Kerala has a fascinating heritage of art and culture. 'Kathakali', a rhythmic dance based on ancient epics and 'Kalarippayattu' the worlds oldest martial art are known all over the world. Kalarippayattu is said to be the origin of all other marital arts in this world. Tourist flock the shores of Kerala to learn these art.
Historically, as far back as the 3rd century BC, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Chinese and Babylonians had trade relation with Kerala. In the early 17th century, the Dutch, the French and the English too were lured by her wealth of ivory, teak and spices like like Ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamom, and Pepper.One of the most memorable experience for the tourist visiting Kerala is the opportunity to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala on a house boat (Kettuvallam). The boats cross shallow palm -fringed lakes studded with cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and cruise along the narrow shady canals. On the way one can see the real Kerala village life. Alappuzha or Alleppey is an important tourist centre in Kerala because of its amazing backwaters. A number of boat races are conducted every year.
Even the Kerala cuisine is known for its spicy and hot foods. Traditionally, in Kerala food is served on a banana leaf. One has to take food with right hand. Almost every dish prepared in Kerala has coconut and spices to flavour the local cuisine giving it a sharp pungency that is heightened with the use of tamarind, while coconut gives it its richness, absorbing some of the tongue-teasing, pepper-hot flavours. Tender coconut water is a refreshing nutritious thirst quencher. The crunchy papadam, banana and jackfruit chips can give french-fries a run for their money any day. More...
Ayurveda, is a Sanskrit word, derived from two roots: Ayur, which means life, and Veda, means knowledge. Ayurveda medical system, Which was evolved in India, is around the 5,000 year old. Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants) and the cool monsoon season (Jun - Nov) are the best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages. Even today, Ayurveda is widely practiced in Kerala, due to its rich traditional heritage and medicinal herb found abundant around the Western Ghats.
Day 01: Arrive CochinArrive Cochin and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Evening, optional Kathakali dance programme - the traditional dance drama of Kerela. (Dinner)
Day 02: Cochin Sightseeing
Cochin Half day sightseeing of Cochin including Asia's best preserved Synagouge, the Dutch Palace and the oldest European Church in India - the St. Francis Church where Vasco De Gama was originally buried. A leisurely walk through the Fort Cochin area which gives you a close look at the operation of the huge catileavered Chinese fishing nets introduced by Chinese traders which is still used in Kerela backwaters as a traditional way of fishing. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast & Dinner).
Day 03: Cochin - Munnar
Morning, leave for Munnar. Arrive Munnar and checkin at prebooked hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Munnar, once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Govt. in South India, is located at the confluence of 03 rivers as the very name signifies. The sprawling tea plantations and picturesque towns make Munnar a popular hill resort town in South India. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast & Dinner).
Day 04: Munnar
Munnar Morning, sightseeing of Munnar. Visit the tea plantations, a tea factory (subject to permission being granted), the Eravikulam National Park - home of the endangered Nilgiri Thar (Ibex), followed by visit to the Mattupetty dam, the Indo Swiss Dairy farm, the Kundala Lake and other scenic spots. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 05: Munnar - PeriyarMorning, transfer to Periyar. Periyar has one of the world's most fascinating Natural wildlife reserves noted for its geography, diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. 1300 hrs - Arrive at Periyar and check in at hotel. Evening : 1530 hrs - Boat ride on the Lake Periyar where one can have a unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. 1800 hrs - Back at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast & Dinner).
Day 06: Periyar
Early morning : 0730 hrs - Jungle walk. The forest provides specially trained guides who can be hired at the hotel for early morning treks into the jungle. The treks are of a duration of 03-04 hrs. These treks are an ideal way to really feel the forest and to experience it closely. 1130 hrs - back to the hotel. After lunch, proceed for a spice plantation visit where one can see the cultivation of a whole range of spices like pepper, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, vanilla, all spice cinnamon etc. This is followed by a visit to spice shops which are found in the small town of Kumily just 01 km from the hotels. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast & Dinner).
Day 07: Periyar - Kumarakom, Kettuvalam - Alleppey
0800 hrs - leave for Kumarakom. 1300 hrs - Commence an overnight houseboat cruise to Allepey, which gives one a fascinating insight into the life of a Kerelan Backwater Village. As the boat glides along the backwaters one can see the daily life in the backwater villages. On the narrow strips of land, fisherman fishing, children swimming and playing in the water, women doing their daily chores, mobile shops in tiny canoes, the cultivation of paddy and it's harvesting (during harvest season), huge country barges ferrying the coconuts, rice, coir etc. (Breakfast & Dinner).
Day 08: Arrive Alleppey - Kovalam
AT 100O HRS Checkout from the houseboat and proceed to Kovalam. Enroute do a sightseeing Of Trivandrum city, the capital city of Kerela located practically at the south western tip of India. Trivandrum with its long shoreline with internationally renowned beache, historic monuments and rich cultural heritage makes it a must visit place and much sought after tourist destination. Arrive Kovalam and check in at prebooked hotel. Kovalam, a beach destination 10 kms south of Thiruvanthapuram, also called "Paradise of the South". "Kovalam" means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees, Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast & Dinner).Day 09: Kovalam
Day at leisure Optional - Excursion to Kanyakumari. Overnight at the hotel.
Kanyakumari is located at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent. Kanyakumari was referred to by the British as Cape Commorin represents the site where the spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda spent days in meditation upon a rock off of the coast. This is the only place in India where The shore temple in this famous Pilgrim centre is dedicated to the virgin goddess Devi Kanyakumari, who eternally protects the country.The temple is a symbol of unity and sanctity.One can also see "SRI PADAPARAI", the footprints of the virgin goddess.From the light house one can see the panoramic view of the landscape of Kanyakumari.The Guganathaswamy temple is a 1000 year old temple which was built by Raja Raja Cholan. one can enjoy the unique experience of watching the sunset and moonrise simultaneously on a full moon evening.A fine beach landscape with sands of different colours is another interesting aspect of Kanyakumari. (Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 10: Kovalam
Full day at Leisure on Kovalm Beaches.
Day 11:
Transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination. End of tour.
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