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| Arrival at Cochin International Airport. Meet, assist at the airport and transfer to your hotel. The Gateway to God’s own Country Kerala, Cochin (Kochi) is arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, It is also the Commercial and Industrial capital of the state of Kerala. Overnight at Cochin. |
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| Breakfast at hotel. Then, proceed for a half day city tour of Cochin or Kochi. Places of interest are The Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturdays), St.Francis Church, Dutch Cemetery, the Chinese fishing nets at the entrance of Cochin Harbour, and Willingdon Island - a manmade island made from materials dredged while deepening Cochin port. In the evening visit a local auditorium for an enchanting Kathakali Dance Show - Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. Dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Overnight at hotel in Cochin. (B) |
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| Breakfast at hotel. Later, check out from the hotel and drive to Thekkady (185kms/5hrs). Arrive and check into hotel. Thekkady-777 sq.km of lush green tropical forests is the natural habitat of elephant, bison, spotted deer, sambar, bear and many colourful birds etc. Overnight at hotel in Thekkady. (B) |
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| Breakfast at hotel. (OPTIONAL) boat cruise in Lake Periyar. Periyar sanctuary, the main attraction of Thekkady, is one of the best sanctuaries in India for watching and photographing elephants at close quarters. Thereafter proceed for a small Spice plantation Tour. Overnight at hotel in Thekkady. (B) |
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| Breakfast at hotel. Then, proceed to Kumarakom (130kms/4hrs). Arrive Kumarakom by noon and transfer to your hotel. Kumarakom, a charming village on the eastern bank of Vembanadu Lake surrounded by paddy fields, is an ideal place for a backwater cruise. It is also called as “The Venice of the East”. In the afternoon, visit the bird sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Overnight at hotel in Kumarakom. (B) |
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| Breakfast at hotel. Later, drive to Kovalam (165kms/5hrs) by car. Arrive Kovalam and check into your hotel. Kovalam is India's most spectacular beach resort, just 16 km from Trivandrum. The clear water in Kovalam is ideal for swimming, surfing and water-skiing. Facilities like Ayurvedic massage, yoga, water sports etc are available here. Remaining day at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam. (B) |
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| Breakfast at hotel. Then, leave the hotel for a city tour of Trivandrum which is half an hour away. Trivandrum, a sprawling 74 sq km city, is the capital of Kerala. The great variety of lovely old colonial and traditional Kerala buildings give Trivandrum a special ambience. The main attractions are the Govt. Art Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, The Zoological Garden, Padmanabhaswamy Temple (entry restricted), Caudiyar Palace, Museum and Veli Tourist village. Return to Kovalam in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam. (B) |
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| Breakfast at hotel. Then, departure transfer to Trivandrum International Airport. (B) |
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