EXOTIQUE KERALA TOUR (GODS OWN COUNTRY)
EIT-09
09 Nights Mumbai-Cochin-Alleppey-Kumarakom-Munnar-Thekkady-Cochin
Day-01 ARRIVE MUMBAI
Arrive Mumbai you will be met by the representative of Exptique Expeditions and transferred to the hotel.
Mumbai's entrepreneurial dreams climb as high as the gleaming skyscrapers that define its skyline. As the economical powerhouse of India, this go-getting city is a magnet for high-flyers and business gurus looking to make a cool million. Mumbai's name however comes from much humbler beginnings. From a cluster of seven islands inhabited by Koli fishermen living on the shores of the Arabian Sea and worshipping Mumbadevi, this impressive city was born.
DAY-02 MUMBAI
Morning city tour of Bombay - the great port city with its Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern. The tour includes 'Gateway of India' overlooking the Harbour, the 'Towers of Silence', 'Marine Drive', the 'Colaba Causeway' - the commercial heart of Bombay and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor 'laundry'. Drive upto the Malabar Hill to the lovely 'Hanging Gardens' and the Kamla Nehru Park from where you will get a wonderful view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea, spread out before you. Also visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, and the bustling Crawford Market.. Afternoon excursion to the Elephanta Island - one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to the lush green Elephanta Island. Here, visit some of the huge and intricately carved Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century. For rows of massive columns cut into solid rock from three magnificent avenues, lead to the outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various manifestations of Shiva is overpowering.
DAY-03 MUMBAI-COCHIN (by air)
Transfer to the airport in time to connect flight for Cochin.
 Cochin's history is a bright tapestry - many coloured threads woven through centuries together present the fabric of the present. Its involvement with the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British are evident in the architecture of city buildings, the old durbar hall is the spice in the dish! Modern day Kochi may be a busy port and shipping centre but it has many attractions for ordinary tourists.
In Cochin – meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon you will be given the city tour of Cochin - visit Dutch Palace (Built by the Portuguese), Jew Town, the 1568 Jewish Synagogue, spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices, St. Francis' Church and Chinese fishing nets. In the evening you will witness Kerala's most popular classical dance “Kathakali”.
DAY-04 COCHIN-ALLEPPEY-KUMARAKOM
Morning Leave Cochin for Alleppey.
Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event.
Arrive Alleppey and check in at the Houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving towards Kumarakom.
When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom. Kumarakom the charming emerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake takes you into the heart of the scenic lake where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora. They are rich with marine life namely the exclusive 'Kumarakom Karimeen' (pearl spotted fish), Konju (tiger prawns), Njandu (crabs), Chemeen (prawns) and many more.
The Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Lunch and dinner will be at the Houseboat.
DAY-05 KUMARAKOM
Full day at leisure.
DAY-06 KUMARAKOM-MUNNAR (120 kms/ 75 Miles)
Leave Kumarakom for Munnar by road.
Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams called Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, the small town of Munnar is characterized by the clean, neat and brightly painted ambience inside the city. Beautiful landscape, cozy weather and wonderfully scented tealeaves are some of the other aspects that make this place a much sought after destination in Kerala. Moreover, it used to be one of the favorite summer resorts of the British during their reign in the country.
Arrive Munnar and check in at the hotel. Later visit to tea plantations.
DAY-07 MUNNAR
Full day at leisure.
DAY-08 MUNNAR-THEKKADY (110 kms /69 Miles)
Leave for Thekkady by road.
This area is of historical importance for more than one reason. It has been and still is an important spice plantation area. Thekkady is one of the finest known natural wildlife sanctuaries and it has a history dating back to the year 1934, when the then state government took initiative to establish the Nellikampathy Sanctuary. This wildlife sanctuary was later developed into the 780 square kilometer Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary by the year 1950.
Evening game viewing at the sanctuary by boat on lake Periyar.
DAY-09 THEKKADY-COCHIN
Leave Thekkady for Cochin by road. Arrive Cochin and check in at the hotel.
DAY-10 DEPART-COCHIN
You will be met by the representative of Exotique Expeditions at the hotel and transferred to the airport, in time to connect your onward flight.
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