KERALA and DELHI (Optional) Private Journey, 2 Guests on A
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
KERALA AND DELHI (optional) Private journey, 2 guests on a sharing basis 3 [email protected] www.howtotravelinstyle.com [email protected] YOUR JOUNERY AT A GLANCE DAY 1 departure DAY 2 arrival in New Delhi – connecting flight to Kochi with domestic flight or direct arrival in Kochi via Dubai/Doha DAY 3 Kochi DAY 4 Kochi –Thekkady (Periyar) DAY 5 Thekkady (Periyar) DAY 6 Thekkady–Alleppey –Houseboat (overnight) DAY 7 Houseboat -Kumarakom DAY 8 Kumarakom DAY 9 Kumarakom -Mararikulam DAY 10 Mararikulam DAY 11 Mararikulam DAY 12 Mararikulam DAY 13 Mararikulam – Kochi DAY 14 KOCHI>DOHA/DUBAI- HOME OPTIONAL DAY 14 Delhi (private sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi) DAY 15 Delhi – HOME DAY 1 DEPARTURE to DELHI/KOCHI Depart from your home airport to Delhi/Kochi DAY 2 ARRIVE DELHI – KOCHI Arrive at Indira Ghandi Delhi International Airport On arrival, further connect with domestic flight Air India or Air Vistara Flight Delhi – Kochi You can choose to arrive in Kochi by flying via Doha/Dubai without stopping over in Delhi Note: Hotel check-in is at 1400 hours; we shall request for early check-in which would be subject to availability. Kochi – rich in history and a trading port since Roman times, Kochi is one of south India’s most interesting cities. Today, modern Kochi reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. The city comprises of three parts, Fort Kochi, Willingdon Island and Ernakulam. Willingdon Island, created after dredging the channel, is the headquarters of the Southern Command of the Indian Navy. Rest of the day at leisure Overnight at hotel [email protected] www.howtotravelinstyle.com [email protected] DAY 3: KOCHI Morning sightseeing tour of Kochi (Jewish Synagogue is closed on Friday and Saturday and Mattancherry Palace is closed on Friday) Most sights of interest are found in Fort Kochin, these include Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1557 and given to the Raja of Cochin in exchange for trading rights. In 1663 the Dutch renovated it, and today it houses a collection of artefacts that belonged to the Rajas of Kochi; it is however best known for the beautiful murals painted on the wooden walls, some of the most detailed and well preserved in the whole of India. For several centuries there were two Jewish communities living in Kochi, the ‘black Jews’ who settled here in 587 BC and the ‘white Jews’ who settled much later. Speaking Malayalam, the local dialect, they played a pivotal role as trading agents between the locals and any foreigners wishing to establish trade. As a result, the Jewish population became very wealthy; ‘Jew Town’, close to the Mattancherry Palace is a fascinating area of the old town with its mixture of old shops, warehouses, spice auction rooms and the Jewish Synagogue. Built in 1568, the Synagogue houses Torah and Old Testament scrolls as well as copper plates on which the Kochi rulers granted various privileges to the Jewish community. Today the Jewish population of Kochi numbers around only a dozen families. Visit St. Francis Church originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, patron saint of Portugal. Vasco de Gama died on this site in 1524 and was buried in the cemetery, his body being taken to Portugal 14 years later. Renamed St. Francis in 1663 under the Dutch, it became a Protestant church and then, in 1804 it became Anglican. In 1949 the congregation joined the Church of South India. Be sure to see the famous 14th-15th century cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. 5 [email protected] www.howtotravelinstyle.com [email protected] Evening visit to a cultural center to see Kathakali dance / drama show Originally performed only by men, this art form, with its intricate hand gestures, facial expressions and choreographed movements, evolved from an ancient martial art form. This spectacle of gods and demons acting out stories based on the three major Hindu Epics is indeed, an emotional and breathtaking experience. It takes hours for the dancers to be made up with elaborate and symbolic facial makeup. Once the dancer finally dons the ornate costume and headdress representing his character, he literally “becomes” that god or demon. Traditional performances last all night until dawn, with the entire village enjoying the reenactment of the familiar myths. Overnight at hotel DAY 4: KOCHI – KANAM – PERIYAR Morning transfer by road to Periyar enroute visit to a charming Country Estate (approximately 05 hours and 30-minute drive) Enjoy activities like elephant feeding and bathing along with a short ride followed by lunch On arrival, check-in at your hotel Rest of the day at leisure Overnight at hotel [email