Kerala Backwater Tour

Arrive Cochin
Arrive at Kochi (Cochin) meet and assistance at the airport by our representative and
transfer to your hotel.

Proceed for a Half-day sight seeing of Cochin by private boat.

A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. Enjoy SUNSET while on the boat.

Over night stay at Cochin.

In Cochin
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
In the morning, enjoy a city tour. Visit the Mattancheery Dutch Palace where the superb series of murals painted on the wooden walls are its main attraction. Also visit the 16th century Jewish Synagogue and the Church of St. Francis. Vasco da Gama was originally buried in the Church''s cemetery. Walk around the Fort Cochin area and admire the Chinese Fishing Nets (this time from the land). Chinese traders are believed to have introduced them in the late 14th century.
The afternoon would be spent at leisure.

In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION.

Over night stay at Kochi.

Cochin – Periyar (Thekkady) By Road (Approx 160 Kms /04 Hours)
Proceed for Thekkady after breakfast.
Drive through the plantations and small Kerala villages. The whole of Kerala including the towns are like villages and the simplicity of the state can be felt while driving. All around would be scenic beauty.
Reach Thekkady. (This place is also known as Periyar because of the Lake Periyar)
Check in at the resort.

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'.

In the evening visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available. Overnight will be at Periyar (Thekkady).

In Periyar
Breakfast will be at the resort.

Enjoy the boat ride through Periyar Lake - Wildlife sanctuary. You can visit the rare species of plants and animals.

Afternoon visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. You can in the afternoon go for a short trek in the forests with a trained guide for some adventure.

Overnight stay will be at Periyar.

Periyar -  Kumarakom By Road (Approx  130 Kms / 04 hours)
Early morning proceed to Kumarakom. This journey will also be a beautiful one passing through rolling tea gardens and rubber plantations. Stop at a tea factory and watch the tea making process (interesting for children and elders). There is a beautiful solitary church you pass by and it is a nice place to stop for photography.
Reach KUMARAKOM and visit the Bird Sanctuary. Proceed to the Vembanand Lake.

The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.
Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
Cruise through the backwaters towards Alleppey. Lunch will be served on the boat. The menu is simple and traditional. The cook (chef) of the boat prepares the lunch from fresh materials and even you can have a peek at the recipe.
Tea and snacks would be served in the evening. The boat will be anchored in the backwaters along a paddy field and you can go for a stroll into the village or relax at the deck of the boat.
Dinner will be on the boat. Overnight will be at Houseboat.

Alleppey – Marari
After breakfast start for Aleppey. Cruise through the backwaters watching the children going to school and the village markets opening.

Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one of the major centres for backwater boat trips. "Kuttanad" in Alappuzha is one of few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills.

Disembark the boat at the reception of the backwater resort at Alleppey. Proceed to the beautiful MARARI BEACH RESORTS and rest of the day will be relaxation on the beach. Overnight will be at Marari.

In Marari
Breakfast will be at the resort. Relax at the beach or by the pool.
Overnight will be at Marari.

Marari – Cochin By Road (Approx 60 Kms / 02 Hours)
Cochin - Onward Destination.
After breakfast proceed to Kochi.  On arrival transfer to the Airport to connect the flight back home.