Tranquil – Thekkady – – Kochi 6 nights – 7 days

Kerala - God’s Own Country

Kerala is a green strip of land, in the South West corner of Indian peninsula. It has only 1.1 8 per cent of the total area of the country but houses 3.43% of the country's population. In 1956, when the states were reorganized, Kerala was formed after tying the princely states of and Cochin with Malabar, a province under Madras state.

Kerala may be divided into three geographical regions: (1) High lands, (2) Midlands and (3) Lowlands. The Highlands slope down from the which rise to an average height of 900 m, with a number of peaks well over 1,800 m in height. This is the area of major plantations like tea, coffee, rubber, cardamom and other spices.

The Midlands, lying between the mountains and the lowlands, is made up of undulating hills and valleys. This is an area of intensive cultivation. Cashew, coconut, areca nut, cassava (tapioca), banana, rice, ginger, pepper, sugarcane and vegetables of myriad varieties are grown in this area.

It is a purified world in Kerala, the land of trees. A big, spreading tree purifies as much air as a room air-conditioner. And the former is never switched off. The prolific, bustling, vegetation acts like a massive, biological, air-filtration plant working round the clock, round the year. Hence spending days in Kerala countryside is as if spending in an air- purified environ; some times better than it. So is the rejuvenating effect of the lush greenery of the state.

The wanton growth of trees makes Kerala a herbarium. The four month-long, copious monsoon and recurrent flurry make this land a perfect nursery for all living beings. Loitering under the canopy of the foliage, you will feel blossoming the dreams. Thus, on a sojourn in Kerala, away from the rough and tumble of cities, you're breathing freshly purified air all the time.

Another piece de resistance of Kerala is the meandering rivers which criss-cross the state physique like blood veins. Besides, water bodies tucked away in thick forests also enhance the amazing beauty of the state. They fertilize the' land, turn waste into the wealth of the rich, black, alluvial soil on which the agrarian state thrive.

Kerala is a land of rivers and backwaters. Forty-four rivers (41 west-flowing and 3 east-flowing} criss-cross the state physique along with countless runlets. During summer, these monsoon-fed rivers will turn into rivulets especially in the upper parts of Kerala.

Backwaters are an attractive, economically valuable feature of Kerala. These include lakes and ocean in lets which stretch irregularly along the Kerala coast. The biggest among these backwaters is the lake, with an area of 200 sq km, which opens out into the Arabian Sea at Cochin port.

The Periyar, Pamba, Manimala, Achenkovil, Meenachil and Moovattupuzha rivers drain into this lake.The other important backwaters are Veli, Kadhinam kulam, Anjengo (Anju Thengu),Edava, Nadayara, Paravoor. Ashtamudi (Quilon).

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itinerary Tranquil Kerala Kochi – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Kochi 6 nights – 7 days

Day 1: Arrive Kochi

• Arrive at Kochi’s international airport • Transfer to your hotel. • Overnight at hotel

Arrive in Kochi’s International Airport late this evening. Welcome to India!!!

You will met at the airport by Creative Travel representative as soon as you come out from the main hall after you clear all formalities of Custom and Immigration. Special welcome waits at the airport with nice garlands of Marigold flowers. After meet and greet at the airport, transfer to you hotel for check in.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: In Kochi

• Breakfast at hotel • Morning City tour of Kochi • Evening Kathakali dance performance • Overnight at hotel

After breakfast visit Kochi City

Kochi is also known as 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' due to its natural harbour being one of the finest. Cochin is a city made of islands connected to on the mainland by bridges and ferries. The interesting city of Cochin perfectly reflect the eclecticism of Kerala.. This quaint town has seen historic visits from sea faring traders in the past from Portugal, China etc bringing to it different cultures that make up its fabric.

Today visit the Jewish Synagogue (of 1568) which is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. It is an interesting little place with hand painted willow pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in China in the mid 18th century. The synagogue is located in an area called Jew Town which also is one of the centers of the spice trade in the region.

