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> Backwaters and wildlife
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Backwaters and Wildlife - Kerala HouseboatsKerala is India’s most exotic state. The people here are slightly darker-skinned than in the north and the region is more affluent and developed. The climate is tropical and the region is abundant with palm trees, rice paddies and banana plantations. Wherever you go you're likely to stumble into a colourful festival when the whole region gets into party mode like the Dragon Boat race. |
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Duration |
4 days, 3 nights Offered daily/Independent |
Accommodation |
Wooden Kerala houseboats, guest house in Periyar. Comfort level 3/4 (accommodation in India) |
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Price |
From $435 per person - based on 2 people sharing (authentic) From $505 per person - based on 2 people sharing (heritage) |
Includes |
- Accommodation with breakfast (on the houseboat all meals) - Private air-conditioned transport for entire journey - Entrance fees into Periyar (one day) - Boating/Walking depending on availability in Periyar |
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Transport |
Air-conditioned private car/driver |
Excludes |
- All other meals - Entrance fees at all sightseeing spots, Camera fee, attraction guide charges - Tipping |
Day 1: Cochin (Kochi) - Kerala houseboatThis morning you'll leave Cochin for Alleppey as you begin the Kerala backwaters tour to the centre of the backwaters that the locals fondly refer to as the ‘Venice of the East’. Around midday you’ll leave the canals of Alleppey and sail into the backwaters in a one of our charming Kerala houseboats. The waterways are shaded by palms on all sides and everywhere you’ll see people working the land, waving cheerfully as you sail by. Along the way, you’ll stop to visit various villages, hidden temples, churches and even a traditional snake boat. Tonight as part of your Kerala houseboats tour your accommodation is on a one of our traditional Kerala houseboats on the scenic Lake Vattakayal.Just like hotels, the Kerala houseboats come in all shapes and sizes. We’ve selected an affordable but charming boat with all the necessary comforts. There’s a bedroom with fan, a bathroom with shower and toilet and even a small kitchen at the back. If you’d like a bit more space – and luxury then just let us know and we’ll arrange an upgrade. |
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Day 2: Kerala houseboat - ThekkadyIn the morning you’ll slowly sail back to where you first boarded our Kerala houseboats, before continuing further inland by car to Thekkady, a scenic 4-hour drive across the green tea plantations. Thekkady lies quite high up in the hills and the evenings are pleasantly cool.You’ll be staying in a friendly guesthouse with just a couple of rooms. There are lots of hotels and resorts along the main road, so there’s plenty of choice for dinner in the evening. Most visitors to Periyar National Park stay the night in Thekkady so you’ll find plenty of tourist facilities here like souvenir shops and internet cafes. |
Day 3: Periyar National ParkJust as the morning mist is lifting, you’ll be picked up at your hotel to continue on your Kerala houseboats tour to the entrance of Periyar National Park. You’ll continue on foot to the lake where you’ll set off on a 4-5 km hike through diverse habitats including evergreen and deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The park is home to several types of deer, otters, bison, monkeys and even wild bears. But the most important inhabitant of Periyar is probably the wild elephant.Later that afternoon after your hike you’ll visit a couple of spice plantations and wander through the coffee plants, tea fields and pepper plantations. On the way back to your hotel in Thekkady you’ll stop off at a local market where you can try some of the spices yourself. You’ll be staying another night in your cosy guesthouse. |
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Day 4: Periyar National Park - End of moduleYour Kerala houseboats tour come to an end today in Thekkady. From here you can travel on to Madurai with its magical temples, sweet incense wafting up in the air and brightly dressed people placing offerings at little altars. During our South India travel module: Living Temples of the South module you will be able to visit several of these splendid southern Indian temples and step back in French colonial time in Pondicherry. The module ends in Mamallapuran where you can relax on the beach in a small beach resort.After Periyar you can also head straight to the beach for a couple of days of sun and sand under the shade of the rustling palm trees. Marari beach has several low-key resorts and quiet beaches. Further south in Kovalam you’ll find a bit more action with a good selection of restaurants and souvenir shops. Or if you head further north we offer some great options for Goa holidays. |
Kerala houseboats tour: authentic accommodation
Kerala houseboats tour: heritage accommodation
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