Holiday, Vacation and Tourism in Kerala, India

Originally posted 2009-06-21 23:23:47. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

EXCLUSIVE  DESTINATIONS

Originally posted 2009-06-21 23:32:54. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Option 01

Day 1                           Cochin- Arrival at Cochin. Pick up from Airport / Railway station and drop at Hotel Mermaid Days Inn / Similar. After check in could go for sight seeing or leisure at hotel. Overnight stay.

                                   

The Story behind the name..

It is not known exactly how the name Kochi originated. But many theories exist. Some historians believe that Cochin is a modified form of the word ‘Cochazhi’ which in Malayalam means ‘small sea’.Others are of the opinion that ‘Kochi’ was named so by the Chinese. According to them, traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan gave Kochi the name of their homeland. Believe it or not, the Chinese fishing nets, found here (outside China) and nowhere else may be sufficient proof to support their belief. Still another theory is that Kochi is derived from the word ‘Kaci’ meaning ‘harbour’.

 

Tourist Spots (within & near Cochin)         

Chinese Fishing Nets

The chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.

Dutch Palace

The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portugese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

Hill Palace

Built in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled from here. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi apart from many archaeological findings.

      Jewish Synagogue

The synagogue ,magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers ,was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace.

      Museum of Kerala History

The museum has on display life size statues of many famous personalities and several paintings depicting Kerala History.

            Parikshith Thampuram Museum

The museum is situated near the famous Siva Temple, Ernakulam. It houses a treasure of archaeological findings and relics including old coins, sculptures, oil paintings and murals.

            St. Francis Church

It is the oldest church built by European in India.On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portugese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church

 

Day 2                          Munnar- After breakfast, proceed to Munnar.           Check in at Hotel  Green Ridges / Similar. Could go for sight seeing or leisure at Hotel. Overnight Stay at Hotel.

 

Munnar is 140 kms to the east of  Kochi

 

At altitude ranging from 1600 to 1800 meters, Munnar ranks among the most beautiful hill stations in South Asia. Munnar first came into prominence as a favorite summer resort of the British government. The town of Munnar stands at the confluence of three   mountain streams. The ideal time to visit is from September to May. Majestic mountain peaks lush green forests, wildlife sanctuaries and sparkling waterfalls merge to create the unique magic of Munnar. Among the exotic flora found here, is the  Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus), which blossoms only once every twelve years. The Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat, can be spotted on the hillsides of Rajamalai, a few kms from Munnar.

 

Day 3                           Munnar – After breakfast, leave for sightseeing, lunch on the way and back to hotel for overnight stay.

 

Places visiting: Mattuppetty (9.00am –11.00hrs and 14.00 –15.30Hrs), Devikulam, Pallivasal, Attukal, Nyamakad Waterfalls, Chitirapuram, Rajamalai, Echo Point.

 

Day 4                          Thekkady- After breakfast leaves to Thekkady. Check in at Periyar Meadows / Similar. Evening for boating in Periyar Lake (Own cost). Overnight stay in Hotel

 

Located at the southwestern tip of India, Kerala enjoys unique geographic features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destination in South-Asia. An equable climate , a long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush green-hill stations and exotic wild life, waterfalls, Ayurvedic health holidays, enchanting traditional art forms, village festivals, historical and cultural monuments, an exotic cuisine… all of which offer you a unique experience.

           

One of world’s most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuary, where you can watch wildlife at close ranges. The Vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear resemblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the peculiar ecological pattern of Thekkady.

 

In the Periyar, Forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves of India and spread Across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold immense Opportunities for treks and mountain walk. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a fairly good Chance of seeing the great Indian tiger in its natural habitat

 

Day 5                         Alleppey – After breakfast leave to Alleppey. Check in at Pagoda Resort / Similar. Could go for sight seeing or leisure at hotel. Overnight stay.

                                   

Alappuzha (Alleppey) is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerela as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips.

An enchanting backwater destination, Alleppey offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Alappuzha. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Alleppey. A picturesque world of backwaters, thatched houseboats, Cormorants, Chinese fishing nets and swaying palms – An ideal getaway. Nature has composed its magic to perfection here. A million verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to examine its reflections on the glassy rivers. Everywhere, nature is at its best. Blooming forth in perfumes of flowers. In the riot of colors of multi-hued birds. In the fresh, succulent and bountiful freshwater fishes.

