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India Touring
The Spice Lands of Kerala
10 Days Cochin to Kovalam from £735, Private Tour.
Perfect for those seeking a more relaxed experience of India; this journey explores the green spice lands of Kerala with its charming historical towns, lush tea plantations and long sandy beaches. Cruise the tropical backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat to learn more about this south-westerly state's wildlife and traditional ways of life.
Kochi (Cochin)
2
Munnar
1
Departures: Daily Day 1: Arrive Cochin On arrival into Cochin airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay. Standard: Avenue Regent, Cochin Superior: Le Meridien Cochin Day 2: Cochin Sightseeing Set off on a morning tour of Cochin with its delightful mix of European and local culture. Explore the fascinating sights including the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church and Mattencherry Palace built by the Portuguese. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets of the Jewish Quarter lined with antique and handicraft shops and visit the oldest synagogue in the world. This evening watch a traditional dance performance called Kathakali' a colourful spectacle of elaborate costumes and face paints.(B) Day 3: Cochin Munnar Drive through the picturesque countryside to Munnar, a popular summer retreat during the Raj. This beautiful town is flanked by lush tea plantations, cool mountain valleys and boasts exotic flora and fauna. Enjoy a city tour visiting the Christ Church, Mattupetty Lake and Tata Tea Museum.(B) Standard: Blackberry Hills, Munnar Superior: Windermere Hotel, Munnar Day 4: Munnar Thekkady Today continue your journey from the tea plantations of Munnar to the spice lands of Thekkady. This afternoon join a boat cruise on Lake Periyar, a national park known for its exotic wildlife.(B)
Standard: Cardamon County, Thekkady Superior: Spice Village, Thekkady Day 5: Thekkady Kumarakom After a morning plantation tour, drive to the idyllic backwaters of Kumarakom. Enter into the picturesque world of mangrove forests, swaying coconut palms and green paddy fields interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals. This evening join a sunset cruise of Lake Vembanad.(B) Standard:Abad Whispering Palms Hotel, Kumarakom Superior: Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom Day 6: Kumarakom Enjoy a free day at leisure to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. You may choose to relax on the local beach, experience a traditional Ayurvedic treatment or explore the tranquil backwaters.(B) Day 7: Backwater Cruise (Kumarakom Alleppey) This afternoon board your traditional houseboat and embark on a leisurely exploration of the Kerala backwaters.
Enjoy the peace and tranquillity as you float through the calm waters passing palm-fringed canals, lakes and villages. Spend this evening overnight on the boat a unique opportunity not to be missed.(BD) Accommodation: Houseboat (private cabin incl air-con) Day 8: Alleppey Kovalam After breakfast on the boat travel by car from Alleppey to the coastal resort of Kovalam. This afternoon is at leisure.(B) Standard: Travencore Heritage Resort, Kovalam Superior: The Leela Palace, Kovalam Day 9: Kovalam Today set off on a short excursion to the famous Old Palace of the Rajas of Travancore at Padmanabhapuram, their former capital. View the fine craftsmanship of the Palace, especially in the woodwork, characteristic of Kerala's art and architecture. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax on the beach or explore the town further.(B) Day 10: Depart Kovalam Today bid farewell to Kovalam as you transfer to Trivandrum airport for your onward flight.(B)
This tour can be combined with our 6 Day India's Golden Triangle tour on page 136, exploring Delhi, the Taj Mahal and pink city of Jaipur.
Prices Include
* Accommodation and meals as stated in the itinerary (B=breakfast, D=dinner) * All private transfers & sightseeing, entrance fees and services of an English-speaking local guide
Prices Exclude
* International flights * Gratuities to driver & guide
Tour Prices
Price per person, in £'s from Spice Lands of Kerala
Standard Superior
Twin Single Twin Single 01Jan09-15Jan09 789 1489 755 1435 01Feb09-28Feb09 789 1489 1199 2285 01Mar09-31Mar09 789 1489 755 1435 01Apr09-30Apr09 735 1349 755 1435 01May09-31Aug09 735 149 999 1895 01Sep09-30Sep09 735 1349 1229 2359 01Oct09-31Mar10 1635 3185 1229 2359 Supplements apply 16Dec-15Jan, please call for details. Superior tour supplements apply 01-28Feb10 £114 twn, £226 sgl.
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The Backwaters of Kerala
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Highlights Include * Historic Cochin with its narrow cobbled streets * Visit Munnar famed for its tea plantations and pristine mountain valleys * Spot local wildlife at Thekkady's Lake Periyar * Cruise Kerala's backwaters in a traditional houseboat * Relax on Kovalam's golden beaches
2 1
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Kumarakom Alleppey
Thekkady
Kovalam 2 Trivandrum
1
No. of nights stayed Land Cruise
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1
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