Highlights Highlights Kerala, the lush green & coconut tree- clad south western tip of India instantly attracts any tourist with its interesting history, ancient medical practices, lip smacking cuisine, charming landscapes, and colorful festivals. To explore Kerala in its full form, Elatrip has formulated this exclusive cultural tour package and we are proudly inviting you to be a part of this unique travel festival, a really first time experience in Kerala tourism! You will visit a street at Calicut and find out the reason behind its curiously beckoning name- ‘Sweet street’. You will come across many cultural art-forms of Kerala like Ottanthullal - a type of monologue performing art, Tholpavakoothu - the shadow puppetry show, Theyyam – the dancing Gods, Mudiyettu - a ritualistic dance drama, and finally the ‘Festival of all festivals’, Thrissur Pooram consists of many wonders like caparisoned elephants, impressive fireworks and marvelous percussion.
Itinerary Day 1 (14-04-2012) Saturday Cochin - Calicut
t Arrival at Cochin International Airport. Our executive will be there to receive you t Have a short halt at Hotel to get refreshed and you will be picked up from there to
Calicut City which is 205 KMS from Cochin. You may reach there within 4 Hrs. Don’t expect a smooth drive on Kerala roads due to bad road conditions & heavy traffic sometimes. Remember to keep your eyes open till you reach back at the airport, so that you will say for sure that Kerala is truly the God’s own country. You can opt for a Calicut city sightseeing if you are well fit for another short drive, considering the availability of time After dinner, we are wishing you a calm and sound sleep to restore your energy for the next 20 days you are going to celebrate with Kerala’s own diversified nature, culture and festivals.
t t Day 3 (16-04-2012) Monday Thalassery - Kannur
t Today you will be witnessing the unique and wonderful phenomenon which may be the kind of one in your
lifetime. The Dancing Gods After breakfast you will be having a short drive to Kannur which is just 45 minutes away, but you will consume more time as you will be visiting some of the most wonderful destinations in Kerala like Muzhuppilangad Beach – the one and only drive-in beach in Kerala, Dharmadom Island and Kannur Fort… If you have enough time in between we can arrange your lunch also. After reaching Kannur get refreshed and stock up enough guts as you are heading to Puliyur kali Temple, Mathamangalam to experience Theyyam – the dancing Gods After the visual treat and availing enough blessings from the Gods, drive back to the hotel, have dinner and take rest (only if you are awakened from the dreamy world).
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Day 2 (15-04-2012) Sunday Calicut - Thalassery
t After breakfast you will be picked up from the hotel to visit the famous Sweet Street nearby and Beypore Port. t Your next target is Thalassery which is nearly 75 Kms far. After lunch you will be taken towards Thalassery. t You will be having a short halt at Kappad beach. You will have to reach there before
4:00 o’clock so that you won’t miss the first glimpse of the Kerala Culture in this tour. After a short break at Thalassery visit nearby Thiruvangad Ramaswamy Temple to experience Ottanthullal (a type of monologue performing art) Performance will start at 4:00 pm and the duration will be about one and a half hour. Afterwards enjoy a mesmerizing sunset view from the historic Thalassery Fort. A Yummy typical Kerala dinner will be waiting for you at the hotel. Enjoy it and…Goodnight!
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Day 4 (17-04-2012) Tuesday Kannur - Bekal
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Dancing Gods are now in memory, today you are invited to experience a rare art form which was originated in Karnataka but is popular in Northern Kerala along with Karnataka. Have breakfast of your choice and head towards Bekal which is 80 KMS far away. Visit Valiyaparamba Backwaters and Kappil Beach on the way and have a short break at Bekal with lunch. It is time to visit nearby Anatheswara Sidhi Vinayaka Temple now to enjoy the said art form - Yakhsagana Drive back to Bekal and have rest after your dinner
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Day 5 (18-04-2012) Wednesday Bekal - Wayanad
t Day 7 (20-04-2012) Friday Wayanad - Shornur
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You will have an early drive after breakfast towards Shornur which is around 165 KMS far, so that you can experience the misty ghats, hairpin bends and viewpoints on the way. Have a short halt at Nilambur end. Enjoy the Teak forest situated at the banks of Chaliyar River, Teak Museum & Butterfly Museum. Don’t forget to Lake a walk on the longest Hanging Bridge in Kerala, across river Chaliyar which will take one to the Conolly plot. Hurry up!! You must reach Shoranur before 3:00PM to visit Kerala Kalamandalam - A public institution in India which gives training in and conducting performances of the classical arts of Kerala and Enjoy Kathakali. The allowed time here is till 5PM. Sorry for that! You will have to leave and head to your Hotel. May be this will be one of the few days you will get some more time to relax.
