Kerala Backwaters

Day 01 / Arrival Trivandrum
On arrival at Trivandrum airport meet assist at the airport and transfer to Kovalam ( approx. 20 kms. ). On arrival in Kovalam transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Trivandrum including excursion to Kanyakumari and also:
1. Padmanabha Swami Temple, the only one in Kerala where foreign nationals are allowed near the Sanctum Sanctorum. Known
for its mural paintings and stone carvings, the temple is a blend of Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture.
2. Kuthiramalika, a palace of the erstwhile Composer King of Travancore, displays a rare specimen of workmanship in the
traditional Travancore style of architecture with exquisite woodcarvings (closed on all Mondays).
3. The Napier Museum, houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple
chariot and ivory carvings (closed on all Sundays & Wednesdays).
4. Shree Chitra Art Gallery, displays select paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlava & Nicholas Roerich, including some exquisite
works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. The collection includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet
and Bali (closed on all Mondays & Wednesdays). The evening is free to relax on the Beach. Night stay in Kovalam.

Day 02 / Kovalam - Alleppey
After breakfast leave to Alleppey by surface 165 kms. On Arrival transfer to Kettuvallam (House Boat). Cruise start after Lunch on board and night stay at house boat.

Day 03 / Alleppey - Kumarakom
After breakfast move out from house boat at Kumarakom and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Night stay in Kumarakom.

Day 04 / Kumarakom - Cochin
After breakfast drive to cochin 75 kms. On arrival transfer to hotel . Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of cochin including .
1. The Hill Palace Museum, a fully-fledged archeological museum and Kerala’s first ever Heritage Museum are the main attractions
(closed on Mondays).
2. Chinese Fishing Nets, this unique style of huge cantilevered fishing nets were erected between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders
from the Court of Kubla Khan, a Chinese King.
3. Santa Cruz Basilica, this historic church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. Pope
John Paul II proclaimed the Church a Basilica in 1984.
4. The Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, this is the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth (closed on Saturdays & Jewish
Holidays). The area around the Synagogue, called Jew Town, is the centre for Spice & Handicraft shops.
5. Mattanchery Palace (Dutch Palace), built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Regent of Kochi (closed on Fridays).
Return to hotel rest of the day free/ shopping at Ernakulam. Night stay in Cochin.

Day 05 / Cochin - Departure
After breakfast, departure transfer to airport/ railway station to board the onward flight.

Cost includes:
» 04 nights accomodation as per the itinerary with daily breakfast.
» All meals ( breakfast, lunch & dinner ) at the time of staying in air-conditioned house boat.
» Surface Travel by exclusive airconditioned car.
» All transfers & sightseeing as per the itinerary by air-conditioned car.
» Local English speaking guides.
» All taxes, driver allowances, Parking etc.

Cost does not include:
» Entrance fee to monuments.
» Any airfare
» Tips, laundry.
» Any item not shown in Cost Includes.

Hotels Selected - Luxury ( 5 star Dlx. )
Kovalam : Leela Kempinski
Alleppy : Air-conditioned Houseboat
Kumarakom : Kumarakom Lake Resort
Cochin : Brunton Boatyard

Hotels Selected - Royal ( 5 star )
Kovalam : Taj Green Cove
Alleppy : Air-conditioned Houseboat
Kumarakom : Hotel Golden Water
Cochin : Trident Hilton

Hotels Selected - Classic ( 4 star )
Kovalam : Uday Samudra
Alleppy : Air-conditioned Houseboat
Kumarakom : Cocobay Resort / Water Esacapes
Cochin : Hotel Casino

Hotels Selected - Economy( 3 star )
Kovalam : Hotel Samudra
Alleppy : Air-conditioned Houseboat
Kumarakom : Tharavadu Heritage
Cochin : Abad Atrium