+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the fertile hills of the Western Ghats, Kerala has with good reason been christened God s Own Country. A land of beaches and backwaters, lush tea plantations and spices, it enjoys a cultural heritage that can trace its influences back to Chinese, Arab and European traders. The journey begins in historic Cochin, The Queen of the Arabian Sea, where you ll have a chance to enjoy its rich mix of colonial and Indian traditions including Kathakali dancing and Keralan cuisine, before continuing into the Western Ghats to the hill resort of Munnar. Set against the backdrop of lush tea plantations, you will then explore the game rich landscapes of Eravikulam and Periyar by bamboo raft and on foot, before joining an overnight cruise through the beautiful and idyllic Backwaters. The end of the journey then sees you heading back to the coast, to enjoy a little time sampling the golden beaches and azure waters around Kovalam HIGHLIGHTS: Cochin, the captivating Queen of the Arabian Sea Explore the Western Ghats and the hill station of Munnar Visit the game rich landscapes of Eravikulam and Periyar Cruise the captivating Kerala Backwaters Enjoy the beaches and waters of the Arabian Sea coast TOUR INCLUDES: 4 nights traditional hotel, 4 nights five star hotel 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner 1 night Keralan Houseboat Private driver and vehicle Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees Private transports to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: COCHIN Arriving in Cochin this morning, you will transfer to your hotel. This afternoon is at leisure to walk around Fort Cochin and along the waterfront to see the Chinese fishing nets. This evening enjoy a cookery class and dinner with Mrs Nimmy Paul who specialises in Keralan cuisine. (B) DAY 2: COCHIN After breakfast enjoy a guided tour of the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. The oldest European settlement in India, Cochin is a vibrant mix of Arab, Chinese, European and Indian influences and home to the oldest church and the oldest synagogue in the country. This evening you will have an opportunity to enjoy a remarkable performance of Kerala's famous Kathakali dancing.(b) DAY 3: COCHIN - MUNNAR Today you leave the coast behind and head into the lush hills of the Western Ghats and the hill-town resort of Munnar. Strategically located at the confluence of three rivers, the town sits high amongst the cool highlands, surrounded by tea plantations and the mist shrouded hills of the Western Ghats. (B) DAY 4: MUNNAR A day around Munnar affords a chance to visit some of the tea plantations that blanket the rich verdant hills that surround this lovely hill station. You will also enjoy something of the delights of the nearby Eravikulam National Park, home to the largest population of endangered Nilgiri Tahr in India, as well as several species of rare butterflies. This evening enjoy a short cycle ride around the hill plantations. (B) DAY 5: MUNNAR - THEKKADY After breakfast you will travel from the stunning tea plantations of the Western Ghats to Thekkady. Thekkady is the home of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a community based ecotourism project which aims to protect the rare flora and fauna of the region as well as providing a living for the residents of the area. On arrival in Thekkady you will be taken to your hotel. (B)
DAY 6: THEKKADY Spend the day in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with your local guide trekking through the jungle and enjoying a bamboo rafting trip on Lake Periyar to spot wild elephants. (B) DAY 7: THEKKADY - ALLEPPEY - CRUISE Heading back onto the alluvial plains that lie between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean, this morning you will journey by road to the town of Alleppey. Here you will join your private cruise for an exploration of the remarkable Keralan Backwaters, the ideal way to observe life amongst the channels and waterways of the west coast. (B,L,D) DAY 8: ALLEPPEY - KOVALAM Disembarking the boat this morning, you will then transfer to the beach resort of Kovalam, to enjoy the delights and facilities of the Arabian Sea coast. (B) DAY 9: KOVALAM Today is at leisure to enjoy the sandy beaches and warm waters of Kovalam. Kovalam translating as 'Grove of Coconut Trees' these sweep down to the golden beaches creating idyllic sunsets. (B) DAY 10: KOVALAM - TRIVANDRUM You will transfer to the airport at Trivandrum today where your tour will end. (B)
ACCOMMODATION COCHIN MALABAR HOUSE The traditional Malabar house is not just a hotel, but also a showcase of contemporary and traditional South Indian art, culture and heritage. Located in the heart of the historical Fort Cochin, the house dates back to 1755 and was home to spice traders and bankers before being turned into Cochin's first boutique hotel. It has 17 rooms and suites all decorated and furnished with carefully selected antiques and art and fitted with modern amenities. There is an Ayurvedic spa and swimmingpool in which to relax and the restaurant offers mediterranean fine dining and the traditional cuisine of Kerala, reflecting the eclectic mix of East and West found in the area. KOVALAM NIRAAMAYA RETREATS SURYA SAMUDRA Nestling on a gentle slope amidst 22 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, the five star Surya Samudra overlooks the waters of the Arabian Sea. Guests are accommodated in 22 private cottages that reflect the harmonious principles of traditional Tharavadu houses, with terracotta roofs, tiled floors and handpicked furnishings. Most of the rooms offer sea views, whilst a short walk down to the secluded beach offers east access into the clear waters. With an infinity pool, expansive grounds and superb a la carte cuisine, the resorts provides an excellent beach getaway. MUNNAR WINDERMERE HOTEL Located just outside Munnar, on a 60 acre coffee and cardamon plantation set along the slopes of the Western Ghats, the Windemere Hotel is a traditional property with 18 comfortable rooms and cottages that overlook the mountains and the lush hills of the Chithirapuram Valley. All the rooms come with balconies and large panoramic windows, whilst the hotel's restaurant offers local Keralan cuisine, family inspired recipes and a western style breakfast. Please note the restaurant does not sell alcohol. Guided trekking options around the estate and the surrounding plantations are also available. THEKKADY
SPICE VILLAGE Spice village is set in fourteen acres of forest covered hills on the border of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Influenced by the native people of the region who have lived in harmony with their surroundings for generations, the roof of the forty seven cottages are thatched using elephant grass, in the unique way of Mannan tribes of Periyar. Surrounded by fruit trees and spice plantations, the Eco village has comfortable clean rooms with en suite bathrooms and a veranda outside, where you can sit and relax in the evening before sampling local cuisine in the Wood House Bar and Restaurant. The outdoor 50 mile restaurant only resource its ingredients within 50 miles of the resort to reduce the carbon footprint. For a more intimate outdoor dining experience, a romantic candle-lit dinner can be arranged in the middle of the wilderness. Hidden within the spice garden is a basketball, badminton and tennis court for the more active guests whilst the Tiger Club exhibition is a haven for any wildlife enthusiast. The swimming pool is found at the front of the building surrounded by swaying palms providing a sense of tranquillity and calm, especially when paired with the Ayurveda massage centre. Venture outside the village into the tiger reserve on a nature walk, cycle through the hills of Thekkady, take part in a paper making workshop using paper waste from the village or discover the many spices used in the art form that is Keralan cooking in a culinary workshop. The Spice village is dedicated to protecting the environment and is a chemical free zone. The village has its own vermicomposting plant where the majority of daily waste is recycled. Also, almost all of their energy needs are met by solar power and the village has won Wild Asia s Responsible Tourism award. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com