Day 07: Cardamom House / Munnar (149 Kms) (03 ½ Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Munnar.
On arrival, we will check in to Spice Tree Resort, a luxury boutique resort and spa center. The latter is the perfect destination for those wanting to get away from it all. At Spice Tree, you have everything that you expect from Munnar, but much more by way of peace, freshness, tranquility, and, total privacy. Each room of the resort is just wonderful and offers a soothing feel with energy saving warm lights, wooden floor, a sofa cum bed by the window, a balcony with a coffee table; all add up to make for a cozy warm experience.
Afternoon, we will visit the Anayirangal Dam - Surrounded by the Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. The view of this imposing dam can also be enjoyed by taking a boat trip. The scenic beauty of this place is simply astounding. Lots of wading birds can also be seen here.
Later, we will visit the remnants of the Stone Age, just to the right of the Resort. These Dolmens are believed to be the dwelling places of the inhabitants of this area during the stone-age. These now stand as monumental witness of a pre- historic era. Little is known about them through written history; but they were apparently the rulers of this beautiful land. Ideal for photography, one can experience some great views of the mountains covered in lush green vegetation from here.
Overnight at Spice Tree Resort, Munnar (Classic Room with Jacuzzi) (B)
Day 08: Munnar (Tea Museum is closed on Mondays)
After breakfast, we proceed on a tour of Munnar. Our major highlights would be as below :
1. Mattupetty Dam - Mattupetty Dam, located near Munnar in Idukki District, is one of the most visited tourist spots of Munnar. The dam will definitely enthrall you by its lush green trees, magnum views, and, crystal clear water. A cruise here is an exhilarating experience, offering occasional sightings of elephant, gaur and sambar.
2. Tea Museum – The Tea Museum was inaugurated by Tata Tea a major producer of packaged tea so as to keep the history of tea plantation in India intact. The Munnar Tea Museum houses some of the exclusive artifacts like the 'Pelton Wheel' used in the power generation plant, the original Tea roller, and, an ancient rail engine wheel of the Kundale Valley that shuttled men and material between Munnar. Besides this Museum is a tribute to the efforts of all the unsung heroes who were determined to make Munnar a major tea plantation center in Kerala, India.
3. Top Station - If you have a long persistent desire to feel the clouds and fly all along with them, make sure you don’t miss on this amazing destination. Top Station is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. It also offers a panoramic view of the majestic Western Ghats and the valley of Theni district.
4. Echo Point - Echo Point is located at a distance of 13 km from Munnar town. If one desires to scream and hear their voices being echoed till far out and wide then Echo Point is the place to be. The moist, mouldy acres of mountains spread out here are hitherto beautiful and call for one to let their spirits out, quite literally. Some of the popular activities of this destination are trekking, and, nature walks.
Rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy your hotel.
Overnight at Spice Tree Resort, Munnar (Classic Room with Jacuzzi) (B)
Day 09: Munnar / Kumarakom (144 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Kumarakom.
Upon arrival in Kumarakom, we will check in to hotel, Lake Song Resort.
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Lake Song Resort, Kumarakom (Punnamada Room) (B)
Day 10: Kumarakom
Day is free for independent activities. You can also enjoy the optional ayurvedic body massage at the resort. You could also choose to explore the surrounding tribal villages, visit the nearby water bird sanctuary or ride through the narrow backwater channels through back of beyond Kerala.
Overnight at Lake Song Resort, Kumarakom (Punnamada Room) (B)
Day 11: Kumarakom / Alleppey / Houseboat (35 Kms) (01 Hr Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Alleppey boat jetty to board the houseboat.
Alleppey (Alappuzha) is known as ‘the Venice of the East’ is known for its network of canals and lagoons with beautiful backwaters and the houseboats
This voyage through the backwaters of Alleppey will soothe your senses with its meandering canals (thodu), rivers (puzha / aaru) and the backwaters (kayal). Succumb to the rhythm of the boat on the peaceful waters while being caressed by the breeze.
12:00 PM - Board the Marvel Cruise Houseboat. The crew will welcome you, and, assist you in getting settled, and offer you a welcome drink.
12:30 PM - Cruise starts after introduction of crew members, familiarization of your houseboat and briefing about the itinerary.
Cruise towards Kanjipadam through the Pookaitha aar, a branch of the River Pamba, the third longest river of Kerala. Passing by paddy fields and villages on the river side, one can see coconut palms with nests of the weaver birds bordering the paddy fields and spot many species of residential and migratory birds during this cruise.
