ENCHANTING
BACKWATERS TEA GARDENS & SPICE PLANTATIONSDuration : 4 Days
Destination : Mumbai, Cochin, Allepy,Cochin, Vagamon, Cochin
DAY 01 Mumbai - Cochin: By Flight Flight : DN 721
Airline : Deccan Airways
Equipment : Airbus 320
Departure : 2025
Arrival : 2210
Reach Cochin and our representative will meet at the airport.
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.
Proceed to the hotel and relax for the evening.
Overnight will be at Cochin.
Equipment : Airbus 320
Departure : 2025Arrival : 2210
Reach Cochin and our representative will meet at the airport.
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.
Proceed to the hotel and relax for the evening.
Overnight will be at Cochin.
Day 02 Cochin - Aleppey - Cochin:
Magical Backwaters
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city.
Visit the following:
Old Cochin area - this is one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portugese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jewtown.
Chinese fishing nets - 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. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of balance.
The other important places are the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica,
St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Mattancherry Palace, etc.
Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450.
Proceed for Aleppey by surface to board your private houseboat.
Your backwater journey will start from Aleppey (also known as Alappuzha) which is known as the Venice of the East. It was here that traders from across the seven seas came in search of black gold and souvenirs.
Plunge into a crystal maze of one of the greatest gifts of nature that god has bestowed upon us. As the boat glides silently forward through the largest vast expanse backwater body, The Vembanad Lake, you will drift into a world of peace and serenity. At this point, we will serve you the mouth watering local cuisine and you will agree that it is truly God's own country.
Enjoy lunch on board the houseboat.
Start the cruise and be prepared for the most fascinating journey through the panoramic view of the paddy fields admiring duck farming, watching divers diving for mussels via Mangalam, Chithira, R-block and C block with a cup of steaming tea/coffee in your hand.
On our way a stop at the St. Mary's Church at Champakulam is a must. One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary's church is believed to be one of the seven established by St Thomas. You will see the 130 feet long snake racing boat here as they originally belong to this place.
Return to Aleppey and proceed to the hotel.
Enjoy the KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION in the evening.
Overnight will be in Cochin.
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city.
Visit the following:
Old Cochin area - this is one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portugese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jewtown.
Chinese fishing nets - 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. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of balance.
The other important places are the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica,
St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Mattancherry Palace, etc.
Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Proceed for Aleppey by surface to board your private houseboat.
Your backwater journey will start from Aleppey (also known as Alappuzha) which is known as the Venice of the East. It was here that traders from across the seven seas came in search of black gold and souvenirs.
Plunge into a crystal maze of one of the greatest gifts of nature that god has bestowed upon us. As the boat glides silently forward through the largest vast expanse backwater body, The Vembanad Lake, you will drift into a world of peace and serenity. At this point, we will serve you the mouth watering local cuisine and you will agree that it is truly God's own country.
Enjoy lunch on board the houseboat.
Start the cruise and be prepared for the most fascinating journey through the panoramic view of the paddy fields admiring duck farming, watching divers diving for mussels via Mangalam, Chithira, R-block and C block with a cup of steaming tea/coffee in your hand.
On our way a stop at the St. Mary's Church at Champakulam is a must. One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary's church is believed to be one of the seven established by St Thomas. You will see the 130 feet long snake racin
g boat here as they originally belong to this place.Return to Aleppey and proceed to the hotel.
Enjoy the KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION in the evening.
Overnight will be in Cochin.
DAY 03 Cochin - Vagamon: By Road 175 km in 4 hr
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to VAGAMON.
The drive will be through the backwaters of Kumarakom first and then the district of Kottayam. Pass through the beautiful paddy fields and rubber plantations. As you climb uphill you will reach the rolling tea gardens and beautiful churches. Pass through the villages and enjoy the TEA GARDENS and even visit a tea factory.
Reach VAGAMON later in the day and stay at a HOME STAY BUNGALOW in a sprawling spice plantation.
Enjoy the rest of the day in nature and spend the evening with the family.
Overnight will be at VAGAMON.
Drive to VAGAMON.
The drive will be through the backwaters of Kumarakom first and then the district of Kottayam. Pass through the beautiful paddy fields and rubber plantations. As you climb uphill you will reach the rolling tea gardens and beautiful churches. Pass through the villages and enjoy the TEA GARDENS and even visit a tea factory.
Reach VAGAMON later in the day and stay at a HOME STAY BUNGALOW in a sprawling spice plantation.
Enjoy the rest of the day in nature and spend the evening with the family.
Overnight will be at VAGAMON.
DAY 04 Vagamon - Cochin: By Road 175 km in 4 hr
Cochin - Delhi: By Flight Flight : S2 146Airline : Jet Lite
Equipment : Boeing 737
Departure : 1515 hr
Arrival : 1920 hr
After breakfast, enjoy the excursion to the tea plantations again - mornings are the best times for plucking of fresh leaves.
Drive to Cochin.
Reach and take flight to Delhi.
Reach and take connecting international flight to the next destination.
TOUR ENDS
TOUR INCLUDES:
a) Accommodation in triple occupancy rooms,
b) Daily breakfasts,
c) Three hour private houseboat cruise with lunch,
d) AC Vehicle (Toyota SUV) for transfers and sightseeing,
e) A company guide for the tour of Fort Cochin,
f) All hotel taxes,
g) All road taxes, driver allowance, parking charges, etc. and
h) All meals at Vanilla County.
