Kerala Unveiled!!
Kerala’s, breathtakingly green land, dotted with coconut palms, lagoons, kettu vallams (boats),
sunny beaches and waterfalls, offers a soothing and festive mood. Lush plantations rise from the
sea, and sweep the entire state in verdant glory and swathing the countryside; the only
interruptions to this expanse of green are the azure backwaters, along which coconut palms soar
to the skies; the culmination to this nature’s magical spell is in the upward fling of the hills,
where tea and coffee plantations nurture the greens to a dense monsoon – washed vegetation.
Disarming hospitality of the locals and intriguing ethnic lifestyles unchanged for centuries; herds
of elephants, leading giant processions; exotic handicrafts and seafood preparations, fresh from
the Arabian Sea; cosmopolitan cities where the past is always within reach, and small towns
where time has stood still; all this and more, makes this journey through Kerala an ideal holiday
that provides an ample opportunity to experience an ancient, but, progressive civilization.
Kerala Unveiled!!
Kerala’s, breathtakingly green land, dotted with coconut palms, lagoons, kettu vallams (boats),
sunny beaches and waterfalls, offers a soothing and festive mood. Lush plantations rise from the
sea, and sweep the entire state in verdant glory and swathing the countryside; the only
interruptions to this expanse of green are the azure backwaters, along which coconut palms soar to the skies; the culmination to this nature’s magical spell is in the upward fling of the hills,
where tea and coffee plantations nurture the greens to a dense monsoon – washed vegetation.
Disarming hospitality of the locals and intriguing ethnic lifestyles unchanged for centuries; herds
of elephants, leading giant processions; exotic handicrafts and seafood preparations, fresh from
the Arabian Sea; cosmopolitan cities where the past is always within reach, and small towns
where time has stood still; all this and more, makes this journey through Kerala an ideal holiday that provides an ample opportunity to experience an ancient, but, progressive civilization.
Day 01: Arrival / Cochin
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (The guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
Mid morning arrival, meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
(Though check in time is 2pm, every effort would be made to ensure an as early as possible check in – subject to availability)
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you. A special treat awaits us this evening as we proceed to witness the strength and vigor of Kathakali dance drama, as it enacts episodes from great Indian epics. The extremely stylized gestures, the elaborate make- up, the masks and the splendid costumes of these all-male dancers, recreates an incomparable sense of pageantry.
Overnight at Brunton Boatyard, Cochin (Sea Facing Room – Upgraded) (No Meals)
Day 02: Cochin (Mattancherry is closed on Fridays and Jew Town is closed on Fridays and Saturdays)
After breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of the City. The true character of the city is to be found in the older parts of the Fort Cochin area. It more or less exists as it used to be a 1000 years back, when it was first built. The roads have not been widened because the old haggard buildings, through patchwork repairs over the centuries, still stand on the edges. This part of the city reflects an unusual blend of medieval Portugal, Dutch and English country life grafted on to the tropical Malabar Coast. The fishing community of Cochin is also very interesting. They ancient cantilevered fishing nets called Chinese Fishing Nets. The net is fixed to a pole on the shore. While fishing, the entire net is lowered by a primitive fulcrum mechanism using long bamboo poles. By the same mechanism the pole is lifted along with the catch. We will explore the sights of Photographic as well as cultural interest. We would also visit the 16th century Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace since the Dutch substantially renovated the palace in the 17th century. The double storied quadrangular building surrounds a courtyard containing a Hindu temple. The Central Hall on the first floor was the coronation hall of the Rajas of Cochin; on display are their dresses, turbans and palanquins. The most important feature of this palace, however, is the astonishing murals in the bedchambers and other rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana and other religious legends. These murals are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful and extensive anywhere to be seen in India. The unique feature here is the unexpected and isolated Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD 52. They are self-contained and have their own Synagogue.
The area around the Synagogue, known, as ‘Jew Town’ is one of the main centres of spice trade. Scores of small firms huddle together in old dilapidated buildings and the air is filled with the aroma of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves. The area is very busy. The potters are loading gunny bags of spices on to carts, which keep running up and down the narrow lanes. We would visit Jew Town, in the Mattancherry section and a short walk from the ferry is one street long. Jews used to occupy virtually all the houses on Jew Town Road, where they sold fruits, vegetables and spices or worked as oil pressers or carpenters. The spice markets are still located on the narrow street. Evening, we will visit a traditional family to learn traditional Kerala Cooking. The family belongs to Syrian Christian Community in Kerala. They enjoy having guests and serve them with good and delicious food. Your hosts would also explain the nuances of traditional Kerala recipes. This would be an ideal activity if you wish to experience the true flavors and preparations of Kerala food in a comfortable and informal manner. Your host would make your visit a special event, occasion that would get to your heart through your stomach.
