Kerala is blessed with a chain of brackish lagoons and parallel lakes to the Arabian Sea also known as the Malabar Cost. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km of waterways. In between this beautiful landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the starting and end points of backwater cruises. Vembanad lake is the largest (approx 200 kms) bordered by Alappuzha, Kottyam and Ernakulamm with Kochi at the Lake’s outlet to the Arabian Sea.    
 
The best way to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala is by a motor boat or houseboat also called Kettuvallams in Kerala, it could be a day cruise or an overnight stay on the houseboat. A unique experience where one can enjoy the vast network of canals, small settlements all along the lakes, local life from close range, beautiful countryside, tall coconut trees, and many other sights which will be embedded in your memory for life long.
 
  KOCHI-KUMARAKOM-KOCHI

 
Day - 01 Arrive Cochin
Meeting and assistance on arrival in Cochin and transfer to the hotel.

Kerala is India’s most beautiful state, which many tourists believe, and Cochin is considered to be   its jewel. It has been variously hailed as Queen of the Arabian Sea, Venice of Orient, etc. Some choose to call it simply a museum city for its rich past and colorful present. Cochin displays a blend of peoples and architecture. It is one place where you can see a Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, Dutch architecture, a couple of mosques, Hindu temples and Chinese fishing nets all in one day
 
Afternoon sightseeing of Cochin, a city till today influenced by medieval Portugal, Holland and England. You visit St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars where Vasco da Gama was buried for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisvon. His tombstone still stands. Nearby is the Mattancherry Palace or “Dutch Palace”. The central hall on the Ist floor was the coronation hall of the rajas of Cochin. Other rooms depict scenes from the Ramayana and Puranic legends connected with Hindu gods. Amazing are the Chinese fishing nets. These cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. They were introduced by traders from the courts of Kublai Khan. You also see the Jew City with the Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, with hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in the mid-18th century by a Rabbi, who had trading interest in that city. Overnight at hotel.
 
Day 02 Cochin - Alleppey - Kumarakom
After breakfast Afternoon drive to Alleppey (63 Kms/1 hrs) and embark on boat ride. This 3 hour boat ride through the backwaters is an idyllic experience. Pass through the lagoons watching the waterside local activities of the villagers - coir-making, toddy tapping, fishing, rice growing along the palm lined banks and narrow strips of land that separate the water-ways, and the constant traffic are typical. It also offers the opportunity to see tropical vegetation, bird life and crops. Disembark at Kumarakom and check-in at hotel.
 
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, 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 are a fascination for visitors.  The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
 
Day 03 Kumarakom-Cochin-Leave Cochin
After breakfast drive to Cochin (82 Kms/1.5 Hrs). On transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination.
 
   
  DELHI - AGRA - JAIPUR - COCHIN - ALLEPPY - COCHIN

 
Day - 01 Arrive Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
 
Day 02 : In Delhi
Breakfast at hotel.

Morning full day sightseeing of New & Old Delhi. In New Delhi visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft. and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time, the mausoleum of emperor Humayun, Drive past India Gate (memorial to viceroy’s residence) and the Parliament House, continue to Old Delhi, drive past Red Fort - a marvel in red sandstone, the Raj Ghat – memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Overnight at hotel.
 
Day 03 : Drive Delhi - Jaipur   (257 Kms/5-6 Hrs)   
Breakfast at hotel. Later drive to drive to Jaipur.  On arrival, Check-In at the hotel.

Afternoon city tour with a visit to the Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum.Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Overnight at the hotel.
 
Day 04 : In Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel.

Later proceed for Amber Fort. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Enroute to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds. Overnight at the hotel.
 
Day 05 : Drive Jaipur - Agra (221 Kms : 4-5 Hrs)
Morning drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri - Located 40 Km from Agra, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Further continue to Agra. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
 
Post check-in proceed for visit of world famous Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony  to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 years to complete this 'Love  Poem in Marble' (Friday Closed).Overnight at hotel.
 
Day 06 : Drive Agra - Delhi (200 Kms/4-5 Hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and leave for Agra fort, built alongside the Yamuna River stretching almost 2.5 km. The fort’s colossal double walls rise 20 m in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference. The fort is surrounded by a moat. T
 
Later drive to Delhi. On arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
 
 
 
Day 07 : Fly Delhi - Kochi
Morning transfer to airport to connect flight for Kochi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Afternoon  half day tour of the satellite towns of Kochi (Cochin) and Ernakulam comprises visits to the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue - (which remains closed on Saturdays) St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. While driving along the coastline, at the Harbour's mouth, one can also view the unique and still-in-use "Chinese Fishing Nets" which were introduced by the Chinese traders in the 14th Century. Overnight at hotel.
 
Day 08 : Kochi - Alleppey
Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast Afternoon drive to Alleppey (63 Kms/1 hrs) and check-in on the house boat. Rest of the day ride through the backwaters which is an idyllic experience. Pass through the lagoons watching the waterside local activities of the villagers - coir-making, toddy tapping, fishing, rice growing along the palm lined banks and narrow strips of land that separate the water-ways, and the constant traffic are typical. It also offers the opportunity to see tropical vegetation, bird life and crops. Overnight on board houseboat.
 
Day 09 : Alleppey - Kochi - Leave Kochi
Breakfast at the hotel. .Later drive to Kochi airport to connect flight for onwards destination.
 
 
 
 
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