DOWN THE MALABAR COAST

Upon arrival in Cochin, our Executive will meet you at the Airport followed by transfer from Airport to Hotel.

Cochin is situated on a number of small islands and peninsulas that in some parts still look like the old engravings that were scattered in Europe during colonial times. In 1653 the Dutch settle in Cochin. There is a ‘Dutch palace’ with beautiful murals, which depict different episodes in Hindu myths and a 16th century Jewish synagogue and the only Jewish neighbourhood in India. In the Dutch cemetery and in two churches you can see many Dutch gravestones. The ten metre high Chinese fishnets that Marco Polo mentioned are wonderful to see. In Kerala this method of fishing using the nets, which originates from the 11th century, can still be seen. The Bolgatty palace on the island of the same name is the stately official residence of the former Dutch governor of Cochin and is a great place for lunch under the tropical trees of the lagoon. Cochin is the centre of the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance can be characterized by grotesque gesticulations, amazing costumes and very extensive make-up.

Transfer to Cochin airport to catch flight for Trivandrum. Here you will be transferred directly to the nearby beach resort of Kovalam, which is rich with palm trees. The train journey through the tropical landscape of Kerala gives a good idea of how the people live there between the palm trees. Kovalam Beach is one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in India.

Free day. You can unwind, eat some good food in one of the fish restaurants, swim and sunbathe. Whoever wants to see more of this country can go on a day excursion to Kanyakumari, the most southerly point of India. On the way you can stop at a splendid 17th century wooden palace of a former local king.

Take a drive to reach the city of Madurai. Madurai is said to be the oldest city of Tamilnadu and is dominated by the famous Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple.

The name Madurai reminds the city of the legend that a drop of sweet nectar from the hair of the god Shiva fell to earth here. ‘Madhurai’ means ‘sweet’ in Sanskrit. The city completely revolves around the Meenakshi Temple, where thousands of priests and worshippers come daily, temple elephant people are blessed and astrologists read the stars and hands. You can also get your fortune read by parrots that pick tarot cards out of a pile. All the believers bathe themselves in the temple baths. The temple also has a museum with beautiful bronze statues. In the evening sermons are held within the walls of the temple and concerts are often given in honour of the gods. The one thing that you must not miss is the evening ceremony with a fanfare, where the god Shiva is lead to the bedroom of his wife, Meenakshi. Madurai is also a great place to look for bronze statues, carpets or other souvenirs.

Checking out from the hotel a little early you descend along an amazing winding road and travel to a lower lying part of the mountain range where tropical rainforest still holds its own in the Periyar National Park. Stay at the Hotel.

The best place to observe the game in Periyar is by boat. There are many animals to see, including herds of elephants, bison’s and packs of wild boars that roam through the woods and parade along the shores of the lake just before sunrise and sunset. The golden langur monkey that lives here is rarely seen in the rest of India. Water turtles can often be seen sunning themselves on the pieces of wood that stick out of the water. Osprey and Cormorants belong to the most important species of birds in this area. It is also possible to take a walking tour of the jungle, with a guide.

After breakfast we drive through magnificent mountain country with jungle, palm forests and all sorts of plantations for tea and coffee. After lunch you get onto a private boat that is waiting to take you on a tour through the backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. You can sunbathe on the roof or observe the landscape from the protection of the cabin. The population’s whole life takes place here on the water. The people sail, fish, swim and bathe here. Countless water birds wait for their chance to catch a fish. The trip goes through a wonderful area full of palm trees, rice fields and floating water plants that surround the boat like emerald Green Island. We go back to the land about sunset and go to a luxury hotel with a swimming pool and where musicians play classical Indian music in the evenings.

A one-hour drive takes you to the old city Cochin on the Arabic Sea. On reaching Cochin on time departure transfer to catch flight for onward destination.