WILDLIFE, BACKWATERS & BEACHES OF KERALA

11 Days / 10 Nights
Escorted and departing ex Perth Sunday 17 September 2006

Sunday 17 September: Perth to Cochin (Kochi)
Home pick-up will be provided to your flight to Singapore where you will connect through to Cochin, located on India's sun-splashed west coast. We will be met on arrival and transferred to our overnight accommodation at the Casino Hotel. (B)

Monday 18 September: Overland to Periyar
This morning we'll commence the fascinating 5 hour (190km) journey to Periyar National Park, sprawling across 777 square kms of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. Thekkady is home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India and is the perfect getaway. On arrival, accommodation will be provided for 2 nights at the Spice Village Resort. (B)

The Spice Village: Set in the heart of the cardamom hills of Kerala, our hotel facilitates easy access to South India’s wildlife & beauty. Located just outside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the village provides the perfect way to appreciate and respect the environment. The resort's architects have recreated the mood of a local tribal community, with individual cottages set amongst a landscaped spice garden and with each thatched dwelling providing simple luxury and privacy.

Tuesday 19 September: Periyar Activities
This morning we will undertake an early morning boat cruise on the lake of the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Periyar - an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on the Periyar River - is famous for its wild elephant, deer, black buck and even has a small population of the elusive tiger. Then, after breakfast, we'll undertake a guided walk around the Spice Village to see the various spices grown in the resort's garden. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation, swimming in the hotel pool, or for Ayurveda & Rejuvenation treatments. Ayurveda comes from the sanskrit: Ayur meaning Life and Veda meaning knowledge. Massage forms part of the Ayurvedic therapy. (B)

Wednesday 20 September: Overland to Kumarakom
After breakfast we'll depart through the winding ghats, visiting one of many prosperous tea estates, then through low-lying palm and paddy-fields enroute to Kumarakom (a fascinating journey of 190kms - 4 hours). Kumarakom is a beautiful backwater village on the shores of enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages. You'll be accommodated here at Coconut Lagoon for a stay of 2 nights. (B)

The Coconut Lagoon: The accommodation varies in configuration and age, a few cottages dating back to the 1700s and with some new replicas incorporating fragments of old tharawads which could not be saved in entirety. Cottages are furnished with aiyny and jack woods, and retain all the charm of original family homes, with thick doors, intricate window carvings and terracotta tile floors. Structurally necessary alterations have been carried out with great discretion and in keeping with the style and decor of the era; the lampstands in each tharawad, for example, having been carved from old wooden hinges. Traditionally, Keralites bathed in the rivers (in rural areas many people still do), but Coconut Lagoon’s cottages feature modern bathrooms, each located in an inner courtyard boasting its own banana (or coconut) tree, so you can shower al-fresco under a star-lit sky in complete and utter privacy!

Thursday 21 September: Kumarakom Activities
Morning visit to the bird sanctuary, then we cruise on the backwaters in traditional "vanjis" (country canoes) to see the agricultural activities of the local people living on the backwaters. The remainder of the day is free for leisure and relaxing by the hotel's pool; or for undertaking canoe expeditions, bird watching, fishing, a sunset cruise, cultural programmes, village excursions, or Ayurveda & Rejuvenation treatments. (B)

Friday 22 September: Overland to Mararikulam
This afternoon we will undertake the 45 minute transfer to the Marari Beach Resort at Mararikulam, one of the picturesque fishing villages which dot the lovely coastline of Kerala. This private, shallow beach is fringed with unending lines of coconut palms. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Saturday 23 September: Mararikulam - At Leisure
Today is free for personal pursuits and for enjoying the facilities of your resort. No doubt, your escort will have some ideas for collective fun-seeking. (B)

Sunday 24 September: Overland to Cochin
This morning we will be transferred to Cochin, a relaxing journey of 1 hour and 15 minutes and (on arrival) we'll be accommodated at the Casino Hotel. Sightseeing this afternoon will include the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Church of St. Francis, Bolghatty Palace and the famous Chinese fishing nets then, this evening, we'll undertake a delightful cruise on one of India's finest harbours. (B)

Cochin: From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers have followed the sea route to "Kochi" and left their impression. Cochin, the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," is the oldest European settlement in India and still exudes a richness of old-world charm. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences, with the backwaters extending to the east & south, dotted with tiny islands which have formed naturally from alluvial deposits.

Monday 25 September: Cochin to Singapore
At leisure and with our rooms held till 6pm. We'll share a dinner tonight to look back over our experiences - prior to our being transferred to the airport for the (pre-midnight) flight with Singapore Airlines. (B/D)

Tuesday 26 September: Arrive Singapore
Breakfast will be served prior to arrival into Singapore. We will be met on arrival and transferred to the Furama Hotel where we'll stay 2 nights. Our hotel is located in Chinatown and is convenient to many shops and to the MRT.

Wednesday 27 September: Singapore
A full day at leisure, or for arrangements as may be co-ordinated by our tour escort. (B)

Thursday 28 September: Singapore to Perth
We depart this morning then, on arrival at Perth, you will be met and transferred to your homes. (B).

HOLIDAY COSTS
Ex Perth	Twin Room	Share Single
11 days / 10 night Kerala & Singapore	$3,005	$3,333
Check for conditions.