The Grand Snake Boat Race Tour: 09 Nights and 10 Days

Tour Route
Cochin - Backwaters - Periyar - Kumarakom - Marari

Overview
Come August and Kerala's tranquil backwaters turn into an arena of sporting warfare. Yes, its mega boat race time in Kerala again where 70 meter long banana boats manned by more than 100 oarsmen each will compete in the world's largest team sport event. Kerala Travel Centre brings you a fantastic tour which will give you the opportunity to witness this grand regatta. Besides the races, you will also get the opportunity to enjoy the port town of cochin, the sensuous backwaters, the enchanting wildlife and the beaches of Kerala.

DAY 01 – 7th August 2011 - Arrival Cochin
You will be greeted at the International airport with a traditional welcome by the Kerala Travel Centre team and escorted to the Brunton Boatyard hotel overlooking the sea, in Cochin. Cochin, also known as the 'Spice coast of India' has been a port town since early centuries which attracted traders and invaders from the world over. Needless to say, Cochin offers you some fascinating snippets of history and culture today. The place is broadly divided into two areas- Ernakulam which is a bustling cosmopolitan metropolis and Fort Cochin which is the cultural hub where the hotel is located. Step out of the hotel and you are within walking distance of the sea and other attractions like the Chinese fishing nets, said to have been left behind by Chinese traders in the 15th century. Relax and unwind at the hotel on your first day in India. In the evening enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise along the Cochin Harbour. Overnight at the Brunton Boatyard. (Chauffeured Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 02 – 8th August 2011- Cochin
Enjoy a sightseeing tour this morning to explore the many fascinating highlights of Cochin which include - The Jewish Synagogue in what is locally called the Jew Town, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace and the Spice market. In the evening enjoy a 'Kathakali' dance performance. 'Kathakali' literally means a 'story-play' and is a highly dramatic dance form which depicts the moral values of god and man. The characters wear elaborate make up and heavy ornaments and the performances are enthralling to watch. Overnight at the Brunton Boatyard. (Chauffeured Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 03 – 9th August 2011-Cochin – Houseboat (72 km / 2 hrs)
Drive to the backwater region of Allepey to embark on your private houseboat and cruise on the Backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats or 'Kettuvalloms' are converted rice barges with well-appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sun bathe in the well appointed lounge or observe the palm fringed landscape from your cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings it is the life along the backwaters that adds a touch of exotica to this experience.The locals' travel in canoes and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods, door to door in small wooden boats. A small crew will be available at all times to assist you during the cruise. The crew includes the captain who mans the boat, a chef and a housekeeping staff member. The local food prepared by the chef on the houseboat is another delight not to miss. As you cruise along the backwaters you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy fields and other places, enroute where you can choose to go on a village walk. Whilst the houseboats can cruise along the fascinating backwater stretches, they cannot navigate some of the narrower canals which are equally mesmerising. Enjoy a special canoe ride along the narrow canals where you can explore these channels on your own. Enjoy a specially organised romantic candle lit dinner on the houseboat tonight. With your boat moored along the tranquil expanse of the Vembanad lake under a starry night, this promises to be an experience like no other. Waking up the following morning on the houseboat is another memorable experience that will stay with you forever. Overnight on board. (Full Board) (Vehicle for Transfer)

Day 04- 10th August 2011-Houseboat – Periyar (135 Km/ 4 hrs)
Drive to Periyar an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into the Spice Village. Either have the rest of the day at leisure or go on a spice plantation tour where you will be enticed by not only the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg but will also get to know how they are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. Overnight at the resort. (Vehicle at disposal)

Day 05- 11th August 2011- Periyar
Enjoy an escorted three hour jungle trek through the Periyar Wildlife reserve. Though it's rare to see tigers, you will have the opportunity to spot elephants, bisons, deer and several other animals on this trek. Enjoy the rest of the evening enjoying the ambience of the Spice Village. (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 06 – 12th August 2011- Periyar – Kumarakom (135 / 4hrs)
Drive to Kumarakom from where you will board a boat to go to the Coconut Lagoon resort, located on a little island in the backwaters. Rated as one of the twenty five best get- aways in the world, the authenticity of the resort along with the captivating beauty of its surroundings will not fail to mesmerise you. Kerala's rainwater surges down its hills and mountains and runs into canals and streams where the rolling water tumbles in an effusive surge to join the 40 odd rivers in the state. This labyrinth network of rivers, canals, streams and lagoons form the famed backwaters. The landmass along these waterways pulsate with a different tempo, possessing a lifestyle and ethos so unique that it has become one of the biggest highlights in Kerala. Spend the day at leisure. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon. (Vehicle for transfer)

Day 07 - 13th August 2011- Kumarakom (Boat Race)
Its the big Boat Race day today. Perhaps the most prestigious boat race in Kerala, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is  also one of the largest team sport events in the world. 60 -70 meter banana boats manned by over 100 oarsmen each compete for this coveted prize and people come from far and wide to watch this spectacle.So that you get a ring side view of the action, we organise a private motor boat from within the comforts of which, you can enjoy the races. A small crew will be available to assist you.Enjoy the evening at leisure.Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon. (No Vehicle)

DAY 08 – 14th August 2011- Kumarakom – Marari (30 km / ½ h)
This morning you will be transferred to Mararikulam, a typical fishermen's village and check into the Marari beach resort. The Marari is an eco-friendly resort on the beach with accommodations built like traditional fishermen's huts. All that separates the resort from the sea are rows of coconut trees which lets you take in the splendours of the beach. The simplicity and charm of village life that pervades the resort will make you feel one with nature. Enjoy a visit to a special Butterfly garden today adjacent to the Marari. You can also visit an organic farm. Overnight at the Marari Beach Resort. (Vehicle for Transfer)

