One of the most interesting cities in India, Cochin is fondly called ‘The Queen of the Arabian Sea’. It has one of the finest natural harbours in the world and from time immemorial the Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese sea fares followed the sea route to Cochin and left their impressions on the town.
Afternoon Sightseeing – stroll through the streets of Fort Kochi, where the city's extraordinary history of foreign influence and settlement is reflected in an assortment of architectural styles which have an old world charm.
Sightseeing of Cochin with guide. Afternoon spend at Fort Cochin, if desired.
5 pm Kathakali at a local theatre
St. Francis Church is the oldest church constructed by the Europeans in India.
Chinese Fishing Nets are a fascinating sight at the entrance of the Cochin harbor. They were first brought to Kerala by the Chinese traders from Kubla Khan’s Court.
The Dutch Palace which was built by the Portuguese is well known for its mural paintings representing scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha. In the central courtyard of the palace is a temple dedicated to Pazhayannur Bhagavathy
The Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 A.D was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two years after. Scrolls of the Old Testament and a number of Copper Plates inscribed in the Hebrew script are preserved in the synagogue.
Santa Cruz Basilica is a Roman Catholic Church with beautiful paintings on its ceiling.
The Dutch Cemetery is situated near the entrance to the beach, a short distance away from St Francis Church.
Evening 5 pm,enjoy Kathakali, the stately dance of Kerala, at a local theatre
Kathakali make-up is the the slow metamorphosis of mortals into immortal deities and demons. A lengthy affair, the process takes two-three hours to complete. Doing the facial using natural pigments like manayola, actors turn themselves into mythical beings step-by-step. And as the brilliant head-gear is fixed on their heads, they become larger than life.
10.30 am proceed to Alleppey (approx 1 hr 30 minutes) to board houseboat. Lunch, dinner and next day breakfast and mineral water served.
Alleppey, the ‘Venice of East' might today appear a far-etched cliche of travelogue writers, but this quaint little town is certainly the Venice of India. Nowhere else will you find, spread out across the center of town, a unique crisscrossing network of canals on which thatched country boats punt along leisurely. The proximity of lakes adds to the Venetian ambience.
The Kerala houseboats/Kettuvalloms that cruise these emerald waterways are an improvisation on the large country barges, which were an essential part of the land's ethos in days gone by. Modified to meet a novel concept of holidaying, the kettuvalloms (houseboats) are comfortably furnished with an open lounge, bath attached bedrooms and a kitchenette, and are extremely Eco-friendly, merging smoothly into the panorama. Every houseboat is manned by a crew of 3 men, usually a cook, guide and oarsman.
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Trivandrum with guide. Visit Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple,Napier Museum, Sree Chithira Art Gallery, Kuthiramalika Museum.
Also known as Thiruvananthapuram, Trivandrum is the capital city of Kerala. Flanked by the Arabian Sea in the west and the state of Tamil Nadu in the east, the Western Ghats are full of wooded highlands & scenic views making it an ideal destination for nature lovers & adventure buffs alike.
With many avenues like the Trivandrum Museum, Public Library & the Swati Thirunal College of Music; the city has been the pulse of the cultural scene in Kerala. The illustrious painter Raja Ravi Varma belongs to the city & his works are displayed at the Sri Chitra Art Gallery. Home to the famous Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, which has several murals dating back to the 18th century are well preserved. Age old traditions which have been passed out through generations are meticulously followed till date.
Day return trip to Kanyakumari enroute visit Padmanabhapuram Palace with guide.
After breakfast travel to visit Padmanabhapuram wooden palace, Ancient Suchindram temple, Devi Kanyakumari Temple, Vivekananda rock, Gandhidham and Triveni Sangam (confluence of 3 oceans–Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea). The city is at the southernmost tip of India and is especially popular for its spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset, thanks to its being nearly surrounded by ocean waters. On pleasant, full-moon evenings, one can see the moon-rise and sunset at the same time.
Morning: Sightseeing of Chennai with guide – National Art Gallery, Kabaleeswarar temple, Santhome Cathedral, Sree Parthasarathi temple, Govt Museum, Fort Museum, St. Thomas Mount, St George and St Mary’s Church and Marina beach.
