Kerala Holidays 6 Nights & 7  days

Kerala God’s own Country…….a journey through “ Historic Places (Fort cochin) Hill stations(Munnar) Wild life (Thekkady/Periyar) back waters Alleppey)

1st Day arrive at cochin(Kochi/Ernakulam) Pick up from Airport/Railway station/Bus station &Check-In to  a nice hotel/Homestay at Cochin/fort Cochin

Ernakulam (cochin/kochi)
     Is  located  on the Coast of the Arabian sea with  Kottayam & Alleppey Districts in the south, Idukki in the east and Trichur in the north. The commercial capital & the most  cosmopolitan city of kerala, Kochi in Ernakulam , is also known as the Queen of  the Arabian sea.
    With one of the Finest natural harbour in the world, this was once a major center  for trade with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese , Dutch, British etc.

Distance- From airport to Down town-cochin  city (Ernakulam) 33 km
                 From airport to Fort cochin (old& Heritage part)        45 km
                 From city to fort Cochin (by road 12 km ) Ferry boat 20 min(6am to 9pm-.
Sightseeing ---------------Ernakulam- main shopping area at  M.G road    (Mahatma Gandhi road) Gold Jewellry  , Garments/Textiles (jayalaxmi, seemati, Kalyan silks, Joy allukkas wedding center etc )

 Broadway-(opp-marine drive) a paradise for wholesale shoppers , you can find anything here –from shoes , cloths. Medicines, furniture,curios and kitchenware to spices, gold, hardware electronics & books: within this labyrinth of tiny stores , all crammed haphazardly together.

Marine Drive- This  scenic strip ,which is the main hangout for the local populace is considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of the city with a spectacular view of the backwaters and the harbour.
You can hire - speed boats/motor boats for a cruise -(8am to 8pm) Also daily Sunset cruise at marine drive .
Bolgatty Island- With the Goshree bridge coming up, linking Ernakulam with Vypeen ,Bolgatty is now just an evening walk away.The  Bolgatty palace hotel ,built by the Dutch in 1744 , with its honeymoon cottagesand a small putting green, is irresistible to international Yachtsmen& Holiday-makers alike

Kathakali dance(Literally means Story –play.It is highly Dramatic & mimetic dance form interpreting the moral Values Of God & man.(Daily shows at Ernakulam/Fort cochin .Make-up  starts at 6pm – play 6.30 to 7.30 pm

 

Fort cochin-------------------With a History dating back to the 14th century, fort cochin has been witness to a rich variety of events. Which have made it what it is today. The only place in India to have been colonized by the three European  powers- the Portuguese in 1500, the Dutch in 1663, and the british till 1947- there remains in this place traces of a blend of  influences.
(Historic-places)- jewish synagogue,  Dutch palace,Chinese fishing net, St Francis church(vasco da Gama ) , Santa cruz Baselica church ,Dutch cemetery,Jew town

 

St Francis church –built in 1503 by a group of portuguese – Franciscan friars who came to Cochin along with Pedro  Alvarez Cabral , this is India’s first European church .The church was initially a humble wood and mud structure , dedicated to Bartholomew ,but with in the order of St Francis. The church’s history depicts the European struggle for power in India. Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama  was buried here in 1524 .Although his remains were taken back to Libson 14 yrs later ,his tombstone remains intact.(opens -9am to 1pm,2.30pm to 5pm)worship- service on Sundays .

 

Dutch cemetery – final resting place for the scores of soldiers and merchant adventures from 17 th and 18 th century netherlands.The cemetery was consecrated in 1724 , and is currently being looked after by the church of south India , However the cemetery is in a state of disrepair…..

Chinese fishing net –These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar coast .Erected here between 1350 to 1450 AD by the traders from the court of Kublai Khan , these nets are set up on teak wood  and bamboo poles .The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the Vasco da Gama square , a narrow promenade that runs along the beach.You can see the fishermen-
 haul up the nets at 6am, once again 11am, and then finally around 4pm. The square is an  ideal place to idle , with stalls serving fresh delicious seafood , tender coconuts etc .