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Get up early in the morning, and with a cup of coffee enjoy the birds singing and the magnificence of rising sun. After breakfast get ready for another lengthy drive to the hilly terrain – Wayanad . On the way enjoy the darkness and the boondocks of Aaralam Wildlife sanctuary and get relaxed at Kuruva Island an isolated island abundantly rich in green forest and herbs. Don’t forget to have a ride on the bamboo raft if available. After dinner, if you are fit enough, you can also have a four wheel night safari in Bandipur forest.
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Day 6 (19-04-2012) Thursday Wayanad
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This day is entirely booked to experience the natural and heritage wonders of
Wayanad After breakfast a circular drive in Wayanad itself visiting Ambalawayal Heritage Museum where you can see one of Kerala's largest collections of the leftovers of a time dating back to the 2nd century A.D., pictorial carving at historically famous Edakkal Caves, manmade wonder Pookkottu Lake and natural wonder Soochippara Falls. Don’t worry we will never forget your lunch. Overnight Stay at SulthanBathery
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Day 8 (21-04-2012) Saturday Shoranur
t After breakfast head to Varikkassery Mana which is one of the centuries old
aristocratic Kerala Brahamin house and enjoy the brilliant traditional architecture and its surroundings. Visit the 50 year old Malampuzha Dam and the surrounded Amusements and scenic Garden Now the time have arrived to enjoy another cultural art form of Kerala – Tholpavakoothu. The name itself says it. Thol means leather, pava means – puppet and koothu means play. Yes you got it; The shadow puppetry show of Kerala After dinner, do expect the glimpses of the puppets and the show in your night dreams
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Day 9 (22-04-2012) Sunday Day 10 (23-04-2012) Monday
Shoranur - Nelliyampathy
Nelliyampathy – Valparai (Via Pollachi)
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Today you are leaving the misty hillstation, but don’t worry, you will be taken to a dense forest region – Valparai. Three hours is enough to reach Valparai. But you will be tended to stop at the flourishing green fields, coconut groves, and vibrant farms with enormous tractor trailers. Have your official halts at topslip which is a national park and a medical plant conservation area in Annamalai hills and at Valparai. Ready... Steady... Hold your breath!!! to experience the rough country. Stay and dinner is arranged here at the jungle cottage. Elephants, boars, cheetah and other wild animals are widely seen here. Please step out or explore the area only as per the instructions given to you.
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Today you are heading towards one of the beautiful hill stations in Kerala and famous for orange cultivation – Nelliyampathy and the distance is around 80 KMS from Shoranur. On the way have a short break at Pothundi Dam, which is unusual in being constructed using a mixture of jaggery and quick lime instead of conventional cement concrete. Don’t miss the hair pin bends, green covered mountains, coffee-tea-orange plantations also. After Lunch you will be experiencing a jeep safari through deep jungle. Visit Seethakundu Falls. Some wild animals can be seen on your way. But it is not so common. Stay at Nelliyampathy
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Day 11 (24-04-2012) Tuesday Valparai - Fortkochi
t From wilderness to the cosmopolitan outlook. That is Fort Kochi and truly it is a jewel in the crown of Kerala.
t On the way visit Sholayar Dam, the well-known Athirapally and Vazhachal Falls t You will even forget to blink your eyes seeing the natural wonders, rural and urban life in Kerala while traveling on the road till Fort Kochi
t Before the sun sets, have a leisurely walk through the streets of Fort Kochi to explore the natural ports, Chinese fishing nets and leftover hints of European Heritage Have a cosmopolitan dinner and sleep here
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Day 12 (25-04-2012) Wednesday Fort Kochi
Day 13 (26-04-2012) Thursday Fort Kochi – Paravur – Cochin
t Today the day will be the longest since you will be returning only at 4 A M the next day. t After breakfast visit the rural face of Kochi – Kumbalanghi – the first model tourism village in India. The
village is surrounded by backwaters and paddy fields and most of the villagers are engaged in agriculture and fishing, truly the rural Kerala. Traditional Kerala lunch will be served here including locally cultivated rice and fish. Visit Malipuram Fishing farm and Mangrove Forest. Here you can have a fishing break. Now it is the rush hour towards Puthanvelikkara Temple– Paravur where you can enjoy Mudiyettu(a ritual art where viewers also participate in the performance and presented without much of `mudras', facemasks and facial expressions, but with facial make-ups and `chutti' (artwork done on face with rice paste) Rituals will be from 6PM to 4AM A short break at Cochin and relax till sunrise.
