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Home / Kerala Backwaters Tour With Srilanka
Kerala Backwaters Tour With Srilanka: 16 Days
Destinations Covered: Cochin, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Munnar, Thekkady, Madurai, Chennai, Colombo, Sigriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Pinnawela, Colombo, Bengaluru.
The gently lapping backwaters of Kerala to the rolling hills of Munnar; stupendous temple towns to a 300m high palace hidden in a single rock in the heart of Sri Lanka. This tour has it all.
Day – 01
Cochin Arrival:
COMPASS REPRESENTATIVE will receive you on arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.
Overnight will be at Cochin.
Day – 02
Cochin:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the Cochin city.
Old Cochin area - this is one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portuguese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jew town.
Chinese fishing nets - The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of balance.
The other important places are the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450.
In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION.
Overnight will be at Cochin.
Day – 03
Cochin - Alleppey:
By Road 50Kms/02hrs
Drive to Alleppey after breakfast and enjoy the short tour of the small town walking through the markets and driving on the bridges.
Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. "Kuttanad" in Alappuzha is one of few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills.
Board the traditional houseboat for your cruise in the backwaters.
Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
Cruise through the backwaters towards Kumarakom. Lunch will be served on the boat. The menu is simple and traditional. The cook (chef) of the boat prepares the lunch from fresh materials and even you can have a peek at the recipe.
Tea and snacks would be served in the evening. The boat will be anchored in the backwaters along a paddy field and you can go for a stroll into the village or relax at the deck of the boat.
Dinner will be on the boat. Overnight will be at Houseboat.
Day – 04
Kumarakom - Munnar:
By Road 185Kms/04hrs
Breakfast will be served on the boat. Cruise through the backwaters watching the children going to school and the village markets opening & enjoying the beauty of the traditional Kerala houses.
Disembark the boat at jetty and drive to Munnar. Reach and check into the hotel.
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. 1600 meter above sea level this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neel Kurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
The day will be spent at leisure taking treks and finding small buildings of historical importance around the hill station.
Overnight will be at Munnar.
Day – 05
Munnar - Thekkady:
By Road 180Kms/04hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Four hour drive southwards over rolling hills and coffee plantations to the PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, one of the major wildlife reserves in India. Indian elephants, wild boars, lion-tailed monkeys, ibex, tigers, leopards and sloth bears are on the list. The park surrounds a large, many-fingered lake and a dawn or dusk foray on one of the boats will be a thrilling experience. It is from the lake rather than vehicles that the wildlife is viewed. The sanctuary is rich in bird life. Great hornbills, kites, darters, herons, egrets, owls and kingfishers are in abundance. Surrounding the reserve are many small spice plantations and we spend an absorbing afternoon searching for pepper, cardamom, turmeric, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and betel.
Overnight will be in Thekkady.
Day – 06
Thekkady:
Today you will visit the rare species of plants and animals by taking a short walk.
In the afternoon visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices.
Later, visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available.
Overnight will be at Thekkady
Day 07
Thekkady - Madurai:
By Road 170Kms/04hrs
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Drive to Madurai by surface and en route visit Karaikudi (Chettinad). This area is famous for the beautifully architecture houses and walking the streets feels like being in an open air art gallery.
Reach Madurai and check into the hotel.
One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD It was the Capital city for the great Pandyas kings.
Madurai's Main attraction is the Famous Sri Meenakshi Amman temple a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with Gopurams carved from top to bottom in a breathtaking profusion of multicolored images of Gods. Tamil & Greek documents record the existence of Madurai from the 4th Century BC. The city was known to the Greeks through Magathenes who was their ambassador to the court of Chandraguptha Mauriya. This city was popular in trade especially in spices. It was also the site the Sangam the academy of the Tamil Poets. And Madurai is the centre of all the cities and Madurai is famous for the cotton Sungudi Saris.
Watch the evening AARTI at Meenakshi Temple - THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE TOUR.
Overnight will be at Madurai.
Day 08
Madurai:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Enjoy sightseeing tour of the Madurai city.
Sri Meenakshi Amman temple: dated back to 2000 Years back and designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayaka and built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayaka. The Temple occupies an area of six hectares. There are 12 temple towers (Gopurams). The outer towers are the landmarks of Madurai.
Thousand Pillar Museum: Located inside the temple and has a variety of collections.
Gandhi Museum: The Gandhi Memorial Museum is one of the distinct places to be visited in Madurai. This Museum is one of the rare living memorials of "The Father of India". The Museum is set in relaxing grounds and has a clear historical account of India's struggle for Independence.
The Vishnu Temple: There is a Vishnu Shrine called Kudal Algar (Kudal is the former names this town) and it is said that Lord Vishnu came down to this place to give away Meenakshi to God Sundareshvara. The vimana or the tower of the god in the temple is of a very fine workmanship and is known as the Ashtanga Vimana. The Marriage of the Meenakshi is to have been celebrated on the day of Panguni Uttram generally occurring on the Full moon day of the month of Panguni (March - April). And is a very important Event in this place.
