Day 08: Periyar / Alleppey / Houseboat (128 Kms) (03 ½ Hrs Drive)
At 08:00 am, 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 ride
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 09: Houseboat / Alleppey / Kollam (86 Kms) (02 ½ Hrs Drive)
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.
At 09:00 am, we will disembark the houseboat at Alleppey boat jetty and drive to Kollam.
Upon arrival in Kollam, check into The Leela Ashtamudi A Raviz Hotel. The place is located on the pristine Lake Ashtamudi that connects the backwaters of Kerala to the Arabian Sea. The Glorious landscapes and grand vistas of the magnificent palm shaped ‘eight-armed’ Ashtamudi Lake will surely mesmerize you to the fullest. After a warm welcome in true Kerala style you will get to see and witness this delightful and lustrous resort. The wooden flooring, the typical architecture, the sequence balcony, and the spectacular view- water till the horizon.
Afternoon we visit some of the fascinating sites of the region. We would witness cashew nut processing using traditional techniques such as, Cleaning, Soaking, Roasting, Shelling, Separation, Drying, Peeling, Grading, Rehumidification, and Packing. The entire process will enthrall you with a lively experience. Next, we would visit to the Police Museum, where you will trace the history and development of the police force. You also get to eye witnesses the police arms of the 18th and 19th centuries. After your educative and interactive outing, now ride on to Quilon Beach and Gandhi Park. The Beach also has a Park of international standard and widely famous in the region.
But wait, what is sightseeing without shopping!! From Handicrafts to Antiquue, from Eco friendly clothing, too, Banana chips, silk sarees, yummy Kerala sweets, we get to see and notice the crafts as well as traditional foods of Kerala.
But wait, what is sightseeing without shopping!! From Handicrafts to Antiquue, from Eco friendly clothing, too, Banana chips, silk sarees, yummy Kerala sweets, we get to see and notice the crafts as well as traditional foods of Kerala.
Day 10: Kollam / Munroe Island Village (Morning Tour) / Kollam (23 Kms – One Way) (50 Minutes)
After a leisurely breakfast we make an excursion to Munroe Island, beautifully located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. The journey is in a country boat into the perfect typical village backwater of Kerala. The Place is named in honor of Resident Colonel John Munroe of the former Princely State of Travancore.The Island Village measuring 13.4 Sq kms in area is a fascinating destination where we can witness Coir retting processes, Coir weaving, fishing, prawn feeding, migratory birds, etc. Then there are attractions of Canal and waterways, coconut palms, mangroves, and, the beautiful tiny island of Pathupara. In other words, you are transported to a World of remoteness, natural beauty, and, ethnic lifestyles- All co-existing in unique harmony.
We enjoy a unique Canoe Ride that traverses through the meandering inland waterways and fields fringed with coconut palms. You get to see fishing using traditional nets and boats Witness rare Birds and, natural fish farm. We also notice Coir making centres.In other words, a visit to Munroe Island bestows upon you the opportunity to get yourselves soaked in the lives of Village folks engaged in different activities for their livelihood. You can also get a taste of the flavors of spicy Kerala cuisine from the Village.
Afternoon at leisure: Indulge yourself in some exhilarating cruising experience, or rejuvenate yourself with some Ayurvedic massages under the guidance of trained doctors and instructors.
Overnight at The Leela Ashtamudi A Raviz Hotel, Kollam (Grand Heritage Room) (B)
Day 11: Kollam / Kovalam (79 Kms) (02 ½ Hrs Drive)
At 9:00 am, we will drive to Kovalam.
Upon arrival in Kovalam, we will check in to hotel Leela Kovalam Beach Resort.
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Leela Kovalam Beach Resort, Kovalam (Garden View Villa) (B)
Day 12 – Day 13: Kovalam
Days are at leisure for your independent activities. No car and driver services quoted.
Overnight at Leela Kovalam Beach Resort, Kovalam (Garden View Villa) (B)
Day 14: Kovalam / Trivandrum (14 Kms) (30 Minutes’ Drive) Kovalam / Trivandrum (14 Kms) (30 Minutes’ Drive)
(Though the checkout time is 12 noon, every effort would be made to retain rooms till as late as possible without additional charges - subject to availability)
In time, we will drive to the Trivandrum international airport to board 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: - Hotel Upgrades available upon request
*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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