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t After breakfast have a drive in and around Fort Kochi t Visit the heritage monuments like Jewish Synagogue in Mattanchery, Mattanchery Palace, Dutch Cemetery, St Frances Church, Santacruz Basilica, and Indo Portuguese Museum etc. Stay at Fort Kochi
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Day 14 (27-04-2012) Friday Cochin – Alappuzha - Kumarakom
t The day is completely in Houseboat. Take rest and refresh yourself! t After breakfast you will be taken to Alappuzha which is almost 2 hrs of drive from Cochin. Check-in to the houseboat.
t Cruise along the Vembanad backwater visiting Pathiramanal Island and Thanneermukkam bund along with the homely local cuisine served on board. This will be an unforgettable experience Overnight stay at Houseboat and in the meantime the Houseboat will be parked on the banks of Vembanad near Kumarakom
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Day 15 (28-04-2012) Kumarakom - Thekkady
t After breakfast and a short cruise check-out from the Houseboat and have a relaxed
walk to Kumarakom Bird Santuary which is a favorite haunt of birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. If you were not able to see any birds here don’t blame us, it is the stubbornness of the birds themselves for not visiting the paradise regularly. Again our drive starts towards Thekkady after lunch which is around 100 KMS in road distance. Have a short halt at misty plantation town Kuttikkanam and visit Parunthupara, which is a trekkers' delight that provides a bird's eye view of an endless stretch of green forest land and low-lying areas. Reach Thekkady and relax for a while. After some time you will be taken from there to view the unique tribal art form Mannan Koothu. The time is limited from 6:30 PM to 8 PM Overnight stay at Thekkady
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Munnar - Thrissur
Day 16 (29 -04-2012)
t After having breakfast drive to Mattupetty to visit Mattupetty Dam and Echo point t Au Revoir to Munnar and now we are heading to the Cultural Capital of Kerala - Thrissur which is around
Thekkady - Munnar
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150 KMS from Munnar Visit Cheeyapara/Valara falls enroute. The eve of Thrissur Pooram. Have a wandering through the festival ground watching Elephants’ Ornaments displayed, the sample fireworks and percussions and enjoy the original ambience of the King of all Festivals Overnight Stay at Thrissur
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After breakfast rush to the Periyar wildlife sanctuary and have an interesting boating at the lake which is surrounded by dense forest. Now our drive is towards Munnar which can be reached in less than 3 HRS, one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. On the way visit Anayirankal Dam & Lockhart Gap Upon reaching Munnar after a short relaxation drive to Rajamala, a part of Eravikulam National park which is famous for Nilgiri Thars – the mountain goats. You can also expect elephants, leopards, sambars, langurs, tigers, Malabar civets, barking deer and even pythons. Be scared!!! Overnight stay at Munnar and dinner also
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Day 18 (01 -04-2012) Thrissur
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The day has arrived which you were eagerly waiting for! The most colorful festival of Kerala, with Percussion, Elephants and extreme fireworks- The Thrissur Pooram After breakfast be among one of the local people and enjoy the spectacular event which happens only once in a year. Don’t even think of relaxing or sleeping. You will have to stay there for up to 30 hrs to capture the complete essence of this Festival Stay is arranged. Avail only if you need it badly.
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Day 19 (02 -05-2012) Thrissur - Cherai
Day 20 (03 -05-2012) Cherai - Cochin
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Cherai -Cochin Have a Rejuvenation with Kerala’s own Ayurveda The rest of the day is left out for some shopping The last night of your most memorable tour Cochin Stay
Day 21 (03 -05-2012)
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t Relax‌.. Relax and Relax ‌.. Till you regain your fitness. t If you are able you can visit Punnathur Kotta – the house of elephants belonging to the Guruvayur Temple. Also visit Kurukkampara, place famous for stone carving and Mural Painting Exhibition at Guruvayur. Head to Cherai Beach Accommodation. Wash your tiredness in the sea waves. Overnight Stay at Cherai
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Highlights Highlights Kerala is hailed as ‘God’s own Country’ owing to its picturesque natural beauty. Apart from this, the coconut tree- clad south western tip of India hosts multitudes of cultures and festivals. Have you heard about a ritualistic dance named Padayani? Have you heard about a tribal art form named Mannan Koothu? Or, have you seen Nilgiri Thars – the mountain goats? Well, this unique tour package will help you explore all these things and more. Kerala in 21 days is the first of its kind travel package designed to help those who are bitten by the travel bug to explore the culture of God’s own country in its complete form! Visit Kerala’s pivotal touristic centers like Archeological Museum, Zoo and art museum, and brace yourself for the ultimate cultural enjoyment- Thrissur Pooram which is known as the festival of all festivals?!