Thirumalai Nayak Palace: This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. The building we see today was the main Palace where the King lived. The original Palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. In these two parts, there are royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armoury, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden. King Thirumalai Nayak celebrated festivals like Sceptre festival, Navarathri, Chithirai festival, Masi festival and the Float festival. He conducted daily dance and music performances in the palace. This palace was destroyed by his grandson Chokkanatha Nayak and the valuables were transferred to other places. During the British rule, in 1822, Lord Napier made several renovation works. Then the palace was utilized to house some officials of the judiciary and district administration. After independence, this palace was declared as a national monument and is now under the care of the Tamilnadu Archaeological Department.
Thirupparankundram: located south of Madurai at a distance of 11 Km is the celebrated cave to lord Subramanian (Lord Siva's son) he is said to have married Devayana daughter of Indra, in this place and performed several of his miracles. 8th Century Pandyas Rock cut Cave is also here and can be visited.
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam: Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a huge temple tank about 5 km east of the Meenakshi temple. The mandapam in the centre has an idol of Vigneshwara (Vinayaka). It is said to have been found when the earth was being dug out from here to build the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. So, the place attained sanctity and was converted into a Teppakulam (tank). This enormous temple tank is fed by water brought from the Vagai through an ingenious system of underground Channels. King Thirumalai Nayak born in 'Poosa' Star so in commemorating the birth of the king " Float Festival" is conducted in Tamil Month 'Thai' (Jan/Feb) in the tank in a colorful way, which attracts thousands of tourists.
Overnight stay will be at Madurai.
Day 09
Madurai - Chennai:
BY Train
Train Name : Vaigai Express
Train Number : 2636
Departure : 0630 hrs
Arrival : 1430 hrs
Early morning you will be transferred to the railway station to take train for Chennai.
Reach Chennai and check into the hotel.
The first British Warehouse came up in 1639 when the British acquired the sandy beach from the local Nayakas on lease. It was called Madraspatinam then. Later by 1654, the Fort St. George was built. Still later the neighboring villages were included in the city which came either as grants or gifts. Triplicane was rented from the Sultan of Golconda in 1676. In 1744 Robert Clive worked as a writer from the Fort, later to become a military man of British Army. The Fort House, which housed the Governor and his council, were added in the 17th Century, the Assembly Hall in 1910 and the Secretariat in 1925.
All the neighboring areas were merged into the city now known as Madras or as Chennai as it is officially known. Until Independence, Madras was the capital of what in British times was called the Madras Presidency, comprising nearly the whole of South India, including the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada speaking areas.
Relax and then proceed for the sightseeing.
Santhome Cathedral: Built by Portuguese in the 14th and 15th century, this Cathedral is named after St. Thomas. Historically important, it is one of the pilgrimages for the Christian community.
Fort St. George: It is one the first few bastions built by the east India company, marks the beginning of Chennai as a modern city. It occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai. This bastion achieved its name from St. George, the patron saint of England. The state legislature and the secretariat are located in Fort St. George. It houses the St. Mary's church the oldest Anglican Church in India which was built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India. The Fort Museum, once a building that housed Chennai's first lighthouse, first commercial bank and first 'club', is now a well-kept repository of tangible memories of early Madras.
Kapaleeswarar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kapaleeswarar temple has inscriptions from the 13th century A.D. The temple 'Gopuram' (tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. The walls and pillars of temple have very delicate and intricate carvings which depict the scenes from Hindu mythology.
Overnight will be at Chennai.
Day 10
Chennai - Colombo:
By Air
Flight : 9W252
Airlines : Jet Air
Departure : 1215 Hrs
Arrival : 1335 Hrs
Colombo - Sigriya
By Road 75 km in 1 & ½ hr
After breakfast proceed to the airport for the flight to Bengaluru.
Reach and take a drive of the IT city. Enjoy lunch at a nice Indian restaurant and the short drive - through tour.
Take evening flight to Colombo.
Arrive at Colombo. Meet & assist on arrival and proceed to Sigriya.
Overnight will be at Sigriya.
Day 11:
Sigriya & around:
Enjoy the breakfast at hotel.
Visit the Sigriya rock fortress.
SIGIRIYA - Sigriya, a city, palace and garden complex centering a 200 meter high rock is a glowing tribute to the vision of King Kashyapa who created this 'Palace in the Sky' in the 5th century AD. In a sheltered pocket of the giant rock are the celebrated paintings of 5th century AD. These are the few that are remaining from around 500 paintings that once covered the rock surface. Meticulously planned water gardens at the foot of the rock are the earliest such gardens found in Asia.
Enjoy the city sightseeing and evening will be at the hotel.
Overnight will be at Sigriya.
Day 12:
Sigriya - Dambulla - Kandy:
By Road 150 km in 4 hr
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to Kandy en route visit the cave Temple Dambulla.
Dambulla Rock Temple is a magnificent gallery of Buddha images and wall and ceiling paintings not seen anywhere else in the Island. It is a complex of five cave temples with its origin going works of the Kandyan period (18th century).
Proceed to Kandy after lunch.
