Spices of Kerala

Day 02 / Bombay
Morning, one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to the lush green Elephanta Island. Here, visit some of the huge and intricately carved Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century. For rows of massive columns cut into solid rock from three magnificent avenues, lead to the outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various manifestations of Shiva is overpowering.

Afternoon, City tour of Bombay - the great port city with its Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern. The tour includes ‘Gateway of India’ overlooking the Harbour, the ‘Towers of Silence’, ‘Marine Drive’, the ‘Colaba Causeway’ - the commercial heart of Bombay and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor 'laundry'. Also visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, and the bustling Crawford Market. Night stay in Bombay.

Day 03 / Bombay – Cochin – Periyar
Morning transfer to the airport to board the flight to Cochin.

Leave: Bombay at: 0900 hrs by: 9W 401
Arrive: Cochin at: 1045 hrs.
On arrival, meet assist & transfer to the hotel for lunch.
Thereafter drive to Periyar (180 kms. / 4 hrs.)

On arrival at Periyar ,transfer to hotel.
Periyar- Sprawling across 777 sq. kms. of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills. Night stay in Periyar.

Day 04 / Periyar – Varkala
After breakfast early morning boatcruise on the Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar  an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink. Return to hotel for breakfast.Thereafter drive through the winding "Ghats" lined with prosperous tea plantations & then arrive the fascinating seaside resort of Varkala.

Varkala is a small seaside town in Kerala, has been a Hindu pilgrimage site since the 12th Century. To this day, the eight-hundred year old Janardhana Temple remains a popular pilgrimage spot. Varkala is also blessed with an unspoilt, golden beach, lapped by the waters of the Indian Ocean.

Visit the Portugese church of Anjengo dated to the time of occupation, which maybe the Elanchoros of the geography of Ptomempee (2nd century A.D.). Also visit the English Fort constructed in 1695 A.D. by the English 'East India Company', which play an important role in the war of Mysore in 18th century. Night stay in Periyar.

Day 05 / Varkala - Poovar
Late morning drive to the island resort of Poovar. (140 kms. / 4 hrs. )
Poovar Island is an unspoilt resort enveloped by the most serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach. Poovar is truly a window into paradise. The tranquility is punctuated by the sound of waves and the birds. The acreage is abundant in well preserved local flora, with hundreds of spices, exotic flowers, complete with banana and coconut groves. Night stay in Poovar.

Day 06 / Poovar
Day is free to relax and to walk around. Poovar Island Resort is the only resort in the area with backwater on one side and beach on the another. Poovar is approachable by the mainland by a short boatride from the town of Poovar.

Day 07 / Poovar - Munnar
After breakfast drive to the beautiful hill station of Munnar (110 kms. / 4 hrs. )
Munnar was the world’s highest tea-growing estates. Beyond these estates are rich tropical forests that houses an assortment of wildlife such as Nilgiri Langur, Sambhar, Gaur, Elephant and Lion-tailed Macaques.
On arrival, transfer to hotel. Night stay in Munnar.

Day 08 / Munnar
Day is free to relax and to walk around. Munnar is situated near the Anaimudi Peak, the highest peak in the Western Ghats.Night stay in Munnar.

Day 09 / Munnar - Kumarakom
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom (120 kms. / 4 hrs.)
Morning drive through the winding "Ghats" lined with prosperous tea plantations & then arrive the fascinating countryside of low-lying palms and paddy fields to Kumarakom enroute visit the tea estates.

Kumarakom - a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages.
On arrival, transfer to hotel. Night stay in Kumarakom.

Day 10 / Kumarakom - Houseboat
Morning at leisure.
Afternoon board the traditional rice boats - “Ketuvallam” and begin your journey through the picturesque backwaters and small lakes relaxing in the tranquillity of Kerala's beautiful scenery. Experience the way of life and activity of the local people, the one bedroom house with a lounge is exclusively for you, meals will be served with freshly bought produce from the local markets and cooked on board. Night stay in Kumarakom.

Day 11 / Houseboat - Marari
Breakfast on board. Sail to Alleppey & disembark at Puthenagady Jetty. On arrival proceed directly to Mararikulam (30 kms./ 30 mins.)

Mararikulam- is one of the picturesque fishing villages that dot the lovely coast line of Kerala. This private, shallow beach is fringed with unending lines of coconut palms. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort. Night stay at hotel.

Day 12 / Marari
Full day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort. Night stay at hotel.

Day 13 / Marari – Cochin
Early morning, drive to Cochin (60 kms. / 11/2 hrs.)

Arrive Cochin & transfer to hotel. Late morning tour of Cochin or "Kochi" the palm green, commercial captial of Kerala is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets.
Evening witness the Kathakali dance performance + make up demonstration - Kathkali is a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different ‘mudras’ or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings - each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the two epic Indian myths. Night stay in Cochin.

Day 14 / Cochin - Bombay
Morning transfer to the airport to connect flight to Cochin.
Leave: Cochin at: 1120 hrs. by: 9W 402
Arrive: Bombay at: 1305 hrs.
Arrive Cochin, meet assist and transfer to hotel. Night stay in Bombay.

Day 15 / Departure
Transfer to airport to board the onward flight.