Itinerary
Highlights Day 1 (20-04-2012) Trivandrum - Konni
t Arrive at Trivandrum and our executive will lead you to the hotel for a short relaxation. t At about 7:00 PM you should leave Trivandrum and head towards Konni to experience the most famous festival event in South Central part of Kerala t Just one thing to keep in mind, don’t expect a smooth drive on Kerala roads due to bad road conditions & heavy traffic sometimes. t After having slight refreshment at Konni hotel head to Kadammanitta Devi Temple and Enjoy Padayani, meaning military
formations, which is a ritualistic dance involving masks dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakaali performed as an offering by devotees to the deity. (Timing is from Midnight 11:30 to Next day Morning 8AM) You can return to the arranged stay at any time you require. It is better to enjoy the full event as this can experiences only once in a year.
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Day 2 (21-04-2012) Konni - Thekkady
t Take enough rest and after refreshment you will be heading towards the Elephant Reserve at Konni t After lunch your drive starts from Konni towards Thekkady which is around 120 KMS far away. t Have short leisure breaks at cloudy plantation town Kuttikkanam and visit Parunthupara, which is a trekkers' delight that provides a bird's eye view of an endless stretch of green forest land and low-lying areas. t Dinner and Overnight stay at Thekkady. Wishing you a calm and sound sleep as you have to balance the previous day’s disproportion.
Day 3 (22-04-2012) Thekkady
t Thekkady t After breakfast you will be having a drive in and around Thekkady visiting Anakkara Spice Plantations, Ramakkalmedu and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Lunch is arranged in between t Return to the hotel and after a short relaxation you will be taken from there to view the unique tribal art form Mannan Koothu. The time is limited from 6:30 PM to 8 PM
t Overnight stay at Thekkady
Day 4 (23-04-2012) Thekkady - Munnar Highlights t After breakfast your drive starts towards Munnar which is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India and just 95 KMS in road distance from Thekkady. On the way visit Anayirankal Dam & Lockhart Gap t Upon reaching Munnar after your lunch, visit Rajamala, a part of Eravikulam National park which is famous for Nilgiri Thars – the mountain goats. You can also expect elephants, leopards, sambars, langurs, tigers, Malabar civets, barking deer and even pythons. Be scared!!! Dinner & overnight stay at Munnar.
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Day 5 (24-04-2012) Munnar
t After having breakfast drive to Mattupetty to visit Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Echo point and Topstation. Lunch is served in between. t Drive back to Munnar and explore the shopper’s corner of Munnar Urban City including the Tea Factory outlet where you can purchase the garden fresh and vivid varieties of packed tea. t Overnight Stay at Munnar Day 6 (25-04-2012) Munnar – Fort Cochin
t Now time has arrived to say goodbye to the most explored place in Kerala and to embrace the colonial leftover cosmopolitan city – Fort Kochi, Munnar – Cochin (131 KMS) t On the way there will be a short halt to enjoy the scenic Cheeyappara/Valara Falls and a small diversion towards to visit
Bhoothathankettu reservoir where you will have a soft trek through dense woods to explore another reservoir made by the nature itself by rocks. After reaching Fort Kochi have a leisurely walk through to the streets of Fort Kochi to explore the natural ports, Chinese fishing nets and leftover hints of European Heritage Have a cosmopolitan dinner and sleep here
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Day 7 (26-04-2012) Fort Kochi – Paravur – Fort Kochi Highlights t Today the day will be the longest since you will be returning only at 4 A M the next day. t After breakfast visit the rural face of Kochi – Kumbalanghi – the first model tourism village in India. The village is surrounded by
backwaters and paddy fields and most of the villagers are engaged in agriculture and fishing, truly the rural Kerala. Traditional Kerala lunch will be served here including locally cultivated rice and fish. Visit Malipuram Fishing farm and Mangrove Forest. Here you can have a fishing break. Now it is the rush hour towards Puthanvelikkara Temple– Paravur where you can enjoy Mudiyettu(a ritual art where viewers also participate in the performance and presented without much of `mudras', facemasks and facial expressions, but with facial make-ups and `chutti' (artwork done on face with rice paste) Rituals will be from 6PM to 4AM A short break at Cochin and relax till sunrise.
