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  Kerala Tours

    Honeymoon, Family Tour
   
God`s Own Country ......Cochin – Thekkady – Periyar – Cochin  ( 04 Days / 03 Nights )
Cochin : (1N) ,Thekkady : (2N)

Day 1 : Day 01: Arrival at Cochin
On your arrival at the Cochin , transfer to hotel. Spend the afternoon with local sightseeing in and around Cochin - the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, this is one of the finest natural harbors in the World and was one of the major centers for commerce and trade with British, Chinese, Portugese, Dutch, etc. Sightseeing attractions in Cochin include Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jewish Street, St. Francis Church and Chinese Fishing Nets. Overnight stay in Cochin.
     
Day 2 : Day 02: Cochin – Thekkady (200 km, 6 Hours drive)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Thekkady, on arrival check into the hotel. Spend the evening at leisure, overnight stay at Thekkady.
     
Day 3 : Day 03: Thekkady Sightseeing
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing tour of Thekkady - one of the world`s most fascinating wild life reserves. The Periyar wild life sanctuary in Thekkady is spread across 777 sq km of which 360 sq km is thick ever green forest. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wild life and scenic beauty, the sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Optional activities like Boating at Periyar Lake, Spice Plantation visit, Bamboo Rafting, Trekking and Elephant Ride can be done on an extra cost.. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
     
Day 4 : Day 04: Thekkady – Cochin (200 km, 06 Hours drive)
After early breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Cochin for onward journey
     

Cochin
Welcome to Kerala, God"s Own Country. With the Arabian Sea on the west, the western ghats towering 500 - 2700m on the east and Kerala is networked by forty-four rivers. Kerala is a very easy place to simply sit back and enjoy. The name means "land of coconuts" and the palms shade nearly the entire state from the tropical sun; many call the beach at Kovalam the best in India, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush green hill stations and exotic wildlife, ayurvedic health resorts, enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic and cultural monuments, an exotic cuisine… all of which offers a unique experience.

Kerala is one of the ten "Paradises Found" declared by the National Geographic Traveler, for its diverse geography and overwhelming greenery. It is a land much acclaimed for the contemporary nature of its cultural ethos, and much appreciated for the soothing, rejuvenating paradise that it is.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area:38,863 sq km, which is 1.27% of India"s total land area and is located at the Southwest tip of the India"s main land
Weather: Tropical
Summer: April-June [24 - 33 degree Celsius]
Monsoon: July-September [22 - 27 degree Celsius
Winter: October-March [22 - 32 degree Celsius]
High Season: December-May
Capital: Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Language: Malayalam; however English is widely spoken and understood by the fully literate populace of Kerala.
Number of Districts: 14
Major Cities: Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi (Ernakulam district) & Kozhikode (Calicut)
Access
By Air: The International airports at Thiruvananthapuram , Kochi (Cochin) & Kozhikode facilitate easy access by air. Direct flights operate from Singapore, Colombo, Maldives, Kuwait, Muscat, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha and Bahrain.
By Rail: All major tourist destinations and important cities of India are well-connected by rail to Kerala.
Food: Most restaurants, coffee shops, eateries or cafes offer a Cosmopolitan fare for Chinese, Continental, Indian or American. You can find many who specialize in Kerala Delicacies.
Clothing: Ideally light cottons. However the cooler hill stations may warrant woolens
Communication: Kerala has a well-knit communications network. With telephone, fax and Internet centers in almost every corner. Enabling you to get in touch with any part of the world easily.
Religion: 58 % Hindu, 21 % Muslim and 21 % Christians.

Places of Interest

ART COMPLEX - MADHAVAN NAYAR FOUNDATION - This museum is the only one of its kind in Kerala. The complex consists of the Gallery of Paintings and Sculptures that presents over 200 original paintings by contemporary Indian Artists, some of them internationally acclaimed and works of reputed Indian sculptors. The Centre for Visual Arts is reserved for authentic reproductions of selected world masters from Leonardo da Vinci to those of the present century. The centre also exhibits certain larger-than-life mural reproductions of ancient Indian Art. It is located at Edappally, 10 Kms. north of Ernakulam, on the Ernakulam-Aluva road. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except on Mondays and public Holidays.

