Itinerary
|
Day 1
Cochin - Kumarakom Transfer to Kumarakom with private vehicle and driver. Kumarakom is enthrallingly beautiful. The blue backwaters and the surface of Vembanad Lake reflect the azure sky. The amazing shades of green of the vegetation that include mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside. Channels and waterways wind their way through this green paradise. Water lilies and lotuses bloom in the water and birds from the bird sanctuary on Vembanad Lake call as they fly across the clear tropical sky. Kumarakom is an idyllic holiday destination that loves with Kerala Backwater.
Arrival at Kumarakom and board the houseboat around 12noon, Welcome drink on arrival
Cruise through the Vembanad lake which is the largest fresh water lake in Asia, R block & C block- the man made islands in the middle of Vembanad lake, Pathiramanal island etc.
Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). One of the higlights of a Kerala trip - Kerala houseboat cruises. For those who would prefer to avoid the frenzied activity on a vacation, who wish to rest and relax in the very lap of nature, to enjoy luxury in the privacy of a cabin and yet not remain pent up in a hotel, for those who wish to experience the beauty of rural life combined with the advantages of an urban living, a houseboat cruise is the perfect answer.
A cruise along the palm-fringed waterways of Kerala in a luxury houseboat is the most enchanting holiday experience in India today. In this world of simple pleasures, you will skim past ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves. A tour down the backwaters would provide you with a complete and most enchanting experience on the back waters of Kerala and will also reveal to you some interesting facts about the life of local village people also take you to’ The rice bowl of Kerala’ one of the ve Kochi (Cochin) has a powerful lure for tourists. Its location between the blue, blue waters of the Arabian Sea and Kerala’s emerald backwaters, rich medley of Indian and foreign architecture, unusual sights like the Chinese fishing nets, and quaint localities like the Jewish Quarter, all draw the attention of visitors.Kochi played a pivotal role in the development of shipping and trade in the southern region with its prime location on the west coast, fine bay, and protected harbor. Merchant ships made frequent stops to stock up on spices, coffee and wood, en-route to the rich markets of Europe and West Asia. The city was alternately controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, whose influences are evident in the architecture of city buildings.
|
 Kumarakom |
 Kerala Backwaters |
 houseboat |
|
|
|
Day 2
Alappuzha - Kumarakom Alappuzha, previously known as Alleppey, in Kerala is surrounded by waterways and canals and is therefore also called the "Venice of the East." Alappuzha is famous for the beautiful backwaters surrounding it. Many Kerala Backwater cruises begin or end in Alappuzha. The backwaters with water birds and flowers and greenery along their banks are a beautiful and refreshing sight. See the serene attractions of Alappuzha on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
Cruise through the Punnamada Lake - the venue of famous Nehru Trophy boat race and Pallathuruthy River, visiting of Chambakkulam church and the famous race boat - Chambakkulam Chundan.
Cruise through the Neumudi River, Kuppapuram canal etc en route visiting of paddy fields, typical Kerala villages etc. Tour with a traditional canoe to navigate through the narrower sections of the backwaters, for the next few hours, you will observe and experience a way of life unique to this region, accompanied by a guide. This section of the cruise includes a visit to the St. Mary’s Church, established by St. Thomas in 1721 and Sree Bhagavathy Kshetram – a 100-year old Hindu temple to Mother Goddess - at Nedumudy.
Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Overnight at Houseboat Package. Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is South India’s backwater haven. A maze of scenic waterways, beach, islands and lagoons, it has been dubbed the “Venice of the East”. The gorgeous waterscape and local ecosystem of birds and human habitat is showcased on these tranquil Kerala backwaters. Glide across streams and observe paddy fields and daily island life. House boats float along these waters daily, as coconut palms hang from overhead.
|
 Paddy field |
|
|
|
Day 3
Alappuzha - Kumarakom Kollam previously known as Quilon in Kerala, India is an ancient port located on the edge of the Ashttamudi Lake. Traders visited Kollam in ancient times from lands as far away as Phoenicia, Arabia, Greece, Rome and China. In more recent times the Portuguese established a trading post at Kollam, after which the Dutch and British set up their factories to export spices, sandalwood, ivory and coir. Kollam is also a beautiful destination and a gateway to the Kerala backwaters. You can see the tourist attractions of Kollam on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater
Cruise through the Thakazhi canal, Veliyanad village, Kidangara River, Kavalam, Kuttanad - called as the rice bowl of Kerala, visiting of Karu backmadikuttan - the 200 yrs old statue, temples etc.
Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Overnight at Houseboat Package. Kumarakom - An invigorating, fascinating paradise. The slender coconut palms, never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties. The charming emerald peninsula juts into Vembanad Lake where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways.
|
 Sunset at Kollam |
|
|
|
Day 4
Alappuzha - Cochin After the morning cruise and breakfast, check out of the houseboat at Alleppey around 10.00am. Private transfer to Kochi with vehicle and driver. Depart from Kochi international airport - end of itinerary.
|
 Cochin |
 Houseboat cruise |
|
|
|
Trip Includes
Service of an English speaking professional guide - All ground transport in a private car with driver - Guaranteed departure - Airport transfers as per the itinerary - Meal plan as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner) - Specialised and personalised services - All entrance fees to include local government taxes - Flights where indicated as per the itinerary
Trip Excludes
Laundry - Tips - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages including mineral water - International airfare - Visas - Optional activities/extras - Vacation insurance (purchase at www.kensingtontours.com/insurance.cfm )
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- The price shown is per person, and does not include international air fare to/from the trip start point
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes. We will endeavour to confirm final hotel bookings as soon as possible.
- Cancellations 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund less any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms.cfm
|