Overnight at Brunton Boatyard, Cochin (Sea Facing Room – Upgraded) (B & D)
Day 03: Cochin / Attukad Waterfalls / Munnar (132 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Munnar en route; we will stop at Attukad Waterfalls. Located approximately 9 kilometers from Munnar town, this picturesque cascade offers a refreshing break on your journey. The drive through lush tea plantations and winding roads adds to the charm of the visit. As you reach the falls, you’ll be greeted by the soothing sound of cascading water and the lush greenery of the Western Ghats. A short walk takes you closer to the falls, allowing you to feel the mist on your skin and capture stunning photos. Attukal Waterfalls is a perfect pitstop to connect with nature and rejuvenate before continuing your journey to the beautiful hill station of Munnar. Following the visit, we will continue our drive to Munnar. Upon arrival in Munnar, we will check into hotel Spice Tree Resort. Evening is at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight at Spice Tree Resort, Munnar (Classic Room with Jacuzzi) (B)
Day 04: Munnar
After breakfast, we proceed on a tour of Munnar. Our major highlights would be as below:
1. Mattupetty dam – Mattupetty Dam, located near Munnar in Idukki District, is one of the most visited tourist spots of Munnar. The dam will definitely enthrall you by its lush green trees, magnum views, and, crystal clear water. A cruise here is an exhilarating experience, offering occasional sightings of elephant, gaur and sambar.
2. Tea Museum – The Tea Museum was inaugurated by Tata Tea a major producer of packaged tea so as to keep the history of tea plantation in India intact. The Munnar Tea Museum houses some of the exclusive artifacts like the ‘Pelton Wheel’ used in the power generation plant, the original Tea roller, and, an ancient rail engine wheel of the Kundale Valley that shuttled men and material between Munnar. Besides this Museum is a tribute to the efforts of all the unsung heroes who were determined to make Munnar a major tea plantation centre in Kerala, India.
3. Top Station – If you have a long persistent desire to feel the clouds and fly all along with them, makesure you don’t miss on this amazing destination. Top Station is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. It also offers a panoramic view of the majestic Western Ghats and the valley of Then district.
4. Echo Point – Echo Point is located at a distance of 13 km from Munnar town. If one desires to scream and hear their voices being echoed till far out and wide then Echo Point is the place to be. The moist, mouldy acres of mountains spread out here are hitherto beautiful and call for one to let their spirits out, quite literally. Some of the popular activities of this destination are trekking, and, nature walks.
Overnight at Spice Tree Resort, Munnar (Classic Room with Jacuzzi) (B)
Day 05: Munnar / Kolukkumalai / Munnar (35 Kms – One way) (02 Hrs Drive)
This morning, we will proceed for an exhilarating ride at the astounding peak of – world’s highest tea plantation. The safari starts with your pick-up from the hotel. We ride through a rough terrain with spellbinding views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes that will simply blow your mind. Kolukkumalai, located at an altitude of 2175 meters above sea level offers a chance to see the beauty of Munnar from the heights along with one of the world’s finest tea to refresh your mind! Here, we will spend time exploring the ‘world’s highest organic tea plantation. This estate produces some of the finest tea in the world. We would also visit the Tea factory at Kolukkumalai, set up in the early 1930s’. The factory still follows the orthodox, traditional way of processing tea. You would love your excursion for the following reasons -A wonderful time spent in the tranquil environs of the highest organic tea plantation in the world. – Unique experience of interacting with the people who manage the estate. – Factory tour and enjoying a hand at tea tasting from experts. A visit to the Tea factory is indeed a journey through time; the machinery used in the factory is from the colonial era. Orthodox tea-making is a seven-step process that includes withering, rolling, sieving, fermenting, drying, fiber extraction, and grading. All of this work happens in this small factory that has not been changed since the British set it up. You also have the option to walk through the rows of tea to reach the factory, or, you could walk part of the way and take the jeep for the rest. Once you reach the summit, you will be treated to a spectacular panorama of the flat plains of Tamil Nadu bordering the majestic Western Ghats. Following, we will drive back to our hotel.
