Kerala Backwaters
Places to visit
Cochin - Alleppey - Thotatappally village - Thandapara - Champakulam Village - Nedumudi village - Mancompu village - Trikkunnapuzha - Kayamkulam Lake - Rice Barge -Alinkadavu - Disembark - Kovalam - Trivandrum
Duration - 06 Nights / 07 Days
Our house boats were originally built 80 years ago and are constructed from Anjili wood and coir. They are 55 feet in length and 15 feet in width (at its broadest point) and with a capacity of 45 tons, they were used for transporting a variety of goods, but mainly rice. The rice barge is pushed through the water by two men using tall Bamboo poles they cover a distance approximately 20 kms a day. They are simply furnished and consist of a thatched covered lounge cum dining area, a double bedroom (with mosquito net) and a bathroom with a WC and wash basin. In the evening the boat is lit by hurricane lamps. Thatched awnings on both sides of the boat allows the breeze and views to flow in. There is a service area at the back where the cook prepares simple meals using as much fresh provisions as can be plucked, caught or bought in the back water. A guide also travels with the boat to make life as informative and interesting as you wish.
Day 01
Arrive Cochin Assistance and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02
Cochin - Alleppey - Thotatappally village Morning sightseeing tour of Cochin. Cochin, Kerala’s commercial centre, it has a fine natural harbour. Cochin(Kochi) gateway for Kerala is famous for Mattanchery Palace, St. Francis Church, Wellington Island, Bolghatty Island, Chinese Fishing nets and Jewish Synagogue. Cruising on the back-waters provides glimpses of the rural life, fine view of the harbour and three islands.
Afternoon transfer to Alleppey Jetty for boarding Houseboat
Our house boats were originally built 80 years ago and are constructed from Anjili wood and coir. They are 55 feet in length and 15 feet in width (at its broadest point) and with a capacity of 45 tons, they were used for transporting a variety of goods, but mainly rice. The rice barge is pushed through the water by two men using tall Bamboo poles they cover a distance approximately 20 kms a day. They are simply furnished and consist of a thatched covered lounge cum dining area, a double bedroom (with mosquito net) and a bathroom with a WC and wash basin. In the evening the boat is lit by hurricane lamps. Thatched awnings on both sides of the boat allows the breeze and views to flow in. there is a service area at the back where the cook prepares simple meals using as much fresh provisions as cab be plucked, caught or bought in the back water. A guide also travels with the boat to make life as informative and interesting as you wish.
Today Cruise through Pallathuruthy Canal, Karimpavalavu village , Karumady canal - the long stretch of narrow canal - to reach Thottappally village for night stay En-route can visit Karumady Kuttan(a statue of Buddha and a Temple)
Alleppey,Often called the Venice of the East, and situated on the Vembanad Lake which is the longest lake in India, the commercial centre of Allappuzha lives in amaze of canals. in the labyrinth of backwater channels, the town is one of the best starting points to explore the un-spoilt countryside of Kerala..House Boat cruise in the canal by Bamboo Poles, sail through the lagoon with favourable wind, for a change swim in the water, enjoy the scenic beauty of colourful villages. Have a sumptuous meal on Banana leaves. Evening witness sunset through coconut palms.
Dinner under million stars. Overnight at Rice Barge
Day 03
Cruise through Thandapara - Champakulam Village - Nedumudi village - Mancompu village - Trikkunnapuzha - Kayamkulam Lake - Rice Barge
Early Morning wake up to the tunes of lovely birds and watch sun climbing over the palm trees -Have Breakfast - viewing thru the narrow canals and witness the humble living of Keralites and many good's are sold and purchased on barter system still today. After lunch visit Chambakulam Chundan the famous Snake Boat .A visit to Nedumudi village market to witness varieties of Indian Vegetables and Fishes. Continue cruise through Nedumudy and Mancompu village ,Stop for walk through Mancompu village and visit Bhagavathy temple - one of the oldest temples near backwaters and proceed to Kumarakody and Pallana to Thrikunnapuzha. A walk through Thrikunnapuzha village and visit local coir manufacturing unit.
Overnight stay at Rice barge at Kayamkulam lake.
Day 04
Kayamkulam - Alinkadavu - Disembark at Kollam
Today a leisure Cruise through Kayamkulam lake and Alinkadavu village,see first hand the unhurried village life of rural Kerala. The life is tough and traditional work is highly labour intensive. Here one meets the people engaged in country boat building, prawn cultivation, sand mining, coir manufacture, limestone collection (by divers who are specialists in this field), rice farming and duck rearing. You Could go to Kollam thru the maze river and myriad lagoons,this place is also a strong magnet for the millions of tourists who come here from all over the globe to encounter the unbelievable beauty of the place and the life of the millions besides these backwaters. Disemabrk at Kollam and re-join your car and driver and drive to Kovalam, one of the most popular beach resorts of South India.
Day05
Kovalam Day at Leisure
Day 06
Kovalam
Daytrip to Kanya Kumari The Southernmost end of Tamil Nadu, the land's end of India or the point where three seas meet. Cape Camorin of Kanya Kumari is at its best during Chitra Pournima (full moon day in April) when sun and moon are face to face at the same horizon at the confluence point of Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocena and Arabina sea. The Vivekananad Memorial built on the rock into the water where the great philospher guide Swami Vivekananda when into meditation that transformed him into one of the most charismatic spiritual leader of the century.
Suchindram, 13 km from Kanyakumari is dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The temple has a beatuiful gopurarm, musical pillars and an excellent statue of monkey god Hanuman.
Day 07
Kovalam - Trivandrum - Dep.
Transfer to the airport for onward flight
