Day 01 of Kerala Backwater Tour

Kochi (Cochin):

Arrive at Kochi (Cochin) meet and assistance at the airport by our representative and transfer to your hotel.

Proceed for a Half-day sight seeing of Cochin by private boat.

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. 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. Enjoy SUNSET while on the boat.

Over night stay at Cochin.

Day 02 of Kerala Backwater Tour

Kochi:

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

In the morning, enjoy a city tour. Visit the Mattancheery Dutch Palace where the superb series of murals painted on the wooden walls are its main attraction. Also visit the 16th century Jewish Synagogue and the Church of St. Francis. Vasco da Gama was originally buried in the Church''s cemetery. Walk around the Fort Cochin area and admire the Chinese Fishing Nets (this time from the land). Chinese traders are believed to have introduced them in the late 14th century.

The afternoon would be spent at leisure.

In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION. Over night stay at Kochi.

Day 03 of Kerala Backwater Tour

Kochi - Periyar (THEKKADY):

By Road 160 km in 4 hr

Proceed for Thekkady after breakfast.

Drive through the plantations and small Kerala villages. The whole of Kerala including the towns are like villages and the simplicity of the state can be felt while driving. All around would be scenic beauty.

Reach Thekkady. (This place is also known as Periyar because of the Lake Periyar) Check in at the resort.

The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, 'Akananuru', 'Purananuru' etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the 'Choorni Nadi' or 'Thamraparni Nadi'. A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which created an Island at the 'Azhimugham' of the Periyar, which is now known as the Vyppin Islands. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to nomadic tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more.

In the evening visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available. Overnight will be at Thekkady.

Overnight will be at Periyar.