06 DAYS MYSTICAL KERALA BACKWATERS
TOUR
Cochin / Thekkady / Kumarakom / Alleppey / Cochin
Day 01:
Arrival at Cochin
Travel Astu representative
will receive you on arrival at the Cochin airport and transfer to your
hotel.
The eventful history of
this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi,
till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural
harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all
over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the
Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch
wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase
of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort
Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far
and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant
cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so
on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.
Overnight will
be at Cochin.
Day 02:
Cochin:
Breakfast will
be at hotel.
Proceed for a
sightseeing tour of the city.
Visit the
following:
Old Cochin area – this is one of the oldest Jewish communities in
the world. The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In
1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer than 30 people. The
community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel,
the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portuguese
bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell
tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted,
willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and
crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting
International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jew town.
Chinese fishing nets – The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work
on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD
1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the
beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the
sea. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on
teak wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of balance.
The other
important places are the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis
Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Records say they
were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450.
In the evening proceed for Kathakali Dance Show along with
Kalaripayattu, Thayyam and Mohiniattam presentation.
Overnight will
be at Cochin.
Day 03:
Cochin
– Thekkady:
By Road 160 kms in 4 hrs
Breakfast
will be at the hotel.
Drive to Thekkady through
beautiful tea gardens, waterfalls and quaint towns.
Four hour drive southwards over rolling
hills and coffee plantations to the PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, one of the major
wildlife reserves in India. Indian elephants, wild boars, lion-tailed monkeys,
ibex, tigers, leopards and sloth bears are on the list. The park surrounds a
large, many-fingered lake and a dawn or dusk foray on one of the boats will be
a thrilling experience. It is from the lake rather than vehicles that the
wildlife is viewed. The sanctuary is rich in bird life. Great hornbills, kites,
darters, herons, egrets, owls and kingfishers are in abundance. Surrounding the
reserve are many small spice plantations and we spend an absorbing afternoon
searching for pepper, cardamom, turmeric, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and
betel.
Check-in at the resort and
enjoy lunch.
Visit and elephant farm and spend time with the elephants. Watch elephant
feeding and bathing and also take part in these activities. Enjoy an elephant
ride.
Overnight will be at Thekkady.
Day 04:
Thekkady:
Early morning you will visit the rare
species of plants and animals by taking a NATURE TREK into the Park and then a
short walk. Enjoy an elephant ride at the park.
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Today visit spice plantations like
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
will be at Thekkady.
Day 05:
Thekkady – Kumarakom:
By road
140kms in 4hrs
Enjoy breakfast at the resort.
Proceed to Kumarakom.
On your way, you will stop at
the TEA GARDENS and enjoy the views of women plucking the leaves. Climb up to
the factory on top of the hill (all of them usually are like distilleries in
Scotland are on the shore or top of hills) and take a tour of the process
ending with tea tasting.
Check into a traditional houseboat of
Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a
thatched houseboat.
The backwaters of Kerala are a unique
product of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a
network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that
drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self-supporting
Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together
and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water
world is navigable.
The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you
discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and
breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to
explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
Lunch will be served
on the boat freshly prepared by the crew.
In the evening the
boat will anchor by the lush paddy fields and enjoy the tranquility of the
water around.
Dinner would be laid
out in the boat.
Spend night on
houseboat.
Day 06: Alleppey – Cochin:
By Road 55 kms in 1hr
Cochin Departure:
Breakfast
will be on board.
Cruise through the backwaters watching the
children going to school and the village markets opening.
Disembark the boat at the finishing point where your driver will be waiting for you to drive to Cochin.
As per the flight timings you will be transferred
to the airport to take flight back home with sweet memories of GOD’S OWN
COUNTRY – KERALA.
TOUR
ENDS
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