 

Day 6                          Varkala - After breakfast check out from the resort and proceed to Varkala. Check in at Krishnatheeram Resort / Similar. Could go for sight seeing. Overnight stay.

 

 

Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where one can find cliffs adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These tertiary sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature in the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as Varkala Formation and a geological monument as declared by the Geological survey of India., Varkala is also famous for its 900 year old Janardana swami temple which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the south). The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have holy waters which wash away sins, and is also an important Ayurveda treatment centre. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties.

Another major landmark in Varkala is the Sivagiri Mutt, established by the great social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The hill-top mausoleum of Sree Narayana Guru is one of the most famous monuments in Kerala. The adjacent hills house the East-West University of Brahmavidya and Sree Narayana Gurukulam.

Day 7                           Kovalam-  After breakfast check out from the resort and proceed to Kovalam. Check in at Treasure Cove Country Spa / Similar. Could go for sight seeing. Overnight stay.

 

 

 

Kovalam Beach:

This internationally renowned beach resort has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets

 

Today this tiny beach is a focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarella on moon-lit nights. At your choice from any of the centres nearby you can pamper yourself with a herbal, body-toning massage. You can enjoy the rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapy in the privacy of your room. A wide range of accommodation is dished out along the shores of Kovalam.

 

 

Day 8                           Kovalam – Trivandrum-Kovalam -     After breakfast, leave for Trivandrum sightseeing, lunch on the way and back to hotel for overnight stay.

 

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make it a much sought after tourist destination.

 

Padmanabha Swamy Temple :

The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Serpent

 

Kathiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum:

The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma – the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen. Workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family and is located near the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

 

The Napier Museum:

Built in the 19th century, the Indo – saracenic structure boasts a “natural” air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plastic is banned in the museum premises.

 

Sree Chithra Art Gallery:

Located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali.

 

Shankhumugham Beach:

Just 8 km from the city, this is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village. An indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here. Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park here provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules.

 

Day 9                           Tour Ends- After breakfast check out from the hotel and Drop at Trivandrum airport / railway station

 

Package cost Including Non a/c Indica Transportation will be

Rs.9,900 /- Per person on CP AI basis 

 

 

 

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Option 02       

Day 1                          Cochin - Munnar – Arrival at Cochin. Pick up from Airport / Railway station and drop at Check in at Green Ridge / Similar. Could go for sight seeing or leisure at Hotel. Overnight Stay at Hotel.

 

Day 2                           Munnar – After breakfast, leave for sightseeing, lunch on the way and back to hotel for overnight stay.

 

Munnar is 140 kms to the east of Kochi

At altitude ranging from 1600 to 1800 meters, Munnar ranks among the most beautiful hill stations in South Asia. Munnar first came into prominence as a favorite summer resort of the British government. The town of Munnar stands at the confluence of three   mountain streams. The ideal time to visit is from September to May. Majestic mountain peaks lush green forests, wildlife sanctuaries and sparkling waterfalls merge to create the unique magic of Munnar. Among the exotic flora found here, is the  Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus), which blossoms only once every twelve years. The Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat, can be spotted on the hillsides of Rajamalai, a few kms from Munnar.

 

Day 3                           Munnar – After breakfast, leave for sightseeing, lunch on the way and back to hotel for overnight stay.

 

Places visiting: Mattuppetty (9.00am –11.00hrs and 14.00 –15.30Hrs), Devikulam, Pallivasal, Attukal, Nyamakad Waterfalls, Chitirapuram, Rajamalai, Echo Point.

 

Day 4                          Thekkady- After breakfast leaves to Thekkady. Check in at Periyar Meadows / Similar. Evening for boating in Periyar Lake (Own cost). Overnight stay in Hotel.

 

Located at the southwestern tip of India, Kerala enjoys unique geographic features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destination in South-Asia. An equable climate , a long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush green-hill stations and exotic wild life, waterfalls, Ayurvedic health holidays, enchanting traditional art forms, village festivals, historical and cultural monuments, an exotic cuisine… all of which offer you a unique experience.

           

One of world’s most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuary, where you can watch wildlife at close ranges. The Vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear resemblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the peculiar ecological pattern of Thekkady.

 

In the Periyar, Forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves of India and spread Across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold immense Opportunities for treks and mountain walk. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a fairly good Chance of seeing the great Indian tiger in its natural habitat

 

Day 5                          Alleppey – After breakfast leave to Alleppey. Check in at Pagoda Resort / Similar. Could go for sight seeing or leisure at hotel. Overnight stay.

