9 Nights & 10 Days Packages
Kochi, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Backwaters & Mararikulam
Starting Point: Kochi
Ending Point: Kochi
US$ 1400/- for 2 Adults
Day 1: Kochi
On arrival at Cochin International airport, Cochin The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi along with its mainland part, Ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea,you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two nights stay. The rest of the afternoon is spent at your leisure.There are no planned activities on day 1 check into the hotel and enjoy the city,overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Kochi sightseeing
After breakfast proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kochi. It will feel like a trip down the pages of history as you let the sights of Fort Cochin, Vasco Da Gama Square, the Basilica of Santa Cruz, St. Francis Church (Built in 1503 – first one to be built in India), VOC Gate, Dutch Palace (wonderful murals depicting the entire story of the Ramayana), Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace sink in.
You also learn about a very unusual method of fishing, operated from the shore. The Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here (Over a Hundred Years ago). Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets.They make an Interesting part of this trip,Rest of the Evening will be at leisure. Overnight At the Hotel.
Day 3: Kochi toPeriyar 196 kms (5 hours drive)
Today you will travel in land to experience Kerala’s incredible natural landscapes and wildlife in Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (approx. 5 ½ hours). Expanding over approximately 357 square miles of the Cardamom and Pandalam Hills of the southern Western Ghats, the park is a notable elephant and tiger reserve. The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations, one of which will be your home for the next two nights.
Day 4: Periyar
Enjoy an exploration of the beautiful Periyar region this morning starting with the chance to take a ‘soft trek’ along the various nature trails (generally 3 to 4 miles in length lasting approximately 3 hours) that cross the diverse habitats of the national park which include evergreen and deciduous forests and marshy grasslands. You will be accompanied by a trained tribal guide who will point out various bird and wildlife species and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the park.
Day 5: Periyarto Kumarakom 4 hours drive
Today you will travel to Kumarakom,upon arrival in Kumarakom, Kumarakom is the gateway to the gorgeous backwaters and lakes of Kerala, with its abundance of superb hideaway retreats and sedate river cruises aboard iconic and traditional houseboats. The area around the village is made up of a cluster of picturesque islands covered in lush vegetation and teaming with aquatic and avian wildlife. A highlight of the region is theKumarakom Bird Sanctuary which covers 14 acres of woodland and is home to a number of bird species such as the kingfisher,Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy, the favourite fresh water food and the local wine, On return to the hotel you shall join a tranquil sunset cruise on the lake before enjoying a further cultural performance,Overnight stay at Kumarakom.
Day 6: Kumarakom
You will also have the opportunity to join a bird watching tour perhaps spotting migratory and native avian species such as kingfishers, herons, egrets, flycatchers and parrots.Morning visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary,located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake; where numerous species of birds including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, kingfishers, herons, egrets, flycatchers and parrots Teals and several varieties of Herons roost are found. For an avid bird watcher, it is always advisable to carry your binoculars along. Return to the hotel, Overnight stay at the resort.
Day 7:KumarakomAlleppey Houseboat 1 hour drive by car
Check out and proceed to Alleppey,Check in at the houseboat at 12 00 noon,Alleppey boasts a vast labyrinthine network of waterways and was christened the ‘Venice of the East’ by British statesman Lord Curzon. Glide along canals, lakes and lagoons or venture from the centre to enjoy magical views of Lake Vembanad. Explore the region’s villages, paddy fields and coconut groves as you cross narrow bridges over lagoons edged by mangroves. Located on a narrow stretch of land between the Arabian Sea and the lake, this is the perfect spot for those seeking a water side escape.
Day 8: Alleppey Mararikulam
After breakfast Check out and proceed to Mararikulam the fisher men village. One of the extremely enchanting places in Indian subcontinent is Marari Beach situated in Mararikulamvillage. Mararikulam is a sleepy fishing village, about 25 kms from Alleppey,The village of Mararikulam is tucked away behind a line of dense palms that rise like a green fortification on the sands. Set amidst the coconut groves the Marari Beach is an ideal destination,Spend the night at your hotel.
Day 9: Mararikulam
Day is free to relax, enjoy the in house facilities of the resort and enjoy the beach and overnight stay at the resort.
Day 10: Maraikulam Cochin Airport
After breakfast check out and proceed to Cochin airport, depart as per the flight schedule, back home. Tour Ends.
Luxury Package with CGH Earth Hotels
US$ 1900 for 2 Adults
Name of the hotel | Destination | No of Nights | Category |
Brunton boatyard http://www.cghearth.com/brunton-boatyard |
Cochin | 2 | Luxury |
Spice village http://www.cghearth.com/spice-village |
Thekkady | 2 | Luxury |
Coconut Lagoon http://www.cghearth.com/coconut-lagoon |
Kumarakom | 2 | Heritage Resort |
Houseboat | Alleppey | 1 | A/c Deluxe Houseboat |
Marari beach resort http://www.cghearth.com/marari-beach |
Mararikulam | 3 | Luxury |
US$ 1400 for 2 Adults
Name of the hotel | Destination | No of Nights | Category |
Casino hotel http://www.cghearth.com/casino-hotel |
Cochin | 2 | Deluxe |
Greenwoods http://www.greenwoods.in/ |
Thekkady | 2 | Deluxe |
Paradise resort http://www.paradisein.com/ |
Kumarakom | 2 | Deluxe backwater resort |
Houseboat http://www.lakeslagoons.com/ |
Alleppey | 1 | A/C Deluxe houseboat |
El Oceano beach Vilas http://www.eloceanobeachvillas.com/ |
Mararikulam | 3 | Deluxe beach resort |
The above Package Includes
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Thekkady
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Kumarakom
- 1 night accommodation in an A/c Deluxe houseboat with breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Mararikulam
- Daily breakfast & Dinner at Kochi, Thekkady, Kumarakom and Marari beach Hotels
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Round trip transfers by A/C Car with an English speaking Tourist Driver
- Guide service in Kochi,Thekkady and Kumarakom
- Entrance fees to all monuments and sightseeing places in Kochi,Periyar and Kumarakom
- Currently applicable taxes
The above Package Excludes
- Airfare to India
- Visa charges
- Any additional meals
- Room service charges, Telephone calls, laundry charges, tips of personal nature
- And anything not specifically mentioned in the package includes column