This tour covers culture, lush tropical scenery; the scent of spices, tea and flowers; colonial buildings that jostle for space with churches, synagogues, mosques and temples; golden beaches, quiet inland waterways and a backdrop of jungle-covered slopes.
Day 01: Cochin
On arrival, you will be welcomed by our Tour Manager at the airport lounge with INDIA Tailor Made signboard. Transfer to the hotel where you will receive a traditional welcome with Garland and ‘Tilak’ while hotel formalities are completed. Evening enjoys the Kathakali dance show, one of India's most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes, Exotic makeup and masks intensify the beauty of the dancers. Overnight at Cochin. (No Meals)
Day 02: Cochin
Next day go for a sightseeing tour of this port city with rich and interesting past and an active present, with daybreak full of indeterminate promise. A slow lividness at the mist-obscured harbour mouth meets the swelling untamed surge of the ocean. Cargo-laden barges and vallams or country boats move ponderously slow, over the sprawling vastness of the Vembanad Kayal, Kerala’s largest lake that spreads full-bosomed and silver grey in the sultry sun. Cochin has been the business and commercial hub of south India since very ancient days. The Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans sailed into this city to trade and their influence is still found in the buildings and lifestyle of the city. Experience the boat ride along the palm-fringed lakes and backwaters. Enjoy this extraordinary excursion as we sail along the shady canals, witness everyday life of families living on narrow spits of land between the waters. Dinner and overnight at Cochin. (B)
After breakfast check out and travel to Alleppey, on arrival embark on the houseboat. This day’s journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside, enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, enjoying palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. An enchanting experience, the backwaters of Kerala reveal some interesting facts about the local life of local village people. Fishing lovers can enjoy fishing while watching the sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats. Lunch, dinner and overnight on the houseboat. (B, L, D)
Day 04: Kumarakom
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and travel to Kumarakom; an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings where the only presence is yours and the egrets. Later visit the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary that gives you the pleasure to meet a variety of migratory birds that cluster in thousands some of the Himalayas and some even from the snow-kissed hills of Siberia, a true multicultural avian metropolis. Watch numerous alluring species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost in their nests on the green acme, chirping and taking flight every now and then. For the inquisitive bird watcher, it is always advisable to carry binoculars at all times. Overnight at Kumarakom. (B)
After breakfast travel to Kovalam, a beautiful place lying obscurity for a long period of time along the picturesque coast of Kerala. Then in 1930, this little village broke the shackles of its lethargic slumber and the beauty of the fabulous silver sands and palm-fringed shores emerged from the darkness. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories, make the beaches paradise. On arrival check in at the hotel. Explore the beaches of Kovalam that offer activities like sunbathing, swimming, and water sports or opt for an Ayurvedic rejuvenation, yoga and meditation or herbal oil body toning massages. Overnight at Kovalam. (B)
Day 07: Kovalam – Trivandrum Departure
After leisurely breakfast check out and transfer to the Trivandrum airport to board the flight for your onward journey. (B)
***Tour Ends***
Accommodation with private facilities on Twin / Double occupancy room
Travel, transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioned Innova Car as per the itinerary
Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Services of Private English speaking local guide during sightseeing/excursions
Entrance fee to the monuments as per the Program (one visit per monument)
Private Backwater cruise
Bottled Mineral water every day (during drives and sightseeing only)
Assistance on arrival and departure transfers.
All applicable & current taxes.
Any international or domestic airfares
Train fares other than specified in what’s included section
Airport taxes, visa & passport fees
Extra baggage charges
Early check-in or late checkout
Meals other than specified in what’s included section
Tips & gratuities
Travel & medical insurance
Camera & video permits
Expenses incurred due to flight/train cancellation or delay
Any expense of a personal nature, like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, mini bar, postage etc
Any optional excursion or tour
Entry charges at monuments/forts etc
Any other expense not mentioned in what’s included section