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RURAL IMAGES OF KERALA
Day 1 London to Kochi
Fly with Emirates via Dubai to Kochi.
Day 2 Kochi to Palakkad -120kms
Arrive into Kochi in the morning and proceed north by car to Kandath Tharavad
a traditional home stay belonging to the Bhagwaldas family, set amongst a
backdrop of paddy fields in a rural village approximately 10kms from Palakkad.
This traditional Nelukettu style home is built mainly from teak and mud and
is more than 200 years old. Kandath Tharavad has been sensitively restored
with six simply furnished bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms. (L/D)
Day 3 Palakkad
&
Day 4 Palakkad
At leisure to relax and enjoy the serene and peaceful surroundings. The family
will show you their village and surrounding area where you can walk through
the paddy fields, see potters at work, and basket weaving. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Palakkad to Poochakkai – 160kms
Retrace your journey and head south towards the backwaters to stay for three
nights at Olavipe the family home of the Parayil Tharakans, a well-known Syrian
Christian family of Kerala. Set amidst lush tropical greenery Olavipe is a
century-old traditional Kerala style mansion situated near the banks of the
backwaters. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Poochakkai
&
Day 7 Poochakkai
At leisure to relax and enjoy the serene and peaceful surroundings of Olavipe.
Maybe learn some Keralan recipes from the family cook, explore the village
or take a country boat through the village canals.
Day 8 Poochakkai to Munnar – 130kms
This morning leave with your driver for Munnar to stay for two nights at Windermere
Estate. Being 1,524 metres above sea level the ascent up to the town is punctuated
with spectacular scenery, sandalwood forests and tea plantations complete
with teams of brightly clothed pickers. (B/D)
Day 9 Munnar
Once the summer resort of the British Government in South India, Munnar’s
miles of tea estates, winding lanes, bustling markets, craggy peaks and fresh
mountain air make the town an ideal place in which to retreat and relax. (B/D)
Day 10 Munnar to Periyar – 105kms
Depart this morning for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Cardamom Hills
situated on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Stay for two nights at Spice
Village, a beautiful resort just outside of Periyar National Park. (B)
Day 11 Periyar
This morning take a short guided nature walk for around three hours through
the forest offering an excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and
other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous
forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The area around Periyar is famous
for spices so in the afternoon you may wish visit a local spice garden with
your driver. (B)
Day 12 Periyar to Alleppey – 165kms
Today drive down through the hills to the market town of Alleppey where you
will join your private Houseboat for your two night cruise. This is a unique
opportunity to leisurely explore and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of
the Kerala backwaters. (B/L/D)
Day 13 Backwaters
On the backwaters life passes by as it has for centuries. Fishermen tend their
nets, women weave rugs from coir, and farmers cultivate rice and a delicious
variety of fruits. (B/L/D)
Day 14 Alleppey to Kochi – 65kms
This morning, after breakfast, return by car to Kochi. Founded by Vasco da
Gama in 1502 it was once a centre of the spice trade and now the principal
port on the Malabar Coast. A cosmopolitan European influence has been left
by the various waves of Portuguese, British, Dutch and Jewish settlers who
made this colourful city their home. Stay for two nights at the Koder House
Hotel a small heritage hotel in Fort Kochi. (B)
Day 15 Kochi
Explore the diverse sights of Fort Kochi including a sunset cruise around
the harbour to see the Dutch built Bolghatty Palace and the Chinese fishing
nets. (B)
Day 16 Kochi to London
Morning depart via Dubai for London. (B)
STAYING ON
Relax on a palm fringed beach in one of the many excellent Keralan beach hotels. One of the best is the Marari Beach Resort located close to the backwaters at Alleppey and Kochi, making it an excellent place in which to spend a relaxing few days at the end of a tour.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – RURAL IMAGES OF KERALA
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £2,900. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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