Synagogue- constructed in 1568, this is the oldest Synagogue in the  Commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two yrs later by the Dutch. Known for mid 18th century , hand painted , willow patterned floor tiles from canton in China, a clock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, great scrolls of the Old testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc. (open 1000 to 1200 hrs, 1500to 1700 hrs.Closed on Saturdays & Jewish holidays

Dutch palace (Mattanchery palace)–Built by the Portuguese in 1557, and presented to Raja varma of Cochin, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch.On Display here are beautiful murals  depicting scenes from the epics  Ramayana & Mahabharata, and some of the puranic Hindu legends.The palace also houses Dutch maps of old Cochin , royal palanquins,coronation robes of former Maharaja’s of Cochin as well as period furniture.(open 1000hrs to 1700hrs, closed on Mondays )

Jew town –The area around the synagogue is a centre of spice trade and curio shops. This place is also good source for antique furniture like traditional bedsteads , chest of drawers , bentwood chairs, armchairs,card tables & swings.
Spice market-it was spices that lured travelers from across the globe to Cochin.To this day the air in  mattanchery is saturated with the smell of ginger, cardamom, cloves and pepper……

Santa Cruz Basilica-This Portuguese-built church recently celebrated its 500th  anniversary. Its Gothic façade with soaring spires is imposing but it is the interiors that are truly impressive.Following the Dutch conquest of Cochin in 1663,most places of worship were turned in to warehouses. But this Cathedral was spared , the puritanical streak of the Calvinist reined in by the obvious beauty of the church’s stained glass and the life-like caryatids watching over the quaint confessional boxes.(open 9am-1pm & 3pm-5pm)Mass timings-6&7am,&6pm(all Malayalam) English-Saturdays-6pm, Sundays 4.30pm
(Sight seeing- asper your convenient time in a tourist car with an English speaking driver)
Note- Historic places will be open 9.30 am to 5 pm

Stay One night at Cochin.

2nd Day proceed to Munnar (by road 4hrs)

Munnar-Attitude;1500 –2500m above sea level  Kerala’s most famous hill station is perched at 5000 ft in the western Ghats , at the confluence of three streams .In the vicinity of Anamudi , which at 8841 ft is the highest peak south of the Himalayas.
Tea is munnar’s claim to fame.Here, morethan 12000 hectares of lush , manicured tea fields from an irresistible canvas against which honeymooners pose. A trip to munnar is a journey through picturesque surroundings, but the most –after offering of the estates is the unbelievably pure air.
Sight seeing –

 Eravikulam national park – (15km)A former hunting  preserve of the  british planters , the park today exemplifies wild life conversation at its best.Eravikulam sanctuary was declared a national park in 1978  considering its Ecological , faunal , floral geomorphological and Zoological signifincance
The main draw is the Nilgiri Tahr , a highly endangered species of wild goat which was all but poached in to extinction in the 1950’s. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and comparable to the Alpine ranges. This land of the Neelakurinji –is 7km from the Rajmalia hills  ( Neelakurinji-only once in 12years does this shrub bloom ,picturesquely carpeting entire hillsides with its mauve blossoms)Entry fee Rs 15 for Indian nationals , Rs 300 for foreighn nationals

Echo point – (15km) This scenic place gets its name from the natural Echo phenomenon here.Echo point is on the way to top station from here.

Mattupetty –(13 km) Situated at the height of 1700 m, known for its highly specialized dairy farm “ the Indo swiss live stock project .Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here.
Mattupetty Dam –just a short distance from the farm , is a very beautiful picnic spot .The sprawling Kundala Tea plantations and the Kundala lake are the other attractions nearby.Boating fecilities at the mattupetty dam , speed launch, slow speed boats and motor boats are available on hire

Devikulam (7km) This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns , exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience >The Sita devi Lake with its mineral waters and the picturesque surrounding is a good picnic spot .The lake is also ideal for front fishing .
Nyayamakad- (10 km) Located between Munnar & Rajamala , Nyamyaakad ia a land of breathtaking waterfalls > The waters cascade down a hill from a height of of 1600 metres . The enchanting  surroundings make an excellent picnic spot and Trekking point.
Top stations- (32km) 1700 m above sea level > This is the highest point on the Munnar –Kodaikanal route .Top station also offers a panoramic view of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu( on the  way to top station , at KUNDALA  The golf course which belongs to Tata tea ltd is located here ,and the Kundala Artificial dam is another attraction , and Aruvikkad water falls is also near Kunadala.

