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| Welcome
to yet another splendid, unparalleled attraction of
God’s Own Country – Kerala. An event that
is as much part of the land’s ethos as the elephant
pageant. A sport that signifies the excellent team spirit,
integration and amity of the people of this backwater
country. Occasions of great excitement that is a reflection
of a vibrant people.
Welcome to the snake boat
races of Kerala. Magnificent fiestas that brings alive
the tranquil backwaters. Snake boat races are held in
connection with Onam, the harvest festival in Augest/September.
Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts
participate in these events. The largest team sport
in the world, the snake boat races are preceded by colourful
water parades.
This journey will takes
you through Cochin, one of the finest natural harbours
in the world to Alleppey, often known as “Venice
of the East” with its intricate maze of narrow
canals, bridges and backwaters. Here we mingled with
the sporting spirit of Snake boat race and further discover
the amazing healing power of a natural health care system
– Ayurveda in a beach resort. From the middle
of the journey we drive over the Western Ghats in search
of spices and finally we conclude in Cochin after having
the traditional feast of Kerala – called Sadya
with a traditional Keralan family during the great Onam
celebration…
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HIGHLIGHTS |
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Snake boat race
in Alleppey |
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Monsoon Rejuvenation |
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Home Stay |
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Onam celebration |
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| Day
01 |
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Arrive Cochin
from your home country. Garland welcome, assistance
and transfer to your hotel. Morning free to
relax.
Cochin, a major port of call on the ancient
trade route from China to Rome, the mixture
of influences here is a heady brew. Chinese
fishing nets dot the coast, Roman coins are
dug up as treasure trove, the Mattancheri Palace
was built by the Portuguese, the Bolghatty Palace
by the Dutch, and Willingdon Island was created
by the British. Here you will find Hindu Temples,
Christian Churches, mosques, and a synagogue
(the Jewish settlement dates from at least as
far back as AD 400). Cochin is a melting pot
of races and cultures, charmingly emphasizing
that variety is indeed the spice of life. Afternoon
visit famous monuments & churches. O/n Hotel.
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COCHIN TO ALLEPPEY |
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Morning
after breakfast drive to Alleppey (about 56kms/02hrs)
to be a part of the most important boat race in
Kerala – Nehru Trophy Boat race. The main
event consists of a stiff competition between
the magnificent snake boats known as ‘Chundanvallams’
for the coveted trophy. These boat stretch about
100 feet in length, with a raised prow, resembling
the raised hood of a snake. They are manned by
some 100 rowers who row vigorously to the accompaniment
of the ‘Vanchipattu’ to lend vocal
support to their physical efforts. The race commences
with a ceremonial water procession comprising
of floats and a variety of craft.
Usually a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen,
25 singers and 100 – 125 oarsmen who row
in unison to the fast rhythm of the vanchipattu
(song of boatman). Thousands of people crowd the
water’s edge to cheer the huge black crafts
as they slice through the waters to a spectacular
finish. Evening return to Cochin for overnight
hotel after a thrilling experience of the boat
race. O/n Hotel.
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COCHIN TO KOVALAM |
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Early
morning transfer to railway station to board an
express train to Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala.
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel located on the
beachside. Here we experience Ayurveda, an age-old
healing system using peculiar combinations of
medicinal herbs developed by great sages centuries
ago. The Rejuvenation therapy which includes massages
and Sirodhara by trained masseurs with medicated
oil. This therapy is to rejuvenate mind, body
and soul to tone up skin and strengthen body systems
and achieve ideal health and longevity.
These treatments are
done only after consultation with Ayurvedic physician
in the hotel.
Monsoon period is considered the best season for
Rejuvenation therapy, as the temperature is cool
and atmosphere is dust free.
Forenoon session: - General
body massage with medicated bath and medicated
steam bath.
Afternoon session:
- Shirodhara and Vet
ever scrub bath.
Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.
