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A Glimpse of God's Own Country

Set in the state of , often described as “God's Own Country”, this tour will take you through the colonial history of in the city of Cochin where you can visit the Jewish Synagogue, and the oldest church built by Europeans in India, St. Francis. In this state famed for its natural beauty you will get to visit plantations, see antelope in the wild, cruise the winding backwaters on a house boat and dine on delectable dishes infused with coconut. Here you will even get a chance to visit some of the premier beach resorts in the country and enjoy Ayurvedic spa therapies that will rejuvenate your body and soul.

Itinerary As some Cochin monuments will be closed on Friday and Saturday, we recommend beginning your tour Sunday through Thursday. Day 1 - Welcome to Cochin

Arrive at Cochin International Airport, receive assistance upon arrival and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour of Cochin, including sites such as St. Francis Church, the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue and the picturesque Chinese nets. Take a relaxing sunset cruise in the harbor this evening followed by a Kathakali dance performance at the cultural center. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Stroll among the tea and cardamom plantations in After breakfast, drive to Munnar and check in to your next hotel. Take an evening walk through the tea and cardamom plantations with a local guide before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay. Day 3 - Full day of exciting excursions After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a morning walk through the buffer zone of the nearby Eraivikulam National Park to see the endangered , an endemic antelope. Later, visit the Handicraft Centre and the Tea Museum to witness tea processing. After lunch, embark on a Jeep ride through the tea plantations to Lake. Spend the remainder of your afternoon at leisure by the lake before returning to your hotel in Munnar. Day 4 - Board the houseboat for a backwater cruise Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and begin the drive to . Stop at en route for lunch at a traditional plantation bungalow. Upon arrival in Kumarakom, board the houseboat and begin your cruise through the soothing backwaters of Kerala as you wind through the canals near Alleppey. This evening, visit Mankombu village, Bhagavathy temple and a traditional snake boat. Continue to cruise to the anchor point and spend the night on board the houseboat. Day 5 - Relaxing day at the beach resort Breakfast is served on board the houseboat as you continue your exploration of the canals. Disembark the houseboat later this morning and transfer to your beach resort in the village of . The afternoon is yours at leisure; you may choose to partake in the Ayurvedic spa facilities or soak up the sun on the beach. Enjoy an evening cultural show followed by an overnight stay at the beach resort. Day 6 - Beach day or optional sightseeing tours The entire day is yours at leisure to relax at the beach or spa. You may alternatively choose to take advantage of other sightseeing options, such as the "Discover Alleppey Tour" or an excursion to village and temples. Your evening concludes with a cultural show and an overnight stay at the resort. Day 7 - Departure day After a scrumptious breakfast, check out of your hotel by 12:00 noon and transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey. Destination Information

A Glimpse of God's Own Country(© www.palacetours.com) 1/8 Destination Information Cochin () Cochin is one of the most interesting places in India. The city is spread out over mainland, peninsula and islands. The ancient temples and the churches in this district are of special interest to tourists. You can also visit the still present off the shores of the city. Cochin International Airport is one of the country's youngest airports with modern facilities and conveniences for the international traveler.

Kothamangalam According to the popular belief, the Marth Mariam Valiya Pally at Kothamangalam was founded in the 4th century by a few Syriac Christian families who migrated from Paravur and Angamali.

Kumarakom Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala. The village of Kumarakom is actually a cluster of little islands on the Lake. The slender coconut palms all around, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves of nesting birds of a hundred varieties--all can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration. A picturesque world of backwaters, thatched houseboats, Cormorants, Chinese fishing nets and swaying palms awaits you here.

Mararikulam

The village of Mararikulam is tucked away behind a line of dense palms that rise like a sudden rampart of green out of the sands. Like all villages, it has evolved naturally, in picturesque disorder. For those seeking to undo the stresses of city life and experience a completely new pace, it is the perfect spot. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swing palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm & traditional Keralan hospitality at its best. The Resort is set in 25 acres of coconut palm groves leading down to the vast expanse of beach.

Munnar Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. It is a picutre-perfect retreat for those who wish a heavenly getaway. Munnar reflects the grace of Mother Nature with misty mountains, springing streams, breathtaking landscapes, sprawling tea plantions, an enchanting climate and amazing flora and fauna. One can also enjoy active sports and action including trekking, boating, riding and fishing. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands in Munnar is the Neelakurinji. This flower, which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD.

Price Chart

PLEASE NOTE: The above rates are calculated based on the local currency (INR) and are subject to change based on exchange rate fluctuations. Your balance payment will be due and payable based on the exchange rate at that time. An option to pay in full and lock in today's exchange rate is also available; please contact us for details.

