Tea Bungalows in the Clouds: 13 Nights &14 Days |
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| » Tour Overview » Tour Highlights » Detailed Itinerary » Accommodations » Price » Inclusions & Exclusions |
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| Locations Covered: |
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COCHIN » MUNNAR » PERIYAR » KUMARAKOM » ALLEPPEY » MARARI » COCHIN |
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| Overview: |
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Experience the magic of the tea hills of Kerala with this special tour, where, amongst other things you will get to stay in the Kannan Devan Tea Bungalows. More than a century old, these bungalows are erstwhile plantation bungalows that were originally built for British tea planters during the times of the Raj. Apart from the many delights that one can enjoy at the bungalows (including sipping a warm cuppa sitting in the gardens overlooking the mist clad hills) one also has the options of taking a stroll along pathways that wind through the tea plantations, cycling in the hills or visiting a tea factory nearby. |
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| Highlights: |
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| Detailed Itinerary : |
DAY 01 – Arrival - Cochin
Welcomed by Kerala Travel Centre representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. A port town since early centuries, Cochin attracted traders and invaders from the world over. Needless to say, Cochin offers you some fascinating snippets of history and culture. Relax and unwind at the hotel. In the evening you could go for a relaxing sunset cruise. Overnight at the Brunton Boatyard. (Vehicle at Disposal)
DAY 02 – Cochin
Today you could go for a sightseeing tour to explore the many fascinating highlights of Cochin which include - The Jewish Synagogue in what is locally called the Jew Town, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace, the Spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been brought by Chinese traders. In the evening, visit an auditorium to see the famous dance drama of Kerala, the 'Kathakali'. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. Overnight at the Brunton Boatyard. (Vehicle at Disposal)
DAY 03 – Cochin – Thattekad (70km/2hrs)
Drive to Thattekad, an evergreen lowland forest and one of the best bird watching destinations in India. You are likely to sight birds such as the White bellied Tree pie, Rufus Babbler, Crimson backed Sunbird, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill besides owls like the Mottled Wood Owl and Spot bellied Eagle Owl amongst others here. Overnight at the Hornbill Camp. (Vehicle at Disposal)
DAY 04 – Thattekad
Visit the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary today which was designed by the renowned ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. This bird sanctuary, a peninsular land of 25 sq. km is covered with forests and plantations of rosewood and teak. Rare birds like the Crimson-Throated Barbet, Bee-eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black winged Kite and the Night Heron are also commonly sighted here. This rare haven offers picturesque landscapes, and is a nature lover's paradise. Overnight at the Hornbill Camp. (Vehicle at Disposal)
DAY 05 – Thattekad to Munnar (100km/3.5hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Munnar a hill station located 1600 meters above sea level. Once the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in South India it still retains its colonial charm and is famous for its tea plantations, most of which are privately owned. With its sprawling estates, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, Munnar is an ideal holiday destination. Check into the enchanting Kannan Devan Tea Estate Bungalow. Enjoy the ambience of your own private colonial bungalow which will take you back in time to the glorious days of the British planters who lived here. Overnight at the Kanan Devan Tea Bungalow. (Vehicle at Disposal)
DAY 06 – Munnar
Today you can visit the tea museum and learn how tea is processed. You could also take a short trip to the Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Thar mountain goat amongst others) or simply walk through the enchanting tea estates and enjoy the tranquility it provides. Day at leisure. Overnight at the Kanan Devan Tea Bungalow. (Vehicle at Disposal)
DAY 07 – Munnar
Early this morning, you could trek up to the Chokkmudi hill nearby along some magnificent trails where you will be mesmerised by spectacular views of the mountains of the Western Ghats. Return back to the tea bungalow in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (Vehicle at Disposal)
DAY 08 – Munnar - Periyar (110km/3hrs)
Drive to Periyar an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel. You can go on a spice plantation tour today where you will be enticed by not only the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg but will also get to know how they are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. Also you can go for an Elephant ride today. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the Spice Village. (Vehicle at Disposal)
DAY 09 – Periyar – Kumarakom (145/4 hrs)
Drive to Kumarakom, the enchanting backwater region of Kerala and check into your hotel. The labyrinthine network of rivers, canals, streams and lagoons, which form the famed backwaters offer stunning views, and is an ideal place to relax. Day at leisure. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon. (Vehicle for Transfer)
DAY 10 – Kumarakom
Day at leisure. In the evening enjoy a rejuveanting full-body Ayurveda Massage. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon. (No Vehicle)
DAY 11 – Kumarakom – Alleppey (by boat)
Embark on your private houseboat and cruise on the Backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats or 'Kettuvalloms' are converted rice barges with well-appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape from your cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings it's the life along the coast that adds a touch of exotica to this experience. The locals' travel in canoes and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods, door to door in small wooden boats. As you cruise along the backwaters you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy fields and other places, enroute. Overnight on board. (Full Board) (Transfer by Boat)
DAY 12 – Alleppey – Marari (20 km/½ hrs)
Disembark in the morning and drive to the picturesque fishermen's village of Mararikulam. Check into the Marari Beach Resort. Tucked away inside quiet and lush Coconut groves, the resort is set by the pristine golden beaches of Mararikulam and offers you a fantastic getaway. Day at leisure at the beach resort. Overnight at the Marari Beach Resort. (Vehicle for Transfer)
DAY 13 – Marari
Day at leisure on the beach. Overnight at the Marari Beach Resort. (No Vehicle)
DAY 14 – Marari – Cochin – Departure (75 km/2 hrs)
Departure: Transfer to Cochin airport for return flight. (Vehicle for Transfer)
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| Accommodation: |
| Place | Nts | Standard | Superior | Deluxe | | | Cochin | 2 | - - | - - | Brunton Boatyard | | Thattekad | 2 | - - | - - | Hornbill Camp | | Munnar | 3 | - - | - - | Kannan Devan Tea Bungalows | | Periyar | 1 | - - | - - | Spice Village | | Kumarakom | 2 | - - | - - | Coconut Lagoon | | Houseboat | 1 | - - | - - | Muthoot River Escapes | | Mararikulam | 2 | - - | - - | Marari Beach Resort |
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| Prices: |
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Prices from £ 799 per person
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| Tour Inclusions & Exclusions: |
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Prices are per person based on 2 people occupying 1 double or twin room. Prices may vary based on local market fluctuations. For single supplements please contact Kerala Travel Centre. Price Includes: B&B at all hotels except where mentioned in the itinerary, chauffeur guide driven AC car, all entrance fees and assisted airport transfers. Price Excludes: International Flights - Please contact Kerala Travel Centre for booking flight. |
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Discuss this tour with a India Expert on
0800 195 4290 |
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