Day 01: Arrive Cochin
You will arrive at Cochin Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our India representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as ‘God’s Own Country’. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
Afternoon city tour of Cochin, Visit historical sites in Mattancherry/Fort Kochi – Jew Town, Jewish synagogue, St. Francis church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Vasco House, Dutch Palace, Fort Kochi beach, Chinese fishing nets and watch the sunset.
St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that, his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked out.
Mattancherry/Fort Kochi – Jew Town, Jewish synagogue,The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.
The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here, The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. The palace is located in Mattancherry.
The Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.
Evening visit The Cochin Cultural Centre (Manikath Road, behind Medical Trust Hospital) and Art Kerala (Kannanthodathu Lane, near Valanjambalam Temple) organises Kathakali performances every evening. Kathakali is a traditional danceform of Kerala and the impressive facial expressions, hand gestures and dance moves will leave one spellbound.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 02: Cochin – Periyar
Morning after breakfast drive to Periyar, on arrival check in at hotel
Periyar (also known as Thekkady) is a park where one can witness playful elephants, whose population is currently around 800. Elephant in Periyar make excellent wildlife watching. The population of tigers is also increasing appreciably. The terrain ranges from hilly to flat grassland areas at the edges of the lakes. The vegetation is of moist deciduous type. Elephant in Periyar remain the key attraction.
Afternoon visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Elephants, bisons, antelopes, samburs, monkeys and bears can be found in their natural habitat in this world famous wild life sanctuary, situated 190kms east of Cochin. A boat ride through the man-made lake in the heart of the sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural surroundings.
Overnight stay at hotel
Day 03: Periyar – Alleppey
Morning after breakfast drive to Allepey. On arrival transfer and check in at Houseboat.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at Boat House.
Day 04: Alleppey – Cochin
Monring after breakfast drive to Cochin.
Upon arrival, check in at the hotel
Afternoon, free for shopping/ Massage
Overnight at the hotel
Day 05: Departure Cochin
Morning after breakfast in time transfer to international airport to board the flight for onward destination
