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Day 1: Arrival at Kochi .
On arrival we will check into a heritage hotel in Fort Kochi. After a chance to relax and freshen up we have lunch, and then spend the rest of the afternoon discovering a little of this amazing city. Its historic links can be seen in the Colonial Bungalows, an old Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, the oldest European Church in India and a medieval Portuguese Palace. In the evening we can enjoy a bouquet of traditional Keralan dances like kathakali and mohiniattam. We will also discover a little more off the rich cultural history of this place during our visits to museums and temples that dot the city and surrounding areas.

Day 2: Cycle to Thattekkad.
After breakfast we start off on our cycles, making the most of the early morning coolness heading towards the foothills of the Western Ghats towards the lowland forests of Thattekkad. We pass through scenic countryside with temples, spice gardens, paddy fields and rubber plantations. After a leisurely lunch we reach the River Periyar, the longest river in Kerala, which has been part of many ancient epics. Our stay will be at the secluded Hornbill Camp - a birder’s paradise on the riverside. You will be able to enjoy the gentle Periyar and the exquisite sounds of the forest – the perfect ending to a day of cycling.

Day 3: Elephants and Tea.
After breakfast, we will set off cycling along the Periyar riverbank and through dense low altitude forests of Neriyamanagalam where reed is extracted for manufacture of traditional household items like baskets and mats. As the scenery slowly changes, we glimpse rubber estates, pepper estates, cardamom estates and finally tea plantations. We will stop at Adimali for lunch & make the rest of the way in the accompanying vehicle to the hills of Munnar – a hill town famed for its vast swathes of tea plantations. Munnar, once a favourite summer resort town of the British, is set amidst dramatic mountain scenery, craggy peaks, tall redwood trees, and some of the world’s highest tea plantations. On arrival at Munnar, we check into a small family owned resort nestled amidst the cardamom plantations.

Day 4: Trekking in the Silent Valley.
Today is a day for trekking. Our journey will take us into the Silent Valley trekking to Meesapulimala, ‘The Mountain of the Whiskered Tiger’. This is a spectacular walk, passing through sholas, (high altitude mountain rain forest known as Cloud Forests), rolling grasslands, and rhododendrons. We travel across myriad mountain streams through spectacular valleys. Sightings of elephants, gaur (large dark-coated bison), Nilgiri Tahr (mountain ibex) are highly likely. We continue our trek through the wilderness and the world’s highest tea estate at Kolukumalai to reach Suryanelli where we will once again stay at a beautifully located luxury camp where a sumptuous barbeque dinner by the campfire awaits you!

Day 5: Lakes, Spice Gardens and Amazing Wildlife.
We will once gain continue our cycling & ride around the Anaerangal Lake (‘Lake where the elephants come down’) and along wonderful mountain roads to reach Nedungandom by lunchtime. Most of the way we pass through thick forests, cardamom estates and spice gardens that have made these Cardamom Hills world famous. In the afternoon we continue to our destination – Periyar and check into an eco lodge. Here we can relax or explore the jungle. Periyar is one of the best wildlife reserves in India and has large herds of Asiatic elephants, Indian Bison as well as Tigers. For ornithologists it has over 330 species of birds including the majestic Great Hornbill. Here is a chance to meet some of the local people and see their fascinating lifestyles before we eat and retire for a good nights sleep.

Day 6: Rainforest Trek.
Mannans are among the oldest indigenous group of people to inhabit Periyar Tiger Reserve. As late as the 1940’s, they lived in the remotest areas of the tiger reserve eking out a simple living by fishing in the lake and cultivating a few crops. Today they are the main conservators of the forest; enjoy your walk and talk with them as you discover the endemic flora and fauna of the region. We have a choice of activities organized by these tribals – full day rainforest trek.

Day 7: Kayaking through the backwaters.
After breakfast, drive to the coastal town of Alleppey where we will commence our kayaking & paddle through the famed backwaters – exploring the lagoons and lakes. The vast expanse of water, the friendly people, their life styles from up close is bound to mesmerize you. We will settle into the backwater Villa – a small cozy family owned resort on an island in the midst of the backwaters!

Day 8: Explore the Backwater Villages.
We will continue paddling through the narrow canals of Pulinkunnu to island of Kavalam – an erstwhile headquarters of affluent agrarian families - the majestic homes standing testimony to past grandeur. We will stop for lunch at a beautiful coconut grove on a ‘bund’ on the lakeshore. We will continue our kayaking till we cruise into the beautiful resort on the banks of the river Manimala to enjoy a delicious local Kuttanadan dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 9: Departure.
After breakfast, depart for next destination.

Extensions:

Riceboat Cruise:
A great opportunity to embark & cruise on the famed ‘rice boats’ through the backwaters of Kerala. This is a luxurious way to see the backwaters & the life in the backwater countryside villages. We will explore the backwaters villages, cruise past ancient temples, paddy fields, lagoons & lakes.

Wonderful beaches or relax by the pool.
Drive towards the fabulous Marari beach and check into a beach villa or hotel – a perfect place to relax after the adventure in Kerala.

Meals

• Allow USD $130 for meals not included.
• Local payment: approximately Rupees 3000
• Meal Inclusions- 8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunch, 2 Dinner

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation for 8 nights
• All transfers
• All sightseeing, cycling, kayaking & hiking with guides
• Cycles, helmets
• Kayaks & life jackets
• Local guide fees, entry into monuments

EXCLUSIONS

• Flights
• Airport taxes