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KERALA'S BREATHTAKING vista is high in the backdrop of the western ghats of tea plantations, whilst down on the coast nestle palm-fringed beaches. Visit the highlights of Kerala travelling first to the fascinating port city of Kochi (‘the Venice of the East’), then into the hills and spice growing areas to search for elephant in Periyar National Park. Journeying through the backwaters, there is plenty of time to unwind and explore the myriad network of canals and waterways that cover much of the coastal plains of the state. Finally, enjoy the unique experience of a night on a converted riceboat and cruise peacefully, often unnoticed, around the lake watching village life on the riverbanks going on all around.
DAY 1 ARRIVE MUMBAI (BOMBAY)
On arrival stay at The Taj Lands End Hotel.
DAY 2 MUMBAI - KOCHI (COCHIN)
Morning flight to Kochi on the Malabar Coast. Stay 2 nights at the superb Taj Malabar Hotel with its lakeside location. Afternoon at leisure. Evening attend a dance performance of the ancient art of Kathakali.
DAY 3 KOCHI
Morning explore the city, seeing the beautiful Synagogue and the wonderful churches and buildings on Fort Cochin.
DAY 4 KOCHI - MUNNAR
Morning drive to Munnar, a hill station summer resort and picturesque little town with gentle hills of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. Stay 1 night at the lovely Windermere Estate. Car and driver at disposal to explore the area, visiting nearby lakes, reservoirs, forest and tea estates (No guide).
DAY 5 MUNNAR - PERIYAR
Morning drive into the hills, to Thekkady on the Tamil Nadu border. Stay 2 nights at the Spice Village. Afternoon at leisure.
DAY 6 PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK
Early morning visit to nearby Periyar National Park for gameviewing by boat on the lake. The area teems with elephants. Afternoon at leisure or optional excursion.
DAY 7 PERIYAR - KUMARAKOM
Morning drive to Kanam for lunch at Serenity, a private rubber plantation estate. Continue to Kumarakom in the backwaters and stay 2 nights at Kumarakom Lake Resort.
DAY 8 KUMARAKOM
Day at leisure.
DAY 9 KUMARAKOM - RICEBARGE
Short drive to board your ricebarge and stay on board overnight. These unique, converted ricebarges offer a peaceful, unhurried way to explore the backwaters, watching village life unfold around you.
DAY 10 RICEBARGE - ALLEPPEY - MARARIKULAM
Morning disembark at Alleppey and drive to Mararikulam Beach. Stay 3 nights at Marari Beach Resort.
DAY 11 MARARIKULAM
Day at leisure.
DAY 12 MARARIKULAM
Day at leisure.
DAY 13 MARARIKULAM - KOCHI -
MUMBAI
Drive to Kochi airport for afternoon flight to Mumbai. After dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai depart for the airport.
DAY 14 DEPART MUMBAI
Early morning departure for onward destination.
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