Scenic Kerala Tour

Upon arrival in Cochin you are greeted by a local employee at the airport exit and escorted to the hotel. You can then relax and acclimatize from the long journey. In the afternoon you invigorated a city tour through the vibrant port city. Cochin - Queen of Arabian Sea , situated due to its scenic location in a natural harbor, the different neighborhoods, spread over several peninsulas, Cochin is also the Queen of the Arabian Sea called . The lively harbor town offers a harmonious blend of different cultures. Many traders, merchants and rulers from Europe and China have left their mark, which still reflected in the buildings, traditions, customs, eating etc.. Cochin is one of the oldest port cities of India. The profitable trade with the grown in the Cardamom Mountains spices left the city in the 16th century become the most important port on the Malabar Coast. Because of your riches it is also called pepper coast. Chinese Fishing Nets Our tour begins in Fort Cochin, in one of the oldest European settlements in India. A special attraction are the famous Chinese fishing nets from the 13th century that border the north shore of Fort Cochin and because of its idyllic location between the sea and the old town are the landmark of the city. A special magic you will experience the early morning at the nets when they are drawn with an abundant catch out of the water. Or at sunset from the shore or a boat, when the imposing tangle of wooden poles, cables and networks emerge as a black silhouette against the red ball of fire. Afterwards you will visit the oldest European church in India, the St. Francis Church , and the Tomb of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. He died in 1524 at Cochin and was buried here. Located in the historic district of Mattancherry you visit the Dutch Palace .The palace is a beautiful example of the Indo-European architectural style. Continue to the Jewish quarter with a synagogue built in 1567. Famous Kathakali dancers in the evening you can experience the high point of the day. You visit a Kathakali dance performance. Brilliant as every sunrise are the colors that make up the Kathakali dancers their faces to impressive masks. The lavish costumes and faces tell the stories of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. It is a harmonious and impressive mix of drama, dance and ritual that is only danced by men. This vivid and colorful spectacle is a special kind of experience you should not miss.

Today enjoy a varied ride through a beautiful fairy landscape, on the road in the nature reserve of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary . Nestled amidst green rainforests of the Cardamom Hills, the 777 km2 reserve located on the southern slopes of the Western Ghats. It is one of the last untouched jungle areas. A special feature is the 26-m2 large artificial lake in the heart of the Park, the British docked 1895. decades, the Maharajas and the European colonialists who preys on Tiger made ​​and reduces the stock dramatically in a very short time. The Maharaja of Travancore worked to be the first for the protection of forests and a ban on hunting and declared the area in 1934 to a reserve. In 1978 the area received its present name: Periyar Tiger Reserve ., which advocates for the protection of endangered animals A great animal and plant world, you can experience here. In addition to the approximately 1,000 elephants, various species of monkeys, Sambas, Nilgiri Thare, leopards etc. also about 40 Bengal tigers roam the forests of Peryiar National Park. With some luck you get one of these fascinating big cats to face, an event that can be your journey to a very special experience. Boat Safari Upon arrival in Periyar and strengthening features a unique experience. You take a boat safari on the reservoir. From the water, you can observe the rich wildlife wonderful, eg cormorants sitting on trees, drying their feathers in the sun or elephants take a dip. spice gardens on a guided tour of the Periyar spice gardens you will learn about the preparation, application and effect of the coveted spices of India. Enjoy the variety and the unique aroma of herbs and plants.

Periyar you leave and drive to Kumarakom. It is an enchanting paradise on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, nestled in lush green paddy fields, mangrove forests, coconut trees and crossed by lagoons and canals of the backwaters. Let yourself be enchanted on a boat tour of the magnificent sunset, the beautiful scenery and the bird life on the Vembanad lake.

In the morning you will discover the bird sanctuary of Kumarakom. The area is right on the backwaters and was once weekend residence and hunting grounds of the colonial rulers. This gorgeous green oasis is a preferred nesting and wintering area for migratory birds. The great biodiversity is not only a paradise for ornithologists, it fascinates every visitor. Afternoon is at leisure. You can explore the area or relax under the palm trees of a resort.

Today you will experience the fascinating and tropical beauty of the backwaters on a houseboat. Initially used boats for transportation of rice and spices. Today, it is converted houseboats with all comfort. Enjoy an unforgettable journey through the enchanting lagoon landscape of Kerala. Experience an oasis of peace and glide on the shimmering surface of the water past the palm forests, paddy fields, coconut groves and picturesque villages. Pamper yourself with typical local dishes and enjoy and a breathtaking sunset in a tropical atmosphere. Let the exotic scents in the air enchant and spend a fantastically romantic night on the houseboat.