Backwater (Kerala): Family Excursion

  

Trip Details:

Kerala a state in Southern India is known as a tropical paradise of waving palms and wide sandy beaches. It is a narrow strip of coastal territory that slopes down the Western Ghats in a cascade of lush green vegetation, and reaches to the Arabian sea. Kerala borders the states of Tamil Nadu to the east and Karnataka to the north.. With world class tourist sporting options, ayurvedic spas and treatments, eco-tourism initiatives, a large number of visit options ranging from beautiful high altitude blue mountains to pristine rain forests to golden sun-sand beaches and an enormous range of accommodation, Kerala has much to offer the visitor. Wedged between the Western Ghats on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West, the narrow strip of land known as Kerala is a destination of a lifetime. The timeless beauty of the palm fringed beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, the majesty of the undulating hills of Munnar and Vagamon, the serenity of the pristine backwaters of Kumarakom & Kuttanad and the enchanting woods and forests of Thekkady and Silent Valley will have you bowled over.

• Trip Name: Kearla Back Water
• Destination: Kerala
• Grade: Easy
• Best Time: April to September
• Duration: 07 Days (Cochin to Cochin)
• Trip Cost (Monsoon Special): USD - On request  (Min 2 Pax on Twin Sharing) & USD – On request (Min 2 Pax on single occupancy)
• Domestic Airfare: As applicable at the time of booking if required to reach Cochin
• Highlights: Chinese fishing nets, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Tea Museum, Eravikulam National Park, Boat Ride At Lake Periyar, Kalaripayattu, Sunset Cruise on Backwaters, Marari Beach 
• Activities: Back Water, Elephant Safari

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrive Cochin

Arrive Cochin Airport and transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Cochin – Munnar (147Kms/4 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast enjoy City tour of Cochin - Visit the Mattancherry Dutch Palace - (closed on Fridays and public holidays), which was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663. Visit the Jewish Synagogue-(closed on all Saturdays and Jewish holidays) in Jew Town and Fort Cochin Area. There are a couple of streets of picture-postcard houses out of another age. Visit St. Francis Church - (closed for visitors on Sundays from 08.00 to 11.00 hrs) the oldest European Church in India. It has several antiquities including a wealth of records. See the Chinese Fishing Nets, along the tip of Fort Cochin unique to this part of Kerala and living symbols of a centuries-old Chinese influence on this coast. Later depart to Munnar by road. Arrive Munnar and transfer to hotel. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, go for a sightseeing tour of Munnar. Enjoy the serene views which Munnar offers owing to its famous tea plantations, and visit Eravikulam National Park to watch the rich flora and fauna of the region. (Eravikulam National Park is shut from 15 Jan to 15 Mar; during these dates Park visits cannot be done but all other sightseeing tours shall be provided as per the itinerary). In the afternoon, visit Mattupetty Lake and Dam and Echo Point, famous for its echo phenomenon. Time permitting, we will visit the Tea Museum (closed on Monday & Good Friday). Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Munnar – Thekkady (124 kms/4 hrs drive)

Today after breakfast depart for Thekkady by road. Arrive Thekkady and transfer to hotel. The town also houses one of world’s most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries. Lying at an altitude of 700-1900m above sea level, Periyar has a cool and comfortable climate. In the afternoon, proceed for the nearby activity camp. Enjoy an Elephant ride through a small spice plantation and witness Kalaripayattu – an ancient South Indian martial art and one of the oldest fighting systems in existence today. Visit the spice market at Kumily where you can buy fresh spices. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Thekkady - Kumarakom (120 Kms / approx 05 hrs)

Today morning enjoy boat ride on Lake Periyar. The Park encompasses 26 sq. km. of artificial lake take a boat ride on the lake to view wild life and water birds. Herds of elephants and bison come to the lake to drink water. Return to hotel, checkout and depart for Kumarakom by road. Evening Sunset Cruise on backwaters. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Kumarakom to Marari (30km/45 min)

Today after breakfast, drive to Marari which is known for its serene sand beach. Check into the hotel and enjoy rest of the day at leisure in beautiful beach resort. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Marari to Cochin airport (70kms/01 ½ hrs approx)

Today after breakfast depart for Cochin by road for onwards journey. Transfer to airport in time to board your flight. Tour concludes.