protected] www.howtotravelinstyle.com [email protected] DAY 5: PERIYAR Early morning Jeep Safari at Gavi Forest by an exclusive Jeep or any other activity at your choice Gavi is an eco-tourist spot in Kerala which has widely become popular after 'Alistair International' the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading eco- tourism centres and one of the must-see places in India. A must visit place for all nature lovers as Gavi is preserved in its natural scenic beauty untainted by the mighty hands of modernity. Gavi is mainly known for its wildlife. Endangered species including the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. Kerala’s very own treasure elephants can be sighted abundantly. If you are the bird watcher, Gavi is the place for you. With more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers, Gavi is a heaven for birdwatchers. A splendid spot to be visited at least once for all those who love nature. Late afternoon boat ride on Lake Periyar (Seat in boat basis; subject to water level) In 1895 the Periyar River was redirected into the huge 55sq km reservoir that lies at the heart of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The first sanctuary in the state of Kerala, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in 1934 by the old Travencore State Government; it is a rare example of human meddling enhancing, rather than damaging an ecosystem. Near the border with Tamil Nadu, at the southern end of the Western Ghats the 780sq km sanctuary has lush forest and rolling hills and is home to many species of wildlife. In 1973 Periyar was designated a part of Project Tiger but the sanctuary is better known for its large herds of tusk-less elephants. The area is home to over 246 species of birds and 112 of butterflies. A morning or early evening boat ride on the lake allows you to observe animals in their natural habitat and whilst cruising on the mist-shrouded lake you are likely to see wild boar, Sambar deer, wild dogs, Langur monkeys and herds of elephants. [email protected] www.howtotravelinstyle.com [email protected] Rest of the day at leisure Overnight at hotel DAY 6: THEKKADY – ALLEPPEY – HOUSEBOAT After a healthy breakfast, transfer by road to Alleppey Jetty (approximately 4-hour drive) to embark on typical houseboat (Rice barge / Kettuvallam) for an overnight cruise through the backwaters of Kerala with all meals onboard. Known as a Kettuvallams, ('boat tied together with rope') these barges were originally used for transporting rice through the Keralan backwaters. Converted into comfortable houseboats, these shallow bottomed barges are perfect for a leisurely cruise through the region’s tropical backwaters. Kettuvallum houseboats are approximately 20m in length and accommodate two to four passengers in 1 or 2 double air-conditioned cabins. Protected from the sun under a wicker canopy observe the rice fields, coconut palms and the activities of day-to-day rural life as you drift slowly past. Stop to go ashore, meet local villagers and discover picturesque churches or simply read your favourite novel as you watch the world go by. With a crew of 4, including a chef who prepares all meals with fresh ingredients, guests finish a backwater cruise feeling totally refreshed and revitalised. A crew of 2 including a chef to prepare all meals looks after the Guests. Overnight on board the houseboat [email protected] www.howtotravelinstyle.com [email protected] DAY 7: ALLEPPEY – KUMARAKOM Morning transfer by road to Kumarakom (approximately 1-hour drive) On arrival, check-in at resort On the eastern bank of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a typical Keralan village once known for its rubber plantations. Kumarakom and the nearby islands, having been developed by the tourism department are now a roosting place for migratory birds. The drive from Periyar wildlife Sanctuary to the Kumarakom follows winding roads through lush tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber plantations. Rest of the day at leisure Overnight at resort DAY 8: KUMARAKOM Day at leisure in and around the resort Evening enjoy the sunset cruise (Organized by the resort for resident guests) Overnight at resort [email protected] www.howtotravelinstyle.com [email protected] DAY 9: KUMARAKOM – MARARIKULAM After breakfast, transfer by road to Mararikulam (approximately 45-minute drive) On arrival, check-in at resort Resort check-in 1400 hour Rest of the day at leisure Please note that liquor/wine is not served at this hotel. Overnight at resort [email protected] www.howtotravelinstyle.com [email protected] DAY 10: MARARIKULAM Day at leisure (spa treatments, yoga and other activities are offered by the Resort, advance booking is recommended) Overnight at resort DAY 11: MARARIKULAM Day at leisure Overnight at