Following a successful first season, we have now slightly amended our Southern India tour itinerary to include a wonderful beachside location in Kerala, as well as more time for relaxation.
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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 fvlow of boats, barges and ships entering from the Arabian sea.
You will stay right on the waterfront for three nights at 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 Kumarakom 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 proceeding to
the bustling city of Mumbai (Bombay).