Kollukkumallay-(38 km) Located in a steep , rugged terrain, is the highest tea garden in the country at 7900 ft .Accessible only by jeep,a visit to the estate includes a drive around the Tea fields  and a tour to its factory .What gives Kollukkumally tea its special flavour is presumably the high attitude.
Anayirankal- (22km) This place is a lush green carpet of tea plants > The Anayirankal Dam  is surrounded by the Tata tea plantations and ever green forests> It is an ideal picnic spot and a boat ride on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience.
Tea Museum-Run by Tata tea , the Tea museum traces the evolution of the tea industry In Munnar from the 1980s. It houses an interesting array of relics and artifacts from the past as well as several historic photographs and pieces of period furniture.It is an insightful and educative experience for the lay man –Entry fee rs 75 (10 am to 5 pm –closed on Mondays)
Marayoor-(40km) This is the only place in kerala that has natural groth of sandal wood trees .The sandalwood factory of the Forest Department , the ancient caves (Muniyaras) with murals and relics from the Neolithic Age and the childrens park across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree are of great interest to tourists.Thoovanam waterfall and Rajeev Gandhi national park are also nearby.

Chinnar wild life sanctuary  -(60 km) situated on the Tamil Nadu border , the chinnar wild life sanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq.km. Most of the south Indian wild animals can be found in this forest >These include the grizzled Giant squirrel, champal squirrel, elephent , sambar deer,gaur etc. (Birds- jungle fowl,myna, laughing thrush, black bullbul, peafowl etc)
Stay 2 nights at Munnar

Munnar to Thekkady(periyar wild life) Periyar/Thakkady/kumaly (by road 3 & half hrs)

One of the 27  Tiger reserves in India , the periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest.Its also the largest protected area in kerala, situvated in the southern region of the western ghats, the sprawling 777 sq km of forest land is the habitat of the asian elephent. A repository of rare , endemic and endangered Flora & Fauna, the valley is a major watershed for two important rivers , periyar & pampa.

Topography  -Periyar is a combination of tropical evergreen , semi evergreen, moist deciduous forests & grashlands.The reserve supports 62 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, 42 species of reptiles, 27 species of amphibians, 38 species of fish &160 Butterfly species, besides 1966 varieties of flowers.

- At the periyar lake -Boat cruise(2 hrs) an exhilarating experience at sunrise and sunset when the chances of viewing wild life are bright. You can see herds of Eephants, amblingup& down the hill slopes, frolicking in the water, coming to shore for a drink, & swimming across the lake. Herds of gaur, sambar & wild boar can often be spotted in the distance grazing in the grasslands.
The periyar Valley , a great place for the animal – lovers, bird watchers & trckkers.
 Plantation Tour- Tea,cardomom,pepper & coffee plantations surrounded at the periyar wild life sanctuary
Elephant safari (30 min through plantations )

Tribal heritage Museum-Five tribal communities live in the periyar area The reserve organizes a tribal heritage program that last for two hrs ,as part of which you are taken to a tribal Hamlet and also to the tribal heritage museum .Traditional fishing gear , hunting implements and indigenous medical plants are on display here.A tribal guide will show you around.
Murikkady-Washed in fresh ,spice –scented air , Murikkudy is a panorama of cardmom, coffee and pepper plantations .
Pandikuzhi-This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora , fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkoval and the Tamilnadu border .A popular picnic spot , Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographers delight .
Trekking- visitors can opt for the eco-tourism programs in the periyar Tiger reserve, which includes Trekking , night trekking (Armed guards accompany night trekkers)
Bamboo rafting
 -is an exciting experience as the raft is not powered , and you get to see wild life at close quarters with the least amount of disturbance to animals. Usually guide takes you inside the forest for a trek and your raft in the evening to sail back.