CHENAMANGALAM - It was the seat of Paliath Achan,the hereditary Prime Minister of the erstwhile state Cochin from 1632 to 1809. It was one of the chief center s of the Jew in Kerala and there is an Oriental Jewish synagogue in the old Jews colony. In the vicinity of the Jewish Colony, the famous Vaipinkotta Seminary built in the 16th century by the Portuguese stands in ruins the remains of the seminary are still visible. The old Syrian Catholic Church established in the 1201 is near the ruin of the seminary. Near the synagogue and the church there is a temple and mosque. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The Jewish and Muslims cemetries are located near the temple. The existence of the Synagogue, the Church, the Mosque, and the Temple in very dose proximity to one another provides ample proof of the prevalence of communal harmony in this part of Kerala in oldest days. Chenamangalam is an important center for handloom weaving and coir manufacturing. The annual fair called "Mattachanda" (Barter Systems) is held here on the eve of Vishu(in April) Chenamangalam is situated 42Km away from Ernakulam and 5Km away from north Parur. There are buses from Ernakulam to North Parur and Chenamangalam is connected north Parur by frequent bus services.

BOLGHATTY ISLAND - This long narrow palm-fringed island, easily accessible from the mainland is where the Bolghatty Palace is situated amidst 15 acres of lush green lawns. Built by the Dutch in 1744, it became the seat of the British Resident later. In 1976, the palace was converted to into a hotel under the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The palace has a golf course on its grounds.This island is connected by frequent ferry services with the mainland Ernakulam. Boats to this island start from the High Court Jetty. Country boats (Machuvas) can also be hired near the Jetty.
CHINESE FISHING NETS, Fort Kochi – The Chinese fishing nets are a fascinating sight to us. These nets, at the entrance of the harbour and along the backwaters with pivots of wood, were introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in 1350AD.They can be seen all along the backwaters of Kerala

THE DUTCH CEMETERY - The tomb stones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires and changed the course of history of this land.

DUTCH PALACE - This Palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555 A.D. Though built by the Portuguese, it is popularly known as the "Dutch Palace" as the Dutch renovated it during their short-lived reign here. The palace is well known for its mural paintings, which are noted for their high level of excellence. These paintings represent scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The paintings cover a wide range of themes from the "Puthra Kameshtiyagam" to Rama"s return to Ayodhya after vanquishing king Ravana of Lanka. They cover nearly 300 sq. feet of wall surface. In the central courtyard of the Palace is the temple dedicated to Panhayannur Bhagavathi. In the Coronation hall there is a display of dresses and palanquins used by the rulers of Cochin. The Palace is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days except Fridays and National holidays.

ERNAKULAM SIVA TEMPLE - This temple is situated at the centre of the town, near the Durbar Hall Grounds. The presiding deity is Lord Siva and the annual festival in the temple is celebrated for eight days during January - February every year. The festival is rounded up with the Aarattu procession when the image of the deity is taken for a sacred bath in the temple pool. A cultural festival is also held with a variety of programmes of music concerts, Kathakali, etc., as part of celebrations.

FORT IMMANUEL - This bastion of the Portuguese in Kochi was a symbol of the strategic alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and the Monarch of Portugal, after whom it was named.
HILL PALACE MUSEUM, Tripunithura - It is the largest archeological museum in Kerala. Set on top of a hillock, this prodigious palace-turned-museum displays 13 categories of exhibits, including paintings, carvings and other royal antiquities donated by the Cochin and Travancore royal families and the Paliam Devaswom. The Heritage museum located on the rear side of the palace buildings familiarizes with the traditional lifestyles of ancient Kerala. The museum premise has also been converted into a botanical garden with exotic tropical trees from Central America to Australia. It is situated 12 Km. away from Ernakulam on the Ernakulam-Chottanikkara route. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on all days except Mondays and National holidays. There are frequent private buses from Ernakulam to this place. Tripunithura was the head Quarters of the Maharaja of Cochin and his palace and his palace. The Pooorna Trayeesha Temple at Tripunithura is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and there are two festivals every year each lasting 8 days the most important festival falls in November -December and on the last day of the festival the image of the deity is taken out in an impressive procession on beautifully caparisoned elephant."Athachamayam" is celebrated here 10 days prior to Onam, August-September the national festival of Kerala. A Cultural festival is held as the part of the Celebrations. Tripunithura is situtated 10 km away from Ernakulam and is connected by frequent Private buses to this place.

