Best Of Kerala With Taj Group

• Day 1: Arrive Cochin

  Your Kerala tour starts with your arrival into Cochin Airport, where you will be received by a Trans India Holidays representative and he will escort you to the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa and will assist you with the check-in formalities. Cochin: Widely known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin has one of the world’s most attractive natural ports. Cochin is well known for its spices, silks, ivory, and sandalwood. It has traditionally rich heritage, but at the same time, it is one of the most fast-paced and contemporary cities in India. It is very easy to be spellbound by the magic of Cochin and it is the beauty and comparatively good infrastructure that makes Cochin the ideal gateway to the state. Cochin, or Kochi as it is now called, offers visitors palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters; palm-fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a modern metro city. Taj Malabar Resort & Spa - It is located on Willingdon Island (named after the British officer who commissioned it in 1920), with magnificent views of the Cochin harbor and the beautiful backwaters. There are excellent facilities in the hotel such as swimming pool, coffee shop, bars, and an Ayurvedic massage center. Taj Malabar Resort & Spa is the only hotel in Kerala with an Authentic Thai restaurant. Overnight stay in Cochin.

• Day 2: In Cochin

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, the tour guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you for a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin. Tour includes the following places of interest : Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): The Portuguese constructed The Mattancherry Palace in 1557, and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma (1537-61) as sign of goodwill. After 1663, the Dutch carried out some constructions and renovations in the palace, and from that day it was widely called as the ‘Dutch Palace’. The most significant thing about this palace is the amazing paintings in the bedrooms and other rooms. The paintings portray scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga. These paintings are certainly the most extensive and attractive paintings to be seen anywhere in India. The Jewish Synagogue: The Jewish Synagogue is located near the Dutch Palace. This synagogue was constructed in 1568 and was brilliantly decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. The Synagogue has a giant scroll of the Old Testament. Cochin Harbor: The very popular tourist attraction in Cochin Harbor is the Chinese Fishing nets. These fishing nets are one of its kind and are found only in India. The fishing nets were popularized in Cochin Harbor by the traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan. St Francis Church: St.Francis church was constructed by the Europeans in 1503. St. Francis Church is the oldest European church in India. The Portuguese trader, Vasco da Gama died in Kochi, during his third visit to Kerala. Initially, his body was buried in this church, but after a few years, his remains were moved to Portugal. In spite of all this, the place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church. Fort Kochi Beach: Fort Kochi beach is an ideal location to saunter in a peaceful and relaxing way. This beach happens to be one of the favorite tourist spots in Kerala. The view of the sunset with the Chinese fishing net and the sailing ships in the background is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen alongside the shoreline. Later in the evening, you will be picked up by the guide and will be taken to a Kathakali Dance Performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a classical dance form, portraying Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The costumes of the dancers are very colorful and elaborate. Dancers with painted faces depict the various characters of the ancient epics. The Kathakali dancers portray a lot of facial expressions and articulate body movements. Overnight stay in Cochin

• Day 3: Drive Cochin - Kumarakom (70 kms / 1.5 hrs)

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, you will be assisted with check out formalities and start your drive to Kumarakom, the next stop on your Kerala tour. Kumarakom: Kumarakom is a small village on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. This beautiful paradise stocked with mangrove forests, beryl green paddy fields, and coconut groves comprises with waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Kumarakom charms the tourist from all over the world. It offers a wide variety of flora, beautiful sightseeing, boating and fishing experiences. It is a part of Kuttanad region and the bird sanctuary spread over 14 acres is a safe home for many migratory birds. It is a fascinating sight for the visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat ride round the islands, as hundreds of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to brush the tops of your heads. On arrival in Kumarakom, check-in at the Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa: Referred as the little jewel of Kumarakom. The few things that influenced English Missionary Henry Baker, in the late 19th century to construct a bungalow on the banks of Vembanad Lake are the blue backwaters, swaying palms, and the floating houseboats. It still maintains the beauty of its natural surroundings. The 140-year-old bungalow has Luxury Vilas, Heritage rooms and beautiful Cottages. This peaceful retreat allows the guests either to practice the art of doing nothing or enjoy the different variety of experiences, from nature to adventure from culture to cuisine and from rejuvenating to religion. The rest of the day is free for you. You can relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

• Day 4: Kumarakom-Houseboat

  After a relaxing breakfast at the resort, board your private house boat for an overnight stay on the backwaters of Kerala. House Boat - One of the high points of your Kerala tour, will be the night spent onboard the Houseboat. These rice barges or “Kettuvallams” sail alongside the shallow palm-edged lakes and narrow canals. The House Boat takes you through the villages constructed on narrow spits of land, where you can stop at the local markets, or to see the wonder of the craftsmen engaged in centuries-old boat-making tradition. These Houseboats offer one or two small cabins with a tiny sitting area and a crew of 2 staff and a chef. The Houseboats serve authentic Keralan cuisine. The overnight stay on the Houseboat is an extraordinary experience. Overnight onboard Houseboat.

• Day 5: Drive Houseboat – Kovalam (170 kms / 4 hrs)

  After a relaxing breakfast, and a bit of cruising on the lake, disembark your Houseboat in either Alleppey or Kumarakom and drive to Kovalam, the last stop on your Kerala tour. Kovalam is Kerala’s popular tourist destination, and a famous beach. In 1960 the Kovalam beach was discovered by the western hippies. It was the hippies who changed the small fishing village into the Kovalam beach. Since then it has become one of the most popular beach destinations. Presently Kovalam has acquired all the accessories of a beach resort, such as the seaside eateries serving a fusion of Indian and Continental food, fast food vendors and pubs etc. On your arrival at the Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa, you will be met by our representative and will be assisted with the check in formalities. Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa, Kovalam :Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa is located on one of India’s most popular beaches. The property is spread across 10 acres of land, offering a breathtaking view of the backwaters, lush scenery, coconut palms and unspoiled beaches. All the cottages in the resort are light, airy and modern. With its natural beauty and relaxing hospitality, the resort is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. The rest of the day is free for you. You can relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

• Day 6: In Kovalam

  The day is free for you. You can relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

• Day 7: Drive Kovalam - Trivandrum airport (20 kms/ 30 minutes) & Depart

  The morning is free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort. Later in the day, you will be met by our representative and he will help you with the check out formalities. He will then escort you to the Trivandrum airport for your flight back home.

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