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Kerala has historically been the spice trade centre for India and is home to an array of religions and cultures, all living in harmony, and each adding something to Keralan heritage. DAY 4 - Morning drive through rice paddies, tea plantations, rubber trees and gardens of coffee, cardomom and pepper plants. The aroma of spices fills the air. The Western Ghats mountain range weave their way through Kerala and provide a glorious backdrop to the rainforests and backwaters. Afternoon arrival in Periyar, near Thekkady, on the edge of Periyar Game Reserve where two nights' accommodation has been arranged. This evening you will explore the fascinating Periyar Game Reserve by boat. The convoluted waterways afford sightings of elephants, bison and deer. All manner of flora and fauna flourish in this tropical habitat, making it one of the premier reserves of southern India. DAY 5 - We include a visit to a spice plantation and there will be an evening nature walk in the game reserve with a local guide. South Indian food is worldfamous, as locally produced spices are used to give meat and vegetarian dishes a most incredible flavour. DAY 6 - Depart Periyar for the drive to Alleppey for an overnight stay on one of the famous houseboats.
Kerala's houseboats, known as kettuvalloms, offer the chance for an unforgettable night in traditional surroundings, with splendid views of the palmfringed backwaters. Originally converted from rice boats, houseboats are now a mix of tradition and modernisation as many come complete with airconditioning, the internet and solar panels for their energy. Cruise the backwaters, seeing for yourself how the locals live, and at night, your boat will be anchored at a quiet spot. It will be a unique and unforgettable experience and one you are sure to treasure as a highlight to your Kerala holiday. DAY 7 - Leaving the houseboat you will travel to Kumarakom, a tiny settlement nestling on a peninsula in the famous backwaters of Kerala. Kumarakom is made up of several small islands in Vembanad Lake and is home to an important bird sanctuary. It consists of paddy fields, coconut groves and mangrove forest and its waters, which punctuate the landscape, teem with marine life. Two nights' accommodation has been arranged here and the rest of the day is at leisure. During your stay in Periyar and Kumarakom, you'll be able to try the Indian holistic system of Ayurveda. It uses aromatic and medicinal oils to tone and heal the body. You can have an individual consultation with an ayurveda doctor and experience this truly Indian art.
DAY 8 - Today you will visit a fisherman's village and local market. You will also see coir and coconut farms and fragrant spice gardens. The backwaters are also home to a wealth of birdlife including kingfishers, cormorants and egret. A typical keralan lunch is included today and you can choose to indulge yourself with yoga, meditation, boating, fishing or swimming. You could even take a canoe out onto the lake. DAY 9 - Depart Kumarakom by coach for the drive to Kovalam and its magnificent beach. The name Kovalam means `coconut grove' and you will see why when you get there coconut trees adorn the landscape and play a soothing tune in the breeze. Either relax and enjoy the serenity of this beautiful place, or have a go at surfing or swimming in the clear waters. It is equally enjoyable at night as the moonlight glistens on the water. Stay here for two nights. DAY 10 - Free to enjoy this stunning coastline. You can stroll on the beach and watch the fishermen laboriously pull in the huge nets which they lay across the entire bay. DAY 11 - Transfer to Trivandrum Airport for the return flight to the UK. As you will be flying westwards your arrival is later the same day.
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