JEWISH SYNAGOGUE - This synagogue built in 1568 A.D., was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two year after Scroll of Old Testament and a number of the Copper Plates inscribed in the Hebrew script script are preserved in the synagogue. The synagogue is open from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. excepted on Saturdays and Jewish holidays

KALADY - Kalady is the birth place of Sri Sankaracharya, the Great Indian Philosopher who lived in the 8th century it is situated on the banks of river Periyar there are two Shrines in memory of Sri Sankaracharya One dedicated to him as Dakshinamoorthy and the other to the Goddess Sharadha. The ancient Sree Krishna Temple situated here was the family temple of Adi Sankaracharya. Adi Sankaras shrines in kalady are open to all pilgrims irrespective of religion or caste. Kalady is connected by road with important cities in south India there are frequent buses to kalady from Angamaly and Aluva.
KANJIRAMATTAM MOSQUE - It is believed that this Mosque was erected over the mortal remains of Sheikh Parid. It was here that the Great Muslim Saint Baver is believed to have attained eternal bliss. The Kudikkuthu Festival which Falls in December-January attracts thousands of devotees the Mosque is situated at Kanjiramattam 30 Km Away from Kochi there are Private buses to Kanjiramattam from Ernakulam

LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS - Lakshadweep, a Union Territory of India, is a group of 36 islands, located in the Arabian Sea, about 300 km off Kochi. Some of these islands worth a visit are Androt, Amini, Agatti, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadamat, Kalpeni etc.

LOAFER"S CORNER/PRINCESS STREET - One of the earliest streets to be constructed in Fort Kochi, Princess Street with its European style residences still retains its old world charm.

MALAYATOOR - (47 km from Kochi) Malayatoor is famous for the Catholic Church on the 609 m high Malayatoor hill (dedicated to St. Thomas).

PALLIPURAM FORT - The Portuguese built Pallipuram fort in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the State of Travancore in 1789. This fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vypeen Island at Pallipuram. The Catholic Church at Pallipuram is an important pilgrim centre for the Christians. From Vypeen there are frequent buses to Pallipuram. Vypeen is connected by ferry with Fort Cochin and Ernakulam.

PARIKSHITH THAMPURAN MUSEUM - This is situated on the Durbar Hall Ground on the D.H.Road,Ernakulam. Collection of 19th centuary oil Paintings,old coins, sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris and copies of mural painting are exhibited here. An Art Gallery is also functioning at the museum building. It is open form 9.30a.m to 12 noon and from 3 p.m to 5 p.m on all days except Mondays and national holidays.

PIERCE LESLIE BUNGALOW - This charming mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences.

ST. FRANCIS CHURCH - This centuries old church at Fort Kochi was originally built completely of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. The Protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican church, restored it in 1779.

THIRUMALA DEVOSWAM TEMPLE - This is one of the temples of Gowda Sarawatha Brahmins. The presiding deity is Lord Venkateshwara. There are two main festivals in this temple, which are celebrated for eight days each during March-April and November-December respectively every year. The festival is rounded up with the Aarattu procession when the Chakra Snanam the sacred bath is conducted in the temple pool. The main specialty of this temple is that it has the second largest brass Bell in Asia.

WELLINGDON ISLAND - This is a man made island created from the materials drudged while deepening the Cochin Port. Lord Bristow was the architect of this island. There are frequent ferry and bus services to this place from Ernakulam. The Harbour, Airport and Harbour Railway Terminus are in this island.

Excursion

Cherai Beach: Location: Near Vypeen Island accessible by boat (30 minutes journey) from Ernakulam The lovely beach bordering the Vypeen island is ideal for swimming.