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Day 8 (27-04-2012) Fort Kochi – Alappuzha – Kumarakom
t The day is completely in Houseboat. The day is for rest and to acquire more energy for the rest. t After breakfast you will be taken to Alappuzha which is almost 2 hrs of drive from Cochin where you can check-in to the houseboat. t Cruise along the Vembanad backwater visiting Pathiramanal Island and Thanneermukkam bund along with the homely local cuisine served on board. This will be an unforgettable experience. t Overnight stay at Houseboat and in the meantime the houseboat will be parked on the banks of Vembanad near Kumarakom. Day 9 (28-04-2012) Kumarakom - Guruvayur
t After breakfast and a short cruise check-out from the houseboat and have a relaxed walk to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which is
a favorite haunt of birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. If you were not able to see any birds here don’t blame us, it is the stubbornness of the birds themselves for not visiting the paradise regularly. After Lunch head to the temple city Guruvayur which is around 60 KMS far away from Kumarakom. After a short relaxation you can visit Punnathur Kotta – the house of elephants belonging to the Guruvayur Temple. Now you are going to visit another cultural temple art form – Krishnanattom which is a dance drama displaying the story adapted from Mahabharatha – the great Indian epic. Dinner and Overnight Stay at Guruvayur
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Day 10 (29-04-2012) Guruvayur - Thrissur Highlights t After having breakfast explore the temple city including Kurukkampara, a place famous for stone carving and Mural Painting Exhibitions at Guruvayur.
t Now the beats are becoming faster. Be prepared for the extravaganza in a short while. After lunch you are heading towards Thrissur town and experience the Thrissur Pooram sample firework. But this is only a curtain raiser…
t Dinner and Overnight Stay at Thrissur Day 11 (30-04-2012) Thrissur
t Don’t skip your breakfast as you are supposed to be in your full energy these days. t Have a drive crisscrossing Thrissur Town and visit Archeological Museum, Zoo and art museum, Shakthan Tamburan’s Palace and Our Lady of Doloures Basilica. Lunch will be served on the way t Return to the hotel and take a short break. Today is the eve of Thrissur Pooram. Have a wandering through the festival ground watching Elephants’ Ornaments Displayed, the sample fireworks and percussions and enjoy the original ambience of the King of all Festivals Overnight Stay at Thrissur
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Day 12 (01-05-2012) Thrissur
t The day which you were eagerly waiting for has arrived! The most colorful festival of Kerala, with Percussion, Elephants and extreme fireworks. The Thrissur Pooram t After breakfast, be among one of the local people and enjoy the spectacular event which happens only once in a year. t Don’t even think of relaxing or sleeping. You will have to stay there for up to 30 hrs to capture the complete essence of this Festival t Overnight Stay at Thrissur t Stay is arranged. Avail only if you need it badly.
Day 13 (02-05-2012)
Highlights t Relax….. Relax and Relax ….. Till you regain your fitness. t After lunch you will be picked up from there to Calicut City which is 140 KMS from Thrissur and on the way visit Beypore Port t After enough relaxation you can have a walk or drive to nearby Sweet Street and Kozhikode Beach. t You may be not willing but your body may be urging for a deep sleep. You can have it after your dinner.
Thrissur - Calicut
Day 14 (03-05-2012) Calicut - Wayanad
t After breakfast get ready for a beautiful drive to the hilly terrain – Wayanad through the famous Wayanad pass and Ghat road. t Visit Pookottu Lake which is fresh water lake built at the colonial time and is being maintained as an eco friendly area till now. Have
a short trek to the nearby Chembra peak. As we do not have enough time you must be asked to keep a certain time limit. But there is no need to worry as we are heading towards another natural wonder – Kuruwa Island - an isolated island abundantly rich in green forest and herbs. Don’t forget to have a ride on the bamboo raft if available. After dinner, if you are fit enough, you can also have a four wheel night safari in Bandipur forest.Ornaments Displayed, the sample fireworks and
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Day 15 (04-05-2012) Wayanad - Shornur
t You will have an early drive after breakfast towards Shornur which is around 165 KMS far, so that you can experience the misty ghats, hairpin bends and viewpoints on the way. t One the way take time for visiting Ambalawayal Heritage Museum where you can see one of Kerala's largest collections of the leftovers of a time dating back to the 2nd century A.D and the pictorial carving at historically famous Edakkal Caves, t Have a short halt at Nilambur end enjoy the Teak forest situated at the banks of Chaliyar River, Teak Museum & Butterfly Museum. Don’t forget to have a walk on the longest Hanging Bridge in Kerala, across river Chaliyar which will take one to the Conolly plot. t Overnight Stay at Shoranur
Day 16 (05-05-2012)
Shornur Palakkad Highlights t Now we are heading towards Palakkad. But on the way you will be having two surprises. t The first one is Kerala Kalamandalam - A public institution in India which gives training in classical arts of Kerala and you can enjoy Kathakali. We must follow the morning session time of Kalamandalam ie. 9:00AM to 11:00AM t The second one is Varikkassery Mana which is one of the centuries old aristocratic Kerala Brahamin house and enjoy the brilliant traditional architecture. t Overnight stay at Palakkadu
Day 17 (06-05-2012) Palakkadu
t Get up early and rush for your breakfast because today you are taken to the Dhoni hills for a soft trekking. The trekking starts from
the base of the Dhoni hills and will take 3 hrs to reach this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall. Spend some time there, but not so much as you have to have your lunch and head towards Malampuzha – the 50 year old Dam and the surrounded Amusements and scenic Garden Now the time have arrived to enjoy another cultural art form of Kerala – Tholpavakoothu. The name itself says it. Thol means leather, pava means puppet and koothu means play. Yes you got it; The shadow puppetry show of Kerala After dinner, do expect the glimpses of the puppets and the show in your night dreams
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Day 18 (07-05-2012) Palakkad - Nelliyampathy
t After breakfast you will be taken to a Palakkad sightseeing tour to experience the great scenic splendors and abundant natural resources here including Palakkad Fort and Choolanur Peacock Sanctuary t After your lunch you are heading towards one of the beautiful hill stations in Kerala and famous for orange cultivation – Nelliyampathy and the distance is around 80 KMS from Shornur. t Have a short break at Pothundi Dam, which is unusual in being constructed using a mixture of jaggery and quick lime instead of conventional cement concrete. Don’t miss the hair pin bends, green covered mountains, coffee-tea-orange plantations also.
