I.S.A.R 2010

About Cochin
The commercial capital of Kerala with its modern part Ernakulum and the old peninsular district of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, Cochin is situated on the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin was an important spice-trading center on the Arabian Sea coast from the 14th century onwards. It was also the first European colonial settlement in India. First to arrive were the Portuguese followed by the Dutch and finally the British, who ruled here until 19th century.

Sight seeing Place
We visit the old parts of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Here you see Dutch Palace built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin King in the 16th century and the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, Santa Cruz Basilica, the fishing market and the famous Chinese fishing nets - believed having been introduced by the traders from the court of Kublai Khan to the Malabar region.

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

GURUVAYUR AND PUNATHUR KOTTA

Guruvayur
Guruvayur is a temple town located 29 km north-west of Thrisur District in Kerala. Considered one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in South India, Guruvayur is famous for the Sree Krishna or Guruvayurappan Temple located within the town. The main deity of the temple is Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The idol resides in the square Sreekovil or the sacred sanctorum at the temple. History has it that this idol was carved out of "Pathalanjana Sila" and is hence considered very sacred with magical healing powers. Hindu pilgrims can make several offerings to the deity including the simple offering of flowers or the much elaborate "Udayastamana" pooja whereby a devotee is weighed against offerings of bananas, sugar, jaggery or coconuts. Guruvayur Temple also houses the idols of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy.

PUNATHUR KOTTA
Punnathurkotta was once the palace of a local ruler, but the palace grounds are now used to house the elephants belonging to the Guruvayoor temple, and has been renamed Anakkotta (meaning "Elephant Fort"). There are currently 86 elephants housed there. The elephants are ritual offerings made by the devotees of Lord Guruvayurappa. This facility is also used to train the elephants to serve Lord Krishna as well as participate in many festivals that occur throughout the year. The oldest elephant is around 75 years of age. The rituals of Gajapooja (Worshipping Elephants) and Anayoottu (Feeding Elephants) are observed here, as an offering to Lord Ganesha. The legendary elephant "Guruvayur Keshavan" was housed here.

Athirapally
Athirapally is the land of rivers and forests and great waterfalls. Athirapally waterfall is a major tourist attraction place. The soothing sounds take you to the nature’s most relaxing, rejuvenating place, East of Chalakudy, “The Athirappally Waterfalls” in Kerala, Athirappally is an 80ft high waterfall which literally takes your breath away. Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, this waterfall is one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of the “Picturesque”. It is not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural..

ALLEPPEY (DAY CRUISE HOUSE BOAT WITH LUNCH)

With the Arabian Sea in the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha/Alleppey is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the "Venice of the East", this Backwater region is also home to a diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.

Alleppey, known as "Venice of the East". In Alleppey you embark a traditional houseboat (Kettuvallam) in Kerala style, which brings you along the narrow, quiet canals, small villages lined with coconut palms offering a rare glimpse of village life in India's most densely populated state. On the houseboat you experience delicious food of Kerala, sunbathe on the deck of the boat and sleep away from the hustle and bustle of India under galaxy of stars.

ONE NIGHT TWO DAYS - MUNNAR

Munnar
Munnar is one of the highest located tea estates in the world. It is set in a fascinating mountain landscape with fresh, crisp air. While traveling through this region you can observe the tea picker while they are harvesting and soak up the smell of the spices in the cardamom hills. The name "Munnar" means three rivers, and there are actually three mountain steams, Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, confluencing at the heart of the town. Majestic mountain peaks, lush green forests, wildlife sanctuaries and sparkling waterfalls merge to create the unique magic of Munnar. The tiny hill town - at an altitude about 1600 m, the former summer resort of the erstwhile British in South India, is home to some exotic flora including the Nilgiri Tahr, the rare Mountain Goat, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar, Gaur, Elephant and Lion.

In the morning you go for sightseeing in the Rajamalai National Park or Eravikulam National Park (optional). In this park you can spot some wild animals like the Nilgiri Thar, Nilgiri Langur, Mountain Goat, Sambar, Gaur, elephants and if you are very lucky you can even see a lion. In the Afternoon you visit the tea plantation and spice garden that will be enchanting you with the smell that lingers in the air and boating for two hours and back to Cochin.

Thekkady
Periyar also known as Thekkady is South India's most popular wildlife sanctuary spread across 777 km² in the picturesque rainforests of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary encompasses a 26 km² artificial lake. This is the only sanctuary in India that offers a unique opportunity of viewing wildlife in their natural habitat at a close distance from a safe boat on the lake. Periyar is also the center of spice plantations such as cardamom, cloves, pepper, coffee and tea.

Today you go on a two hour boat cruise on the Periyar Lake. During this journey you can see wild animals along the shore bathing, drinking, resting and foraging. It is an excellent spot to see a family of elephants, wild boar and sambar deer at the edge of the water. We can also will take you on a guided plantation tour to a nearby garden where various species of spices and other aromatic plants are cultivated. The guide will explain and clarify your doubts according the species used in the Indian cuisine. After the plantation tour we will visit the tea factory where you can see the process of producing the tea. Back to Cochin.

Munnar & Thekkady (2 Nights/3Days)

Tours