Kerala and the Beach

DAY 04: PERIYAR - KUMARAKOM                          DRIVE: APPROX.190 kms / 4½ hrs

• Breakfast at the Hotel.
• Drive to Kumarakom.
• Day free at leisure.
• Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Morning after breakfast at the Hotel, proceed to enjoy a Guided Walk around Spice & Rubber Plantation tour to see various plants. After Plantation tour come back to Hotel and later drive to Kumarakom. Arrive and check into a Hotel /Resort.

Situated on the bank of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is the most beautiful and picturesque backwater destination of Kerala, a town very famous for its rubber plantations and 15th century ancient churches. It's an enchantingly beautiful little paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals.

Kumarakom also has one of the finest bird sanctuaries of India which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks is a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy, exploring the beautiful surroundings or spotting an exciting range of colorful water birds in the Kumarakom bird sanctuary. Boating and fishing facilities are also available at Kumarakom. Or enjoy ayurvedic treatment on own expenses at the Hotel.

Ayurveda - A Natural Way of Feeling Better   

Ayurveda is a holistic approach to toning the body. A relaxing massage with herbal oils is highly rejuvenating. Ayurveda is an Indian system of medicine. Ayurveda means the science of life / health and employs naturalistic methods based on the theory of panchabhuta or five elements. Tone up the nervous system with the help of aromatic and medicinal oils used by expert masseurs.

Ayurveda evolved around 600 BC in India. During the 500-600 B.C., knowledgeable philosophers such as Agasthya, Charaka, Sushrutha, Kashyapa churned from the vedas the references to all illness, diseases, drug-medicines and compiled the samhitas. It is from this samhitas that the physicians later absorbed the knowledge of Ayurveda and applied them for curing illness. Ayurveda is not only the ancient Indian science of preventative health and healing but also a philosophy of living.

This new system of medicine stressed on the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them. Followed by the Dravidians and Aryans alike, Ayurveda has been practiced ever since. Today, it's a unique, indispensable branch of medicine - a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of your body's humours - vata, pitta and kapha - to achieve the right balance.

Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole. Making it the natural way to refresh your self, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health.         

Overnight stay at the Hotel.           

• Breakfast at the Hotel.
• Day free at leisure.
• Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Morning after breakfast full day is at leisure or to enjoy the facilities available at the Hotel or Ayurvedic treatment / massage. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

• Breakfast at the Hotel.
• Board the House boat.
• Lunch, Dinner and Overnight stay on board the House boat.

Morning after breakfast at the Hotel, proceed to embark the houseboat. Start cruising through narrow lakes & Canals towards Alleppey. Enjoy backwaters on board the House boat.

The coastal town of *Alleppey* on the Arabian sea, called as the Venice of the east for the numerous canals that meander through the town. This town holds a thrilling event of snake boat race every year during August. It is also known for its cashew nuts.

The backwaters in Kerala is a network of 1500 kms of canals both manmade and natural, 38 rivers and 5 big lakes extending from one end of Kerala to the other. Before trucks became popular, the main cargo transportation was through backwaters by 'Kettuvalloms'. Kettuvallom means, ‘stitched boat’. Kettuvalloms or Houseboats (Riceboats) are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. With the advent of roads, bridges and ferry services, gradually the Kettuvalloms went off the scene. Now these kettuvalloms are back again as a major tourist attraction. A ride on a Kettuvallom is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.

Houseboats (Kettuvalloms) of Kerela: The Houseboats of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet in length, retrieved from being lost to the State altogether.  Once they ruled the backwaters, poled along by one or two men, heavily loaded with rice, coconut and other commodities.  But in the recent times, the kettuvalloms have been replaced by more and modern modes of transport, relegating them to neglect and decay.It takes great skill and meticulousness to construct these giants by tying huge planks of jack wood together.  Curiously enough, not a single nail is used in their making.  There used to be an entire clan of artisans who were involved in kettuvallom construction.  Today, an innovative holiday idea has restored these majestic representatives of a unique culture and with them their makers.

