Kerala Family Tour. Cochin

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1 Kerala Family Tour Kerala is one of the most spectacular states in South India and was founded by merging the numerous Malayam speaking regions in south India. Also known as Gods Own Country, Kerala is the favorite tourist spot of many Indian and foreign travelers Kerala is known for many sights and sounds including its backwaters, mountains, coconuts, spices and art forms like Kathakali and Mohini Attam. It is the most literate state in India, and a land of diverse religions, where you can find Hindu temples, mosques, churches, and even synagogues. With world class tourist sporting options, ayurvedic spas and treatments, eco-tourism initiatives, a large number of visit options ranging from beautiful high altitude blue mountains to pristine rain forests to golden sun-sand beaches and an enormous range of accommodation, Kerala has much to offer the visitor. Cochin A city born in storm, nurtured in rivalry and established as battling ground for European empires. This phrase makes prefect understanding of Kochi which was formed as an ancient port city after the Great Floods of the Periyar River in With partitioning of Chera Kerala empire in 14th century, this region came under control of a new dynasty, rivaled by other local feudal lords. With the advent of colonization, Kochi became the first major battle grounds of almost all European powers. However, least it made an impact over the fortunes of this city. The striking port city of Kochi or Cochin is a tourist's paradise. Lush mangroves, coconut tress reflected in the translucent waters of backwaters, ancient churches, cathedrals and fort - tourists on sightseeing

2 tours of Cochin would find all these and more. Flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the majestic looking Arabian Sea in the west, Kochi occupies a very strategic location and has been a significant trading zone and attractive tourist destination since time immemorial. The tradition and reputation of this enchantingly quaint port city has maintained till date. Here's a list of popular sightseeing places to be seen on a tour of India. Fort Kochi: Even a casual stroll through Fort Kochi located in the port city of Kochi in Kerala is enough to make you feel transported to another world and time. The architectural style of the buildings and the town layout easily make Fort Cochin distinct from other cities and towns of Kerala. Since Fort Cochin was under the possession of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British at different points of time, the region still bear the influence of European architecture. Bolgatty Palace: The splendid Bolghatty Palace is located on the Bolghatty Islands, in the Cochin city of Kerala. The appeal of the palace lies in the fact that it is among the oldest existing palaces built by the Dutch in India, during the pre-british times. Chinese Fishing Nets: The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, located in the Kochi city of Kerala, make up a very popular tourist attraction. They are fixed land installations, which are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. Cochin Backwaters: With coconut trees lining the pellucid lake waters for kilometers at a stretch the backwaters of Cochin proffer one of the most enchanting sights to tourists. Apart from the numerous ancient monuments, like the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and the Mattancherry Palace, built during the pre-british times, the backwaters in Kochi city of Kerala is just another reason why hundreds of tourists flock to this beautiful port city the whole year round. Mattancherry Palace: Even though it is austere in its appearance, the Mattancherry Palace of Cochin has a quaint charm of its own. The credit for building this landmark monument partly goes to the Dutch, who captured Cochin city of Kerala during the pre-british period. Marine Drive: Marine Drive is a beautiful promenade in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala state of India. The Marine Drive is built facing the backwaters of Kochi. It is a popular hangout for the local populace as well as the tourists.

