HILLS AND BACKWATERS OF KERALA Green and Golden Indulge and re-energize in South India’s most serene and beautiful landscapes. Begin in historic Kochi with its British fort, Dutch palace, Jewish quarter, and Chinese fishing nets. Get active in the cool hill station of Munnar with hikes and walks in the green sea of tea plantations. Trek Periyar’s hilly jungle scenery and sample spices from the gardens. Canoe the backwaters or relax with a languid houseboat cruise. Enjoy regular meditation and yoga sessions and enjoy healthful cuisine from organic gardens. Sample Kochi’s arts and crafts and dip into the fantastic seafood restaurants.
Hills and Backwaters of Kerala | 2 DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS 01-02 Kochi Fort Cochin, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi synagogue 03-05 Munnar Hike and walk through emerald green tea plantations 06-07 Thekkady Cycle the spice gardens, trekking the national park 08-10 Backwaters Canoe the canals, enjoy meditation and ayurveda 11 Kochi Arts, crafts, and galleries 12 Kochi Departure
www.alaya-travels.com Hills and Backwaters of Kerala | 3 DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01-02 A masala mix Kochi Explore the fascinating heritage mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British in the palaces, markets, and churches. See the iconic Chinese fishing nets and the attractive small synagogue. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Hills and Backwaters of Kerala | 4 Day 03-05 Rolling hills of emerald green Munnar Take in the stunning views of the lush Western Ghats mountain range, trek through the beautiful hills to the magnificent Attukad waterfalls, hike or cycle through the brilliant green of the tea estates. Relax in the classic ambience of a raj-era hill station and enjoy fresh organic cuisine. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Hills and Backwaters of Kerala | 5 Day 06-07 Hilly jungle scenery Thekkady Surround yourself with the aromatic tang of spice plantations. Get out by mountain bike to explore the tropical surroundings. Trek the Periyar wilderness, a protected elephant and tiger reserve, with the park rangers. Meals: Breakfast
www.alaya-travels.com Hills and Backwaters of Kerala | 6 Day 08-10 Backwater canals by the sea Kumarakom Practice yoga and meditation. Go birdwatching with the resident naturalist. Experience village life. Canoe the backwater canals. Unwind with massages and treatments at the Ayurveda Centre. Enjoy exquisite seafood cuisine. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Hills and Backwaters of Kerala | 7 Day 11 Art and Antiques Kochi Wander the quiet lanes lined with boutiques and galleries. Bargain for antique carvings and traditional crafts. Sample the great restaurants. Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 International Departure Kochi www.alaya-travels.com Hills and Backwaters of Kerala | 8 What’s Included: • All airport and hotel transfers • Accommodation based on double occupancy for 12 nights • Breakfast daily • Lunch or dinner daily • Services of your driver/host • Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage • All activities with your private guide as listed: o Kochi: Full day tour o Munnar: Two morning guided hikes o Thekkady: Bicycle or walking plantation tour o Thekkady: National Park trek o Kumarakom: Canoe excursion o Kumarakom: Resort activities (birdwatching, yoga, meditation) • Entrance fees where applicable • 24/7 Support Service • Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information • All taxes and fees
What’s not included: • International flights • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc. • Video / Photography fees at monuments • Travel insurance • Visa fees • Domestic flights within the USA • Gratuities • Beverages (other than water) at meals
www.alaya-travels.com Hills and Backwaters of Kerala | 9 ACCOMMODATIONS
City Stay Classic/ Boutique Moderate
Kochi 2 N Bruton Boatyard/ Chittoor Eighth Bastion / Forte Kochi Kottaram
Munnar 3 N Windermere Blanket Hotel
Thekkady 2 N Spice Village Elephant Court
Backwaters 3 N Coconut Lagoon Kayal Island Retreat (4 rooms Only)
Kochi 1 N Bruton Boatyard/ Chittoor Eighth Bastion / Forte Kochi Kottaram
www.alaya-travels.com Hills and Backwaters of Kerala | 10