Stay 2 nights at Thekkady

Sixth Day -Thekkady to Alleppey  Back waters (by road 4 hrs)   

Alleppey (Allappuzha) Location- On a thin strip of land , sandwiched between the Arabian sea & the punnamada Backwaters.
A back water cruise on the punnamada kayal –takes you along canals past scenic islands offering sublime views of coconut & paddy fields , Chinese fishing nets & toddy tappers at work .

House boats (Rice Boats/Kettuvallam) takes you on a journey through lake Vembanad in a house boat.A Journey that bares the indescribable beauty , in a very soul of kerala kettuvalams (barges of yore converted in to house boats ) Echo-friendly , only natural and local materials are used for the interiors- coir matted decks & canopies made spilt bamboo and palm fronds. This simplicity  is also reflected in the meals that the cook serves you on board in house oats, which on a typical day would include among other divine dishes ,the famed Karimeen( backwater-pearl fish)
Check in time 1130 pm, check out next day 9.30 pm , includes all meals.
Stay overnight at house boat

Day- Seven ….After breakfast ,proceed from Alleppey  to Ernakulam (Cochin)by road 1 hr 20 min  or to  Cochin international airport (2 hrs)

1.            Total amount –Rs.20000/ (approx-Usd 405/ Euro 325)per person on Twin sharing (Double room) which includes transportation on AC car(English speaking driver), all sight seeing ,  Accommodation at hotel/resort/Home stay (3 star category-Room with breakfast – Full board on house boat) toll, parking etc.
2.            Extra bed(one pax) Rs 7000

            3 Single person Rs 32000
            4 a family of  4 members  in two double room  Rs 17000

 
Economy package –

For seven days in a Non Ac car , accommodation in Hotel/home stay - Two star category (room with breakfast, full board on a Non Ac house boat-Total amount Rs 14000 per person on twin sharing (Double room)

 

Continuation for Nine Nights & Ten days ( Day Seven proceed from Alleppey   to Varkala(1 & half hr) or   Kovalam beach (3 hrs)-south direction ) Relax 3 nights in a beach resort .

Varkala beach –Sea side destinations along India’s western coast offer some of the most sublime views of the Arabian sea . Varkala has the distinction of returning the favour  .Immagine for a moment , that you are an ancient mariner selling towards the coast of southern kerala. At varkala sighting land would have meant being greeted by a ragged line of red cliffs.To add to the stunning contrast are green coconut palms that silhouette a deep blue sky. The wide plateau atop the steep laterite  cliffs offers a grand vista of the sea and most of the restaurants and a number of hotels are preached close to its edge, especially at the northern and southern ends.The scenic beach backed by sheer laterite cliffs

cliffs,golden sands and the rolling waves of the Arabian sea  attracts tourist who revel I its secluded beauty.
Janardhana temple – Believed to be  nearly 2000 years old ,the current structure dates back to the 12 th century. The deity of the temple is Vishnu and Hindu pilgrims come here to perform final rites for the deceased. A short distance away a flight of broad steps leads to the temple grounds past a high entrance archwith the usual peaked and tiled roof. In the large courtyard , clusters of brightly painted idols of Shiva , Hanuman and others are arranged around the sanctorum .Lighted wicks burn from oil trays cut in to tall granite posts. Heavy Brass bells strung from ceilings  and poles gleam in the sunlight.The main Temple Bell ,that is believed to date back to the mid 17 th century , was presented by the Dutch caption of a ship.
Sivagiri Mutt- located 3 km away on the eastern edge of town is the ashram that was the final resting place of kerala’s famed saint and social reformer “ sree narayan Guru , who preached “one cast, one religion and one God for man. The Mutt with its distinctive multi –tiered white turret , sitting on the elevated plateau on 200 acres of land , is held sacred.
Kappil beach & back water- This is an idyllic spot .A confluence of the sea and the kappil river, the tongues of back waters , the extensive estuary , all add up to a magical interplay of land and water.The small palm-covered islets within the estuary enhance its charms even more.The coastal road passing through this area practically holds the sea and estuary apart for a long stretch, offering delightful views of the waters on either side .there are no tourists, no vendors,or shops and absolutely no traffic whatsoever.
Anjengo Fort- (20 km from varkala) Originally built by the Portuguese as a depot to store merchandise, it was converted in to a fort by the Brittish. Sandwiched between the sea and the back waters, the fort premises shelters ancient tombstones and a garden.
Ponnumthuruthu island-(20 km from Varkala) A delightful gateway surrounded by the anjengo back waters , this uninhabited isle is accessible by boat from the mukeshift jetty at the nearby Nedunganda  village.A 100-year –old –Siva –Parvathy temple, rebuilt a decade back , is situated here and entire island is a temple property

