Day 1: Cochin
Compass Cochin Tour Manager will receive you at the airport in Cochin.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw
open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one
of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring
visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in
India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the
last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During
1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame
spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base,
a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity
and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.
Check in at hotel and have lunch. Freshen up and proceed for half-day sight
seeing of the city. A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese
fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis
Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendors,
an array of restaurants
serving fresh seafood is also popular among tourists. The Chinese fishing nets
erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records
say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square,
the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the
nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.
Over night stay will be at Cochin.
Day 2: Cochin - Alleppy (By Road 50 km in 1 hr)
Proceed to Alleppy after breakfast.
Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and
lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one of
the major centres for backwater boat trips. "Kuttanad" in Alappuzha
is one of few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad
is a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad
stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills.
Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater
cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern
comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace.
You
will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat
is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found nowhere
else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and
deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters
of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals
connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900
km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.
Cruise through the backwaters. Overnight on board.
Day 3: Houseboat
Today also you will be cruising through the backwaters of Kerala and stay overnight
in the Houseboat.
Day 4: Kumarakom (By Road 130 km in 4 hr)
Early morning proceed to Kumarakom.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake,
and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary
here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds
and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo,
wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks
are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarokom
sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarokom offers visitors many other leisure
options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarokom. Holiday
packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world
experience at Kumarokom.
An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy
fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals
adorned with while lilies - this is Kumarokom.
Reach and visit the spice gardens and enjoy the Ayurvedic resort. Overnight
stay will be at Kumarokom.
Day 5: Cochin - Home
After breakfast proceed to Cochin. Reach and transfer to airport according to
the timings of flight.
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