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Day 7 Thekkady / Kumarakom / embark Houseboat  |
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Set on an attractive lakeside Periyar is one of India’s finest wildlife sanctuaries and home to herds of wild tuskers, bison and spotted deer. Early morning enjoy a boat safari in the beautiful Periyar Lake for game viewing. Later drive 85 miles in 4 hours to the backwaters region of Kumarakom. Arrive Kumarakom and embark on a quaint, thatched roof houseboat for one of the most memorable experiences – the boat journey in the backwaters of Kerala.
(Air-conditioned Houseboat) |
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| Day 8 Alleppy / Cochin |
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 Experience a way of life unique to this region while sailing through scenic backwaters. This bewildering labyrinth of shimmering waterways, composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets, is lined with dense tropical greenery, and preserves rural Keralan lifestyles. The view changes from narrow canals and dense vegetation to open vistas and dazzling green paddy fields, homes, farms, churches, temples and mosques. In the afternoon disembark at Alleppey and drive Cochin. Arrive Cochin and check in to Taj Malabar situated on Wellingdon Island with magnificent views of the harbor.
(Taj Malabar) |
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| Day 9 Cochin |
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Cochin, Kerala's prime destination, spread across islands in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and backwaters. Morning tour of Cochin includes visit to Dutch Palace (built by the Portuguese), Jew Town and the 1568 Synagogue, the spice market where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices, St Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. In the evening enjoy Kathakali dance drama. This is a unique dance form that combines dance, yoga, ballet and traditional Indian medicine. It has more than a hundred Mudras or gestures depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
(Taj Malabar) |
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| Day 10 Cochin / Kovalam |
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Morning is at leisure until transfer to the airport in time for Indian flight IC 909 Cochin / Trivandrum (1435/1505). Arrive Trivandrum and transfer to Kovalam, a charming fishing village located on the coast of the Arabian Sea. Arrive Kovalam and check-in to Taj Green Cove Resort spread across 10 acres of Kerala landscape dotted with birdbaths, sculptures and fountains. Rest of the day is at leisure.
(Taj Green Cove Resort) |
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| Day 11 Kovalam |
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 After breakfast visit the Napier museum which has a fine collection of bronzes, historical and contemporary ornaments, temple carts, ivory carvings and life-size figures of Kathakali dancers in full regalia. Also visit the massive Padmanabhaswami temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and part of the Hindu trinity. Nearby is the interesting Horse Palace, so called because the architecture resembles the horse’s legs. Afternoon is at leisure.
(Taj Green Cove Resort) |
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| Day 12 Kovalam / Bangalore |
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The day is at leisure to chill out on the beach, a golden strip of sand, laced with palm trees. This internationally acclaimed, lush, tropical beach is often referred to as “the paradise of the south”. Late afternoon transfer to Trivandrum airport in time for Jet Airway flight 9W 3538 Trivandrum / Bangalore (1635/1805). Arrive Bangalore and transfer to Taj West End.
(Taj West End) |
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