Ponnumthuruthu island-(20 km from Varkala) A delightful gateway surrounded by the anjengo back waters , this uninhabited isle is accessible by boat from the mukeshift jetty at the nearby Nedunganda  village.A 100-year –old –Siva –Parvathy temple, rebuilt a decade back , is situated here and entire island is a temple property.
Kovalam beach—This internationally renowned beach has been a favourite hunt of the tourists since 1930s.Kovalam offers a variety of activities including snorkeling, catamaran rides, sunset viewing, cycling on the beach etc.
  Fringed by headlands that rise steeply above the shore , Kovalam is almost completely covered by coconut palms. Of the three small bays separated by rocky outcrops , the southernmost, known as a light house beach , is the most popular. Kovalam is 16 kms south of the capital Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
(Things to Do) Village trip –hire a two wheeler from near the beach and explore the hinterland for a first hand look at village life or traverse the coastal road beyond Kovalam and go to the near by Vizhinjam fishing harbour located with in the arc of a bay, the boat builders along the harbour road or the beautiful Poovar beach (7 km)
Cycling on Lighthouse road-Go for a ride along the sea , skirting Lighthouse road ,on a mesa-like plateau for a truly grand view of the sea shimmering in the sun shine with small sail boats drifting languidly and the many fishing vessels anchored in the placid bay.
Sunset viewing point- View fiery sunset from Edakallu , the sunset viewing point between the Lighthouse and Eve’s beaches. From the vantage point atop the rocky foreland jutting in to the sea, the panoramic view of the waning sun hovering on the horizon in an orange sky is truly spectacular.
Catamaran rides- rides offered by local fishermen on all the three beaches .Derived  from the local word “kettu-maram  ,meaning bundled wood, these are logs of  lightwood –generally three ,tied together at the ends to form a floating craft that is virtually capsize proof. For a ride on one of these , it is best to approach the licensed operators on Lighthouse beach who will provide the mandatory life jackets and follow other safety norms.
Vizhinjam-Just 2 km south of Kovalam is this rather historic point, the one time capital of the Ay Kings who ruled during the Eighth and Ninth centuries. The 11th century witnessed Prolonged Chera-chola wars for control of this territory .It is evident this was an important area ;to commemorate the visit of king  Rajendra  Chola Deva ,it is earned  anew name –Vizhinjamana Rajendra chola pattinam.Almost everybody fought over vizhinjam , it also saw wars between the Dutch and the Portuguese .A Dutch factory  here was burnt down by Portuguese in 1505. When British came, they built their factory in 1644 but relinquished it when they got a footing at Anjengo.Today it is the quiet fishing village , its only link  to the past being a few ancient relics like the cave temple in the village centre.
Kovil Kadu (Bhagavathi Kshetram) Another temple believed to date from the ninth century , this is reachable to a narrow path and is located on rising ground overlooking the sea.The sanctorum, at the centre of the courtyard ,holds idols of seven deities.A separate siva temple stands a little away .under the shade of venerable old trees and affording a great view of the Arabian sea , the old shrine sits at the vantage point,now surrounded by scattering of tiled and thatched houses.
Chowara & Poovar – chowara & poovar the two beaches that despite tourism, continue to remain prestine and srene. There are plenty of magnificent resorts here, but no crowds that throng its beaches > thease are truly peaceful gateways. Chowara is a virgin , unspoiled beach located the far south.This tiny little fishing village , 8 km from Kovalam , is a paradise of never ending white Sandy beaches.One of the landmarks of chowara is “Ayyappa temple  perched on the a hilltop, overlooking the vast expanse of the sea .The view from the temple is enchanting , with never-ending sandy beaches and Today it is blue sea in contrast. Close to Chowara (2km) about 10 km , south of Kovalam is “Poovar – a village situated close to the estuary of Neyyar river. Poovar was  a trading port in its early days .Today it is recognized as a tourist Destinaton, mainly due to the many resorts that have come up in the area .Largely unexplored and therefore unspoilt, the
 island of Poovar has developed in to an unmarked tourist destination, minus the crowds , what is most attractive about this place is that , all along the canals that line poovar , you can see rural kerala in Microcosm.Enveloped by most serene backwaters and opening out to the sea , with its clean, sandy beaches.
(Near Chowara & Poovar – Azhimalthura beach (This long stretch of beach has been identified a s the only beach in kerala where the sea is not eating into the coast but is actually receding) also Pullinkudi-Azhimala Siva temple (Besides a place of worship , this temple is also a scenic spot as it is statergically located on the hill close to the sea.) Amalothbhava matha church (This ancient church is located by the beach.A great location to hear mass, which is held on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Around Kovalam Beach (18 km ) Trivandrum city

