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Day
01 / Arrival Cochin
Arrival Cochin meet assist at the airport and transfer to Kumarakam (105Km
drive). Kumarakam is situated on Lake Vembanad, the hub of backwater tourism
in Kerala. Mangrove Forests, Paddy Fields, and Coconut Groves networked
by a maze of waterways and canals adorned with waterlillies make Kumarakam
an unbelievably beautiful, natural paradise. Transfer to hotel. Night
stay in Kumarakom.
Day 02 / Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
The day is free for trekking in the Mangrove Forests, Water Skiing, Fishing
by the Lake or Bird Watching at Kumarakam Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologists'
heaven.
Night stay in Kumarakom.
Day
03 / Periyar
Morning Drive to Periyar (130Km drive). The Periyar Forest is one of the
finest wildlife reserves in India. Lying at an altitude of 900 –
1800m above sea level and spread across 777sq.Km, the Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology,
diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, it's the only sanctuary in India
where you can view wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat
on the lake. Periyar's biggest attractions are the Herds of Elephants
that come down to water and play lakeside.
Transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Periyar.
Day
04 / Periyar Boat Ride
Start the day with a short Trek inside the Sanctuary followed by a two
hour Boat Ride. Evening leaves you free to explore the local Spice Markets
at Kumily, a small town 4Kms from Thekkady. Night stay in Periyar.
Day
05 / Munnar Hill Station
After breakfast depart for Munnar, 110Kms away; situated 1600m above sea
level. Munnar is a Hill Station, once the Summer Resort of the 'British
Raj', Government of South India. Sprawling Tea Plantations, winding lanes
and good holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Night stay
in Munnar.
Day
06 / Munnar
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Munnar covering 1. Rajamalai
& Eravikulam National Park, 15Kms from Munnar, this is the natural
habitat of the Nilgiri Thar, a rare mountain goat (Hermitragas Hylocres).
2. Marayoor, 40Kms from Munnar, the only place in Kerala that lays claim
to the natural growth of Sandalwood. The Muniyara caves with murals and
relics from the New Stone Age Civilization. A Children's Park, spread
across a hectare of land under the canopy of a Single Banyan Tree, are
of great interest to tourists. Night stay in Munnar.
Day
07 / Cochin
After breakfast drive to Cochin (150Kms drive). Kerala's Commercial Capital,
and the most cosmopolitan of its cities. Cochin is a fascinating blend
of cultures.
The evening is free for leisure & shopping. Night stay in Cochin.
Day
08 / Sightseeing in Cochin
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing in Cochin, that takes you very
close to the regions History on the international stage 1. The Hill Palace
Museum, a fully-fledged archeological museum and Kerala's first ever Heritage
Museum are the main attractions (closed on Mondays). 2. Chinese Fishing
Nets, this unique style of huge cantilevered fishing nets were erected
between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the Court of Kubla Khan, a Chinese
King. 3. Santa Cruz Basilica, this historic church was built by the Portuguese
and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. Pope John Paul II
proclaimed the Church a Basilica in 1984. 4. The Jewish Synagogue, constructed
in 1568, this is the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth (closed on Saturdays
& Jewish Holidays).
The area around the Synagogue, called Jew Town , is the centre for Spice
& Handicraft shops. 5. Mattanchery Palace (Dutch Palace), built by
the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Regent of Kochi (closed on
Fridays). Night stay in Cochin.
Day
09 / Departure
Transfer to Cochin International Airport to board the onward flight.
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