Malabar Escapes
08 Days / 07 Nights
Kochi | Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary | Kumarakom Backwaters | Kovalam
Day 01 : Arrive Kochi Airport
On arrival you will be met by our representative & transferred to hotel in Kochi - formerly known as Cochin in the coastal state of Kerala. With a natural harbour that has always been one of the finest in the world. Day is free for leisure. Overnight stay in Kochi.
Day 02 : Tour Kochi
Today proceed on a guided city tour, visit the Portuguese Church built by St. Francis in 1562, the Jewish Synagogue, the famed Mattancherry Palace, and the Chinese fishing nets - ingenious devices requiring little human attention. Tonight enjoy a presentation of the colorful costumed Kathakali dance drama. Overnight stay in Kochi.
Day 03 : Drive to Thekkady (04 hrs)
Your exploration of South India continues as you travel to the Spice Capital Thekkady, located on the Tamil Nadu / Kerala border. This unique wildlife sanctuary is about 300 square miles and centered on an artificial lake fed by the Periyar River. Upon arrival check in. Rest of the evening is free for leisure / experience holistic ayurveda massage at your hotel. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Day 04 : In Thekkady
This morning game viewing is on board boats, which carry you along convoluted waterways and afford sightings of elephant, bison, deer and occasionally tiger. This tropical habitat makes it one of the premiere reserves of southern India with all manner of flora and fauna in abundance. Return to hotel & relax. Later take a spice plantation tour accompanied by a naturalist. Evening is free for leisure / explore the markets. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Day 05 : Drive to Kumarakom (04 hrs)
After breakfast we drive to Kumarakom - is an emerald peninsula of paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters that juts out into Lake Vembanad. Perhaps more famously knows as the Backwaters this area is unique being made up of labyrinth of canals and lakes that stretch between the capital Cochin and Quilon in the south. From the vastness of Lake Vembanad to the quiet streams just large enough for a canoe, the Backwaters form the arteries through which rural daily life calmly flows - children splashing in the water, women washing clothes at the water's edge, fishermen up to their necks in water digging out fish with their feet, rice barges transporting coconuts and rice (the staples of the Keralan diet) and, above all, an overriding sense of peace and tranquility that permeates every aspect of this stunning region. Upon arrival check in. Day is free to experience the healing ayurvedic massage. Ayurveda believes that human being consists of the five elements, air, water, fire, ether & earth. And the combination of any of these elements exists in each one of us. Ayurveda the traditional form of Indian medicine was developed by ancient sages whose astute observations led to the development of constitutional medicine. The ancients visualized the universe as a constant play of energies, an imbalance of which created discomfort and disease in the body. It was the duty of the vaidya (physician) to harmonize this imbalance of the body - mind environment. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.
Day 06 : Drive to Kovalam Beach (04 hr)
After breakfast we drive to the coast of Kovalam - A groove of coconut trees.
This is a combination of three small beaches, the sheltered natural bay, the
azure blue waters and the sumptuous spread of green palm groves, reefs and shoals,
leisurely sailing wooden canoes, clear waters at dawn, corals, shells, marine
life, foliage and rejuvenating herbal and body toning massages make it a tropical
paradise. Upon arrival check in. Afternoon is at leisure to unwind in the picturesque
environs or to enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Day 07 : Relax in Kovalam
Day
is free for leisure at your resort in Kovalam.
Day 08 : Departure
Bid farewell. Today we transfer to Kochi airport for your flight to onward destination.
End of a memorable tour !!!
Copyright © Jmm Travel India. All Rights Reserved