58-25 Queens Blvd., Woodside, NY 11357 T: (718) 280-5000; (800) 627-1244 F: (718) 204-4726 E:[email protected] W: www.classicescapes.com Nature & Cultural Journeys for the Discerning Traveler THE CINCINNATI ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDEN CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO JOIN US ON A WILDLIFE & CULTURAL JOURNEY THROUGH EXOTIC SOUTH INDIA THE LUSH GRANDEUR – SPICES & THE TIGER’S EYE OCTOBER 18 TO NOVEMBER 2, 2014 Schedules, accommodations and prices are accurate at the time of writing. They are subject to change YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1~SATURDAY~OCTOBER 18 CINCINNATI/EN ROUTE Your journey begins this morning as you board your overnight flights to Cochin. (Meals Aloft) DAY 2~SUNDAY~OCTOBER 19 COCHIN Late this evening arrive in one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate. Upon arrival you will be met and escort to your hotel. Your home for the next two nights Vivanta Taj Malabar, is a luxurious five star hotel with a waterfront location on the north tip of Willingdon Island in Cochin. It is one of the finest hotels, a blend of new and old. The heritage wing of the hotel was built in 1935 and has graceful Victorian interiors. The Tower wing with renovated rooms and suites is a mix of classic and contemporary styles. There are 96 comfortable guestrooms all equipped with modern amenities. After a day of exploring Cochin take a dip in the infinity pool or enjoy an invigorating spa treatment. There is also a steam room and gym. A choice of dining options includes the only authentic Thai restaurant in Kerala, an alfresco grill restaurant, and an upscale seafood restaurant. Overnight at VIVANTA TAJ MALABAR. ( No Meals) (superior charm garden view) http://www.vivantabytaj.com/Malabar-Cochin DAY 3~MONDAY~OCTOBER 20 COCHIN Start your day with a visit to see the the Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) which are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 50-year-old Fort are still amazingly well preserved Visit the Dutch Palace which was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Continue with your visit to the Jewish Synagogue located Schedules, accommodations and prices are accurate at the time of writing. They are subject to change near the Dutch Palace which was built in 1568, and is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. Continue on to one of the oldest churches built by Europeans in India. On his third visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that, the exact place where he was buried has been marked inside the church. Another historic church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1795 it fell into the hands of the British when they took over Kochi, and was demolished. About a hundred years later, Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site in 1887. The Church was proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 50-year- old Fort are still amazingly well preserved. For the antique lovers a visit to Jew Street is almost a walk down the lanes of antiquity. Every piece that they sell has its own tale to narrate – of a palace or a home of the nobility, of travels across many lands and ages. Tonight you will enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala, South India, which dates from the 17th century and is rooted in Hindu mythology. Kathakali is a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting, and dance, performed only by men. A welcome dinner is specially prepared for you at a local restaurant. Overnight at VIVANTA TAJ MALABAR. (B,D) DAY 4~TUESDAY~OCTOBER 21 COCHIN/PERIYAR Today‟s drive takes you to Periyar National Park. Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God‟s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though it‟s a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the India elephants in the act of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar Lake. Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen. The birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian population boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be spotted basking in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore. In the lap of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuaries surroundings are like a canvas of many shades. The fresh air of the moist deciduous forest gives one a chance to experience the peace and serenity and long to return for more. Unlike other national parks here game viewing is by public boat cruise. Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, still you spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge. The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing when taking a boat cruise, but better Schedules, accommodations and prices are accurate at the time of writing. They are subject to change turn up half an hour early to get the best seat. One can also organize short treks, nature walks inside the park if the clients are interested. The best season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is from the months of October and June. This afternoon take a spice plantation tour and learn about the mystery and history of Indian spices. Thekkady is no doubt the heartland of spices. In and around 20 square miles of Periyar Tiger Reserve, the world famous spices such as cardamom, pepper, vanilla, nutmeg, clove, ginger, cinnamon etc. are grow n. Set in the heart of Cardamom Hills of Kerala, lies your hotel Spice Village. The resort is an unprecedented tourist destination, offering rare opportunities to enjoy South India‟s wildlife and natural beauty. It lies just outside Periyar Tiger Reserve. Spice Village is a place for those who love nature at its best; inhale the sweet smell of cinnamon and cloves, watch the elephants as they drink on the water‟s edge and enjoy the freshness of the mountains beyond. After check-in on your first day you will have lunch at your hotel and afterwards spend the rest of your day at leisure. There is plenty to do at the village, whether it is relaxing by the pool, walking the spice garden or indulging at their Ayurvedic spa you will surely enjoy this time off. Overnights at SPICE VILLAGE in standard villa. (B) DAY 5~WEDNESDAY~OCTOBER 22 PERIYAR~GAVI DAY TRIP Spend the day discovering Gavi, a quiet, beautiful and pristine forest haven. This biological garden, with hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grass lands, sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantation, is home for many endangered species. Enjoy the jeep safari by sighting the wildlife in their natural habitat and take a glimpse of the endangered species like Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed macaque. Terrain consists of hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, shoals, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. Forests of Gavi and the surrounding places are the habitat of over 320 species of birds – the great Indian hornbills, sunbirds, woodpeckers, kingfishers and myriads of mynas, dongos, cuckoos and bulbuls, truly a haven for bird watchers. Return to your lodge late in the afternoon where the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnights at SPICE VILLAGE. (B,L) DAY 6~THURSDAY~OCTOBER 23 PERIYAR/KUMAKAROM Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the resort and continue your drive to Kumarakom, technically an island on Vembanad Lake. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. Schedules, accommodations and prices are accurate at the time of writing. They are subject to change Lunch today is arranged at Phillipkutty‟s Farm-an organic spice plantation.