Bhoothathan kettu: Location: 50 km north east of Ernakulam town, Ernakulam district, central Kerala. Bhoothathankettu, a scenic damsite with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest.

Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary: Location: About 58 km from Kochi city and 13 km northeast of Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district; Thattekkad is in Devikula.

Places to Visit

Interstate private bus services to Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mangalore, Chennai and Madurai

Ferry Services: There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam. The main Boat Jetty is one km from the Junction Railway Station and the other is near the High Court.

Ferry timings (From the main boat jetty):

Vypeen: Frequent services (1/2 hour journey)

Mattancherry: Daily 6 ferries (1/2 hour journey) at 0910, 0940, 1100, 1400, 1520, 1740

Fort Kochi: Daily 30 services (20 minute journey) First trip at 0600 hrs and the last at 2110 hrs

Varapuzha: Daily 6 boats (2 hour journey)

Willingdon Island: Frequent services (15 minute journey)

more details ...... >>
Thekkady - Periyar
Fast Fact
  • Temperature : Summer: 29-18C Winter: 21-15.5 C
  • Best Season : October to April
  • Clothing : Tropical
  • Languages spoken : Malayalam, English, Hindi
  • STD Code:   04869

                A rare example of human intervention having enhanced an ecosystem., the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary situated at Thekkady in the high ranges of the Western Ghats, spreads over an area of 777sq.km. It is situated in the Idukki (Thekkady) and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala.

The Periyar Sanctuary has was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1978. Mirror still lagoons, grassy plains and naked hills, make up the landscape of Periyar, providing the perfect foil to the wildlife found there elephants, Indian bison and the endangered lion-tailed macaque. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park.

Getting There

AIR
Madurai and Kochi are the convenient airports.

RAIL
The nearest railhead is Bodinayakanur. However, Kottayam is the convenient railhead.

ROAD
Thekkady is connected by motorable roads with different places in South India
Thekkady is:
140 km from Madurai
190 km from Kochi
164 from Alleppey
160 km from Kodaikanal
220 km from Kollam
114 km from Kottayam
272 km from Thiruvananthapuram
113 km from Munnar

Sights to See
Wildlife :
                   In Periyar Tiger Reserve there is a rich diversity of vertebrates. The diverse forest types, ‘vayals’, marshes, and a large aquatic habitat together support 62 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles, 27 species of amphibians, and 38 species of fishes. The invertebrate fauna of Periyar is not well documented, though the predominant invertebrate orders are Protozoa, Annelida, Arthropoda and Mollusca. 160 butterfly species have been listed. The wildlife that can be seen in the sanctuary include the elephant, sambar, gaur, nilgiri tahr, Malabar giant squirrel, barking deer, porcupine, nilgiri langur, monitor lizard, flying lizard, flying frog, flying snake, king cobra, python, flying squirrel, striped necked mongoose, nilgiri marten, fruit bats, birds such as darter, flycatchers, grey hornbill etc.

TRIBAL MUSEUM :
                     Five ethnically different tribal communities once lived within and outside the park. Mannan, Paliya, Urali, Mala-araya and Malampandaram are the predominant tribal groups and almost all of them are settled on the outskirts of the reserve, engaged in agriculture. Malampandaram, is a small nomadic community living off nature, collecting berries and tubers and occasionally fishing deep inside the forests of the tiger reserve. A tribal heritage museum built inside the Mannan settlement featuring various types of artifacts related to their ancient agricultural practices, marriage ceremonies, cultural events, dress code, rituals and death ceremonies is the hub of this ecotourism programme. Display of fishing gear, hunting weaponry, indigenous medicine and vessels, cereals, medicinal herbs, bamboo furnitures, etc. are other attractions providing a peep into their original culture.

Excursions
Kumily (4Km) : 
                 It is an important spice trading centre and handles a major share of the trade in pepper and cardamom. One can attend auctions with prior permission. Kerala Cardamom Processing Marketing Centre, the main cardamom auction centre in Kumily, holds its weekly auction on Wednesdays & Sundays. At MAS Enterprises, Vandanmedu, it is held on Fridays. Besides being an auction centre, many wholesale and retail shops function here.

