| With foreign influences as disparate as Chinese and Portuguese, Arab and Dutch,
Kerala is the spice coast of India. Discover Kerala in an organized group, yet
you will feel it as independent, leisurely and personalized as individually. Visit
Cochin - Kerala's center of maritime trade for innumerable centuries and Trivandrum
- present day capital of Kerala. Trek in the Cardamom Hills and ride on a boat
to witness the wildlife at Periyar National Park (Thekkady). The highlight of
Kerala is its palm-fringed waterways, covered in this tour by a houseboat moving
through these backwaters. The tour is combined with Bentota Beach in Sri Lanka
for a relaxed holiday.
Highlights: Cochin / Cardamom Hills (Periyar) / Backwaters / Trivandrum / Bentota
(Sri Lanka)
Day 1 - Departure
Departure flight for Cochin.
Day 2 - Cochin
Arrive Cochin. Met and transfer to hotel. Evening harbor cruise of Cochin one
of the best natural harbors in world.
Day 3 - Cochin
Morning visit Cochin. Evening witness the Kathakali dance show.
Day 4 - Cochin /Periyar
Depart by coach to Periyar. The drive is most scenic as you come across the
rivers and valleys, waterfalls and high mountains, tea and spice plantations.
Check in at Spice Village. Afternoon visit the Periyar National Park by boat
- the best way to experience the sanctuary.
 Day 5
- Periyar
Breakfast. Morning take a soft trek in the forest of the Cardamom Hills. Afternoon
visit the tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations that surround the Periyar
wildlife sanctuary. Evening witness Kerala cooking demonstration by the expert
chef at Spice Village using the fresh spices grown locally followed by dinner.
Day 6 - Periyar/Kottayam
Drive to Kottayam. Embark on the Kettuvallam - Kerala's giant country crafts
which used to carry tons of cargo though the backwaters. A heavenly experience
though these placid waters with visions of rustic life.
Day 7 - Alleppey/Varkala
After breakfast disembark at Alleppey boat jetty. Transfer to Varkala. Afternoon
free. Stay at Taj Garden Retreat.
Day 8 - Varkala/Trivandrum
Morning free. Afternoon drive to Trivandrum and visit Trivandrum - the capital
of Kerala state.
Day 9 - Trivandrum/Colombo
Morning transfer to airport. Departure by Sri Lanka Airlines flight to Colombo.
Met upon arrival and transfer to Taj Exotica, Bentota Beach.
Day 10 to Day 13 - Taj Exotica, Bentota
All the days at leisure at the luxurious beach resort situated on a hillock,
overlooking the Indian Ocean and the Palm-fringed long stretch of golden beach.
(Optional exurisions available to Galle, Hikkaduwa or Colombo.
Day 14 - Return
Transfer to airport for flight to London.
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