3 Jewish Synagogue: The Jewish Synagogue in the port city of Kochi is the oldest synagogue in all the Commonwealth of Nations. Thus, it comprises the topmost slot in the itinerary of the tourists visiting the city. Pareekshith Thampuran Museum: Pareekshith Thampuran Museum is a very good archeological museum located near the Shiva temple, on the Durbar Hall Road at Ernakulam. This museum boasts of an impressive collection of 19th century paintings, ancient monuments and coins, scriptures made in stone and Plaster of Paris, murals as well as memorabilia belonging to the Cochin royal family. St Francis Church: St Francis Xavier's Church at Fort Kochi was built in the year 1503, by the Portuguese traders. They came here with Admiral Pedro Alvarez de Cabral, via the same route taken by the legendary Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who landed at Calicut in Willingdon Island: The Willington Island contains the modern port serving Cochin city of Kerala. The island is an artificial man-made island created from the sand dug out while deepening Kochi port. Museum of Kerala History: Do not take the Museum of Kerala History in the Cochin city of Kerala as any ordinary museum. The significance of this 'live' museum lies in the fact that it recounts the history of the land through magnificent and informative light and sound shows. Munnar Munnar is a beautiful hill station and was the summer resort of the British. Tourists come here to see the vast tea plantations of the area. The town itself is typically Indian with the usual shops, guest houses and is really beautiful and traditional. It is a good place to stay to see the surrounding countryside. It is also a popular place for Indian honeymooners.

4 Periyar The pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendour and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangaladevi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest; this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters. Kumarakom Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. Mainly known for its lush, green beauty and gushing backwaters. The winding lagoons, swaying coconut trees, refreshing breeze, endless rows of paddy fields, interspersed by waterways and canals makes Kumarakom an enchanting backwater destination.

5 Kovalam Kovalam is famous for its beaches, among the most pristine in India. Kovalam is extremely popular among westerners due to shallow waters and low tidal waves. It is also one of the oldest tourist enclave in India, which known among tourist circuit right in 1930s. Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies. That started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India- the Kovalam beach. Trivandrum Located in the southwestern tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram is bound by the Arabian Sea in the west and Tamil Nadu in the east. Named after Anantha Padmanabha or Lord Vishnu, the city is home to many ancient temples. But the landmark is the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple around which the city has been built on seven low hills. The wooded highlands of the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought-after tourist destination. Clean and green, Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Itinerary Itinerary can be tweaked as per your convenience. Be it number of Days, type of Hotel/Resort or redesigning Destinations, your itinerary can be shortened or lengthened.

6 7Nights/8Days Day1: Arrival in Cochin; sightseeing of the following: Places covered: Dutch Palace (Friday Holiday), Synagogue (Friday & Saturday Holiday), St. Francis Church (Sunday Holiday), Chinese Fishing Nets with Spectacular view of Willington Island, Kochi Harbour and Bolgatty Island. Overnight in Cochin. Day2: Cochin sightseeing of the following: Goshree Bridge (By way), Coir Factory (Sunday Holiday) and Cherai Beach. Overnight in Cochin. Day3: Cochin to Munnar(110kms); soak in the country side drive and relax on arrival. Overnight in Munnar. Day4: Sightseeing in Munnar: Echo Point, Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Kundale Lake, Rajamalai, Tea Plantation, Blossom Garden and Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy and relax near the tea gardens and appreciated the beauty of nature as you share romantic talks. Overninght in Munnar. Day5: Munnar to Periyar(50kms). After breakfast, depart for Munnar Thekkady/Periyar by road. En route visit the panoramic Western Ghat hills covered with spice plantations and an occasional view of waterfalls and streams, several types of spice plantations like cardamom, pepper, vanilla, cinnamon and clove. Periyar Wildlife sanctuary. Overnight in Periyar. Day6:

7 Periyar to Kumarakom (110kms). Houseboat ride in vembanad lake. Overnight in Kumarakom. Day7: Kumarakom to Kovalam (180kms). After houseboat, leave for Kovalam. Reach Kovalam; enjoy beach time. Overnight in Kovalam. Day8: Kovalam to Trivandrum (10kms); departure for hometown. Tariffs Rates depend on different class of Hotels used & no. of people travelling, type of transport used, i.e by Air, Road or Train. Transport Apart from regular flights between Cities, most of your travelling requires quality Road Transport. We understand that as important as quality Accommodation, a reliable Vehicle and a caring Chauffeur is required for a pleasant tour. The following is the different modes of transport at your disposal and

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