We use hotels listed in our accommodation section or ones similar to them. Please see the accommodation section to see the list of hotels used.

A Glimpse of God's Own Country(© www.palacetours.com) 2/8 Your price includes:

All accommodations as per above sharing basis in these fine hotels (when available) or similar: - 01 night accommodation at Brunton Boat Yard in Cochin (Sea-Facing Standard Room) - 02 nights accommodation at Windermere Tea Estate in Munnar (Coffee Cottage) - 01 night accommodation at One-Room Houseboat (A/C Standard) - 02 nights accommodation at Marari Beach Resort in Mararikulam (Garden Villa Room) Breakfast at all locations and all meals on the houseboat Local English-speaking guide for all sightseeing as per itinerary All transport service via air-conditioned Toyota Qualis or similar Assistance upon all arrivals and departures Porterage, tolls, and parking charges Entrance fees for all monuments visited per the itinerary Still and video camera fees for all monuments visited per the itinerary Boat ride at Cochin Kathakali dance performance entrance at Cochin Jeep ride in Munnar Plantation Bungalow lunch in Kothamangalam Discover Alleppey Tour or Haripad tour in Mararikulam All applicable taxes Your price does not include: Travel insurance or Mediclaim Gratuities, laundry, beverages, telephone calls, spa treatments, or other expenses of a personal nature Any domestic or international airfare Any train fare Any compulsory holiday dinners or celebrations required by the hotels Any airport taxes or departure taxes Supplement charge for Optional Two-Room Houseboat Any expenses not specifically mentioned as Included Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dinner

Accommodation A/C Houseboat , Alleppey () Houseboat Jetty

Brunton Boatyard, Cochin , Cochin (Kochi) (5-star) Calvetty Road, Fort Cochin For what is essentially a small and intimate city resort hotel, The Brunton Boatyard possesses a remarkable sense of scale, evident from the moment you turn into the tiled forecourt. The lobby is a vault of sunlight and air, framed by arches and overhung with punkahs - enormous, old- fashioned fans of Indo-Portuguese origin. Your bags have been whisked away to your room, but why not take a turn around the corridors before you go? A rich, and colourful history marks this spot, once the century old boatyard of Geo. Brunton and Sons. On this site we recreated the splendour of the city's illustrious past, using the materials of fin de sieclé Cochin - lime, terracotta, wood and tile. The hotel's nautical past seems to follow you around. On one wall, old Dutch maps, on another, a small navigation device, in the grassy courtyard, an ancient anchor. Walk further, turn a corner, and you find yourself outside the Armory Bar. Perhaps later, you could enjoy a sundowner here, with old Portuguese armour and musketry for company. A short saunter down the corridor brings you to a little doorway. Pass through and suddenly, the whole vista of Cochin harbour opens up beyond the pool's inviting waters. This is the spot to read a boring historical novel, work on your tan and watch the ships sail by, so close you can almost reach out and touch them. Crane your neck a bit and you can spot a serried rank of Cochin's famed fishing nets. They first made their appearance in 1350 a.d. and their much-photographed preying mantis shapes form one of the city's most enduring images. Also near the pool is the hotel's jetty, and a word at the reception gets you a variety of cruising options to choose from. The heritage of Cochin is most evident around its enormous harbour, and this is a not-to-be-missed experience. Facilities

• Swimming pool • Ayurveda Centre • Regular doctors on call • History Cafe - Multi cuisine restaurant • Armoury - A Glimpse of God's Own Country(© www.palacetours.com) 3/8 • Swimming pool • Ayurveda Centre • Regular doctors on call • History Cafe - Multi cuisine restaurant • Armoury - Coffee shop / bar • 42 Kms from Cochin international airport

Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam , Mararikulam (5-star) Mararikulam Sprawled expansively across 25 acres of land, the resort, like its namesake, is separated from the sea by a windbreak of stretching palms. There are a mere 52 cottages, so the sense of space here is much more dramatic. The cottages are separated by generous stretches of open parkland, dotted with fruit-laden trees. The winding village pathways are a faithful echo of the originals. Rambling walls curve around corners, their rust-coloured stones smothered with trumpet flowers. Completing the picture are rippling lotus ponds, usually with a family of ducklings getting a swimming lesson out in the middle. A typical cottage at Marari looks almost identical to a local 's hut. There is the same palm thatch, swooping low over a raised verandah, complete with a little tap by the steps to wash your feet with. But appearances are deceptive, as you'll discover when you enter. Air conditioning is made possible by a roof invisible from the outside. Simplicity and harmony mark the interiors, which nevertheless contain all the comforts of a modern resort. There are modern twin - or - double beds, elegant, locally- inspired furniture and even a tea and coffee making facility, for all those odd times. The bathrooms are open-roofed courtyards, similar to those in the homes of old Kerala. There's ultra - modern plumbing of course, and hot-and-cold running water too. For the true sybarite, our spacious Pool Villas are a good option to the cottages. These feature cozy living rooms and -luxury itself- your own private pool. Facilities

