01 Day: Arrival Cochin – Agatti, Lakshadweep (By Air)
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport, our representative welcomes and escorts you and transfer to board the flight for Agatti. Assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to the resort. Rest of the evening is free for rest and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel
Lakshadweep: Just off the coast of Kerala are a widely scattered group of coral islands – 36 of them – collectively known as Lakshadweep. They form part of the Union of India and are one of the country’s newest tourist destinations. Ten of the islands are inhabited by simple, peace-loving folk whose language is close to that spoken in Kerala. The islanders have lifestyles and occupations that revolve around coconut cultivation, coir matting and fishing. Even today, nothing is actually produced in the islands themselves, and everything comes from the ’mainland’, as India is somewhat quaintly referred to there. Tourism’s major focus is on water sports, as each of the islands are surrounded by a coral reef providing large areas of crystal clear water for everything from snorkelling to wind surfing.
Day 2: Agatti, Lakshadweep
After breakfast the day free for leisure and beach activities. The resort offers you a variety of outdoor pursuits - Kayaking, Catamaran sailing, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, and scuba diving. A well equipped and professionally manned Scuba Diving facility is available at the resort. Diving courses and lagoon diving are offered for beginners too. Diving is permitted only within safe depths around 30 meters. Overnight at the resort.
Agatti: Just off the coast of Kerala are a widely scattered group of coral islands – 36 of them – collectively known as Lakshadweep. They form part of the Union of India and are one of the country’s newest tourist destinations. Ten of the islands are inhabited by simple, peace-loving folk whose language is close to that spoken in Kerala. The islanders have lifestyles and occupations that revolve around coconut cultivation, coir matting and fishing. Even today, nothing is actually produced in the islands themselves, and everything comes from the ’mainland’, as India is somewhat quaintly referred to there. Tourism’s major focus is on water sports, as each of the islands are surrounded by a coral reef providing large areas of crystal clear water for everything from snorkeling to wind surfing. The five islands, which are open to tourists, have simple accommodation in the shape of beach cottages. Permits to visit Lakshadweep can be obtained from the Lakshadweep tourist office in Cochin. Regular flights operate from Cochin to one of the islands, as well as modestly priced ship cruises, which stop at all the islands open to tourism. These cruises begin and end at Cochin. While equipment for water sports is available at the islands themselves, not much in the way of shopping and entertainment is possible as yet. Lakshadweep is the perfect holiday for those who want to get away from the artifices of the world and enjoy a few days in simple yet stunningly beautiful surroundings.
Day 3 : Agatti, Lakshadweep
After breakfast apart from diving, you can try your hand at a host of activities, ranging from the interesting to the exhilarating. Night fishing on the deep sea can be the experience of a lifetime. You can also go kayaking, wind boarding, surfing and more. (Not that there's plenty not to do...try watching the palm trees grow for two hours before lunch, just to work up an appetite...) Overnight at the resort.
Day 4: Agatti – Cochin (By Air)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Cochin. On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you may enjoy the Kathakali, one of India’s most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight at the hotel.
Kochi : (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as ‘God’s Own Country’. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate. Cochin is situated in Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler’s ‘50 greatest places of a lifetime’.
Day5 : Cochin – Alleppey (64 kms: 1 ½ hrs) Backwaters tours through sailing boat to Kumarakom
After breakfast checkout and drive for Alleppey, on arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving towards Kumarakom. The Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting cum dining area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight at the houseboat.
Alleppey : situated in south of Cochin, is the centre for backwater cruises in Kerala. It has a large network of canals, which passes through the town, provides its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. It is also the center of the famous coir products of Kerala. Nehru Trophy Boat Race – the most colourful snake-boat race in Kerala – is held here on the second Saturday of August every year.
Houseboat: A glide in a “Kettuvalam” (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures houseboat.
06 Day: Kumarakom
After breakfast disembark from the houseboat and drive to the backwater resort. Kumarakom, known for the nature-lovers, here in this backwater town, you can laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings where the only presence is yours and the egrets. Later visit at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher, it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at all times. Return to hotel, Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favourite fresh water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at hotel.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks is a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
07 Day: Kumarakom – Cochin (90 kms: 2 hrs) – Hometown
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Cochin. On arrival, take a short sightseeing tour of Cochin: Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coasts & Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India's most colourful cities. This inter connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; Visit to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace. Later transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight for hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories.
