01
Day: Arrive Trivandrum - Kovalam (16 Kms - ½
hours):
On arrival at Trivandrum you will be welcomed by our
representative then drive to Kovalam (16 kms for half
hour), on arrival transfers to the beach resort. Day
free to relax and leisure activities in the beach resort.
Kovalam: On the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline is a small village; called Kovalam is 16 kms away from Trivandrum, a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surge. The beach resort here is of international standard. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a paradise of nature.
02 Day: Kovalam - Somatheeram
Beach Resort (10 kms - 15 min.):
After breakfast drive to Somatheeram Beach resort. Day
free to relax with the option of herbal oil massage
and Ayurvedic treatments. Overnight at beach resort.
Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort is the first of its kind for holidayers to combine the threesome; a Beach Resort with Ayurveda and Yoga. Somatheeram, sitting atop a hill spreads over an area of 15 acres of lush greenery. Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort's accommodations are widely scattered down the contoured hills amongst the verdant coconut groves and other naturally preserved plants
03 Day: Somatheeram Beach
Resort:
After breakfast day free to relax with the option of
herbal oil massage and Ayurvedic treatments. Overnight
at the beach resort.
04 Day: Somatheeram Beach Resort - Alleppey (150 kms
- 3 hours) - Backwaters tours through sailing boat to
Kumarakom:
After breakfast checkout and drive for Alleppey, on
arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey
of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside
enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake
boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing
enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the
vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets
lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic
sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets,
the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found
on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks
and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring
pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land,
you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening
enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving
towards Kumarakom. The Houseboats have generated electricity;
sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached
English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with
a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight at the houseboat.
Alleppey situated in south of Cochin, is the center for backwater cruises in Kerala. It has a large network of canals, which passes through the town, provides its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. It is also the center of the famous coir products of Kerala. Nehru Trophy Boat Race - the most colorful snake-boat race in Kerala - is held here on the second Saturday of August every year.
Alleppey A glide in a "Kettuvalam" (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land.
05 Day: Kumarakom:
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive
to Kumarakom - for the nature-lover. Here in this backwater
town, you can laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings
where the only presence is yours and the egrets. Later
visit at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks
of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous
species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy
kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of
Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher,
it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at
all times. Return to hotel, Make sure you do not miss
out on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favourite fresh
water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks is a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands
06 Day: Kumarakom:
After breakfast day free to rest and leisure activities
in the Kumarakom. Be it to zip a cup of coffee, have
an ice cream or a cold drink to cool of the ambience
is just the right one in a great way. Full day leisure
at your resort. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.
07 Day: Kumarakom - Periyar
(140 kms - 3 hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Thekkaddy, on
arrival transfer to the hotel, later visit at Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries
covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq. miles) is a Tiger Reserve.
Its centrepiece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height
of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq. km, running through the forests
of the Western Ghats in Kerala, discover the park, animals
found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild boars
and birds like ibis and grey heron. The visit is done
in a boat to view animals with a bit of extra luck we
may be able to see the rare tiger as well. Later in
the evening take a spice plantation tour to see crops
of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc.
on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the
local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Overnight
at Periyar.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq.miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centerpiece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq.km, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala. The lake is an important source of water for the many wild animals. The Best time to visit Periyar is between OCTOBER and MAY. The best chance of watching animals is during the hot months of march, April and May, when water gets low and the grass dries out, animals especially elephants come down to the Periyar lake to bath & frolic in the water with the young ones.
08 Day: Periyar - Cochin
(190 Kms - 4 hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Cochin, on arrival
transfer to hotel. Relax for some time, then take a
site seeing tour of Cochin: Oasis state of Kerala &
on to the Malabar Coasts & Kochi (formerly Cochin),
one of the India's most colourful cities. This inter,
connected series of Islands & shoreline presents
a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; Visit
to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town
of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue &
the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace. This evening
a memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a
Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters
of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary excursion today.
As we sail along the shady canals we see cantilevered
Chinese fishing nets. From our launch, we enjoy use
of narrow produced - Laden dugouts & the everyday
life of families living on narrow spits of land between
the waters. In the evening enjoy the Kathakali, one
of India's most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes
& Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty
of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight at Cochin.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate. Cochin is situated in Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'.
09 Day: Cochin - Agatti
(Lakshadweep) - (By Air):
After breakfast checkout and transfer to the Cochin
airport, then board the morning flight for Agatti (airport
of Lakshadweep), on arrival transfer to Beach resort
by boat. Rest of the day free for leisure or to enjoy
beach activities. Overnight at the resort.
Lakshadweep: Just off the coast of Kerala are a widely scattered group of coral islands – 36 of them – collectively known as Lakshadweep. They form part of the Union of India and are one of the country’s newest tourist destinations. Ten of the islands are inhabited by simple, peace-loving folk whose language is close to that spoken in Kerala. The islanders have lifestyles and occupations that revolve around coconut cultivation, coir matting and fishing. Even today, nothing is actually produced in the islands themselves, and everything comes from the ’mainland’, as India is somewhat quaintly referred to there. Tourism’s major focus is on water sports, as each of the islands are surrounded by a coral reef providing large areas of crystal clear water for everything from snorkeling to wind surfing.
10 Day: Lakshadweep:
The day is free for leisure; water sports and beach
activities. Overnight at the resort.
11 Day: Lakshadweep - Cochin
(By Air):
After breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to
Agatti airport to board the morning flight for Cochin,
on Arrival wait till the departing time of the next
flight to hometown. On departure the tour concludes
with happy memories.