• Multi cuisine restaurant • Club house • Bar • Beach shack ( restaurant) • Beach Bar • Swimming pool • Tennis • Ayurveda centre • Shop • Yoga class • Regular doctors on call • Cycling • Tennis & Badminton • Beach Volleyball • Indoor games • and 'Learn to cook with spices' classes

Windermere Estate, Munnar , Munnar (5-star) Pothamedu, Munnar, , Kerala Windermere is where the manicured Tea Garden merges with lush green Forests of Munnar. Hallmarked for its exclusiveness and hygiene, Windermere has 5 Farm house rooms, 4 Garden facing rooms and 8 Cottages. Dining facilities include 'Pine Top' restaurant serving table d'hote, a tea & snack bar called 'The Hut', and 'Boulder Garden' for bonfire and barbeque. "On the Rocks" is a telescope providing 360° uninterrupted breath-taking view of Munnar. One may trek through 60 acres of meandering greenery of the Windermere Cardamom Estate. The presence of a Planter's family next door, ensures you high range hospitality, security, and local advice, devoid of a typical Hotel atmosphere. Facilities • Restaurant • Tea & Snack Bar • Bonfire barbeque • telescope • trekking

** The above accommodations are for reference and all efforts will be made to give these accommodations. In some circumstances if they are not available, alternate arrangements will be made in similar hotels Travel Tips & FAQ's What is the best time to travel to South India? The best months to travel are between September and June, as July through August is monsoon season.

What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to India? A passport with validity at least six months beyond your departure from India is required. Also, visas must be obtained prior to arrival in India. If you are a US citizen, please follow this link for details on obtaining an Indian Visa: https://www.indian-visa.com/. If you are not a US citizen, Please visit www.mea.gov.in, click on "Welcome" and then under "MEA Links" at the right, click on "Missions and Posts Abroad" and then click "Consulate Generals". You can then select your appropriate Consulate General office and link directly to its website, where detailed visa information and application forms can be found.

How can I reach Cochin?

A Glimpse of God's Own Country(© www.palacetours.com) 4/8 Cochin International Airport hosts flights from around the world. You could also fly to Cochin from within India, from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Udaipur or Jaipur.

What is the travel time between each city? Please be aware that on average, it takes one hour to cover 30 to 40kms while traveling through smaller towns and 40 to 50 kms per hour when traveling using highways. Please note that these times are approximate and are subject to change based on road conditions, weather, and the like.

What types of clothing should I bring? We recommend that you travel as light as possible, as clothing and laundry are both quite inexpensive in India. The best outfit in the summertime is a tee-shirt worn with loose cotton trousers. It is best for women to avoid wearing tank tops or short skirts / shorts. Adventurous ladies can try wearing the Indian "Salwar-Kameez" which is comfortable and free sized.

Where and when are meals taken? All breakfasts are included in your package and are served at your hotel. Lunches and dinners are usually not included unless specified. During your tour, your tour guide can provide you with names of hotels and restaurants where our guests typically enjoy lunch or dinner. We have tried our best to identify these based on our experiences and that of other travelers since quality and safety of food is an important factor while traveling. You would be able to choose the location depending on the availability and feasibility during your tour.

If I have a specific diet restriction or preference, will you be able to accommodate my request? All efforts are made to accommodate reasonable diet preferences. We communicate the requests to the hotels and restaurants where you would be eating and your request should generally be honored and ready. However, it is always better to re-coordinate the requirements with your escort/attendant who will be able to ensure the establishments know about your requirements. We also request you to re-inform the establishment about your requirement at the time you go for meals to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.

What type of cuisine is served? Beef and pork are not served in many parts of India, but good quality vegetarian food is easily available. Curd or yogurt is served with most meals, as it is a natural aid to digestion and helps temper the spicy food. We highly recommend that you drink only bottled water.

Please tell me more about the houseboat. The houseboat experience is wonderfully unique to the Keralan waterways. The boats, traditionally used by rice farmers, have been converted for your comfort. The three-member crew is there to ensure your safety and enjoyment. The boat is air-conditioned and lantern-lit in the evenings. Mineral water is used for cooking and drinking. Tea and coffee are provided complimentary; you may purchase soft drinks & beer on the boat, or carry your own wine or liquor on board. Please advise us at the time of booking what bed type you would require, if you have any special dietary needs, and if you would like mosquito netting about your beds (i.e. if you will wish to open the windows at night).