Also visit the ancient Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace built by the Portuguese in 1557. This palace was presented to the ruler of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill. The Palace’s alternative name “Dutch Palace” resulted from substantial renovations by the Dutch after 1663.. The most important feature of the palace is the astonishing murals that adorn some of the palace rooms, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharta and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga.

Another stop is made at the St. Francis Church, the oldest European built church in India. Constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars who accompanied the expedition led by Pedro Alvarez Cabral. He famed Vasco de Gama, the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa, died in

page 2/5 Cochin in 1524 and was buried here for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone can be seen inside the church.

Also pay a visit to the amazing Chinese nets operating on principles of physics advanced for their times. Cochin’s Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.

This evening learn about Kerala's fascinating art from, Kathakali. The Kathakali performers begin to train for their art at a young age, and their study continues for a lifetime. Today you will enjoy a dance performance

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Kochi to Thekkady Drive: approx. 5 hrs

• Breakfast at hotel • Drive to Thekkady • Arrive & check into hotel. • Evening at leisure. • Overnight at hotel

After breakfast begin your overland journey to Thekkady (approx 5 hrs drive.).

Located on the Tamil Nadu & Kerala border this region is known as the Spice Village of India for its vast spice and tea gardens. The road winds through mountains, descending through a carpet of tea bushes, estates of tall rubber trees and gardens of coffee, cardamom and pepper. The aroma of the spices fills the air.

Upon arrival in Thekkady (Periyar) you will check in to the Resort. The Resort is located on the fringes of the Periyar Game Preserve. This unique wildlife sanctuary is about 300 square miles and centred around an artificial lake fed by the Periyar River.

Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Thekkady

• Breakfast at hotel • Park visit. • Day at leisure. • Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning hours at leisure.

Afternoon proceed to visit the park for game viewing by motor launches. Convoluted waterways afford sightings of elephants, bison, deer and occasionally a tiger. All manner of flora and fauna flourish in this tropical habitat, making it one of the premiere reserves of Southern India.

Return to the Hotel for rest and relax. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 5: Thekkady to Kumarakom Drive: approx. 5 hrs approx

• Breakfast at hotel • Drive to Kumarakom • Day at leisure • Overnight at hotel

After breakfast drive to Kumarakom. The Journey will take approx. 5 hrs to reach at Kumarakom. Upon arrival check into the Hotel with rest day is at leisure.

Enjoy facilities available at the Hotel during your stay in here.

The state of Kerala, apart from being the one of the most progressive states in the nation is also known for its numerous canals and waterways and its verdant forests and mangrove swamps. Set in one of the most idyllic locations in Kerala, Kumarakom is a tiny settlement, nestled in the backwaters.

This is a tranquil resort is nestled between the waterways of the Bird Sanctuary at Vembanad lake. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or enjoy an optional ayurvedic massage or a boat trip on the lake. Kerala offers a variety of therapeutic massages, which are both relaxing and healing and are indigenous to this region.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 6: In Kumarakom

• Breakfast at hotel • Day at leisure. • Evening enjoy Sunset cruise. • Overnight at hotel

After breakfast rest of the day is free for independent activities.

In the evening enjoy the sunset cruise on the backwaters of Lake Vembanad.

Sunset cruise: When in Kumarakom, one should not miss the sunset cruise, in the restored 'kettuvallom'. These traditional barge boats of the backwaters have now been given a new life and luxury. So, adrift to the accompaniment of a flute, one can watch the sun descend into the shadows of the great Vembanad Lake.

The sunset cruise at Kumarakom is a wonderful experience. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, it is indeed wonderful to watch the swaying palms and the birds flying back to their shelters.

Sunset cruise over the scenic Vembanad Lake is simply a delightful experience of lifetime.

Overnight at the Hotel.

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Day 7: Kumarakom – Kochi ( Drive) Drive: approx. 2½ hrs approx

• Breakfast at hotel • Depart for Kochi by surface • Transfer to the airport to board flight for onward journey

After breakfast drive to Kochi straight to the airport to board flight for onward destination.

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