DAY 09 – 15th August 2011- Marari
Day at leisure on the beach. Enjoy a rejuvenating full body Ayurveda massage today. The five thousand year old ancient natural science of Ayurveda finds its origins in Kerala and a massage is the best way to enjoy your last day in Kerala. You can also enjoy a cookery demonstration today by the chefs at the Marari. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight at the Marari Beach Resort. (No vehicle)

DAY 10 – 16th August 2011- Marari – Cochin – Departure (65 km / 2 h)
Departure transfer to Cochin airport for your return flight. (Vehicle for Transfer)

Place	Nts	Resort	Room Type
Cochin	2	Brunton Boatyard	Standard Sea Facing Room
Houseboat	1	CGH Spice Coast Cruises	01 bedroom houseboat
Periyar	2	Spice Village	Standard Villa
Kumarakom	2	Coconut Lagoon	Heritage Mansion
Mararikulam	2	Marari Beach	Garden Villa

Tour	1 May 11-30 Sep 11
Standard	-
Superior	-
Deluxe	£ 1390

Prices are per person based on 2 people occupying 1 double/twin room. Prices may vary based on local market fluctuations. For single supplements please contact Kerala Travel Centre. Price Includes: B&B at all hotels except where cited on the itinerary, chauffeur driven AC car, sunset cruise, Kathakali performance, jungle treks, Ayurveda massage, all entrance fees,guide charges, assisted airport transfers. Price Excludes: International Flights - Please contact Kerala Travel Centre for booking flights.

Kerala Climate and Weather
Being a coastal state surrounded by the Arabian Sea and because of its proximity to the equator, Kerala has a more or less consistent temperature pattern in the summers and the monsoons alike. The temperature hovers around 29�32 degrees (Celsius) throughout the year with varying levels of humidity.



Best months for travel to Kerala:

The months of October through to March are considered to be the most favourable months to travel to Kerala when the weather is sunny and pleasant.
The months of April and May are also favourable for travel but the humidity tends to be comparatively higher.
August and September are also good months for travel.

Monsoon Months in Kerala:

June and July are monsoon months in Kerala, the showers being heavy at first and then easing off gradually. Whilst these are not the best months for tours, interestingly, this happens to the best time for travellers seeking the therapeutic Ayurveda treatment which is said to be most effective in these months.

Special Experiences
This tour has been designed such that you can see the best of all the regions you are visiting and therefore includes all the major highlights in each area. Apart from these, Kerala offers a myriad of delightful, lesser known experiences. At the Kerala Travel Centre we have always been keen to showcase these little, special and off-the-beaten-track experiences that will make your Kerala holiday a memorable experience like no other. We have compiled a partial list experiences which you could choose to enjoy on this tour. When in doubt, just ask your Kerala Travel Centre driver and he will point you the right direction.

Cochin :

• Stroll down the beach in Fort Cochin to see the 15th century Chinese fishing nets. Whilst they are not as frequently used as before, you can see a demonstration of how the fishermen use these gigantic nets. It is also possible to take part in this experience along with the fishermen. 

• The bustling fish markets adjacent to the fishing nets also make for an interesting visit.
  
  
• The sunset cruise in Cochin along the harbour is also a great experience where you pass other ships and boats of all sizes and can see the Cochin skyline and the Cochin shipyard which is more than 200 years old.
  
  
• Fort Cochin has a number of seafood restaurants ranging from the high end 'History' restaurant at the Brunton Boatyard to the all vegetarian 'Roti Dal' restaurant where you can try the mouth watering fish food.
  
  
• Enjoy an enthralling Kathakali dance performance while you are in Cochin. Watching the dancers put on make up before the show is also quite a fascinating experience.
  
  
• Your sightseeing excursion in Cochin includes several fascinating highlights including the Jewish synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica and others.
  
  
• Apart from this, you could also try exploring the streets with their many shops both in Fort Cochin and in the bustling Ernakulam part of Cochin. Cochin is great for shopping especially for jewellery and garments. (Our drivers should be able to point you to select shops that do not hassle customers). If you are a cigar aficionado don't miss the 100 year old R.Baliga & Sons who stocks cigars of all types.
  
  
•  If Henna and bangles are of interest to you, you can pay a visit to a small, yet vibrant shop selling bangles and other ornaments in Cochin.
  
  Houseboat Cruise
  
  
• During a houseboat cruise, ask your captain to anchor the boat by one of the villages, where you could take a village walk along the backwaters which is an exciting way to get up and close with life along the backwaters.
  
  
• You could also go for canoe rides in the backwaters. Canoes can travel through narrower canals which houseboats cannot navigate.
  
  
•  There is a boat building yard in a place called Champakkulam by the backwaters which makes the long banana boats used for Kerala's snake boat races. Mararikulam.
  
  
• While in Mararikulam, you can hire bikes and go cycling along the coastal roads.
  
  
• You could take a tuk tuk into the Allepey town and visit its bustling bazaars.
  
  
• The fishermen's village has a boat landing area where one can see the fresh catch being brought in. You can also participate in the fish auctions that are held here by the local fishermen.

 

Periyar

• In Periyar, we would strongly suggest the spice plantation visits and also the jungle trek.
• The Gavi sanctuary is worth a visit if you are staying for more than two nights in Periyar. Gavi is a one hour drive away from Periyar and is a great place for elephant sightings.
• Periyar has a few forest inspection bungalows. Those who are really adventurous can try these bungalows which are right inside the forest reserve.
• There are a large number of shops near the wildlife sanctuary selling handicrafts and other items. The handicraft shops are worth looking at as they make for excellent souvenirs. Please ensure you speak with your driver to point you to the appropriate shops.