JOURNEY TO THE SOUTHERN BACKWATERS TAMIL NADU & KERALA
Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days
Destinations covered: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Cochin - Periyar - Kumarakom - Mararikulam.
Day 1: Reach Chennai
Arrival at Chennai. Welcome by our representative with flower garlands. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Chennai / Mahabalipuram
Next morning, proceed for the city tour of Madras, now known as Chennai - the gateway to south and one of the India's metropolitan city located on the Coromandel Coast. Visit the St. George Fort, San Thome Cathedral, which contains the remains of St Thomas and the famous bronze Museum. Thereafter depart for Mahabalipuram. Arrive and check in to the hotel.
Day 3: Mahabalipuram
Morning depart for the tour of Mahabalipuram - also known as Mamallapuram. It is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport in 01st century.In the afternoon, visit Kancheepuram, famous for both its temples and its hand-woven silks.Return to the hotel.
Day 4: Mahabalipuram/ Chennai / Cochin (Flight)
After breakfast leave for Chennai Airport for a flight to Cochin. Cochin being a fine natural harbour, has been Kerala's center of trade for centuries.
Day 5: Cochin
Proceed for the serene beauty of Cochin now called 'Kochi' is the commercial hub of Kerala and a town of great historical importance. It has one of the finest natural harbours and is called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". Make a visit to the Fort area including the Dutch Palace, the Church of St. Frances and the Jewish synagogue. Rest of the day at disposal to explore the local market and ending your day with enchanting Kathakali dance show in the evening. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Day 6: Cochin / Periyar (3 hours)
In the morning, depart for Periyar. In the afternoon, get set for a spicy treat to the farmlands famous for Indian spices.Rest of the day at disposal.
Day 7: Periyar
The next morning, visit the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God's Own Country Kerala, is the Periyar National Park which has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary with a rare species of wildlife, birds and a Tiger Reserve. The reptilian population boasts of monitor lizards, which can be spotted basking in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore. Return to Hotel.
Day 8: Periyar / Kumarakom (3 hours)
Next morning, depart for Kumarakom. Check in at the hotel. Situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a part of Kuttanad ('granary' of Kerala). In the afternoon, proceed to visit the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary. Just opposite the river you will find the Coconut Lagoon, a small bird sanctuary with a numerous species of birds found sunbathing. A five-minute boat ride from Coconut Lagoon, followed by a walk on the other side will get you there. Return to the hotel.
Day 09: Kumarakom / House Boat
Morning at leisure. Later in the afternoon, transfer to the Jetty and check in to the House Boat for an overnight journey towards Alleppey. Lunch on board. This journey will take you through the tropical countryside and enchanting backwaters of Alleppey to Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets and regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous. Dinner and overnight in the House Boat.
Day 10: House Boat / Mararikulam
Breakfast on board. Reach Alleppey and transfer to Mararikulam. Give yourself sometime to relax in the hotel.
Day 11: Mararikulam
Have the entire day at leisure to take advantage of the facilities provided at the resort. Take a dip in the pool or swim in the sea. The calm and sandy beach is always there for a tranquil nap. The resort also offers the opportunity for a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.
Day 12: Mararikulam / Cochin (3 hours) / Onward Destination
Start your day at the beach and spend the day basking in the sun. In the evening leave for the International airport in Cochin to catch your flight towards onward destination.
