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Kerala - The Emerald Land Tour
Enjoy a leisurely journey through the south west of India taking in Cochin known as the Venice of the East, tea plantations, spice gardens, lazy backwaters with secret retreats, wildlife reserves and unforgettable Keralan cuisine, finishing up with 5 nights at the Uday Samudra Resort in Kovalam for a relaxing beach stay.DAY 1 IRELAND TO COCHINFly with Etihad on overnight flight via Abu Dhabi to Cochin.
DAY 2 COCHIN
Morning arrival at Cochin. Private transfer to the Casino Hotel for 2 nights stay. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cochin known as 'the Venice of the East' to include the cantilevered Chinese fishing Nets and St. Francis Church where Vasco da Gama was initially buried. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Casino (First Class Ethnic Style Hotel). (BB)
DAY 3 COCHIN
See Cochin from the sea with a morning boat cruise around the harbour. Afternoon at leisure. Evening performance of the spectacular Kathakali dancing, arriving early to watch the intricate make up being applied.DAY 4 COCHIN TO MUNNAR
Enjoy a delightful drive up through the Cardamom Hills to the famous British hill station of Munnar. Two nights at the Ambady Estate (Standard Grade Plantation Bungalow). (BB)
DAY 5 MUNNAR
Morning excursion to Eravikulam National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, with countless unique species of flora and fauna. Afternoon at leisure.
DAY 6 MUNNAR TO KUMARAKOM
Enjoy a delightful drive down through the hills to Kumarakom to stay at the Cocobay Resort (Standard Grade Backwater Resort) for 2 nights. (BB)DAY 7 KUMARAKOM
Day at leisure to take an optional boat ride on the Vembanad Lake or to visit a nearby bird sanctuary.
DAY 8 HOUSEBOAT
This morning transfer to a traditional Keralan houseboat to spend the night. Gently glide through the ancient backwaters relaxing and watching the world go by! The waterways are a hive of activity in the everyday life of the local people. Overnight on houseboat. (BB L D)
Day 9 - 13 KOVALAM
Leave the Houseboat and drive to Kovalam for a 5 night stay at the Uday Samudra Resort (Standard Grade Beach Hotel). (BB) Kovalam is a relaxed beach resort with numerous local restaurants and shops.
Day 14 RETURN TO IRELAND
Transfer to Trivandrum International for return flights with Etihad via Abu Dhabi home.
*=local charge
