Kerala With Taj Group of Hotels

Duration: 08 Nights / 09 Days

Destinations Covered: Cochin-Alleppey-Kumarakom-Periyaer-Kovalam- Thiruvananthapuram

On arrival at Cochin airport or Ernakulam railway station our representative having a placard displaying your name will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel. In the evening enthrall yourself with a special presentation of the colorfully costumed Kathakali Dance Drama at a local theatre; thereafter return to hotel. Overnight at Hotel Taj Malabar Cochin.

This morning after breakfast take a full day city tour of Kochi. Your sightseeing will include Fort Kochi beach, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace or 'Dutch Palace' & the Chinese Fishing Nets. The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. Dutch Palace: The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portugese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja (King) of Kochi. Coronation of many Kings of Kochi was held here. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Fort Kochi beach: A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. Jewish Synagogue: The synagogue, magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace. In the evening enjoy Motor Boat Ride at Cochin Harbour and thereafter evening free to walk around the beach. Overnight at Hotel Taj Malabar Cochin.

This morning after breakfast transfer to Alleppey popularly referred to as 'Venice of the East' and check-in to the traditional houseboat for Back water Cruise, which will be a unique experience in your life. No tourist can go away from Alappuzha without taking a cruise along the backwaters in a traditional houseboat. The houseboats complete with a well furnished bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom. There are drivers and a cook on board. On the houseboat you can observe the everyday life of locals, pick up toddy (a mild alcoholic drink made from coconut sap), dig into grilled prawns and indulge in bird watching. Enjoy dinner on board. Overnight in Spice Coast Cruise from Casino Group of Hotels.

This morning after breakfast check-out from the houseboat and drive to Kumarakom located on the Southern coast of India enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. Kumarakom is one of the 10 best preferred destinations in India for tourism. The village comprises of cluster of small islands on the famous lake called Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom is an enchanting backwater destination to visit After check in at hotel visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, the best time for this is between November and March, when a range of migratory birds from Siberia make it their winter home. Some of the species include the Snake bird Little Cormorant, Crow Pleasant, White-branded water Hen and Tree pie. Occasionally you can catch the native kingfishers setting the waters ablaze in a psychedelic flash of colours. The night herons, the Golden-backed woodpeckers are added delights. At the fourteen-acre bird sanctuary one can glimpse many a rare bird some of which, sadly, may not be around forever. Evening enjoy the sun set cruise thereafter return to hotel. Overnight at hotel Taj Garden Retreat-Kumarakom.

Today wake up early in the morning for the grandest show on earth. The sun breaks with a smile and stretches its arm across the river to wish you good morning. After breakfast transfer to Periyar. The Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is spread across 780 sq km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest; this sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife. Further, the splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however are the herds of wild elephants that come down to the play in the lake. This afternoon enjoy boat ride and experience a unique wild life experience. Overnight at hotel Taj Garden Retreat-Thekkady.

Note: Overnight at hotel Spice Village as hotel Taj Garden Retreat-Thekkady is closed for renovation.

This Morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Kovalam just 16 kms from Trivandrum. Kovalam is known as the 'Paradise of the South'. The beauty and serenity of Kovalam with excellent accommodations, ayurvedic massage parlors, yoga centres and water sport facilities attract thousand of tourist from all over the world. The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts. The southern most and the most popular beach is the Lighthouse Beach. Further south on the beach you can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque. The middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning this beach acts as a base for the local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra, is least affected of all by the changing times. It is dotted with few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels. Evening free at your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel Taj Garden Cove Resort-Kovalam.

Kovalam Beach Tour

This morning after breakfast indulge yourself in the beauty of the tiny beach. You can go for swimming and bathing at kovalam, it will be an exhilarating experience and if you go for snorkeling, you can get wonderful views of underwater coral reefs. Surfing is another water sport which you can enjoy in Kovalam. When you are in Kovalam do not forget to take an Ayurvedic Massage to refresh your body and soul. Overnight stay at hotel Taj Garden Cove Resort-Kovalam.

Free day in Kovalam at your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel Taj Garden Cove Resort-Kovalam.

This morning after breakfast your will be transferred to Thiruvananthapuram airport to board your onward flight.

Your Tour Includes:

• 07 Nights accommodation in Taj Group of Hotels on twin sharing.
• 01 Night accommodation in Luxury traditional houseboat Spice Coast Cruise from Casino Group of Hotels with all meals.
• Daily buffet breakfast.
• All arrival, departure, sightseeing's as per above itinerary by air conditioned car with English speaking driver. (Including fuel, parking, road tax, toll tax, state taxes, vehicles insurance and driver's expenses.)
• Motor Boat Ride at Cochin Harbour.
• Boat ride in Periyar.
• Kathakali dance show tickets.
• All applicable hotel & transport taxes.
• Government services tax of 3.09%.

Your Tour Does Not Includes:

• Any meals other than those specified.
• Expenses of personal nature such as tips, telephone calls, laundry, liquor etc.
• Entrance fees during sightseeing.
• Any other item not specified.
• International airfare.

Terms & conditions:

• The hotels and services mentioned in the itinerary are subject to confirmation.
• The rates give below may change in case of change in hotels, transport rates.

Hotels to be provided: