As you fly into KERALA you may be surprised to see a green land of swaying coconut palms – so different to the rest of India. In this small state there are many contrasting areas and interesting sights to absorb. COCHIN has a colourful bustling waterfront with busy Chinese fishing nets and an enviable harbour with a constant flow of boats, barges and ships entering from the Arabian sea.
You will stay right on the waterfront for 3 nights at the BRUNTON BOATYARD HOTEL***. A full tour of Cochin is included showing the combination of several cultures – Dutch, Arab, Portuguese, British and Jewish – who primarily came as traders in search of the famous spices in this area.
Up in the cooler CARDOMAN HILLS in the WESTERN GHATS, past tea estates and spice plantations, is PERIYAR LAKE and WILDLIFE PARK, which covers 777 sq km of this very picturesque area and in 1978 was declared a tiger reserve. It is however most unlikely that you will catch a glimpse of this wonderful cat, but elephants, wild boar, sambar, antelopes and a variety of birds can be seen during your cruise on the lake. Near the park is Spice Village***, which is a delightful hotel to stay in for 4 nights with its comfortable cottages and lovely gardens. Spices, named for easy recognition, grow throughout the grounds with the mesmerising fragrance of coffee flowers amongst others.
From the hills you will then continue to KUMARAKOM, stopping for lunch at an interesting Plantation Bungalow. Four nights will then be spent at Coconut Lagoon*** in bungalow rooms in a wonderful setting on LAKE VEMBANAD, a magical place with spectacular sunset cruises with KUMARAKORAM BIRD SANCTUARY next door. Discovering the canal backwaters of ALLEPPEY – the result of 40 rivers bringing water from the CARDAMOM HILLS providing the first transport for spices – will give you a fascinating insight into village life.
From KUMARAKOM you will transfer to the Marari Beach Resort*** for four nights. Situated close to the traditional fishing village of Mararikulam, the 52 palm-thatched cottages are set in 25 acres of gardens on a beautiful sandy beach. Marari Beach is the ideal place to totally relax before your journey home.
