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Kerala Homestay Tour
8 days/7 nights – Gateway: Kochi
£529pp
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Day 1: Kochi - Olavipe
Arrive at Kochi.
Assistance on arrival and transfer to Olavipe (gift of waves) which is in the heart of Kerala - the sunny southern state of India; It is just 25 kms and 45 minutes from the city of Cochin. And 63 kms & 1 hr 30 minutes drive from Cochin Airports.
On arrival check into 103 years old heritage home in a rural setting. This day either relax amidst the lush tropical greenery of Olavipe Island or indulge yourself in various activities.
Overnight Olavipe |
Day 2: Olavipe - Kochi - Olavipe
Day trip to Cochin (Kochi)-spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian sea and the backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port, which became the principal harbour for Malabar Coast's spice trade. Cochin was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built places of worship and their own communities. Sightseeing of Kochi with an English speaking guide includes
Evening witness a classical Indian dance show - Kathakali.
Kathakali (Katha means story and Kali means play) is the classical dance drama of Kerala, which dates from the 17th century and is rooted in Hindu mythology. It has a unique combination of literature, music
Overnight Olavipe |
Day 3: Olavipe - Kothamangalam
After breakfast depart for Kothamangalam where you will stay at a Plantation at Pindimana a small village seven kms away from Kothamangalam
(Kothamangalam is on Cochin - Munnar route) Nestled in the virgin hills of the Western Ghats, this home is a cluster of rubber, pepper and coconut plantations, surrounded by tiny villages in an area of 104 acres. The plantation will give you the opportunity to see the tapping and processing of rubber at close quarters. You can also you can also learn the rudiments of Kerala cuisine from your hostess.
Optional visit Kodanad elephant training camp (27 kms 45 minutes).
Overnight at Pindimana Kothamangalam |
Day 4: Kothamangalam - Mundakkayam
Optional visit to Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (13 kms) or Optional visit to Bhoothathankettu Dam (8 kms)
Return for breakfast.
Drive to the Evergreen Estate Bungalow at Mundakkayam after breakfast. Built in 1955, when the architecture of the valley was heavily influenced by
the British colonial style, the bungalow reflects a quaint blend of local style with a mild overlay of colonial architecture.
Overnight at Evergreen Mundakkayam |
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Day 5: Mundakkayam
Full day at leisure or optional day trip to Periyar (1 hr 15 mts drive) - South India's most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompassing an area of 777 sq.km; Set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake; it attracts over 300,000 visitors a year. Though the sanctuary was made a part of Project Tiger in 1973, it is better known for its elephants. Morning visit to the Tea and Spice plantations. Lunch at Spice Village [not included in the cost]. Afternoon take a boat ride on Lake Periyar, and see the wildlife around the lake as you cruise along its banks. Apart from Elephants, bison, sambar, wild boar, langaur, otter and flying squirrel are common. There are also 246 species of birds and 112 species of butterfly.
Overnight at Evergreen Mundakkayam |
Day 6: Mundakkayam - Nedumudy (near Alleppey)
After breakfast, transfer by road to the beautiful waterways and backwaters of the Kuttanadu region of Central Kerala. Once you reach the other side of the river, you will be transferred to the home in a country boat. You will stay at a heritage home on Emerald Isle, an exotic flora, breathtaking flowers, myriad birds and butterflies.
Overnight at Emerald Isle |
Day 7: Nedumudy
Full day at leisure
Visit Marari Beach Resort for a Lunch and to rest in the beach side. (1 hr drive from Emerald Isle)originates from "Mararikulam", one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm/and traditional Keralan Hospitality at it's best.
Overnight at Emerald Isle
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Day 8: Depart Nedumady - Kochi
Transfer to Kochi airport in time to connect your flight back home with sweet memories... |
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Cost includes: 7 nights accommodation on twin share with meals as mentioned, Kochi excursion & Kathakali Dance, Boat ride at Lake Periyar, visit to spice plantation at Periyar, all transfers & excursions will be by an air-conditioned vehicle, entrances as per itinerary, service of a local English speaking guide at Cochin only, road taxes, parking fee, and porterage at all airports, SITA representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers with meet & assist. Cost does not include: expense of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone /fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera /video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc, meals other than those specified above. Price excludes international flights.
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