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Enchanting Kerala Tours

Places to See : Cochin – Munnar – Periyar - Alleppey – Kumarakom – Kovalam - Trivandrum – Depart
Duration : 08 Nights / 09 Days

Day 01: ARRIVAL COCHIN

Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Cochin late in the night or midnight. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

KOCHI (COCHIN): The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.

Overnight stay will be at hotel,

Day 02: COCHIN – MUNNAR

After breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing in Cochin. The commercial town of Kerala, Kochi- a vibrant, lively city of palm green filled with interesting artifacts in every corner. The combination of main land Ernakulam is the business and tourist heart of Kerala.

Places to be visited:

Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry : The Synagogue at Mattancherry built in 1568, The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the Copper Plates on which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest, is the oldest Synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. It was partially destroyed in the war of 1662, but was rebuilt by Dutch. In the mid 18th century the clock tower was added. Its floors are paved with exquisite had painted blue-willow tiles imported from China. Of these no two tiles are alike. The great scrolls of the old testament the copper plates in which the grands of privilege made by the Cochin Rules were recorded and the exquisite Chinese and Painted Tiles are of great interest. The Synagogue is open from 10 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 5 pm on all days except Saturdays and Jewish holidays. The boasts of Rabbi gives visitors a full account of the synagogue and the history of the Jews in Kerala. Although this ancient community of Cochin has new dwindled to Hebrew language remain in Jew Town.

St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin : Reputed to the the oldest church in India built by the Europeans (The Protestant church was built originally by the Portuguese in AD 1510 and is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India). It is situated in Fort Cochin 10 km. away from style and renamed St. Francis of Assisi Church. Vasco Da Gama the Governor of Portuguese territories in India was buried in here before his mortal remains were taken to Portugal, fourteen years after his death. But the original tablet still remains here. Old records of the Church can been seen here. The most important one is the "Doop Book" of the Dutch Baptismal register maintained till 1804. Some old cadjan leaf manuscripts preserved in the church give information about the life of the Portuguese and Dutch settlers here. Grave stones from the graves of Vasco Da Gama and Portuguese and Dutch are embedded on the walls of Church. Brass tablets in memory of many Europeans especially the English are also embedded on the walls

Santa Cruz Basilica Church : This Roman Catholic church is situated near the St. Francis church and is worth a visit. It is a specimen of Portuguese architecture built in 1503. ‘Frescoes’ and mural paintings decorate the ceiling and interior parts of the church. The gothic architecture and the lofty spires give it a unique grandeur

Early evening proceed to Munnar

MUNNAR:
Munnar has an ancient history and prehistoric relics discovered around the area point to Stone Age civilization. However the written history begins from the 10th century onwards.

In Tamil, the word Munnar means three rivers and as it is at the confluence of three mountain streams, the name is apt. In the year 1790, the Duke of Wellington became the first European to visit the area and the Tamilians (known as 'Muthuvans') also migrated to Munnar and nearby places during this period. In the early 19th century, the headman of the villages of Anchanad, Kannan Thevar, held lands to the north of the high ranges, which belonged to the local Rajah of Poojar.

In 1877 said Poonjar chief, a subordinate of the Maharaja of Travancore, leased 588 sq. km of land around Munnar to a Mr. J D Munro, a British lawyer cum tea planter. This tract, henceforth called the Kannan Devan (Kannan Thevar) Concession Land, was completely undeveloped, largely unexplored, and covered with thick jungle.

Overnight in the hotel

Day 03: MUNNAR – PERIYAR

Proceed for Periyar after breakfast.

The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, ‘Akananuru’, ‘Purananuru’ etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the ‘Choorni Nadi’ or ‘Thamraparni Nadi’ (Sukasandesam –stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which created an Island at the ‘Azhimugham’ of the Periyar which is now known as the Vyppin Islands.

Proceed for enjoying a Boat cruise in Periyar Lake with lunch break. The most enjoyable part of seeing the wildlife is going around the lake in a boat. From the safety of a boat you can witness herds of wild elephants coming down to water and swim. The other prominent fauna to be seen are Tiger, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild dogs, Porcupine, Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Gaur and Black Langur (Monkey). Tigers and Leopards seldom come to the lakeside by day.

Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at hotel in Periyar.

Day 04: PERIYAR

Breakfast will be at hotel.

In the morning proceed for sightseeing in Thekkady.

Mangala Devi Temple: Mangala Devi is an ancient temple and is located 15 km from Thekkady. It lies hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level.

Kumily: This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is located on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping center and spice trade center.

Murikkady: Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

SPICE PLANTATION, This will be an interesting tour at one of the family farm houses. Proceed to the SPICE MARKET to have a look at the finished products.

Overnight stay will be at hotel.

Day 05: PERIYAR – ALLEPPEY

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, check in at houseboat; enjoy the backwater cruise by watching beautiful villages, paddy fields, small churches, temples and day-to-day life of village people. Your crew will cook you delicious meals on the boat.

Overnight stay at Houseboat

Day 06: ALLEPPEY – KUMARAKOM – KOVALAM

Morning after breakfast disembarks from houseboat and proceeds by road to Kovalam,
Enchanting Kerala Tours
KOVALAM: Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum.Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South".

Its scenic beauty and serenity is supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation . There are a lot of restaurants which provide western style food as well as Indian, which is delicious. The grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns and kalamari are got fresh from the sea at Kovalam. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 07: KOVALAM

Morning leisurely breakfast at hotel and full day enjoy free time at beaches of Kovalam,

Overnight stay at hotel

Day 08: KOVALAM

Morning leisurely breakfast at hotel and full day enjoy free time at beaches of Kovalam,

Overnight stay at hotel

Day 09: KOVALAM – TRIVANDRUM – DEPART

Morning after breakfast proceeds by road to Trivandrum, on arrival transfer to airport to catch flight for onward destination with sweet memories of tour to India,

Tour Ends