Day 19 (08-05-2012)
Highlights t After breakfast have a wandering through the coffee, tea and orange plantations here and experience the essence of rural Kerala t After Lunch you will be experiencing a jeep safari through deep jungle to Kesavanpara and Seethakundu Falls. Some wild animals Nelliyampathy
can be seen on your way. But it is not so common.
t Overnight Stay at Nelliyampathy. Day 20 (09-05-2012) Nelliyampathy - Palakkad
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After breakfast, on the drive towards Palakkad, your mind may be still saying, “I miss the misty Nelliyampathy”… But when you reach Thirunellayi you will forget everything when you see thousands of devotees gather together to draw decorated temple chariots through the streets. And now you are witnessing the famous chariot festival Thirunellayi Ratholsavam which is also highly colourful and extravagant Overnight Stay at Nelliyampathy and the last night of your most memorable tour
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Day 21 (10-05-2012)
t Palakkad - Cochin t Departure
Highlights Kerala, considered as one of the "10 paradises of the world" by National Geographic's Traveller magazine, instantly attracts any tourist with its interesting history, ancient medical practices, lip smacking cuisine, charming landscapes, and colorful festivals This 11 days’ tour designed by Elatrip.com is so captivating that you will feel as though you have just woken up from a beautiful dream in which you were surrounded by backwaters, and caressed by swaying backwaters. Yes, Kerala is exactly like a beautiful reverie and that is why it is touted as ‘god’s own country’. But the wonders offered at Rustic perspective @ Kerala are many-sided. It will help you explore the cultural events at Kerala. Enjoy Mudiyettu, a ritual art where viewers also participate in the performance. We will also come across the cultural temple art form –Krishnanattom which is a dance drama displaying the story adapted from Mahabharatha epic. And also witness the colorful festival of all festivals- Thrissur Pooram…
Itinerary Day 1 (25-04-2012) Cochin
t Arrival at Cochin International Airport. Our executive will be there to receive you. t After breakfast you will be taken to Cochin City sightseeing tour to experience the Urban Kerala. t Overnight stay at Cochin. Day 2 (26-04-2012) Cochin – Paravur - Cochin
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After breakfast visit the rural face of Kochi – Kumbalanghi – the first model tourism village in India. The village is surrounded by backwaters and paddy fields and most of the villagers are engaged in agriculture and fishing, truly the rural Kerala. Traditional Kerala lunch will be served here including locally cultivated rice and fish. Visit Malipuram Fishing farm and Mangrove Forest. Here you can have a fishing break. Now it is the rush hour towards Puthanvelikkara Temple– Paravur where you can enjoy Mudiyettu(a ritual art where viewers also participate in the performance and presented without much of `mudras', facemasks and facial expressions, but with facial make-ups and `chutti' (artwork done on face with rice paste) Rituals will be from 6PM to 4AM A short break at Cochin and relax till sunrise.
