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.
In Cochin 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 CARDAMOM HILLS in the WESTERN GHATS, past tea estates and spice plantations, is PERIYAR LAKE and WILDLIFE PARK. 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. There are many activities on offer at the hotel including an interesting pepper vines and spice plantation tour.
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 for spectacular sunset cruises with KUMARAKOM BIRD SANCTUARY next door. We have included an enjoyable motor-boat cruise so that you can discover the CANAL BACKWATERS from Kumarakom to Alleppey. These backwaters are the result of 40 rivers bringing water from the CARDAMOM HILLS, providing the first transport for spices. This trip 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.
TRANSPORT/GUIDES
You will travel in an air-conditioned coach with driver and English-speaking guide for youring in Kerala. A full-time guide is not necessary at Marari Beach. For all airport transfers and sightseeing an experienced guide will accompany you.