What should I expect during the sightseeing tours? Certain temples have dress codes, such as covering your head or going barefoot and/or do not permit any leather articles at all on their premises; please check with your guide beforehand so that you do not unwittingly give offence. Always switch off your mobile phones before entering a place of worship. Photography is not always permitted, and at many places it is permitted only at a fee (still camera and video cameras).

Can you provide a wheelchair if I need assistance on the sightseeing tours? Wheelchairs must be arranged for at the client's cost. Please be aware that sightseeing vehicles and many monuments are not fully wheelchair accessible. Therefore, it will be beneficial if the party can stand and walk at least a few steps with assistance for entering/exiting vehicles and maneuvering within certain monuments.

What can I do during my "at leisure" times? You may utilize the car/driver to explore the city as you wish, within permissible limits. Parking charges and guide services are additional.

Are any monuments/sights closed on particular days? As some Cochin monuments are closed on Friday and Saturday, we recommend beginning your tour on Sunday through Thursday.

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What is the recommended gratuity? In hotels, porters and room service attendants are normally tipped at the end of the stay, though an early tip is likely to get you better service. Standard gratuity for restaurants is around 10%. Tipping of taxi drivers is not customary. For your driver/guide, per day, a tip of $10 for the driver and $5-$10 for the guide is appropriate, but gratuities are solely at your discretion and should reflect your enjoyment of the journey.

What type of currency is recommended? U.S. Dollars and Indian Rupees are commonly accepted, as well as Thomas Cook or American Express travelers' checks. In cities you can change major foreign currencies and any brands of travelers' checks. Most big cities have ATMs which accept Visa and MasterCard as well as American Express. The ATM network is ever expanding and in some states, you can find them even in some smaller towns.

What are the standard practices for shopping? Try to shop in government handicraft shops and a few other private shops, as their prices are fixed and the quality is certified. You may also visit some shops run by craftsmen/artisans in the smaller towns, where bargaining is a standard practice and is enjoyed by all.

What are your guidelines on local customs or social interaction? If you are confronted by beggars, do not let them hassle you and do not encourage them by giving them money. If you are taking a taxi or rickshaw, insist on seeing the latest rate card and pay accordingly, as the fares are constantly changing and do not always conform to readings on the meters. Do not leave your luggage unattended in vehicles; we recommend using lockers at the hotels. Carry your wallet and passport at all times. Public toilet facilities may be few and far between; take every opportunity to use the facilities in hotels and restaurants.

What are the health precautions and recommendations? Always drink bottled water Clean your teeth using bottled water for the first few days Always wash fruit well before eating, or eat fruits that you can peel Wash your hands before and after eating. If you do catch a bug, do not panic; it will go away in a few days - but try the following tips to keep it at bay: Drink lassi, a yogurt drink which will help tone down the bacteria Eat plain rice or khichdi, an easily digestible mixture of rice and lentils Drink coconut water – it is cooling and naturally sterile Drink plenty of fluids and take electrolyte salts if the bug persists Always keep a tube of mosquito repellent with you. Always carry a kit of the basic emergency medicines you might need for diarrhea, fever, etc. Also, band-aids and an antiseptic ointment. Make sure you bring sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen Remember to drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day

1 . Do I need a Visa for India? All visitors to India need a Visa

2 . Do you help with getting a Visa

Unfortunately, we don't offer Visa assistance but we can provide you with all the information that you need for getting a visa to India

Terms & Conditions PAYMENT TERMS: 25% of total tour cost due at the time of booking 75% or balance no later than 68 days prior to tour departure date

A Glimpse of God's Own Country(© www.palacetours.com) 6/8 CANCELLATION FEES: (i) 25% of the total tour value if cancelled more than 65 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (ii) 100% of the total tour value if cancelled 0-64 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

The above times are based on local time of the destination where the tour is provided. In order to provide enough time for processing cancellation, guests need to add 3 business days to the above timeframes. An administration fees of 15% on tour price will be charged prior to refund. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.

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Our Corporate Offices are located in Miami, FL. Click here to schedule a phone call or visit to our Miami Office You can contact us by Phone or live chat on the website or feel free to walk in to our office where our Luxury Travel Experts are available to assist you during business hours. Office: Palace Tours 12000 Biscayne Blvd. Suite #107 Miami, FL 33181 WEB: www.palacetours.com EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 1-800-724-5120 USA: Miami, FL: 786-408-0610 Princeton, NJ: 1-609-580-1372 New York, NY: 1-212-920-2543 Houston, TX: 1-832-446-2709 INTERNATIONAL: United Kingdom: 0330 808 4654 Australia: 1-800-156-671 New Zealand: 0800-442-510 FAX: 1-609-683-9772

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