Overnight at Spice Tree Resort, Munnar (Classic Room with Jacuzzi) (B)
Day 06: Munnar / Periyar (90 Kms) (02 ½ Hrs Drive)
Morning, we will drive to Periyar. Upon arrival in Periyar, we will check in to hotel, Spice Village. After rest and relaxation, we will proceed to visit the spice plantation in Periyar, which is one of the major spice plantations in Kerala. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in, since different spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation. The spice plantation in Periyar is a prime attraction of this beautiful land. Though sprawling tea estates cover much of the landscape of Periyar, plantations of cardamom, rubber, vanilla and coffee are also aplenty. We have the option for nature walks, bird watching, taste the various spices and breathe in the fragrant air while exploring the spice plantation in Periyar. Pick up a few packets of the tea and spices grown here that make for a good buy. There are various kinds of spices cultivated in Periyar. The most abundantly found spice in Periyar is pepper. However, there is a variety of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves on the slanting slopes of the spice plantation in Periyar. We will also visit the Sahyadri Organic tea factory in Peer made, a recent venture of the PDS. There are specially designed vantage points for you to view this factory housed in a white-washed building. Evening, we visit a theatre to witness a special martial arts performance unique to the region. The performance involves a holistic approach aimed at the ultimate co-ordination and control over mind and body as the weapons become an extension of the body, controlled by the mind to achieve high degree of protection in both offensive and defensive combats. The inherent beauty of this art from lies in the harmonious synergy of art, science and medicine. Kalaripayattu is a traditional psycho-physiological discipline emanating from Kerala’s unique mytho- historical heritage as well as a scientific system of physical culture training.
Overnight at Spice Village Resort, Periyar (Spice Garden Cottage) (B)
Day 07: Periyar
Following breakfast this morning we would take a short trek inside the forest. The birdlife comprises of darters, cormorants, kingfishers, great hornbills (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, especially in the cooler months. Pythons, king cobras, flying lizards, flying squirrels, flying snakes and to top it all, flying frogs are the other inhabitants of this amazing sanctuary. There are a few fascinating tribal villages around the Periyar, primarily the Manan and Oorali tribes. The Manans are ace fishermen, and a few of them still indulge in the traditional, if dangerous, practice of collecting the honey of large and deadly hill bees. The Ooralis build tree dwellings, though not as residences, but watchtowers to keep wild pigs, and elephants from ruining their crops. After the trek, we board rafts made of bamboos for a rafting experience through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The rafting is for about three hours and one gets a panoramic view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake. The team hitchhikes back to the boat landing by about 5 pm. An armed guard and guides will accompany us. Tea, snacks and packed lunch will be served Enroute. Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Spice Village Resort, Periyar (Spice Garden Cottage) (B)
Day 08: Periyar / Alleppey / Houseboat (125 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to the Alleppey boat jetty to embark on a houseboat to experience the narrow canals and channels of the backwaters of Kerala. The materials that go into the making of houseboat are all local and Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats carpets etc. The main wood used is “Anjali” . The Houseboat provides all comforts – Beds, a kitchen, western toilets and an upper deck .Traditional lanterns are used as lights. The cuisine is of traditional Kerala flavor along with the local Specialties –delicious fish and prawns.
We spend rest of the day cruising on our boat through remote tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala is a superb experience. Sensational in its own silent way, the cruise takes you along snake boat docks, friendly cheering villagers, coir (Jute) making communities, toddy (local spirit) shops, fishing nets pitched for the day’s catch, bunded paddy fields and manual canoes of different sizes criss- crossing each other. The experience enables you to reach beautiful untouched areas.
Overnight at aboard Spice Coast Cruise (Single Cabin Houseboat) (B, L & D)
Day 09: Houseboat / Kumarakom (20 Kms) (30 Minutes Drive)
After breakfast, we will disembark from the houseboat at Coconut Lagoon.
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom (Heritage Bungalow) (B)
Day 10: Kumarakom
Day is at leisure. You can also enjoy the optional Ayurvedic body massage at the resort. You could also choose to explore the surrounding tribal villages, visit the nearby water bird sanctuary or ride through the narrow backwater channels through back of beyond Kerala.
Overnight at Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom (Heritage Bungalow) (B)
Day 11: Kumarakom / Cochin (77 Kms) (02 ½ Hrs Drive) Cochin / Departure
(Though the checkout time is 12 noon, every effort would be made to retain rooms till as late as possible without additional charges – subject to availability)
In time, we will drive to the Cochin airport to board the onward flight.
NO HOTEL QUOTED FOR THIS DAY (B)
We do hope the flavor of India will remain on your taste buds for all times to come and
hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you for being our guest, and as we say in India ‘Please come back soon”
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
TOUR INCLUDES:
– Accommodation based on Twin / Triple Sharing Basis
– Meals as per the itinerary only (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch & D – Dinner)
– Kathakali dance performance in Cochin
– Nimmi Cooking class in Cochin
– Excursion to Kolukkumalai from Munnar
– Spice Plantation in Periyar
– Tribal dance in Periyar
– Jungle Trek and Rafting Experience in Periyar
– All journeys as per itinerary in a fine air conditioned Toyota Crysta
– Local English speaking guides
– Entrances fees to the monuments
– GST Levy, Toll, and Parking
– All driver expenses
– Bottled drinking water for road journeys
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
– Camera & video fee to monuments
– Meals other than mention above
– Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, drinks, tips, telephone calls etc
– Credit Card Transaction Fees