Day 21: Mararikulam / Cochin (41 Kms) (01 ½ Hrs Drive)
Following a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Cochin
Following a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Cochin
Upon arrival, check into, Koder House.
Evening, a special treat awaits us this evening as we proceed to witness the strength and vigor of Kathakali dance drama, as it enacts episodes from great Indian epics. The extremely stylized gestures, the elaborate make- up, the masks and the splendid costumes of these all-male dancers, recreates an incomparable sense of pageantry.
Overnight at Koder House, Cochin (Junior Suite) (B)
Day 22: Cochin (Mattancherry is closed on Fridays and Jew Town is closed on Fridays and Saturdays)
After breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of the City. The true character of the city is to be found in the older parts of the Fort Cochin area. It more or less exists as it used to be a 1000 years back, when it was first built. The roads have not been widened because the old haggard buildings, through patchwork repairs over the centuries, still stand on the edges. This part of the city reflects an unusual blend of medieval Portugal, Dutch and English country life grafted on to the tropical Malabar Coast. The fishing community of Cochin is also very interesting. They ancient cantilevered fishing nets called Chinese Fishing Nets. The net is fixed to a pole on the shore. While fishing, the entire net is lowered by a primitive fulcrum mechanism using long bamboo poles. By the same mechanism the pole is lifted along with the catch. We will explore the sights of Photographic as well as cultural interest. We would also visit the 16th century Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace since the Dutch substantially renovated the palace in the 17th century. The double storied quadrangular building surrounds a courtyard containing a Hindu temple. The Central Hall on the first floor was the coronation hall of the Rajas of Cochin; on display are their dresses, turbans and palanquins. The most important feature of this palace, however, is the astonishing murals in the bedchambers and other rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana and other religious legends. These murals are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful and extensive anywhere to be seen in India. The unique feature here is the unexpected and isolated Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD 52. They are self-contained and have their own Synagogue.
The area around the Synagogue, known, as ‘Jew Town’ is one of the main centres of spice trade. Scores of small firms huddle together in old dilapidated buildings and the air is filled with the aroma of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves. The area is very busy. The potters are loading gunny bags of spices on to carts, which keep running up and down the narrow lanes. We would visit Jew Town, in the Mattancherry section and a short walk from the ferry is one street long. Jews used to occupy virtually all the houses on Jew Town Road, where they sold fruits, vegetables and spices or worked as oil pressers or carpenters. The spice markets are still located on the narrow street
Overnight at Koder House, Cochin (Junior Suite) (B)
Day 23: Cochin / Ooty (275 Kms) (07 Hrs Drive)
At 08:30 am, we will drive to Ooty.
Upon arrival in Ooty, we will check in to, Savoy, Ooty - IHCL SeleQtions.
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Savoy, Ooty - IHCL SeleQtions (Superior Room) (B)
Day 24: Ooty
At 09:00 am, we will proceed for the tour of Ooty.
Nestled among some of the most spectacular mountains in Southern India, Ooty is a relic of the British Raj. The town’s general appearance is an unlikely combination of Southern England and Australia, with single -storey stone cottages surrounded by trees, fenced flower gardens scattered along leafy, winding lanes with tall eucalypti stands covering the otherwise barren hilltops. The other main reminders of the British period are the stone Churches and the huge boy's school with its landscaped gardens at the bottom of Ooty's famous Lake. There is also the terraced and very English Botanical Gardens, in which the Government House stands on the lower slopes of Doddabetta (2623m), the highest peak in Tamil Nadu. From the top of Doddabeta you can see Connor, Wellington, Coimbatore, Mettupalayam and, on a clear day, as far as Mysore.
Afternoon is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Savoy, Ooty - IHCL SeleQtions (Superior Room) (B)
Day 25: Ooty / Bangalore (279 Kms) (06 Hrs Drive) Bangalore / Departure
(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 transfer you to the Bangalore 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”
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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