India 2020-22 Brochure

For more information or to book, call 020 8423 3000 or contact your travel agent. 34 Kerala Experience 3 nights Kochi – 2 nights Periyar – 2 nights Kumarakom – 4 nights Kovalam 11 nights from: £2995 Kerala in the far south of India has a charm and gentleness unlike anywhere else in India. Here you can be as relaxed or as energetic as you wish. On this tour you will visit the delightful areas of Kochi, Periyar, Kumarakom and the pristine beaches of Kovalam. Kerala Experience What’s Included: ✯ Flights with all transfers ✯ Sightseeing and excursions based on use of exclusive vehicle ✯ Services of local English-speaking guide ✯ 11 breakfasts, 1 local family lunch, 1 lunch on houseboat, 1 cooking class with dinner in Periyar ✯ Kochi: Kathakali dance show and morning visit to fisherman’s village and interaction with local family. Tuk Tuk ride and local bus ride ✯ Periyar: Kalaripayattu martial art show and bamboo rafting ✯ Day cruise houseboat with Kerala lunch in Kumarakom ✯ Kochi Sightseeing: Drive to Fort Cochin to visit The St Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India, Vasco de Gama. Visit the Chinese fishing nets. Take a rickshaw ride (tuk tuk) to Mattancherry, renowned for its wall murals. Visit the Jewish Synagogue (Friday and Saturday closed). Take the local bus from Mattancherry to Broadway (40 minutes), the famous wholesale market. A stroll along the famous Marine Drive, later enjoy a motor boat cruise for 45 minutes around the harbour area. This is a private tour based on 2 sharing. This itinerary can be tailor-made to your own specifications with a choice of alternative accommodation, and duration, please call our friendly and helpful team on 020 8423 3000 or email india@somak.co.uk Day 1 Overnight flight from UK to Kochi. Days 2-3 Kochi Kochi is spread across several islands and promontories in a stunning location. Met and transferred to your hotel on Willingdon Island (45 km, approx. 1 hour). Overnight: Taj Malabar Resort & Spa Day 4 Kochi Early morning visit the nearby village of Kuthiatode, followed by a tuk tuk ride to the fishermen's beach to witness the boatmen bringing in their fresh catch for auction. After breakfast have the chance to interact with a local family. Enjoy a rickshaw ride while going through various markets and paddy fields. Late afternoon, proceed to a local theatre where you can see a live performance of Kathakali dance and other performing arts of Kerala. Overnight: Taj Malabar Resort & Spa Day 5 Periyar After breakfast drive to Periyar. On the way stop for lunch at a very old heritage home, enjoy typical Keralan cuisine with a local family. Continue to Periyar. Periyar in Thekkady is South India's most popular wildlife sanctuary, known for its elephants. In the evening witness Kalaripayattu (martial arts) performance at a local theatre. Overnight: Spice Village Day 6 Periyar Early morning boat ride on Lake Periyar. Walk through the spice plantations. Watch a cooking demonstration and enjoy a freshly cooked meal. Overnight: Spice Village Day 7 Kumarakom After breakfast drive to Kumarakom, a beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald-green paddy fields and coconut groves with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Overnight: Lake Resort Day 8 Kumarakom Board a houseboat for a cruise around the backwaters on Vembanad Lake. Lunch and afternoon tea on board the houseboat. Overnight: Lake Resort Days 9-12 Kovalam After breakfast, drive to Kovalam, an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. Overnight: Niraamayaa Retreats Surya Samudra Day 13 Depart Transfer to Trivandrum airport for return flight to UK. Houseboat 4 Kovalam 2 Periyar 3 Kochi 2 Kumarikom