+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 today, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After a chance to relax and freshen up, this evening provides an opportunity to take a stroll through the historic setting of Fort Kochi, the oldest European settlement in India. The city's colonial heritage is richly evident amongst its architecture and landscapes. Take in the impressive facade of St Francis' Church, the oldest in India, and the huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a legacy of some of the earliest visitors to the Malabar Coast. DAY 2: COCHIN Take a morning's tour of the red-tiled riverfront of Mattancherry, once the old capital's main market area and the centre of the Malabar spice trade. After stopping off to watch the fishermen plying their trade much as they have for generations, you'll then visit the Dutch Palace and the city's historic Jewish synagogue. This afternoon you'll cross by ferry to the charming community of Pokkali, where you will have a chance to interact with the locals and learn a little something about organic farming and prawn fishing. (B) DAY 3: COCHIN - CHERUTHURUTHY After being collected from the hotel this morning, you will then drive on to the small town of Cheruthuruthy, on the banks of the Nila River. A serene and picturesque setting, the village is home to the Kerala Kalamandalam, a renowned Kathakali cultural arts centre. This evening you'll have an opportunity to witness some of the region's rich mix of folklore and performing arts at a nearby village. (B,D) DAY 4: CHERUTHURUTHY Following breakfast you will be taken to the Kalamandalam, to see for yourself this world famous institute of performing arts. Here, students receive instruction in all forms of Kathakali, from classical dance and theatre, to voice and percussion training. You'll be able to spend the day with the masters, learning about this rich and fascinating art from and its many forms. Later this afternoon you then visit a local village, to spend time with an array of artisans, from potters and khadi weavers, to bell makers and metal workers. (B,D) DAY 5: CHERUTHURUTHY - MUNNAR After breakfast you will depart the hotel and drive on to Munnar, the site of an old British hill station lying in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Later in the day, after you have and a chance to check-in to your hotel and freshen up, you will head out on a sight seeing tour of the area, paying a visit to the Tea Museum to learn more about Munnar's history and its seemingly unending expanse of tea plantations. (B)
DAY 6: MUNNAR Located some 1,600 metres above sea level, amongst the lush hills and mountains of 'God's own country', Munnar provides an idyllic backdrop to today's trek. Heading out into these pristine valleys in the company of a knowledgeable mountain guide, you will spend the day hiking through an abundant landscape of tea gardens, forests and high mountains, accompanied by the exotic aroma of the spice scented air. You'll also stop and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. (B,L) DAY 7: MUNNAR Leaving early this morning you will be driven on to the village of Chinnakanal today, from where you will take a jeep safari on to the Kolkkumala Estate, site of the highest tea plantation in the world. Still processed manually, in the time honoured fashion, the high altitude infuses the tea grown here with a special flavour and freshness that is in perfect keeping with the estate's old world charm. (B) DAY 8: MUNNAR - THEKKADY Moving on to Thekkady today, close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, you'll enjoy an afternoon at leisure, before an evening's safari with the forest rangers. The proverbial poachers turned game keepers, these knowledgeable guides have learned the value of conservation and provide the perfect companions as you search for game deep amongst the dense forests of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. (B) DAY 9: THEKKADY An early start as you head out to enjoy a bamboo rafting ride through the reserve. Journeying through a rich mosaic of habitats, rich in bird life and game, you'll be treated to some spectacular panoramas of the forest-clad hills reflected in the calm waters of the lake. These forest and grasslands are a haven for elephants, sambar, tigers and monkeys and later you will take a walk, in the company of armed guards, to try and search out some of this abundant wildlife. (B) DAY 10: THEKKADY - KUMARAKOM Leaving for Kumarakom today, you'll head next for the serene waters of Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. On arrival the rest of the day is free to enjoy the facilities of your captivating lakeside resort, before taking a romantic evening sunset cruise through the narrow canals. Home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, the lake also provides a rich habitat for a number of migratory birds and is teeming with fish and shrimp. (B)
DAY 11: KUMARAKOM With another day to enjoy the tranquil pleasures of the lake, you have a number of options available today, from village visits and canoe making, to climbing the coconut trees and trying your hand a coir making. This rich agricultural environment is blanketed in mangrove forests, fruit orchards and plantations of coffee and cocoa, providing a wonderfully picturesque setting for your leisurely excursions. (B) DAY 12: KUMARAKOM - ALLEPPEY After breakfast you will be driven to the boat jetty in Alleppey, for your overnight cruise on the waters of Kerala's famous backwaters. Aboard a traditional houseboat, you will spend the day meandering through the waterways and channels that honeycomb the coastal plains that run parallel to the Arabian Sea. A unique ecosystem, that is home to a rich variety of aquatic life, the backwaters present a time-honoured image of an India long forgotten, where scattered villages survive amongst the labyrinthine channels much as they have for generations. (B,L,D) DAY 13: ALLEPPEY - MARARIKULAM Swapping the idyllic Backwaters for the golden beaches of the Arabian coast today, you'll spend the next few days enjoying the pristine sands and warm waters of Marari Beach at Mararikulam. Nestling close to a small, sleepy fishing village, the beach offers the perfect unspoiled conclusion to your romantic Keralan adventure. On arrival, the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure. (B) DAY 14: MARARIKULAM The next two days offer a wealth of relaxation and activities to suit yourself. Choices include Ayurvedic massage, a spa and pool and a chance to enjoy the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea, all of which you can book directly with the hotel. (B) DAY 15: MARARIKULAM Day at leisure. (B)
DAY 16: MARARIKULAM - COCHIN Transfer back to the airport in Cochin today, where your tour ends. (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 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com