Tranquil Kerala Tour Route: Tour Duration: Kochi (2) – Munnar (2) – Periyar (1) – Kumarakom (1) – Kovalam (1) 07 nights / 08 days Day 1: Arrive Kochi (Cochin) Upon your arrival in Kochi, you will be greeted by our representative at the airport. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel for 2 nights stay. Kochi, the commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. The city has one of the finest natural harbours in the world and is an important spice trading centre. Starting from the Dutch, Portuguese and the British, Kochi was the site of the first European colonial settlements in India. Day 2: Day in Cochin This morning, enjoy a city tour of Kochi, visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. In the evening, watch a spectacular Kathakali performance. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in India. It is a spectacular combination of drama, dance, music and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics of Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Day 3: Cochin to Munnar This morning, embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, one of the most popular hill resorts of south India. British rulers called Munnar ‘Switzerland of India' for its natural surroundings and cool climate. The entire area is occupied by thick forests and tea estates. The specialty of Munnar is jungle honey, tea and a rare flower ‘Neela Kurunji’ which blooms once in a 12 years. Upon arrival in Munnar, check in at your hotel. Enjoy an evening at leisure in the serenity of Munnar. Day 4: Day in Munnar Morning at leisure for you to relax and unwind in Munnar This afternoon, visit the famous Tata Tea Museum to learn about the cultivation and processing of a variety of Indian teas. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Day 5: Munnar to Periyar This morning, embark on a scenic drive to Periyar, the wildlife and spice plantation hub of Kerala. Upon arrival in Periyar, check in to your hotel and freshen up. This afternoon, enjoy a spice plantation tour and learn about the mystery and history of Indian spices. You also get the opportunity to indulge in some spice shopping! Enjoy an evening at leisure in Periyar. Day 6: Periyar to Kumarakom Spend the morning, exploring the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary, one of the finest elephant reserves of south India. Enjoy a boat ride on the serene Periyar Lake, in the heart of the sanctuary. Later, drive to Kumarakom, a coastal town in the backwaters of Kerala. Upon arrival in Kumarakom, check in at your hotel. Evening at leisure in Kumarakom. Day 7: Kumarakom to Kovalam After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom jetty, to board your day cruise from Kumarakom to Alleppey. Kerala backwaters consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes, & canals and are best experienced while slowly rowing down the labyrinth of canals in a traditional thatch-roofed cruise, known as 'Kettuvallam'. See life on the banks, lush green rice fields, and coconut groves with occasional temple or church as you cruise through the canals. Enjoy lunch on board. Disembark your cruise at Alleppey and drive to Kovalam, the beach paradise of Kerala. Upon arrival in Kovalam, check in at your hotel. Evening at leisure in Kovalam Day 8: Day in Kovalam (DEPARTURE) Spend the day relaxing at the serene beaches of Kovalam. Later you will be transferred to Trivandrum airport to board your flight back home. Travelite (India) services terminate at Kovalam. We hope you enjoy your stay in our Incredible India…we look forward to welcoming you! _____________________________________________________________________________________________ PRICE INCLUSIONS Accommodation on twin sharing basis Daily buffet breakfast Meeting and assistance on arrival and departures Kathakali cultural performance in Cochin Day cruise in Kumarakom with lunch on board Boat ride on Lake Periyar Chauffeured air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours Local English speaking guide for sightseeing & excursion tours All currently applicable taxes PRICE EXCLUSIONS Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone / fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc. Entry fees to Monuments Any tours or sightseeing visits mentioned as ‘optional’ in the itinerary Domestic / International air fare Indian Visa Fees Any other services not mentioned in Price Inclusions above SPECIAL NOTES Check-in, check-out time at hotels is usually 12:00 noon Price includes only those items specified in your itinerary Prices are per person, in US Dollars, on twin sharing basis Prices are Gross i.e. including Travel Agent Commission (TAC) Validity Period: 16 April – 15 September 2009 In case of any significant foreign exchange fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to adjust the tour price accordingly. _____________________________________________________________________________________________