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KOVALAM |
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Morning free for Ayurvedic
treatment & yoga. Rest of the day free to relax
or stroll around the nearby villages to explore
the area. O/n Hotel. |
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KOVALAM |
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The day free for Ayurveda,
yoga and other activities. O/n Hotel. |
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KOVALAM TO ALLEPPEY
TO KUMARAKOM |
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After
an early breakfast we drive to Alleppey (about
180kms/04hrs) to embark our houseboat from the
hotel directly to explore the enchanting backwaters
of Alleppey. Cruise through the Punnamada Lake
the venue of the famous Nehru trophy snake boat
race and enter to the enchanting waters of the
Vembanadu Lake enjoy the panoramic views and the
glimpses of life along the banks. Visit R-block,
C-block where paddy is cultivated much below the
water level and Chavara Bhavan, the old wooden
house where the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara
was born. By evening we will anchor our houseboat
for overnight. O/n Houseboat. |
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KUMARAKOM TO TEEKOY |
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Morning
after breakfast we drive to Teekoy (about 60kms/02hrs).
Check into Vanilla County is an beautiful plantation
villa in Kerala, near the origin of the Meenachil
River at Vagamon, set amidst sylvan surroundings
and lush greenery where one can wander around
spice gardens, mountain streams, rubber plantations
and unpolluted and eco-friendly country side,
far removed from the cities. This is also a great
opportunity to stay with a Keralan family and
enjoy home cooked food, opportunities to see organic
spice, fruit and vegetable farms, swim in a series
of natural pools and plantation visits. The day
to relax. O/n Villa. |
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TEEKOY |
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Morning
after breakfast we drive to Vagamon, an enchanting
hill station on the Idukki-Kottayam border, dotted
with tea gardens and meadows is one of the best
hill stations of Kerala. Evening visit Ayyampara,
or Five Rocks, a 30-acre rock formation is a favourite
haunt for those who wish to see some spectacular
sunsets. O/n Villa.
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TEEKOY |
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Morning
we visit Illikal Peak - the origin of the River
Meenachil and is a mythological site. Local belief
has it that a bird brings the mythical herb atop
this mountain to whosoever seeks eternal life!
The natural menhirs atop the mountain takes on
a mystical meaning to those who view it from afar.
A climb to the top is a rewarding experience to
trekkers as well as to those who wish to see the
origin of one of Kerala's life giving rivers.
Afternoon stroll around the spice plantations
to learn more about the Keralan spices. O/n Villa. |
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TEEKOY TO THEKKADY |
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Morning
after breakfast we drive to Thekkady (about 50kms/03hrs).
The road winds you through the stunning views
over the Western Ghats. Check into the hotel.
Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary,
the place for watching the animals in the natural
habitat. The forest here slopes into the manmade
lake at the bottom of the hill. This lake serves
as the waterhole for the animals and they come
here to drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur,
Sambhar deer and even tigers can be spotted here.
Evening we make a 02 hrs cruise through the lake
to watch the rich flora and fauna. O/n Hotel.
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THEKKADY TO COCHIN |
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Morning
after a leisurely breakfast we drive to Cochin
(about 204 kms/04hrs), check into the hotel. Rest
of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel. |
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COCHIN |
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Today
we will visit one of the Keralian traditional
family to be a part of Onam celebration with them.
Every year, for centuries now, the people of Kerala
welcome the return of a vanquished king –
Mahabali. These are some of the delightful moments
that Malayalees all over the world would like
to associate or witness during the festival of
Onam, which also symbolizes prosperity and well-being.
It is an occasion when the land wakes up to the
calls of early morning flower pickers, temples
team with rituals, traditional Onam feast, games
and fun for all groups, getting dressed in one’s
best attire and many more. Afternoon we will have
the traditional feast of Kerala – called
Sadya with that family. Exotically served on a
clean fresh banana leaf, this multi-course extravaganza
comprises mainly rice and countless curries and
dishes. All delectably vegetarian. Most of them
coconut based. With various tongue-tingling pickles
adding that touch of spice and topped by large
helpings of “payasams” – a sweet
milky porridge served with dried fruits and nuts.
By evening say hallo to the family and back to
hotel. O/n Hotel.
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COCHIN |
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Early morning transfer to Int’l
airport to board flight to your home country
via Middle East.
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END OF SERVICE |
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NOTE :
This programmes is specially designed for the Snake
Boat Race taking place during the Onam Festival
in Kerala, which is takes place sometime during
August-September every year. |
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Contact us to book
the above tour during Snake Boat Race and Onam Festival. |
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