The houseboats that cruise these emerald waterways are an improvisation on the large country barges which were an essential part the land's ethos in days gone by.  Modified to meet a novel concept of holidaying, the kettuvalloms are comfortably furnished with an open longue, one or two bath attached bedrooms and a kitchenette, and are extremely eco friendly, merging smoothly into the panorama.  Every boat is manned by a crew - usually a cook, guide and oarsman.

Rest of the day free to relax on board. Overnight stay on the House boat.

• Breakfast on board the House boat.
• Disembark the House boat and drive to Kovalam.
• Day free at leisure.
• Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Morning after breakfast, disembark the House boat and drive to Kovalam via Trivandrum (the capital of the state Kerala). Upon arrival check into the Hotel.

Kovalam is one of the finest beach destinations of South India famous for its clean and beautiful golden beaches and enchanting surroundings of swaying coconut palms.

Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum.Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South".  
 
"Kovalam" means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. The crescent-shaped beach has three parts. The southern most beach, and the most popular, is light house beach. It offers an amazing sight of Vizhinjam mosque. The northern Samudra is a laid back one and time seems stands still here. The middle, hawah, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.

Azure water and favorable climate make Kovalam a favorite year-round spot for swimming. Sea here is pacific and shallow where you can take a dip in the saline waters. The clean white sandy beach will arouse a temptation irresistible: to lie idle on the sands and tan your body.You could get into any of the Ayurvedic massage center and indulge in a rejuvenating herbal, body-toning massage and holistic therapies.

Its scenic beauty and serenity is supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation. There are a lot of restaurants which provide western style food as well as Indian, which is delicious. The grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns and kalamari are got fresh from the sea at Kovalam. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.

It is warm and clean filled with the coconut trees and the white sand bed as the sea breeze gently plays with the waves. Swimming and bathing are very refreshing and exhilarating in the waves. One can walk into the sea for about 100 meters without loosing ground. This cove is also the safest place for swimming. At many coastal places there are beautiful patches of coral reefs. The underwater views, which are visible during snorkeling, are really marvelous.
 
Highly commercialized and very crowded through most of the year, Kovalam manages, against all odds, to retain much of the charm which made it a popular beach in the first place. Surfing and swimming are among the other water sports possible in Kovalam beach.Many people from different countries and cultures, intermingle with each other and get together in this paradise of the South and spend their leisure time joyfully.

Rest of the day free for independent activities. Enjoy lazing and sunbathing on the cool golden beaches of Kovalam.

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

• Breakfast at the Hotel.
• Day excursion to Kanyakumari.
• Overnight stay at the Hotel.

         
Morning after breakfast, proceed on a full day excursion tour to Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari is an important pilgrimage centre of India at the southern most tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal & Indian Sea meet to each other. Later visit the famous Kumari Amman Temple dedicated to the virgin Goddess and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial where Swami Vivekanand sat in the long and deep meditation, built in 1970. Vattakottai (Circular Fort), The 18th century fort overlooking the sea, located 6 Kms. Evening enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset against the sea that never fails to enchant your eyes and soul. Here the sea is calm and suitable for bathing.

Later return back to the Hotel in Kovalam were remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

• Breakfast at the Hotel.
• Day free at leisure or to enjoy on the beach.
• Overnight stay at the Hotel.

         
Morning after breakfast at the Hotel, day free to enjoy and relax on the beach or for independent activities.

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

• Transfer to the International Airport to board the onwards flight.

Our representative will meet you at the Hotel in time and transfer you to the International airport to board the onwards flight.

