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…
HIGHLIGHTS :-
- Snake boat race in Alleppey
- Monsoon Rejuvenation
- Home Stay
- Onam celebration
13TH
AUG'04 COCHIN 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.
14TH AUG'04 COCHIN TO ALLEPPEY
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.
15TH
AUG'04 COCHIN TO KOVALAM 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.
16TH AUG'04 KOVALAM
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.
17TH AUG'04 KOVALAM The day free for Ayurveda, yoga and other activities. O/n Hotel.
18TH AUG'04 KOVALAM TO ALLEPPEY TO KUMARAKOM
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.
19TH AUG'04 KUMARAKOM TO TEEKOY
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.
20TH AUG'04 TEEKOY
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.
21ST AUG'04 TEEKOY
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.
22ND AUG'04 TEEKOY TO THEKKADY
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.
23RD AUG'04 THEKKADY TO COCHIN
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.
24TH AUG'04 COCHIN
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.
25TH AUG'04 COCHIN
Early morning transfer to Int'l airport to board flight to your home country via Middle East.
End of Service
NOTE : We have to follow the above date's inorder to attend the Snake Boat race and festivities.
HOTELS USED OR SIMILAR :-
| PLACE | HOTEL |
| COCHIN | FORT HERITAGE - BOTIQUE |
| KOVALAM | ISOLA DI COCCO - 3* |
| ALLEPPEY | HOUSEBOAT |
| TEEKOY | VANILLA COUNTY - ESTATE BUNGALOW |
| THEKKADY | CARDAMOM COUNTY - 3* |
| COST FOR 2004 | |
| FOR 02 PAX | USD 895 NETT PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARING BASIS. |
| FOR 03 TO 05 PAX | USD 840 NETT PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARING BASIS. |
| FOR 06 TO 08 PAX | USD 760 NETT PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARING BASIS. |
| SINGLE SUPPLEMENT | USD 255 NETT |
| Supplement for Airconditioned transport :- | |
| Ambassador car | USD 160 nett |
| Toyota Qualis | USD 285 nett. |
| Tempo Mini Coach | USD 300 nett. |
COST INCLUDES :
12 nights accommodation in hotels (standard rooms) on bed and breakfast basis except at Houseboat & Villa at Teekoy which is on full board basis where as in hotel at Kovalam which will be on full board (ayurvedic meals), all overland journeys including arrival/departure transfers and sightseeing using non air-conditioned ambassador car/Toyota quails/tempo mini coach, entrance fees to monuments/temples, local English speaking guides at Cochin & Alleppey on sightseeing days, air-conditioned chair car train fare from Ernakulam to Trivandrum, ayurvedic relaxation therapy as per the programme for 03 days, 01 Onam lunch with local Malayali family, assistance at arr/dep transfers.
COST EXCLUDES :
International airfare from your home country to India and back, airport departure tax, domestic airfare, main meals (lunch + dinner) at hotels except wherever specified, any extra sightseeing not included in the programme, personal expenses like bar bills, telephone calls, tips, beverages, medical/travel insurance, still/video camera fees or any other cost not included above.
Hope the above is in order, please feel free to contact us for any further clarification.