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Day 01 ARRIVE COCHIN Garland welcome and assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Cochin , a major port of call on the ancient trade route from China to Rome , the mixture of influences here is a heady brew. Chinese fishing nets dot the coast, Roman coins are dug up as treasure trove, the Mattancheri Palace was built by the Portuguese, the Bolghatty Palace by the Dutch, and Willingdon Island was created by the British. Here you will find Hindu Temples , Christian Churches , mosques, and a synagogue (the Jewish settlement dates from at least as f-

ar back as AD 400). Cochin is a melting pot of races and cultures, charmingly emphasizing that variety is indeed the spice of life. Afternoon sightseing 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 ). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 COCHIN-ALLEPPEY-COCHIN
Morning after breakfast drive to Alleppey (about 56kms/02hrs) to be a part of the most important boat race in Kerala - Nehru Trophy Boat race. The main event consists of a stiff competition between the magnificent snake boats known as 'Chundanvallams' for the coveted trophy. These boats stretch about 100 feet in length, with a raised prow, resembling the raised hood of a snake. They are manned by some 100 rowers who row vigorously to the accompaniment of the 'Vanchipattu' which lend vocal support to their physical efforts. The event commences with a ceremonial water procession comprising of floats and a variety of craft. Usually a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100 - 125 oarsmen who row in unison to the fast rhythm of the vanchipattu (song of boatman). Thousands of people crowd the water's edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish. Evening return to hotel at Cochin after a thrilling experience of the boat race. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 03 COCHIN-PERIYAR
Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Periyar and on arrival check in at a jungle resort. Late afternoon boat ride on lake Periyar to watch the wild life. Evening visit to Kumily Spice Market and spice plantations to buy spices. Overnight in Periyar.

Day 04 PERIYAR-ALLEPPEY -HOUSE BOAT
Morning depart by surface to Alleppey (167 kms/4 hrs approx) and upon arrival board House Boat and cruise on the enchanting backwaters, passing through small canals, villages of Kuttanad - a landmass situated below the sea level. (Kuttanad is known as the rice bowl of Kerala). Overnight on Board House Boat.

Day 05 HOUSE BOAT-KUMARAKOM Morning after breakfast, disembark from the House Boat at your resort in Kumarakom, an idyllic floating Island situated on Vembanad Lake . The adjoining bird sanctuary with a spectacular collection of resident and migratory birds can be viewed from here. Nature walks, backwater boat cruises. Ayurvedic massages in traditional form (practiced since ancient times in Kerala) and swimming are the main attractions here. Leisure-fishing arrangements can also be made. Overnight in Kumarakom.

Day 06 IN KUMARAKOM
Early morning optional visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. After breakfast, visit the Churches and nearby village. Overnight in Kumarakom.

Day 07 KUMARAKOM- KOVALAM
Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Trivandrum , the capital of Kerala and upon arrival, check-in at the hotel located on the beachside. Here we experience Ayurveda, an age-old healing system using peculiar combinations of medicinal herbs developed by great sages centuries ago. The Rejuvenation therapy which includes massages and Sirodhara by trained masseurs with medicated oil. This therapy is to rejuvenate mind, body and soul, and to tone up skin, strengthen body systems and achieve ideal health and longevity. These treatments are done only after consultation with Ayurvedic physician in the hotel. Monsoon period is considered the best season for Rejuvenation therapy, as the temperature is cool and atmosphere is dust free. Forenoon session: - General body massage with medicated bath and medicated steam bath. Afternoon session: - Shirodhara and Vet ever scrub bath. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 08 KOVALAM
Morning free for Ayurvedic treatment & yoga. Rest of the day free to relax or stroll around the nearby villages to explore the area. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 09 KOVALAM
The day free for Ayurveda, yoga and other activities. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 10 KOVALAM Visit to one of the traditional families of Kerala to be a part of their Onam celebrations. Every year, for centuries now, the people of Kerala has been celebrating Onam to welcome their vanquished king, Mahabali, on his annual return. Onam, which also symbolizes prosperity and well-being, is an occasion when the land wakes up to the calls of early morning flower pickers, flowers blossom with unexemplified brightness and rituals are performed at temples. Afternoon we will have the exotic traditional Onam feast, called Sadya with that family. Served on a cle-

an, fresh banana leaf, this multi-course extravaganza comprises of rice, countless curries and dishes- all delectably vegetarian and most of them coconut based, various tongue-tingling pickles and large helpings of "payasams" - exquisite,sweet milky porridge served with dried fruits and nuts. By evening say hallo to the family and go back to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 DEPART TRIVANDRUM
Early morning transfer to International airport to board flight to your home country.