 

Trivandrum (Thiruvananathapuram) is the capital of the state kerala. It is boarded by Quilon Districtin the north, Thirunelveli & Kanyakumari districts of the south of Tamilnadu in the east and south and Arabian sea in the west. Trivandrum is a beautiful city magnificent structures built on seven hills with ancient & modern style of architecture.Many important cultural institutions , palaces art galleries, beaches and sree padmanabha swami temple located here.

Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple- is situated near the city us station in the east fort
The temple dedicated to Lore Vishnu is the Landmark of the city.It was renovated by the Maharaja of Travancore in 1733. The Temple is a fine specimen of south Indian and Dravidian architecture.Non hindu are not permitted inside the temple.

Veli tourist village – This beautiful picnic spot is situated by the sea side , 9 km away from the city.The landscape gardens and wading ools here are very attractive.There are fecilities for boatng & water sports in the lake.

Sree Chithira  art Gallery – This is situated in the Napier museum grounds .It has a good collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Rorich ,copies of rajput,Mughals and Tanjore schools of art and paintings : and of Ajantha and bagh caves.It includes a collection of eastern paintings from China,Japan,Tibet,and Bali.It is open from 10 am to 5 pm except on Wednesday morning and Mondays

Kanyakumari- the southernmost tip of India is situated 90 km away from Trivandrum. It is the place of the confluence of Indian ocean, Arabian sea and the Bay ofBangal , where one can enjoy the unique experience of watching the Sunset and moon rise simultaneously on a full moon evening.Swamy vivekanda, the great Indian Philosopher went into contemplation here on rock off the shore. On this rock the Vivekananda Rock Memorial stands today.

Gandhi memorial –The memorial to Mahatma Gandhi is situated near the temple where his ashes is kept.The architecture of the building is such that on 2nd October , His Birth day , Sun rays fall directly on the spot where the ashes is kept.

 

Nine Nghts & !0 Days –

3.            Total Amount Rs 30000 per person On Twin sharing (approx-Usd 625 Euro 495)per person on Twin sharing (Double room) which includes transportation on AC car(English speaking driver), all sight seeing ,  Accommodation at hotel/resort/Home stay (3 star category-Room with breakfast – Full board on house boat) toll, parking etc.
4.            Extra bed(one pax) Rs 10000

            3 Single person Rs 48000
            4 a family of  4 members  in two double room  Rs 25000
Bangaram Island | Pachyderm Palace | Photo Gallery
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Lakshadweep islands (or Laccadives as they were formerly known) are a geographical extension of the Maldives island chain. Referred to by many as the "ultimate island paradise", each island floats serenly in a sea whose water range from palest aquamarine and turquoise to deepest saphire and lapis lazuli. From all the 36 islands, Bangaram is the gem. The beautiful island of Bangaram is everything you imagine to a tropical island to be and from the moment you set foot on the blinding, soft, white sand, you'll be totally enraptured by the exotic natural beuty of what can only be described as one of the most exclusive tropical islands of the world.
Everything about the island is natural and simple. It has not been affected at all by the outside world. The resort is made up of 30 simple huts. All rooms are comfortably furnished with cane furniture, twin beds, ceiling fans, stocked fridge and private shower (cold water only). The dining hut serves buffet meals and is normally a mixture of local and continental cuisine with fresh fish and tropical fruits. Next door is the beach bar open for most of the day, serving a reasonably wide range of spirits, wine and beer. Emphasis here is on natural beauty and simplicity............... a paradise of sun worshippers, divers and snorkellers and anyone who wants to get away from it all and have a relaxing "no frills" holiday.


