DETAILS

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
DAY 1 – Chennai to Cochin (Kochi)
When your ship arrives in Chennai, you will be met and transferred to the airport for the flight to Cochin.

Situated on the trade route between Europe and China, Cochin, now renamed Kochi, is one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast and a port of call for foreign traders from very early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the many buildings and structures that bear testimony to the different influences that the city has acquired from the world over. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is the commercial hub of Kerala. Cochin is a fascinating synthesis of old and new. At the entrance of Kochi harbour, the Chinese fishing nets add a wistful aura to the surroundings. These nets are the only remaining evidence of the Chinese contacts of ancient times.

On arrival, you transfer to the hotel to overnight.

DAY 2 - Cochin (Kochi)
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour. Learn the fascinating history of Cochin’s Jewish heritage with a visit to its Synagogue, where scrolls of the Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script are preserved. Proceed then to the "Dutch Palace" with its wonderful murals depicting the entire story of the Ramayana on its walls. Another stop is St. Francis Church, the oldest church constructed by the Europeans in India. The Portuguese originally built this protestant church in 1510, and Vasco da Gama, who died in 1524, was buried here.

In the afternoon, take a motor launch cruise on the backwaters of Cochin. You will glide past the Bolghatty Palace, the beautiful Dutch colonial mansion (now converted into a government owned hotel). Pss islands with their traditional fishing hamlets, and the fisher folk in their colourful costumes. Also view the unique Chinese fishing nets which are the only evidence still remaining of Chinese contact and influence in ancient times.

In the early evening, witness a beautiful Kathakali Dance Performance. Kathakali is a dance drama in which the actors depict characters from famous epics. More an elaborate sequence of yogic exercises than a dance-form, Kathakali has a grace and charm all of its own. A unique “language” of 24 separate gestures has evolved over the centuries. Before the show you can watch the artists apply their make-up: the eyes are especially important, suggesting an immense range of differing moods and emotions. The costumes, wigs and masks are bright and flamboyant and the facial make-up is distinctive with several layers of paint being applied to the dancer’s face to accentuate the lips, eyebrows and eyelashes for a highly dramatic effect.

After the performance, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 3 – Cochin to Kumarakom
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom and check in at your hotel on arrival. Kumarakom is famous for Ayurvedic massages and its backwaters.
The term "backwaters" refers to the extensive network of rivers, lakes, canals and lagoons that connect the coast and the interior. For centuries, these canals provided a safe and efficient means for transporting goods and people between the heartland and port towns along the coast. The afternoon is at leisure for independent activities or enjoying an optional Ajurvedic massage treatment personalized to meet your needs. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 4 – Kumarakom
In the late morning, board a Kerala houseboat for an unforgettable cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. A myriad network of silent lagoons, freshwater rivers and hyacinth covered canals wind their way through colourful corridors of forests, palms and fruit trees, past brilliant green meadows and ancient churches and temples. Amidst such staggering natural beauty, local teams of fishermen congregate to spear fish from their narrow canoes whilst women sit weaving coir beside the shore and children splash in the shallows. Enjoy a Kerala lunch on board the houseboat served on the banana leaf.
Return to the hotel in the evening and overnight.

DAY 5 – Kumarakom to Cochin to Mumbai
After breakfast, drive to Cochin airport for your flight for Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, transfer from the airport to the pier to board your ship.
 
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
This overland excursion ventures from Chennai to Cochin and Kumarakom in Kerala state. Cochin, now renamed Kochi, is a fascinating synthesis of old and new. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is the commercial hub of Kerala, reflecting the different influences that the city has acquired from around the world. In Kumarakom, enjoy this watery wonderland with a backwater cruise by houseboat, with time to take in the natural beauty of the area before returning to your ship in Mumbai.
 
TIMING BREAKDOWN
PLEASE NOTE: TIMINGS BELOW ARE APPROXIMATE AS FLIGHT SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

DAY 1
00:00 Depart pier for Chennai domestic airport
01:00 Arrive airport and check-in
01:45 Depart by flight Chennai-Kochi (snack served on flight)
03:00 Arrive Kochi airport
03:30 Depart Kochi airport
04:30 Arrive at hotel and check-in, Dinner and overnight at hotel

DAY 2
00:00 After breakfast proceed for city tour (approximate departure time 09:00)
04:00 Return hotel and proceed for lunch
05:30 Leave hotel for backwater cruise
08:15 Disembark from boats and proceed for Kathakali dance performance
08:30 Arrive at the performance center
10:30 Leave for hotel
11:00 Arrive at hotel, dinner and overnight

DAY 3
00:00 After breakfast drive to Kumarakom (approximate departure time 09:00)
02:30 Arrive at Kumarakom hotel check-in, thereafter proceed for lunch
The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities or enjoy a massage (at guest’s expense). Dinner and overnight

DAY 4
00:00 breakfast at the hotel
04:00 Depart for backwater cruise with lunch onboard (approximate departure time 11:30)
08:00 Return to hotel.
Evening at leisure, dinner and overnight

DAY 5
00:00 After breakfast drive to Kochi airport (approximate departure time 09:00)
02:30 Arrive Airport and check-in
03:30 Depart by flight Kochi-Mumbai (snack served on flight)
04:30 Arrive at Mumbai airport
05:00 Depart for pier
06:00 Arrive pier and embark the ship
 
OPERATIONAL NOTES
- Includes 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners and 2 in-flight snacks
- The Jewish Synagogue is closed on Fridays and Saturdays
- The Dutch Palace is closed on Fridays
- St. Francis Church is closed on Sundays
- The level of physical activity is Moderate

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