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Kerala Backwaters & Beaches
Local Payment: ZAR R205.00
Tour Code: GIKB
Tour Duration: 11 days
Countries Visited: India

Day 1: Kochi
Today is an arrival day and no activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time. Our hotel is located in Fort Cochin, the historical heart of Kochi (Cochin). If you are arriving early, please check the noticeboard in the foyer of the hotel for suggestions of things to see and do in Fort Cochin. A pre-departure meeting takes place this evening at the hotel. Please also check the noticeboard for details of this meeting and for any other messages from your tour leader. Please also bring your passport and travel insurance documents to the meeting. Afterwards we have the opportunity to go out for an optional group dinner.
Day 2: Kochi
Kochi is set on a cluster of peninsulas and islands in the Indian Ocean and is a fascinating blend of cultures. From time immemorial it has been the favourite destination of globe-trotters and explorers. Blessed by one of the finest natural harbours in the world, Kochi has been eulogised as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. We include a tour of the Fort Kochi peninsula where we discover the Dutch Palace, which was restored by the Dutch and presented as a gift to the King of Kochi, and St Francis Church - the oldest Christian church in India, built by Portuguese Franciscan monks in 1503. The church itself is testament to the history of historic Cochin, having been used at various stages by Roman Catholics, Dutch Protestants and Anglicans. We also visit the famous Mattancherry Jewish Synagogue, originally built of wood in 1568. The area surrounding the synagogue is full of spice shops selling cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and a host of other spices. We also take a look at the unique Chinese fishing nets, which are set up close to our hotel.
Day 3: Vaikom - Kochi
This morning we drive to Vaikom for a day visit, where we include a boat ride through the small waterways and visit various local industries such as like coir making, toddy tapping, spice producing, mat weaving and pot making. We visit a riverine village and meet the families living in this stunningly unique environment. The backwaters of Kerala have become the lifeline of the state, with a number of towns like Allapuzha, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kuttinad located amidst the maze of waterways. Late in the afternoon we drive back to Kochi for our overnight stay.
Day 4: Backwater Cruise - Alleppey
Today we catch a bus to the small market town of Alleppey (Alappuzha) that is built on a network of canals and surrounded by coconut palms. Upon arrival we board our houseboat, converted from a Kettavallum, or traditional rice barge, and sail the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. This large aquatic area is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals, and the people who live in this region have created their own distinct lifestyles. From our comfortable houseboats we witness the peaceful way of life on these amazing waterways. After watching the sun go down over the backwaters we return to dock at Alleppey and transfer to our nearby backwater hotel.
Day 5-6: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Today we catch the local bus to Thekkady, on the edge of one of India’s most popular wildlife reserves. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds an artificial lake that was built by the British in 1895. It is home to gaur, wild boar, sambar deer, langur monkey, wild elephant, various antelopes and a wide variety of birds. We include an early morning cruise on the lake, which is a great way to start the day. The rest of the time is free to explore the area and perhaps take an optional jungle walk with a local guide or visit a nearby plantation.
Day 7-9: Varkala
We spend the next three days at Varkala - a beautiful beach town on the Arabian Sea about an hour's drive from the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). The main beach here is Papanasham Beach, which is long and golden with a backdrop of red laterite cliffs from which mineral water springs forth. It is a chill-out place and in the mornings and evenings we can witness fishermen pulling up their nets from the sea. Our tour leader is able to take us to various beaches in the surrounding areas and advise us on various optional activities such as witnessing an evening Kathakali or Kalaripayatt show. It is also a town famous for Ayurvedic massage centres - ideal for rejuvenation!
Day 10-11: Kochi
We take a morning day train back to Kochi and arrive back there by noon. We have a final free afternoon in Kochi, which offers a great opportunity to do some final shopping for souvenirs to take home. Our trip ends the following morning.
Tour Grade: Culture
| Start Date | End Date | Price |
| 01 Nov 2010 | 11 Nov 2010 | $1290 AUD |
| 29 Nov 2010 | 09 Dec 2010 | $1290 AUD |
| 27 Dec 2010 | 06 Jan 2011 | $1290 AUD |
| 24 Jan 2011 | 03 Feb 2011 | $1290 AUD |
| 21 Feb 2011 | 03 Mar 2011 | $1290 AUD |
| 16 Mar 2011 | 26 Mar 2011 | $1395 AUD |
| 21 Mar 2011 | 31 Mar 2011 | $1290 AUD |
| 18 Apr 2011 | 28 Apr 2011 | $1290 AUD |
| 16 May 2011 | 26 May 2011 | $1290 AUD |
| 13 Jun 2011 | 23 Jun 2011 | $1290 AUD |
| 25 Jul 2011 | 04 Aug 2011 | $1290 AUD |
| 22 Aug 2011 | 01 Sep 2011 | $1290 AUD |
| 03 Oct 2011 | 13 Oct 2011 | $1290 AUD |
| 31 Oct 2011 | 10 Nov 2011 | $1290 AUD |
| 28 Nov 2011 | 08 Dec 2011 | $1290 AUD |
| 26 Dec 2011 | 05 Jan 2012 | $1290 AUD |
| 23 Jan 2012 | 02 Feb 2012 | $1290 AUD |
| 20 Feb 2012 | 01 Mar 2012 | $1290 AUD |
| 19 Mar 2012 | 29 Mar 2012 | $1290 AUD |
| 16 Apr 2012 | 26 Apr 2012 | $1290 AUD |
| 14 May 2012 | 24 May 2012 | $1290 AUD |
Included
Experienced regional tour leader and all transportation and accommodation as indicated in detailed Trip Notes. The following sightseeing trips are included: Kochi - tour of Fort Cochin including entrance, transport and local guide fees; Vaikom - boat ride through narrow canals; Alleppey - one day backwaters' cruise with lunch on board; Periyar National Park - one boat ride plus entrance, transport and local guide fees.
Meals
1 lunch
Not Included
International flights, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre or post tour accommodation, all other meals, optional tours sightseeing or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights unless specified. Some places that we visit charge additional fees if you are entering with a camera or camcorder - your city guide will advise on these and they can be paid for locally.
Additional Accommodation
You may wish to extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation - ask Gecko's or your travel agent for details and prices when you book your trip.
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