Local birds like waterfowl, koel, owl, egret, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter, and brahminy kite, as well as the migratory gull, teal, tern, flycatcher, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons.
01:30 PM - The houseboat stops for lunch. Traditional Kerala lunch that is cooked on the boat will be served.
Rice along with Fried Green Chromide (Non Vegetarian) or Paneer (Vegetarian) are the main dish and Sambar, Avial and Thoran as accompaniments are served.
02:00 PM - The houseboat resumes cruising after the lunch break of the crew members.
Cruise towards Champakulam via Padaharam and Pullangady a village with rice fields, little houses and constant gaggle of ducks. This scenic part of the backwaters is less crowded compared to other popular houseboat cruise routes. You pass by laid back villages along the backwaters that provide you the glimpse of the life around the bakwaters, multiple temples and churches.
03:00 PM - Kalloorkad St. Mary's Basilica, Champakulam
The houseboat will stop at the Basilica of St. Mary, on the banks of the river Pamba. Also called Champakulam Valia Palli this is one of the oldest Christian churches in India. Established in AD 427, the church was rebuilt many times. The old church was a simple structure as a traditional Kerala house with a simple altar.
The church was further renovated & rebuilt in the form today by the Europeans like the Portuguese & Dutch who designed the church in Gothic style. The high curved roof is decorated with some of the most beautiful mural paintings depicting the life of Christ. The use of timber is quite elaborate and the altar is a work of exemplary craftsmanship.
03:15 PM - Resume cruising towards Meenapally Kayal
Cruise past the Nedumudy Kottaram Sree Bhagavathi Temple towards Meenapally Kayal. The houseboat will cruise towards Moonnatiinmugham where the rivers Pamba, Achankovil, and Meenachilar join together. Cruise past the island village of Chennamkary and the St. Joseph's Church, the first church in Asia dedicated to Saint Joseph towards another island village, Kainakary.
Near the Gomentha Church, the houseboat will turn towards Muttethodu, a smaller canal that leads towards Meenapally Kayal. The houseboat will cruise closer to the houses on either banks of the canals.
The houseboat will stop at Meenapally Kayal for the Canoe ride.
05:15 PM - Country Canoe ridel
Take a ride on a country canoe through narrow canals near Meenapally Kayal that are inaccessible by houseboat. This c anoe journey brings you closer to the backwater villages, offering a firsthand experience of local life. Wave back to children greeting you from their front yards as you pass by. Answer their curious questions and observe the daily routines of villagers who rely on the backwaters for their livelihood.
Depends on the climatic conditions
06:00 PM - Resume cruising
Cruise across the Meenapally Kayal towards a smaller canal Irumpanthodu with houses and paddy fields on both sides. Cruise towards Pallathuruthy for docking at night at our private dock.
Houseboats have to dock by 06:30 pm as the local fishermen start casting their nets after sunset.
You can stroll along the village road near the dock and interact with the villagers to learn more about their lifestyle. Alternatively, you can try your luck fishing with traditional rods available on the boat or spend your time playing the board games provided on the houseboat.
08:00 PM - Dinner will be served onboard.
Air conditioning within rooms will be available from 07:00 PM to 07:00 AM
NOTE:
The above mentioned itinerary will be followed during the cruise. Changes in the itinerary may be made due to adverse climatic conditions and tide level.
In case of late arrival and the cruise starting late, the itinerary will be trimmed to ensure that the boat docks by 06:30 PM.
Overnight aboard Marvel Cruise (One Bedroom Houseboat) (B, L & D)
Day 12: Houseboat / Alleppey / Cochin (84 Kms) (02 ½ Hrs Drive) Cochin / Departure
08:00 AM - Cruise resumes
Wake up to the smell of fresh-brewed tea emanating from our well-equipped kitchenette; stop by and watch your personal chef work up your breakfast he will also share his smile and his insights.
Begin your last day on board with an early cruise through the backwaters.
Breakfast will be served onboard.
After breakfast, we will disembark the houseboat at Alleppey boat jetty and drive to the Cochin international airport for your onward flight back home.
NO HOTEL QUOTED FOR THIS DAY (B)
We do hope the flavor of India will remain on your taste buds for all times to come and hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you for being our guest, and as we say in India
‘Please come back soon”
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
Tour Cost for 02 People travelling together on Twin Sharing / Double Occupancy Basis
NOTE: -
*Quotes based on accommodation listed in the above itinerary – (Subject to Availability)
*Please be advised that nothing is held or booked at this stage and the quote is subject to change and availability at the time of booking
COST INCLUDES:
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
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