In the evening visit the Temple of Tooth Relic.
Dinner will be along with a cultural KANDYAN dance performance with a FIRE WALKING show.
Overnight will be at Kandy.
Day 13:
Kandy - Pinnawela - Colombo:
By Road 150 km in 4 hr
Enjoy breakfast and then proceed on a city tour of Kandy.
KANDY - After breakfast leave for Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. The garden was built as a pleasure garden and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and has a amazing variety of trees, flowers and plants. This garden is easily one of the best of its kind in the world.
Visit the University of Peradeniya, laid out near the banks of the Mahaweli River. This is the longest river in Sri Lanka.
Proceed to Colombo en route visit to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.
PINNAWELA - Leave for Pinnawela, visit the Elephant orphanage located on the banks of the Maha Oya. This orphanage is for young elephants found Abandoned by their parents having fallen into pits ravines etc., and lost from their natural habitat. It is most interesting to visit at feeding or bathing time.
Proceed to Colombo after lunch. Check in at hotel.
The capital city is spread along the shore of the Indian Ocean for some miles, where business and commerce begin and end. The Cinnamon Gardens and Pettah are Colombo's busiest and most traditional Bazaar area. Visits to the Hindu temple with elaborate stone carvings, the Dutch Church at Wolfe dhal dating back to 1749, the historic Devatgahaha mosque and the Gangarama Temple give a good cultural feel about the country. While the city holds less obvious interest than many other parts of the island. Its still a colorful enough place and worth a visit to see what makes Sri Lanka tick.
Overnight will be at Colombo.
Day 14:
Colombo:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Enjoy the day sightseeing tour of Colombo city.
Visit the Hindu temple with elaborate stone carvings, the Dutch Church at Wolfe dhal dating back to 1749, the historic Devatgahaha Mosque, Gangarama Temple and the house of Fashion for value for money ready -made garments.
Shop for ceramics or visit the Lanka Ceramic center.
Overnight will be at Colombo.
Day 15:
Colombo - Bengaluru:
By Air
Flight : UL 171
Airlines : Sri Lankan Airlines
Departure : 1835 Hrs
Arrival : 1955 Hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Spend the day in leisure.
Transfer to the airport for flight to Bengaluru. Reach Bengaluru and check into the hotel.
Legend goes that King Veeraballa of Vijayanagara once lost his way in forest. Hungry and tired, he came upon a lone hut in the thick forest where he met an old woman. When he asked for food, she gave him baked beans ('Benda Kalu' in Karnataka).The King found this humble meal taste better than his royal kitchen menu. To commemorate this incident, he called the place "Benda Kalu Ooru" (place of baked beans).
Capital of the Southern state of Karnataka, Bengaluru today is Asia's fastest growing cosmopolitan city. It is home to some of the most high tech industries in India. Bengaluru is also home to some of India's premier scientific establishments. Blessed with a salubrious climate, gardens & parks, natural lakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, the best restaurants and pubs in this part of the globe, business opportunities, Bengaluru is the ideal gateway to India and beyond. Bengaluru offers something for everyone-music and dance concerts (Western and Indian), dramas, exhibitions, carnivals, conferences and more.
Enjoy shopping or just sit in one of the numerous modern pubs in downtown area just enjoying the latest music and crowd. It will be a nice experience as the weather in this city is pleasant all through the year.
Overnight will be at Bengaluru.
Day 16:
Bangalore - Departure:
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing of Bangalore.
Vidhana Soubha: This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon Park is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat. The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sight worth viewing.
Lal Bagh: Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing plants and trees from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. The Glass House, modeled along London's CRYSTAL PALACE, is the center of attraction in this 2350 acre park. Bi-annual flower shows attracting participants from all over India is held in the Glass House. In July, 2003 it was decided that the Department of Horticulture and Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) would jointly take up the development of Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens.
Tipu Sultan's Palace & Fort: The Bengaluru Fort was built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tipu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple. The Bengaluru Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, the foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for it's carving and paintings.
Today as per the flight timings you will be transferred to the airport to take flight back home with sweet memories of the tour.
TOUR ENDS!
COMPASS TOUR INCLUDES:
- ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
- DAILY BUFFET BREAKFASTS,
- SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
- AC VEHICLE & ENGLISH SPEAKING DRIVER FOR THE TOUR,
- ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORTS ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
- KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION IN COCHIN,
- HARBOUR CRUISE AT COCHIN,
- COOKING CLASS IN COCHIN & ON HOUSEBOAT,
- OVERNIGHT STAY IN HOUSEBOAT,
- ALL MEALS IN HOUSEBOAT,
- TEA ESTATE VISIT IN MUNNAR,
- SPICE PLANTATION TOUR & MARKET VISIT IN THEKKADY,
- NATURE WALK / TREK IN THEKKADY,
- AARTI CEREMONY AT MADURAI,
- DANCE SHOW AT KANDY,
- TRAINFARE IN BEST AVAILABLE CLASS FROM MADURAI-CHENNAI,
- ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES AND
- ALL ROAD TAXES, GOVERNMENT TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES
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