Kerala, India’s southern state is a haven of relaxation set amidst some of the most beauty scenery in the world. It is listed as one of the top 100 places to visit before you die. This trip brings together all the elements that make Kerala a wonderful experience for the mind, body and spirit. From cruising the Backwaters of Kerala aboard a converted rice barge with a chef to prepare a special Keralan lunch, to observing India’s wildlife at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and having time to relax and enjoy an Ayurvedic massage, this trip will invigorate and relax you at the same time !

DAY 1: DUBLIN – ABU DHABI - COCHIN
Travel by Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi to Cochin, arrive at 3.55 am
Meet & greet on arrival & transfer by private car to the hotel (rooms held from previous night)

DAY 2: COCHIN
Day at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities

Evening sunset cruise on the Bay of Cochin

After cruise, return to hotel for dinner (direct payment)

Overnight at the hotel

DAY 3: COCHIN
After breakfast enjoy a sightseeing (walking) tour of Fort Cochin, visiting the famous Chinese Fishing nets, the St. Francis Church - Vasco da Gama was buried in the church in 1524. Walk through the quaint lanes of Old Fort Cochin with their art galleries and cafes. Thereafter, walk through the lanes of the Jew town, visiting the interesting spice markets and antique shops, ending tour at Dutch Palace.

Dinner (on direct payment) and overnight at the hotel

DAY 4: COCHIN (KOCHI) / PERIYAR
After breakfast, check out and drive to Periyar
Check into Resort

Periyar (Thekkady) - Sprawling across 777 sq. kms. of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, it is home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills.

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the resort facilities

Dinner (on direct payment) and overnight at the hotel

DAY 5: PERIYAR
After breakfast, drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Boat Cruise on Periyar Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see its abundant wild life including elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink.

Visit the Spice Plantations (pepper, coffee, cardamom, vanilla, tea and ginger). Visit a factory to see coffee, tea, cardamom processing and opportunity to buy tea and local spices.
Afternoon at leisure

Dinner (on direct payment) and overnight at the hotel

DAY 6: PERIYAR - KUMARAKOM
After breakfast at hotel, check-out and drive to Kumarakom

Arrive and transfer to Resort

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the resort facilities

Dinner (on direct payment) and overnight at the hotel

DAY 7: KUMARAKOM - HOUSE BOAT
After breakfast at hotel, rest of the morning at leisure

12.00hr: Board a private AC houseboat (Kettuvallam) with a bedroom and kitchen for a day cruise.
Enjoy a journey through the backwaters and the small lakes, relaxing in the tranquility of Kerala’s beautiful scenery. As you pass through the backwaters, you will experience the way of the life and activity of the local people.

Lunch will be cooked using freshly bought produce from the local markets and will be served on board.

1600hrs: Disembark houseboat and return back to hotel
Rest of the day at leisure

Dinner (direct payment) and overnight at the hotel

DAY 8: KUMARAKOM
After a leisurely breakfast, check-out and drive to Philip Kutty’s Farm, Kottayam

Enjoy a cooking demonstration of traditional Kerala cuisine followed by lunch

After lunch return to hotel. Rest of afternoon at leisure

Dinner (direct payment) and overnight at the hotel

DAY 9 -12: MARARIKULAM
After breakfast drive to Mararikulam (20 kms)
Mararikulam is one of the picturesque fishing villages that dot the lovely coastline of Kerala.

Arrive and check-in at Resort
This resort hotel is set in 25 acres of coconut palm groves leading to endless miles of fabulous soft sandy beach fringed with swaying palms.

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy hotel facilities

Dinner (direct payment) and overnight at the hotel

DAY 12: COCHIN - ABU DHABI – DUBLIN
Check out of the hotel

After midnight transfer to airport for Etihad flight home at 0515 hrs.

PRICES (valid till 30th April 2013)

4* hotel – From Euro 2100 per person sharing

5* hotel – From Euro 2550 per person sharing

THE PRICES INCLUDE:
All air fares and taxes
Hotel accommodation on B&B basis
All transport by private car & driver
English speaking guide for activities
All activities as described & rice barge cruise

THE ABOVE PRICE EXCLUDES:
Travel insurance, lunches, dinners and drinks, tips and any personal expenditure.

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