DAY 1: ARRIVE COCHIN

Arrive at the Cochin Airport, Where you will be met by Oceantics Holidays representative, and escorted to your hotel.

Cochin: - Widely known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, has one of the world’s most attractive natural ports. It is well known for its centuries-old trading of spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood. It has traditionally rich heritage, but at the same time it is one of the most fast-paced and contemporary cities in India. It is very easy to be spellbound by the magic of Cochin and it is the beauty and comparatively good infrastructure that makes it the ideal gateway to the state. The city offers visitors a peek into palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters; palm-fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a modern metro city.

Overnight stay in Cochin.

DAY 2: DAY IN COCHIN

After breakfast, you will be picked up for sightseeing tour of Cochin. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:

The Jewish Synagogue- The Jewish Synagogue is located near the Dutch Palace. This synagogue was constructed in 1568 and was brilliantly decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. The Synagogue has a giant scroll of the Old Testament.

Cochin Harbor: The very popular tourist attraction in Cochin Harbor is the Chinese Fishing nets. These fishing nets are one of its kind and are found only in India. The fishing nets were popularized in Cochin Harbor by the traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan.

St Francis Church - St. Francis church was constructed by the Europeans in 1503. St. Francis Church is the oldest European church in India. The Portuguese trader, Vasco da Gama died in Kochi, during his third visit to Kerala. Initially, his body was buried in this church, but after a few years his remains were moved to Portugal. In spite of all this the place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church.

Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): The Portuguese constructed The Mattancherry Palace in 1557, and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma (1537-61) as sign of goodwill. After 1663, the Dutch carried out some constructions and renovations in the palace, and from that day it was widely called as the ‘Dutch Palace’. The most significant thing about this palace is the amazing paintings in the bedrooms and other rooms. The paintings portray scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga. These paintings are certainly the most extensive and attractive paintings to be seen anywhere in India.

Fort Kochi Beach: Fort Kochi beach is an ideal location to saunter in a peaceful and relaxing way. This beach happens to be one of the favorite tourist spots in Kerala. The view of the sunset with the Chinese fishing net and the sailing ships in the background is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen alongside the shoreline. Later in the evening you will be picked up by the guide and will be taken to a Kathakali Dance Performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a classical dance form, portraying Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The costumes of the dancers are very colorful and elaborate. Dancers with painted faces depict the various characters of the ancient epics. The Kathakali dancers portray a lot of facial expressions and articulate body movements.

Overnight stay in Cochin.

DAY 3: DRIVE COCHIN – PERIYAR (200 KMS / 4 HRS)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be check out and then start your drive to Periyar, the next destination on your Kerala Tour.

Periyar - Periyar is one of the most popular National Parks in Southern India, but these days this is more famous for its serene feel, than for sightings of wildlife. The uniqueness of the sanctuary extends around the banks of a huge artificial lake that was created by the damming of the Periyar River a century ago. The sanctuary is known for the Tigers. It has a wide range of animals, including elephants, bison, macaque leopards, jungle cats, wild dogs, mouse deer, gaur, sambar deer, barking deer. The sanctuary treasures a wide variety of rich flora and rare fauna.

On your arrival in Periyar, check in at the Spice Village resort.

 Overnight stay in Periyar.

DAY 4: DAY IN PERIYAR

To experience the incredible sanctuary, early morning you will be picked up for a boat ride on the Periyar Lake. Most of the tourist activities are focused around the Lake. There are roughly 700 elephants roaming in the forest, and they are generally seen on the banks of the Periyar Lake.

Later, in the evening tour to spice plantation. Cinnamom and ginger, pepper and cardamom, and various other spices grown on the Periyar hill made it nature’s taste factory in the 14th century, as Cochin became nature’s harbor, the shipping port for a spice hungry world. Later, the area came under the kingdom of Travancore, and many of its plantations, orchards and hunting lodges date from that time. S

Overnight stay in Periyar.

DAY 5: DRIVE PERIYAR – KUMARAKOM (200 KMS / 4 HRS)

After a relaxing breakfast, you start your drive to Kumarakom, the next destination on you Kerala Tour.

Kumarakom: Kumarakom is a small village on the Vembanad Lake in Kerela. This beautiful paradise stocked with mangrove forests, beryl green paddy fields and coconut groves comprises with water ways and canals adorned with while lilies. Kumarakom charms the tourist from all over the world. It offers a wide variety of flora, beautiful sightseeing, boating and fishing experiences. It is a part of Kuttanad region and the bird sanctuary spread over 14 acres is a safe home for many migratory birds. It is a fascinating sight for the visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat ride round the islands, as hundreds of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to brush the tops of your heads.

On your arrival in Kumarakom, check in to the hotel. 

The day is free for you. You can relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel.

 Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

DAY 6: KUMARAKOM - HOUSEBOAT

After a relaxing breakfast at the resort, board on your private Houseboat for an overnight stay.

Houseboat - One of the high points of your Luxury Kerala tour, will be the night spent on board the Houseboat. These rice barges or “Kettuvallams” sail alongside the shallow palm-edged lakes and narrow canals. The House Boat takes you through the villages constructed on narrow spits of land, where you can stop at the local markets, or to see the wonder of the craftsmen engaged in centuries-old boat-making tradition. These Houseboats offer one or two small cabins with a tiny sitting area and a crew of 2 staff and a chef. The Houseboats serve authentic Keralan cuisine. The overnight stay on the Houseboat is an extraordinary experience.

Overnight on board Houseboat.

DAY 7: HOUSEBOAT - COCHIN (70 KMS / 01 ½ HRS) - DEPARTURE

After breakfast, disembark your Houseboat in either Alleppey or Kumarakom, and drive to Cochin to catch your fight for onwards destination.