Equinox India Kerala Tour

Equinox : Kerala Tour

Day 01 Kochi ( Cochin):

Met on arrival at Kochi (Cochin) airport and transfer to Hotel Taj Malabar overlooking the attractive harbor or Bruntons Boat yard a more exclusive hotel with similar views. Proceed for a Half-day sight seeing of Cochin by private boat. A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, Bastion Bungalow etc. The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. Enjoy the sunset while on the boat.

Overnight Taj Malabar or Bruntons Boat Yard. www.cghearth.com , www.tajhotels.com

Day 02 Kochi In the morning enjoy a city tour. Visit the Mattancheery Dutch Palace where the superb series of murals painted on the wooden walls are its main attraction. Also visit the 16th century Jewish Synagogue and the Church of St. Francis, Vasco Da Gama was originally buried in the Church''s cemetery. Walk around the Fort Cochin area and admire the Chinese Fishing Nets (this time from the land). Chinese traders are believed to have introduced them in the late 14th century. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening proceed for Kathakali dance presentation.

Overnight Taj Malabar or Bruntons Boat Yard.

Day 03 Kochi - Periyar (Thekkady)

Proceed to Thekkady.

Drive through the plantations and small Kerala villages. The whole of Kerala including the towns are like villages and the simplicity of the state can be felt while driving. All around would be scenic beauty.

Arrive Thekkady. (This place is also known as Periyar because of the Lake Periyar) Check in at the Elephant court.

The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, 'Akananuru', 'Purananuru' etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the 'Choorni Nadi' or 'Thamraparni Nadi'. A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which created an Island at the 'Azhimugham' of the Periyar, which is now known as the Vyppin Islands.

Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to nomadic tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more.

In the evening visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available. Overnight will be at Thekkady.

Overnight at the Elephant Court www.theelephantcourt.com

Day 04 Periyar

Enjoy the boatride on Lake Periyar - Wildlife sanctuary. You can visit the rare species of plants and animals.

Afternoon visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. You can in the afternoon also go for a short trek in the forests with a trained guide for some adventure.

Overnight stay will be at The Elephant Court.

Day 05 Periyar - Kumarakom

Early morning proceed to Kumarakom. This journey will also be a beautiful one passing through rolling tea gardens and rubber plantations. Stop at a tea factory and watch the tea making process. There is a beautiful solitary church you pass by and it is a nice place to stop for photography.

Reach Kumarakom and visit the Bird Sanctuary. Proceed to the Vembanand Lake. The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable. Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.

Cruise through the backwaters towards Alleppey. Lunch will be served on the boat. The menu is simple and traditional. The cook (chef) of the boat prepares the lunch from fresh materials and even you can have a peek at the recipe. Tea and snacks would be served in the evening. The boat will be anchored in the backwaters along a paddy field and you can go for a stroll into the village or relax at the deck of the boat.

Dinner will be on the boat. Overnight will be at Houseboat. Houseboats will be the from the Kumarakom lake resort. www.kumarakomlakeresort.com

Day 06 Kumarakom

After breakfast start for Alleppey. Cruise through the backwaters watching the children going to school and the village markets opening.

Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one of the major centres for backwater boat trips. "Kuttanad" in Alappuzha is one of few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills.

Disembark the boat at the reception of the backwater resort at Alleppey. Proceed to the beautiful Kumarakom Lake Resort and rest of the day will be relaxation. Overnight will be at Kumarakom Lake Resort.

Day 7 Kumarakom - Kovalam Beach

In the morning drive to Kovalam and transfer to the Leela beach resort which has breathtaking views of the sea with personalized service. Relax on the Beach

Overnight will be Leela Resort www.theleela.com

Day 08 Kovalam Beach Relax on the Beach Overnight will be Leela Resort.

Day 09 Kovalam – Trivandrum - Departure

After breakfast proceed to Trivandrum for flight to your return destination.