Day 3 (27-04-2012) Cochin – Alappuzha - Kumarakom
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t The day is completely in Houseboat. The day is for rest and to acquire more energy for the rest. t After breakfast you will be taken to Alappuzha which is almost 2 hrs of drive from Cochin where you can
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check-in to the houseboat. Cruise along the Vembanad backwater visiting Pathiramanal Island and Thanneermukkam bund along with the homely local cuisine served on board. This will be an unforgettable experience Overnight stay at houseboat and in the meantime the houseboat will be parked on the banks of Vembanad near Kumarakom
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Day 4 (28-05-2012) Kumarakom - Munnar
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After breakfast and a short cruise check-out from the houseboat and have a relaxed walk to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which is a favorite haunt of birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. If you were not able to see any birds here don’t blame us, it is the stubbornness of the birds themselves for not visiting the paradise regularly. Now our drive is towards Munnar which can be reached in less than 3 HRS, one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. On the way visit Cheeyappara & Valara Falls Upon reaching Munnar after a short relaxation, drive to Rajamala, a part of Eravikulam National park which is famous for Nilgiri Thars – the mountain goats. You can also expect elephants, leopards, sambars, langurs, tigers, Malabar civets, barking deer and even pythons. Be scared!!!
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Day 5 (29-05-2012) Munnar - Guruvayur
Day 6 (30-05-2012) Guruvayur - Thrissur
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After having breakfast drive to Mattupetty to visit Mattupetty Dam and Echo point Au Revoir to Munnar and now we are heading to the Temple City of Kerala Guruvayur which is around 150 KMS from Munnar After a short relaxation you can visit Punnathur Kotta – the house of elephants belonging to the Guruvayur Temple. Now you are going to visit another cultural temple art form –Krishnanattom which is a dance drama displaying the story adapted from Mahabharatha – the great Indian epic. Dinner and Overnight Stay Guruvayur
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After having breakfast explore the temple city including Kurukkampara, a place famous for stone carving and Mural Painting Exhibitions at Guruvayur. Now the beats are becoming faster. Be prepared for the extravaganza in a short while. After lunch you are heading towards Thrissur town and experience the eve of Thrissur Pooram. Have a wandering through the festival ground watching Elephants’ Ornaments Displayed, the sample fireworks and percussions and enjoy the original ambience of the King of all Festivals Overnight Stay at Thrissur
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Day 7 (01 -05-2012) Thrissur
t The day which you were eagerly waiting has arrived.The mostly known colorful festival of Kerala, with Percussion, Elephants and extreme fireworks. The Thrissur Pooram After breakfast be among one of the local people and enjoy the spectacular event which happens only once in a year. Don’t even think of relaxing or sleeping. You will have to stay there for up to 30 hrs to capture the complete essence of this festival Stay is arranged. Avail only if you need it badly.
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Day 8 (02 -05-2012) Thrissur - Shoranur - Palakkad
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Take enough rest and after refreshment you will be heading towards to visit Kerala Kalamandalam at shoranur (A public institution in India which gives training in classical arts of Kerala), Afterwards visit Varikkassery Mana which is one of the centuries old aristocratic Kerala house and enjoy its brilliant traditional architecture. Visiting Time (10 AM to 4PM)
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Overnight stay at Palakkad
Day 10 (04 -05-2012) Palakkad - Cochin
t Have a Rejuvenation with Kerala’s own Ayurveda t The rest of the day is left out for some shopping t The last night of your most memorable tour t Cochin Stay Day 11 (05 -05-2012)
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Cochin Departure
Day 9 (03 -05-2012) Palakkad
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Get up early and rush for your breakfast because today you are taken to the Dhoni hills for a soft trekking. The trekking starts from the base of the Dhoni hills and will take 3 hrs to reach this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall. Spend some time there for lunch and head towards Malampuzha – the 50 year old Dam and the surrounded Amusements and scenic Garden Now the time have arrived to enjoy another cultural art form of Kerala – Tholpavakoothu. The name itself says it. Thol means leather, pava means – puppet and koothu means play. Yes you got it; The shadow puppetry show of Kerala
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After dinner, do expect the glimpses of the puppets and the show in your night dreams
Highlights Well, Kerala is a home for never-ceasing wonders. Exposure to different cultures as a result of colonization also helped Kerala to blend different cultural peculiarities to its heart apart from the lush greenery and charming landscapes. Embrace Kerala is the first of its kind tour package which helps the backpackers to experience the rustic and cultural charm of the region in its complete form. This unique tour package offers many options for the tourist with a view to help them experience the cultural charm of Kerala. The tour covers many art forms of Kerala. You can enjoy Mudiyettu, a ritual art where viewers also participate in the performance and presented without much of `mudras' at Puthanvelikkara Temple– Paravur . You will also come across other cultural temple art forms like Krishnanattom(a dance drama displaying the story adapted from Mahabharatha – the great Indian epic.) The major highlight of this 8-day cultural expedition is Thrissur Pooram. Known as ‘festival of all festivals’, this is a grand gala with elephants in high make-up and men with a unique vigor. The spectacular fireworks also add beauty to this must-watch festival.
