South India Trip - February 16-23, 2012
Preliminary Itinerary
Day 1, Thursday Feb 16th
Early morning arrival to Cochin, transfer to your hotel
Free time in Cochin-at leisure on the beach, optional Ayurvedic massage, etc
Visit Cochin synagogue (15th century building) and meet this unique Jewish community- the only Indian Jews remaining!
Overnight Cochin
Day 2, Friday Feb 17th
Cochin sightseeing (Dutch Palace, Chinese nets, Willington Island and Hill palace museum), and tour of the Jewtown with a visit to the most ancient synagogue in India
Evening- Shabbat program @ Chabad
Overnight Cochin
Day 3, Saturday Feb 18th
Prayer in the synagogue, and program in Chabad
Afternoon walking tour of Fort Cochin
Evening show
Overnight Cochin
Day 4, Sunday Feb 19th
Cochin- Kumarakom (75 km)
Kumarakom- hills, lakes and backwaters
Spice plantations tour, evening sunset cruise on Vembanad lake (optional)
Overnight at Kumarakom
Day 5, Monday Feb 20th
Kumarakom- houseboat in Allepey (38 km)
Allepey is known as the backwaters capital of Kerala. Visit its markets, spend time on the beach, get on board of your ketavvulam- house boat- to explore the backwaters of Kerala.
Optional activities at Kumarakom- windsailing, water-skiing, canoeing, etc
Overnight on the houseboat
Day 6, Tuesday Feb 21st
Allepey- Periyar
After a good breakfast check out from the houseboat, and drive to Periyar (also known as Thekkady). Boat ride-your chance to see wildlife (optional). Visit to Kadathanadan Kalari Centre (optional)- local martial arts show is highly recommended. Evening options include Ayurvedic massage AND NIGHT TREKKING! (optional)
Overnight Periyar
Day 7, Wednesday Feb 22nd
Periyar National Park
Options for the full day exploration of wildlife in the park include Elephant ride, nature walk and Bamboo rafting –dawn to dusk trekking and rafting in Periyar Tiger reserve (optional,highly recommended)
Overnight Periyar
Day 8, Thursday Feb 23rd
Drive to Trivandrum (Keralan capital) and spend time on the beach in Kovalam, before transfer to Trivandrum airport to board your flight back (early morning on Friday)
What is included in the price?
-Air-conditioned bus for the duration of the tour
-Assistance of the local guides
-Accommodation at standard hotels (3 star or similar)
-All tours on the itinerary, accept for the optional activities
-Meals as follows- full board on Shabbat, dinner on the houseboat cruise, breakfasts on a daily basis
-Strict vegetarian meals options will be provided (at your own expense, average around 5-10$ per meal)
What is not included?
-Airfare
-Tips and gratuities (optional, but customary)
-Optional activities (highlighted on the Itinerary)
- Meals (lunch/dinner), personal expenses
For more info please email Reuven.raje@gmail.com
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