South India Tour Packages
Fascinating Kerala Backwater & Bombay tour
Duration: 09 Nights 10 Days
Destinations Covered: Mumbai - Cochin - Periyar
- Kumarakom - Houseboat - Marari - Cochin
Day 01 : Mumbai
Arrive Mumbai International airport. On arrival, the guest will be met by our representative
and transferred to hotel. Upon arrival at hotel the guests will be provided with
the traditional Indian welcome. Indian welcome consists of Aarti-Tikka and garlands.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Mumbai
Bombay Morning, one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to the lush
green Elephanta Island. Here, visit some of the huge and intricately carved Elephanta
Caves that date back to the 8th century. For rows of massive columns cut into solid
rock from three magnificent avenues, lead to the outstanding three-headed sculpture
representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated
to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various
manifestations of Shiva is overpowering. Afternoon, City tour of Bombay - the great
port city with its Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling
with the modern. The tour includes 'Gateway of India' overlooking the Harbour, the
'Towers of Silence', 'Marine Drive', the 'Colaba Causeway' - the commercial heart
of Bombay and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor 'laundry'. Drive
upto the Malabar Hill to the lovely 'Hanging Gardens' and the Kamla Nehru Park from
where you will get a wonderful view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea, spread out before
you. Also visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma
Gandhi, and the bustling Crawford Market. Overnight at hotel
Day 03: Mumbai - Cochin (By flight :) Cohin – Periyar (Drive :180 KMS / 04 HOURS)
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Morning transfer to the airport to connect flight to
Cochin Upon arrival, meet & transfer to the hotel for lunch. Thereafter drive
to Periyar (190 kms) Upon arrival at Periyar - check into hotel Periyar - Sprawling
across 777 sq. kms. of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is the
home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic flora and
vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills. Spice Village
Resort is situated just outside the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This unique
and deluxe village resort is set in a spice garden - with 37 cottages of thatched
roofs which blend well with the surrounding greenery. Overnight at hotel
Day 04 : Periyar – Kumarakom (Drive:135 KMS / 03 HOURS)
Early morning boatcruise on the Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to
see wild life. Periyar - an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar
River is the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black
Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink. Return to hotel for
breakfast After breakfast a guided walk around the Spice Village to see the various
spices grown in the resort garden. Thereafter drive through the winding "Ghats"
lined with prosperous tea plantations & then arrive the fascinating countryside
of low-lying palms and paddy fields to Kumarakom (190 kms) enroute visit the tea
estates. Kumarakom - is a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting
Vembanad Lake, criss crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages. A holiday
in Coconut Lagoon promises to be different from any other. Every "tarawad"
or cottage you stay in is at least a century old, reconstructed piece by piece in
accordance with ancient rites of carpentry. Relax at the waterfront, with the occasional
native row boat gliding silently by, and the air so calm, you can reach out and
touch the sky with your finger tips. Overnight at hotel
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Day 05: Kumarakom - Houseboat
Morning at leisure at Coconut Lagoon, taking a cruise on the backwaters in traditional
country canoes called "vanjis" to see the agricultural activities of the
local people living on the back waters. Visit also the beautiful bird sanctuary.
Lunch at the hotel Afternoon board the traditional rice boats - "Ketuvallam"
and begin your journey through the picturesque backwaters and small lakes relaxing
in the tranquillity of Kerala's beautiful scenery. Experience the way of life and
activity of the local people, the one bedroom house with a lounge is exclusively
for you, meals will be served with freshly bought produce from the local markets
and cooked on board. Overnight on board.
Day 06: HouseboatHouseboat of Kerala
Marari: Breakfast on board. Sail to Alleppey & disembark at Puthenagady Jetty.
On arrival proceed directly to Mararikulam (30 kms) Mararikulam - is one of the
picturesque fishing villages that dot the lovely coast line of Kerala. This private,
shallow beach is fringed with unending lines of coconut palms. Rest of the day at
leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort. Overnight at
hotel
Day 07: Marari
Full day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort. Overnight
at hotel
Day 08 : Marari - Cochin
Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is the oldest European settlement
in India. Frilled with backwaters and rich with old world charm, this city has lured
many a great voyager to its shores. Arrive Cochin & check into hotel Tour of
Cochin or "Kochi"- the palm green, commercial captial of Kerala is known
as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese,
Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi &
left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these
myriad influences. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St.
Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon,
Harbour cruise - Cochin has one of the finest natural harbours. The backwaters extending
to the east & south from the harbour are dotted with tiny islands, formed naturally
by alluvial deposits from the rivers. Evening witness the Kathakali dance performance
+ make up demonstration - Kathkali is a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history
with more than 100 different 'mudras' or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes,
heroines and kings - each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the
two epic Indian myths. Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day 09: Cochin - Mumbai (BY Flight)
Morning transfer from hotel to the airport for flight to Bombay. Upon arrival -
met & transferred to the hotel where rooms will be provided for wash and change.
Rest of the day at leisure for own activities and to enjoy the facilities of the
hotel. Later transfer to the International airport for onward flight
Day 10: Mumbai
Leave Mumbai Tour Ends
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