                                   

Alappuzha (Alleppey) is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerela as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips.

An enchanting backwater destination, Alleppey offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Alappuzha. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Alleppey. A picturesque world of backwaters, thatched houseboats, Cormorants, Chinese fishing nets and swaying palms – An ideal getaway. Nature has composed its magic to perfection here. A million verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to examine its reflections on the glassy rivers. Everywhere, nature is at its best. Blooming forth in perfumes of flowers. In the riot of colors of multi-hued birds. In the fresh, succulent and bountiful freshwater fishes.

 

Day 6                          Varkala – After breakfast check out from the resort and proceed to Varkala. Check in at Krishnatheeram Resort / Similar. Could go for sight seeing. Overnight stay.

Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where one can find cliffs adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These tertiary sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature in the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as Varkala Formation and a geological monument as declared by the Geological survey of India., Varkala is also famous for its 900 year old Janardana swami temple which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the south). The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have holy waters which wash away sins, and is also an important Ayurveda treatment centre. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties.

 

Another major landmark in Varkala is the Sivagiri Mutt, established by the great social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The hill-top mausoleum of Sree Narayana Guru is one of the most famous monuments in Kerala. The adjacent hills house the East-West University of Brahmavidya and Sree Narayana Gurukulam.

 

Day 7                           Varkala -        After breakfast, Day is free for relaxation, own activities and Leisure at Varkala Beach.  Overnight stay.

 

Day 8                           Tour Ends- After breakfast check out from the hotel and Drop at Trivandrum airport / railway station

 

Package cost Including Non a/c Indica Transportation will be

Rs.8,499 /- Per person on CP AI basis 

 

***The above quote is subject to change and no reservation has been made, this is only a quote***

 

Rooms are subject to availability

 

Rates are valid till 30^th September 2009

 

 

Package includes
Accommodation on twin sharing basis for a couple

Meal plan will be on CP AI (breakfast only)

All transfers and sight seeing

Non-a/c Indica Transportation

All toll, tax, parking, driver Bata & fuel cost.

All taxes 

 

Package does not includes   

Boating charges
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

Package do not include entry fees to monuments and places
Anything not mentioned in the package includes.
Porter age at hotels and airports, tips, insurance, laundry, liquors, wine, mineral water, telephone charges
All items of personal nature.

 

Payment Option 

Bank Name      : ICICI Bank

Account name   : SPICELAND HOLIDAYS AND ENTERTAINMENTS PVT LTD

Account no      : 027705001786  

Branch           : KADAVANTHRA BRANCH, ERNAKULAM       

  

Reservation Policy:
1. Confirmation of Hotel Rooms / House boat is subject to the availability.
2. Confirmation of the Packages is subject to receipt of 100% payment i.e., 50 % of the payment as advance & balance on or before arrival.

Cancellation Policy:-
3. Cancellation within 30 Days prior to the arrival date of the tour packages / Hotel Booking / Transportation:      : No retention charge.
4. Cancellation within 15 Days prior to the arrival date of the tour packages / Hotel Booking / Transportation :     : 50 %  retention
5. Cancellation within 10 Days prior to the arrival date of the tour packages / Hotel Booking / Transportation or Non Utilization of the same       :  100 % Retention..

Terms & Conditions:-

1. The above itinerary is suggested Tour Plan. The Company is responsible for only those services which are charged from the guest. 
All other services which are not paid by the guest to the Company are Suggested services and Company is nowhere bound to provide that service or pay the cost for the same.

2. Check in and Check out Timing of the Hotel will be according to the timing of the respective Hotels.
3. Company is not responsible for compensating any loss or additional cost incurred by the guest while taking the tour.
4. Company is not responsible,nor liable for any damage, loss or injury caused to any passenger while taking the tour.
5. Dollar rates are applicable only to Foreign nationals & Indians possessing foreign passports, while the INR package rates will be applicable to Indian nationals.
6. All the disputes are subject to Ernakulam Jurisdiction only.
7. Any Claim related to the Package must be brought to the notice of the Company within a week. 

 

Spice Land Holidays & Entertainments Pvt Ltd
Saniya Plaza, Rajaji Road, Near KSRTC Bus Station
Cochin, Kerala, India, Pin – 682 035

 

Pho       : +91 484 2369707
Fax       : +91 484 2369712
E-mail  : info@spicelandholidays.com
             : cochin@spicelandholidays
URL     : www.spicelandholidays.com