EXOTIC KERALA

COCHIN - PERIYAR - BACKWATERS - KOVALAM

You will visit God’s Own Country – Kerala, with the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 ms in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia.

• GOA / MUMBAI / COCHIN (Flight)

  Upon arrival in Cochin, you will be greeted and escorted by Atulyam Tour Executive to your hotel

  Cochin or Kochi, as it is called now, is till date influenced by medieval Portugal, Holland and England. The city displays a blend of different people and architecture and it is one place where you can see a Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, Dutch architecture, Mosques, Hindu temples and Chinese fishing nets all in one day.

  On arrival, transfer to the hotel (Rooms will be available from 1200 hrs)

  Overnight in the hotel

• COCHIN

  After breakfast enjoy the city tour, which includes the visit to the following:

  Jewish Synagogue: The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.

  St. Francis Church: It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died
  in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that, his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked out.

  IMP: It remains closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Timings for the visit: 0900 hrs to 1200 hrs and from 1500 hrs to 1700 hrs.

  Dutch Palace: The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi was held here. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. The palace is located in Mattancherry.
  IMP: It remains closed on Fridays. Timings for the visit: 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs.

  Chinese Fishing Nets The Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.

  In the evening, enthrall yourself with a special presentation of the colorfully costumed Kathakali Dance Drama. This mask dance form is originally from Kerala and 1500 years old. This classical dance has 24 mudras expressing the nine emotions of serenity, wonder, kindness, love, valour, fear, contempt, loathing and anger. It is usually performed by males.

  Overnight in the hotel

• COCHIN – PERIYAR (Approx. 190 Kms / 05 ½ hrs)

  After breakfast, drive to Periyar.

  Periyar National Park is situated in the hills of the Western Ghats. The centre piece of Periyar National park is the 5,500-hectare Periyar lake formed by the construction of a dam on the Periyar river in 1895. The dam submerged low-lying forest whose dead tree trunks still jut out of the waters. Along the fringes of the lake are marshy areas with tall grasslands. This is one of the richest habitats of large mammals, as it provides both excellent cover and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots and grasses. Here it is possible to see large herds of Indian Elephant with relative ease as well as Nilgiri Langur near Aranya Niwas and the Lion tail Macaque in higher areas. On arrival in Periyar, transfer to hotel.

  Arrive Periyar and transfer to the Hotel.

  Later enjoy the game viewing by boats in Periyar National Park, which is a unique wildlife sanctuary and is about 780 sq. km centered on an artificial lake fed by the Periyar River. The boats will carry you through the jungle along convoluted waterways and afford sightings of elephant, bison and deer. There are trees more than 100 years old and over 50 m high

  Overnight at the hotel

• PERIYAR – ALLEPPEY (Approx. 155 Kms / 04 ½ hrs)

  After breakfast drive to Alleppey and board the House-boat (Kettuvallom) on the World famous Backwaters of Kerala.

  “Kettu" literally means to tie up and "Vallom" means  ”boats". The boats played a major role in the economic development of ancient Kerala, moving cargo and men from the very nook and corner of otherwise unreachable area, cutting across the length and breadth of the land.

  Boats cruise around the backwaters.  Fringing the coast of Kerala and far inland is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals.  These backwaters represent a unique geological formation and the basis of a distinct lifestyle.  Traveling on backwaters is one of the highlights
  of a visit to Kerala.  The boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. You can see people live on narrow spits of reclaimed land only a few meters wide.  Although practically surrounded by water, they still manage to keep cows, pigs, chickens and ducks and cultivate small vegetable gardens, prawns and fish. 

  Overnight on Houseboat

• BACKWATERS – KOVALAM (Approx. 154 Kms / 04 hrs)

  After breakfast on the rice boat (Kettuvallom) get down at jetty and drive to Kovalam.

  Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.
  The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs and catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, and convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centers.

  On arrival in Kovalam, transfer to hotel.

  Rest of the day is at Leisure. Overnight at the hotel

• KOVALAM

  Days is at Leisure
  Overnight at the hotel

• KOVALAM- TRIVANDRUM (Approx. 13 Kms / 30 mins) / GOA

  Today you will be transferred to the international airport to connect the flight at 04.30 hrs back home.

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