From 1st October 2008 to 19th Dec 2008 , also from 1st April 2009 to 30 th April 2009 - Per night Euro 300 for the Double room . From 20 th Dec 2008 to Jan 19 th 2009 per night euro 360.

 

Package includes- All Food & accomodation for 2 pax (Double room)

Entry Permit

All visitors to Lakshadweep require Entry permits. Please send the following information at the time of booking.

1. Full Name
2. Age & Date of Birth
3. Birth Place
4. Address
5. Full Passport details for Foreign nationals

Applicable for both FIT & GIT.

King fisher airlines are operating three flights weekly -From Cochin to Agathi  -Tue , Thurs , Fridays

Dep time 1300  website for availability &fare   www.flykingfisher.com  toll free in India  1800 180 101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pachyderm Palace Wayanad

In the lower hills of Nilgiris, the Northern part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri reserve and offers a great chance of spotting wildlife. This lush rain forest forming a part of the Nagarhole National Park, shelters a unique ecological richness of rare plants, orchids and wildlife. Being part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve of the Western Ghats makes this one of the largest protected areas and best place to see Asian Elephants. The snactuary covers an area of 345 sq.kms.

Location:
The game park is situated 25 kms. north of Mananthavady (3 hours journey from Kozhikode)

Topography & Climate:
The topography is undulating with occasional hillocks. The altitude varies from 650 meters to 1150 meters. Situated on the elevated plateau, the sanctuary enjoys a cool and pleasant climate. The temperature varies from 13 to 32 degree Celcius.

Forest types :
About one third of the sanctuary area is under plantations of teak, eucalyputes, silver, oak, etc. The remaining are natural forests mostly of south indian moist deciduious type inter spersed with bamboo breaks. Few pathches of west coast semi-ever green forest are also seen.

Fauna:
Elephants occupy prime position in the sanctutary. Inter - state seasonal migration of elephants is common. Tiger and panther population of the sancutary is fairy good and frequent sightings are reported in some areas. The other fauna includes common Langur, Niligri Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Wild Dogs, Jungle Cat Civet Cat, Gaur, Samber Deer, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Bear etc, inhibit the sanctuary. Reptiles like Monitor Lizard and a variety of snakes are seen. The birds includes Shama, Black Wood Pecker, Speckled Picutet, Alexandrain Parakeet.

Accommodation:
Accommodation is arranged in a sixty year old homely bungalow with five rooms and three top house, just opposite the sanctuary. The well furnished and comfortable rooms have attached western toilets with shower, traditional and authentic Kerala food will be served. Advance booking is necessary.

Tariff :
USD 30/- per person per day which includes all meals and accommodation.

Wildlife Tour:
Wildlife safari is arranged in an open jeep. The best time for spotting the animals is in the early morning and the evening. In each day there will be three safaries with an english speaking guide. photography is allowed.

The Other Things to Do:
The surroundings of the sanctuary have an arena of plantations like coffee, cardomon and pepper. A short visit to this plantation is arranged. The surrounding area of the sanctuary is a home land varies tribal communities and number of tribal population in this region is 1,14,969 according to the 1991 census. You will get enough time to visit the tribal settlement for studying the life style and the art of living with nature. Jungle walk and bicycle ride is also provided. Visit to Cost Malabari in kannur is also possible. (2hrs journey)

How to reach there:
Daily 3 trains Cochin to kozhikode (5hrs) and frequent buses to Mananthavady (2hrs).

Package rate for 2 nights and 3 days:
Euro 100 per person on twin sharing , which includes accomodation, food & transportation from Cochin & back (7 hrs by road-one way) -Euro 75 per person on twin sharing , includes transportation from Calicut & back, accomodation & food
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