Keralyeem Magic

Duration: 6 Days
Destinations Covered: Cochin - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin

Day 1: Cochin
Arrival at Kerala Arrive at Cochin Airport and transfer to Hotel. The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century. The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities. Overnight will be at Cochin.

Day 2: Cochin to Thekkady
By Road 180 km in 4 hr Morning, proceed to Periyar after breakfast. Check in at hotel on arrival. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to nomadic tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more. In the evening visit the spice plantation and the spice markets. Overnight stay will be at Periyar.

Day 3: Thekkady - Kumarakom
By Road 175 km in 4 hr Proceed for the boat cruise in the lake to watch wild animals. It will be the best time as the animals come out to the lake for water and the weather is pleasant. Return to the hotel for a sumptuous breakfast. Enjoy the resort and you can also go on a nature trek. Start for Kumarakom after an early lunch and drive through lovely mountains lined with tea plantations. Stop at the tea factory and watch how the leaves are processed. Enroute also stop at a beautiful church and then at the rubber plantations. Arrive at Kumarakom by early evening. 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. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks is a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. Check in at a backwater resort and relax during the afternoon. Enjoy the Ayurvedic massages and in the evening trek or cycle to a nearby village. Overnight will be at Kumarakom.

Day 4: Backwaters
Breakfast will be at the resort. Visit the BIRD SANCTUARY. Later, 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. Lunch will be served on the boat and this will be authentic Kerala Cuisine though not elaborate. Enjoy the cruise through the lakes and lagoons and in the evening anchor at a village among the paddy fields. Go for a village visit with the captain of the boat (a simple man) and have fresh coconuts. Return and relax at the boat with a book or learn cooking in the kitchen. Dinner will be served early and retire for the night. Overnight will be on the boat.

Day 5: Alleppey - Cochin
By Road 60 km in 1 hr Disembark the boat at Alleppey after breakfast and morning cruise. Alleppey is known as the rice bowl of Kerala. Here you can enjoy the lively villages and backwaters. It is located on the banks of the backwater and you can witness various types of traditional activities like coir making, fishing, etc. Spend time in sightseeing of the town and drive to Cochin. In the early evening proceed for a private harbor cruise. Enjoy watching the dolphins, the fishing island and the Bolghatty Palace. Cruise till the mouth of the sea and enjoy the sunset. Overnight will be in Cochin.

Day 6: Cochin - Departure
Breakfast will be at hotel. Today you will visit Cochin, one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portugese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jewtown. Proceed for a sightseeing tour of FORT COCHIN. 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, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles, whichs 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. Check out from the hotel and in the evening watch the KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION. Proceed for FAREWELL DINNER and then to the airport for flight back to home.