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Malabar Coast, South India 12 Days

The Malabar Coast on the Arabian Sea and the forested Western Ghats that run parallel to the shore, combine to offer the ultimate experience for those who want to get away from the crowds and enjoy a peaceful, leisurely exploration into the culture and heritage of this exotic part of South India.

The quiet lush, natural beauty of the backwaters and the excitement of the prolific wildlife of Periyar highlight this trip.

Best Travel Dates: October-March

Mumbai (Bombay) - Day 1
Arrival in Mumbai (Bombay) Transfer to Hotel

Bombay - Day 2
Morning rest. Afternoon city tour and ferry to Elephanta Caves.

Goa - Day 3
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Goa. On arrival transfer to hotel. After check-in, tour of old Goa and Panjim; afternnoon: relax at the beach.

Goa - Cochin - Day 4
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Cochin. On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon: cruise the backwaters by boat visiting Cochin Harbor, Bolghatty Palace, the Chinese fishing nets and the coir factory up close. (Coir refers to the coconut fiber which is used to make mats, wall hangings, ropes etc. In and around Cochin there are number of coir factories.)

Cochin - Day 5
Morning city tour including the Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, Dutch Palace. Afternoon: independent. Evening: enjoy a performance of Kathakali, the dance drama of Kerala.

Alleppey - Day 5
After breakfast drive to Alleppey (90 km) where you will stay in a traditional Kerala hotel facing the lake.

Kottayam - Day 7

Enjoy 24 hours house boat cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. Overnight on house boat.

Periyar - Day 8
Drive to Periyar, the most famous wild life sanctuary of South India. Afternoon go for boat cruise in the lake for wildlife viewing.

Periyar - Day 9
Morning jungle walk, elephant safari. Afternoon visit spice plantations.

Trivandrum (Kovalam Beach) - Day 10
Relax on the palm-fringed beach, one of the best beaches in the area.

Trivandrum - Mumbai (Bombay) - home or onward destination - Day 11
Fly Trivandrum-Bombay-home or onward destination.

Note:
For the first class and the deluxe category, the overnight is in Kumarakom instead of Alleppey as higher category hotels are not available in Allepey. For groups of more than 2 people, please request price quote.

• Modest Hotels:
  
  • Bombay: Heritage
  • Goa: Goan Heritage
  • Cochin: Presidency
  • Allepey: Prince
  • Kottayam: Houseboat
  • Periyar: Aranya Niwas
  • Kovalam: Bright Resorts
    
• First Class Hotels
  
  • Bombay: Ambassador or Marine Plaza
  • Goa: Majorda Beach Resort
  • Cochin: Casino
  • Kumarakom: Coconut Lagoon
  • Kottayam: Houseboat
  • Periyar: Aranay Niwas
  • Kovalam: Samudra
    
• Deluxe Hotels
  
  • Bombay: Taj Mahal, New wing
  • Goa: Taj Fort Arguada Beach
  • Cochin: Taj Malabar, sea-facing rooms Upgrade: Brunton Boat Yard
  • Kumarakom: Coconut Lagoon
  • Kottayam: Deluxe Houseboat
  • Periyar: Spice Village
  • Kovalam: Ashok Kovallam Beach Resort
    
    
    Package Includes:

• Accomodations as listed or similar
• Breakfasts at hotels
• Airport transfers
• Land transport by private ac car
• Professional local guides for sightseeing
• Entrances to attractions
• Kathakali Dance Performance
  
  Package Does Not Include

• Insurance
• Airport departure taxes
• Tips
• Any expenses of a personal nature such as phone, laundry, drinks