Backwaters, Beaches & Wildlife

Arrive Cochin

Meet and assist upon arrival and transfer to hotel.

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Cochin

Morning sightseeing of Cochin, a city till today influenced by medieval Portugal, Holland and England. You visit St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars where Vasco da Gama was buried for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone still stands. Nearby is the Mattancherry Palace or “Dutch Palace”. The central hall on the Ist floor was the coronation hall of the rajas of Cochin. Other rooms depict scenes from the Ramayana and Puranic legends connected with Hindu gods. Amazing are the Chinese fishing nets. These cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. They were introduced by traders from the courts of Kublai Khan. You also see the Jew City with the Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, with hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in the mid-18th century by a Rabbi, who had trading interest in that city. Overnight in cochin.

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Cochin-Periyar (By Surface, Approx 4.5 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Periyar National Park. This unique wildlife sanctuary is about 780 sq. km centered around an artificial lake fed by the Periyar River. In the morning enjoy a short Trek in the forest with a naturalist. Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally 4 to 5 km. in length. This is an interpretive programme offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The trek lasts for about 3 hours per trek. The Nature walk is the right programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers. Overnight in hotel.

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Periyar-Kumarakom (By Surface, Approx 4.5 Hrs)

After the breakfast leave for Kumarakom by surface. On arrival check-in at hotel.
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 are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. In the evening enjoy the sunset boat cruise on the Vembanad lake provided by the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

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Kumarakom

Day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

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Kumarakom – Alleppey

Morning check-out from the hotel and board a houseboat. Cruise towards Alleppey, the backwaters cruise takes off through a network of canals with a back drop of villages and coconut trees on the shores. Overnight on board the houseboat.

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Alleppey – Kovalam (By Surface, approx 4.5 Hrs)

Morning depart for Kovalam by surface and on arrival check-in at the Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

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Kovalam

Day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

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Kovalam – Trivandrum(by surface, approx 30 Min)

Leave Trivandrum in time transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.

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