Murikkady (5 Km) :
                     Washed in fresh spice scented air, it is a panorama of cardamom, coffee & pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi (9 Km) :
                     This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna & gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil & the Tamilnadu border.

Chellarkovil (18 km) :
                    This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains & cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamilnadu.

Mangaladevi Temple (15 km) :
                   The ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. Visitors are allowed only on the Chitra Pournami festival day. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Thekkady.

Vandiperiyar (18 Km) :
                   The river Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Govt Agriculture Farm & Flower Garden have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids & anthuria.

Peerumedu (40 Km.) :
                   At an altitude of 914 mts., is a small hill station on the way to Thekkady. The place is full of rubber, coffee, pepper and cardamom Plantations.


Pullumedu (43 Km) :
                   The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. The famous Sri Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala is visible from here. It is part of the restricted forest zone and special permission has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu. Tel: 252515.

Gavi (44 Km) :
                     A picturesque place where one can go trekking, birdwatching, outdoor camping & boating.

Vandanmedu (25 Km.) :
                     Situated at a height of 4000 ft., it is the largest producer of cardamom in the country and has several tea and spice plantations as well. It is the one of the world’s largest auction centres for cardamom.

Sabarimala :
                    The famous forest shrine is situated within the limits of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is accessible only by foot. It attracts a large number of pilgrims every year during Mandala Pooja (November/December) and for Makara Vilaku (January). The temple is opened for darshan for 41 days during Nov.& Dec.

Kurisumala ( 60 Km) :
                    It can be reached through two routes. Both converge at Kollampattada, where you get a magnificent view of the surrounding hills, Periyar lake, Kumily town, portions of Tamilnadu etc. Every year on Good Friday, pilgrims climb up this mountain. One can trek up or take a short jeep drive,

Vagamon (70 Km) :
                  Grass covered hills & the cool mountain air make it a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism & European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit.

Idukki (85 Km) :
                   The district of Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala. High ranges and valleys are girded by 3 main rivers, Periyar, Thalayar & Thodupuzhayar & their tributaries. River Pamba also has its origin here. Idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife, hill stations etc. It has a large population of tribals like Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali etc.

Thommankuthu :
                17 Km from Thodupuzha. It is famous for its numerous waterfalls.

Anamudi :
                Anamudi peak is the highest in South India.

Kuttikkanam (48 Km) :
                A place for adventure tourism and trekking, or even a languorous, tranquil break
more details ...... >>
   Costing includes

1)
Accommodation on Double Sharing Basis.
2)
Exclusive Non A/C vehicle for transfers & sightseeing. As Per Itinerary (Point to Point)
3)
Meal Plan (as mentioned above)
4)
Toll tax parking and driver allowances.

   Costing does not include

1)
Airfare, Train fare, Insurance Premiums
2)
Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, porter charges, tips etc.
3)
Difference in cost arising due to change in Fuel price.
4)
Entrance Fees & Guide charges.
5)
Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes, etc.
6)
Any tips to drivers, hotel staff, any meals apart from the ones mentioned above.
7)
Government Service Tax (G.S.T.) as applicable 3.09%

   Costing in rupees
Package
02 Person
04 Person
06 Person
Extra Adult
(12 yrs & Above)
Child W/O Bed
(5 To 11 yrs)
Meal Plan
Cost Saver - A Grade
On Request
On Request
On Request
On Request
On Request
---
Deluxe - 2 Star
On Request
On Request
On Request
On Request
On Request
---
Luxury - 3 Star
On Request
On Request
On Request
On Request
On Request
---
Premium - 4 Star / 5 Star
On Request
On Request
On Request
On Request
On Request
---
EP (Europian Plan) : Accomodation Only 
CP (Continental Plan) : Accomodation + Breakfast 
MAP (Modified American Plan) : Accomodation + Breakfast + Lunch or Dinner 
AP (American Plan) : Accomodation + Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner 
 
Note : All information is issued in good faith and is for guidance only. The management reserves the right to amend any of the above dates, rates, durations routes or hotel reservations at any time without notice. Terms & Conditions apply.
  

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