***Tour Terminates***

1. HOTELS ENVISAGED OR SIMILAR SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY:

OPTION 01

1. HOTELS ENVISAGED OR SIMILAR SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY:

OPTION 02

SPECIAL NOTE:

• Unless specified, all prices are quoted in US$.
• Check in / check out time at Hotels is usually 1200 Noon except a few hotels / cities.
• For International flights check-in time is 03 hours before the departure time for economy and 2 hours for business class.
• For Domestic flights check-in time is 60-90 minutes before the departure time, depending on the airline and departure city.
• Flight schedules and air fares (especially surcharges / taxes) quoted are subject to change as per the airlines notice from time to time.
• In case an extra bed is required in the room, there may be an additional charge applicable. Many hotels have divergent extra bed / person policies; some don’t allow more than 2 pax to a room.
• Our quotes include all current taxes etc. Any major hike due to a change in taxes, entrance fees, fuel hikes, air-fares hikes etc. will affect the cost.
• Any changes in banking rates of exchange between the Indian Rupee and US$ may affect the prices quoted, even after confirmations.
• Peak season supplements: many hotels / resorts levy compulsory supplements during the peak (Christmas / New Year) period. Based on the dates of the tour, this will be advised separately.
• All elements included in this quotation are subject to availability until the booking is made and confirmed. The hotels / services as quoted may change while our giving you the final confirmation, based on current availability.

BOOKING PROCEDURE:

• Full names of all guests along with room type required must be submitted at the time of making the booking. Ages are required in case train bookings are involved.
• All prices given are per person and on a nett basis – unless specifically mentioned otherwise.
• All meals quoted for may be provided in pre-designated restaurants / venues. Supplements may apply for a variation in meal requirements.
• Most hotels have breakfast inclusive rates; there will be no refund if breakfast (or meals included in the room) is not utilized during the tour.
• All the confirmed bookings are non transferable, especially with regard to airlines / trains etc. Any changes in the names will be treated as fresh bookings and will be subject to availability.

TOUR COST – All Tours are subject to an Acceptance Payment/Deposit of £150.

Cost per person on twin share basis as per itinerary 

On application for the current Tour Cost

Payment.
1.On acceptance - £150 per person, Acceptance Payment/Deposit (non refundable) by cheque payable to “S W & M Miller”. 

Your Contract for all tour arrangements is directly with Creative Travel Delhi, India to whom payment for the tour is made.

2. Eight weeks prior to arrival in India, or on Acceptance - 50% payable in US $, by Credit Card or International Bank Transfer, direct to Creative Travel, India.

3. On arrival in India – 50% payable, in US $, by Credit Card or Cash.

Cancellation Charges

35 days prior to arrival a cancellation fee of US$200 per person will be applicable.
30 days notice of cancellation a fee of 25% of the total amount will be applicable.
25 days notice of cancellation a fee of 50% of the total amount will be applicable
Less than 25 days notice incurs the full amount.
Acceptance Payment non refundable

Included in the Cost

• Accommodation on a twin sharing basis in the hotels mentioned above or equivalent – subject to availability.
• Any single room subject to supplement shown.
• Room and breakfast basis – or meals as indicated in the itinerary (B), (L) and (D)
• Full board at Wildlife Park if applicable.
• All transfers, sightseeing and excursions by air-conditioned vehicle where appropriate.
• Services of an English speaking local guide (or a naturalist in National Parks)
• Entrance fees at monuments and parks where applicable
• Train journeys where applicable
• Domestic economy airfares, indicated in the itinerary, are subject to change.
• Basic porterage at airports, rail stations and hotels (not tips).
• All currently applicable taxes.
• Where US$ are quoted the UK pounds price shown is for comparison only and is subject to change.

Excluded from the Cost

• Expenses of a personal nature such as table drinks, laundry, telephone calls, Internet charges, mineral water, tips, shopping etc.
• Any other meals or services not mentioned in the itinerary or ‘includes’ list.
• Any international airfares to India and Asia
• Any airport taxes where applicable in each country
• Any subsequent increase in airfares, fuel costs, monuments/sightseeing fees.
• Any other taxes subsequently introduced by Government, State or Tourist Ministry.
• Travel Insurance
• Visa Fees, if applicable, in any country
• Any Christmas, New Year and Gala Dinners