trivandrum by your international flight, meet and greet at the airport and transfer to check-in at the hotel at Kovalam (16 kms/ ½ hr). Rest of the day free on the beach. Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 02 IN KOVALAM
Morning after breakfast, sightseeing tour of Trivandrum , a beautiful seaside city and the capital of the state of Kerala. Visit the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, a sacred place of the Hindus from antiquity. It's a magnificent example of classic south-indian architecture with its seven-storey tower rising against the sky by the side of the magnaimous and sacred temple pool. Visit the Art Museum known as the museum- a colorful and attractive turreted structure standing on the crest of the public gardens it is a land mark in the city wi- |
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th its unique ornamentation and architectural style with gothic roof and minarets, pointed walls and callings and has many relics of historic, artistic and cultural importance. Later visit the Art Gallery known as Sri Chitra Art Gallery which has a good collection of Raja Ravi Varma, Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore paintings, and that of the Ajanta and Bagh coves. |
Day 03 KOVALAM-ALLEPPEY-HOUSE BOAT
Morning depart by surface to Alleppey (167 kms/4 hrs approx) and upon arrival board House Boat to kumarakom, and cruise on the enchanting backwaters, engulfed by a lush-green landmass lying below sea level, known as kuttanad. Kuttanad is known as the rice-bowl of Kerala for its paddy fields. Overnight on board the house-boat.
Day 04 HOUSE BOAT-KUMARAKOM
Kumarakom is an idyllic floating Island situated on Vembanad Lake . The island provides a spectacular view of the adjoining bird sanctuary with a large collection of resident and migratory birds. Backwater boat cruises, Ayurvedic massages in traditional form (practiced since ancient times in Kerala) and swimming are the attractions of this heavenly place. Special arrangements for leisure-fishing can also be made. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 05 IN KUMARAKOM
Early morning optional visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. After breakfast, visit the Churches and nearby village. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 08 KUMARAKOM-PERIYAR
Morning after breakfast disembark from the House Boat at Kumarakom and drive to Periyar (120kms/03 hrs) and on arrival check in at a jungle resort. Late afternoon boat ride on lake Periyar to watch the wild life. Evening: visit to Kumly spice plantations and spice market, spice scan be bought from here at cheaper rates than normal. Overnight in Periyar.
Day 07 PERIYAR-COCHIN
Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Cochin (5 hrs approx.) and upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cochin . Cochin is a city with an eventful history. The Portuguese, the Dutch, the English all had established themselves here at one time or the other. Prominent attractions are the Jewish synagogue, Santa Cruz Church (built in 16 th century by the Dutch), Cochin Fort (built-1503 by Dutch), Bolgatty Palace built by Dutch in 1744 and the St. Francis church (built-1510 AD by the Dutch ) where Vasco de Gamma was buried (later his remains were taken to Portugal, but his tombstone is still there at the St. Francis church which is the oldest church in India built by Europeans ) Evening witness a Kathakali Dance Drama. Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day 08 COCHIN-TRISSUR
Morning after breakfast, d rive to Trissur enroute Kodungallur, where St. Thomas had landed first. On the way visit the churches at Mylattur - the one on top of the hill is believed to be where St.Thomas meditated and has a rock with his footprints . Overnight in Trissur.
Day 09 IN TRISSUR - Arattupuzha Pooram
Full day to witness the Arattupuzha Pooram at Arattupuzha temple (about 14kms from Trissur town). Sixty one elephants take part in the spectacular Pooram pageantry accompanied by temple percussions. The Arattupuzha temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is believed to be the oldest of the Pooram festivals in Kerala. This Pooram festival is a celebration of the annual visit of the deities of the neighbouring temples. Sixty caparisoned elephants bearing brightly coloured Muthukkuda (silken parasols) and white tufts make for an exotic pageant. The traditional temple ensemble lend a majestic tenor to the extravaganza. Overnight in Trissur.
Day 10 TRISSUR-COCHIN-DEPARTURE
In time departure transfer to the Cochin airport to board flight back home.
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