Itinerary Day 1 (26-04-2012) Cochin
t Arrive at Cochin and our executive will lead you to the hotel for a short relaxation. t It is the rush hour now towards Puthanvelikkara Temple– Paravur where you can enjoy
Mudiyettu(a ritual art where viewers also participate in the performance and presented without much of `mudras', facemasks and facial expressions, but with facial make-ups and `chutti' (artwork done on face with rice paste) Rituals will be from 6PM to 4AM A short break at Cochin and relax till sunrise.
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Day 2 (27-04-2012) Cochin - Palakkadu
t Get up early and rush for your breakfast because today you are taken to visit another art form
Day 3 (28-04-2012) Palakkad - Shoranur
t Today you are heading towards Shornur. But on the way you will be having two surprises.
t The first one is Varikkassery Mana which is one of the centuries old aristocratic
Kerala house and enjoy the brilliant traditional architecture. Visiting Time (10 AM to 4PM) The second one is Kerala Kalamandalam - A public institution in India which gives training in the classical arts of Kerala and you can enjoy Kathakali. We must follow the afternoon session time of Kalamandalam ie. 3:00PM to 5:00PM Overnight stay at Shornur
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at Palakkadu On the way visit Malampuzha – the 50 year old Dam and the surrounded amusements and scenic Garden Now the time have arrived to enjoy another cultural art form of Kerala – Tholpavakoothu. The name itself says it. Thol means leather, pava means puppet and koothu means play. Yes you got it; The shadow puppetry show of Kerala After dinner, do expect the glimpses of the puppets and the show in your night dreams
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Day 4 (29-04-2012) Shoranur - Guruvayur
t After a breakfast head towards Guruvayur and visit Punnathur Kotta – the house of elephants
belonging to the Guruvayur Temple. Also visit Kurukkampara, place famous for stone carving and Mural Painting Exhibition at Guruvayur. Now you are going to visit another cultural temple art form –Krishnanattom which is a dance drama displaying the story adapted from Mahabharatha – the great Indian epic. Dinner and Overnight Stay Guruvayur
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Day 8 (05 -05-2012) Cochin
t Departure General Terms and Conditions Package
Duration
Deluxe
Premium
Guruvayur - Thrissur
Dancing Gods
20N/21D
€ 1161
€ 1453
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After having breakfast explore the temple city including Kurukkampara, a place famous for stone carving and Mural Painting Exhibitions at Guruvayur. Now the beats are becoming faster. Be prepared for the extravaganza in a short while. After lunch you are heading towards Thrissur town and experience the Thrissoor Pooram sample firework. But truly this is only a curtain raiser… Dinner Overnight Stay at Thrissur
Kerala in 21 Days
20N/21D
€ 1161
€ 1453
Rustic Perspective @ Kerala
10N/11D
€ 709
€ 847
Embrace Kerala
07N/08D
€ 573
€ 665
Day 6 ((01 -05-2012)
Kindly note that the packages have been designed and quoted based on Elatrip Standard Hotels ( 3 *), Elatrip Deluxe Hotels ( 4*) and Elatrip Premium Hotels ( 4* Deluxe or 5 *). In case on rooms been unavailable, Elatrip reserves the right to change the hotel based on the purchased category..
Day 5 (30-05-2012)
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Thrissur
t The day which you were eagerly waiting has arrived ! The most colorful festival of
Kerala, with Percussion, Elephants and extreme fireworks. The Thrissur Pooram After breakfast be among one of the local people and enjoy the spectacular event which happens only once in a year. Don’t even think of relaxing or sleeping. You will have to stay there for up to 30 hrs to capture the complete essence of this Festival Stay is arranged. Avail only if you need it badly.
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Day 7 (04 -05-2012) Thrissur - Cochin
t Have a Rejuvenation with Kerala’s own Ayurveda
t The rest of the day is left out for some shopping t The last night of your most memorable tour t Cochin Stay
The Above prices are valid for the above mentioned dates only
Our offer is based on usage of base category rooms (unless specified otherwise) and if this category of rooms is not available we shall try to confirm accommodation in next available higher category of rooms and shall advise supplementary cost involved while conveying the status if any. Cancellation Policy Please be informed these packages on definite basis we have to forward vouchers to hoteliers 30 days prior to date of arrival with final name/rooming list. Hence all lists should reach us not later than 32 days prior to date of departure ex home town. Once the vouchers are sent any cancellation of rooms - 01 night retention would be charged for the number of rooms cancelled. Cancellation received from 07 - 15 Days in advance from the date of operation, 50 % of the whole tour will be the charges as cancellation fee. Last minute cancellation (less than 7 days) or NO SHOW - Full Retention would be charged.