Untitled - Coconut Lagoon

Itinerary
(February 19 - March 4, 2016)
Day 01: 19Feb : Depart Ottawa for Kerala, India Our exciting journey to Kerala begins as we board our
overnight flight to Doha en route to Cochin on the award winning Qatar Airlines.
Day 02: 20Feb : Arrive Doha, Qatar, from connecting flight to Kochi, India
Day 03: 21Feb : Arrive Kochi (Cochin) at 2:30AM
After a brief transit stop in Doha we take off for Cochin arriving very early in the morning on March 3rd.
Upon arrival at Cochin and after clearing customs and immigration procedures and collecting our bags we
are met and warmly welcomed by The Travel Planners ground staff and transferred to our hotel for
immediate check in. As we drive to our hotel European influences in the architecture of this charming
town picturesquely located on a number of islands squeezed between the Arabian Sea and the Kerala
backwaters are instantly apparent. Reflecting the maritime history of Kochi, the old buildings are a blend
of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture. Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight at Xandari Harbour (B), Kochi (3 Nights)
Day 04: 22Feb : Kochi
Morning enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the Xandari Harbour . Later in the noon, we take a short walking tour
of Fort Kochi visiting St. Francis Church the oldest European church in India, the highly decorated Santa
Cruz Basilica followed by visit to the harbor where we see the famous Chinese fishing nets in action. We
also do a ‘market trip’ with Chef Joe to the vegetable and spice markets. Overnight at Xandari Harbour
(B)
Day 05: 23Feb : Kochi
Morning after breakfast we visit the Kudumbashree - one of the largest women empowering projects – an
initiative that has had good success in addressing the basic needs of the less privileged women,
providing them with dignified life and a better future. Later, we wander through the old districts of
Mattancherry and Fort Kochi where we see various European influences, merchant houses and old
warehouses, the beautiful waterfront and narrow streets. Allow time to admire the colourful murals,
including depictions of the Ramayana, in the 16th century Dutch Palace, visit the Pardesi Synagogue in
Jew Town. After the tour , we return back to our hotel for lunch. Post lunch, we visit the local fish market
where Joe will teach us how to recognise and buy (bargain first) the fresh catch of the day and fresh
prawns. After careful selection and much haggling a variety of local fish and other seafood will be
purchased for our welcome dinner which will be prepared by Chef Joe and the executive chefs of our
hotel. Later in the evening we cruise on a chartered boat to enjoy the sunset and visit Bolghatty Palace
and observe the fascinating Chinese fishing nets in action, a sight most coveted by photographers
internationally. After enjoying the boat cruise, we attend a Kathakali show where the epic Ramayana
comes to life. Classical dancers use larger than life gestures, wear outstanding and unique costumes and
elaborate make up. The day ends with a memorable mouth-watering welcome dinner put together jointly
by Joe and hotel chefs. Overnight at Xandari Harbour (B, L, D)
Day 06: 24Feb : Kochi/Thrissur/Thattekkadu (80 kms/2 Hrs to Thrissur & 95kms/2.5 hrs to
Thattekkadu)
Thrissur is not a routine stop on the usual tourist itinerary but for our group it will undoubtedly be the most
memorable, interactive and personal highlight since Joe’s parents, Joseph and Mary Thottungal have
invited us to their home. Mary Thottungal has lovingly prepared lunch for the group and as we sit down to
a magnificent feast, we get a rare insight into Indian family traditions, the love, respect and consideration
family members share among themselves, their generosity and kindness towards their guest and their
pride in all that Joe has achieved is palpable. Joe got his first cooking lessons at his mother’s knee and
Mary shares with us many stories of Joe’s childhood! We will be shown around their huge garden where
the family grows and processes their own spices. We will meet all the members of this large joint family
and interact with them as one of them! Few visitors to India are privy to such an intimate and personal
experience. After a relaxed lunch we drive to Thattekkadu, Thattekad is a set on a lake around Salim Ali
Bird Sanctuary and renowned for its Bird watching experience. Stay overnight at Birds Lagoon Resort,
Thattekkadu. (B, L, D)
Day 07: 25Feb : Thattekkadu/Munnar (100Kms/3 Hrs drive)
After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel we visit the famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkadu and
thereafter drive to visit a rubber and coconut plantation – our hosts this time are Peter and Pushpamma
Jose, Chef Joe’s in-laws. They will be our guide as we walk through the plantation.. After lunch we take a
scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station located 1600 meters above sea level. Once the summer resort of the
erstwhile British administration in South India, it retains its colonial charm and is famous for its tea
plantations once owned by the British they are now mostly privately owned. Sprawling estates, rolling
hills, sparkling waterfalls, picture postcard hamlets and undulating valleys, Munnar is an ideal holiday
destination. Balance of the day is at leisure, to enjoy the ambience of Munnar. Overnight: Mountain Club
Resort, Munnar (2 Nights) (B, L)
Day 08: 26Feb : Munnar
We start the day with a visit to the Tea Museum and we enjoy a walk through the enchanting tea estates.
Balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy the tranquil and serene surroundings or indulge in an Ayurvedic
message (at own expense) before dinner. Evening meal is a special treat - a sumptuous Barbeque dinner.
(B, D) Overnight: Mountain Club Resort, Munnar
Day 09: 27Feb : Munnar/Periyar (138km/4h)
Day begins with another scenic drive - this time to Periyar (also known as Thekkady). The name Periyar
comes from the Dam constructed by the British in 1895. A wild life reserve, it is an ideal place to track
wild Elephants, Bison, Deer and numerous varieties of birds. The landscape here is very tropical and you
will be surrounded by tea, coffee & other spices. Night dinner at Shalimar Spice Garden, the Chefs at the
Shalimar Spice Garden specialize in popular regional cuisines and each chef expertly prepares delicacies
from his region, treating us to authentic flavors and aromas of the exotic preparations. Overnight:
Shalimar Spice Garden (3 Nights) (B, D)
Day 10: 28Feb : Periyar
Early morning we take a guided Jungle walk through the Periyar Tiger Reserve/National Park. A three
hour relatively easy to moderate walk is very interesting and will give us a chance to see wildlife life from
a very close distance. If we are lucky we may even spot the rarely sighted leopards & tigers. Return to
hotel for breakfast. Later in the afternoon we board a small boat and cruise the lake at the heart of the
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. From the tranquility of the lake, we enjoy the lush scenery all around us as we
look out for animals that come down to the water's edge for a drink – often it is a herd of elephants or
scurrying wild boars or the magnificent Sambar Deer. In the evening we attend a KALARIPAYATTU
SHOW which isthe oldest form of martial arts and is celebrated as the mother of all martial arts. Legend
traces the 3000-year old art form to sage Parasurama-the master and guru of all martial art forms who is
credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea. Kung-Fu, popularized by the monks of the
Shaolin Temple traces its ancestry to Bodhi Dharma-an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master.
Overnight: Shalimar Spice Garden (B)
Day 11: 29Feb : Periyar
Morning is free and at leisure to enjoy one or many Ayurvedic treatments and body massages (at extra
cost) offered by the hotel. In the afternoon we visit anative family home and spice plantation growing
common as well as unusual spices and herbs, used both for culinary and medicinal purposes. This
plantation is totally organic and uses only natural forms of pest control. The owner and his family are very
knowledgeable about their produce, and are keen to show us the various spices and herbs, encouraging
us to smell and taste various clipping. Our visit to the family owned spice plantation includes a
demonstration of home cooked meal using the spices grown here and we are invited to stay for lunch with
the family! . Overnight: Shalimar Spice Garden(B, L)
Day 12: 01Mar : Periyar/Alleppey House Boat (140km/4h)
Yet another highlight of our personalized itinerary is a cruise along the famous Backwaters of Kerala - a
splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves on our private houseboat. The houseboats or ‘Kettuvalloms’
are luxurious boats with well-appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. One can sunbathe on the deck
or observe the palm fringed landscape from our cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings it’s the
life along the coast that adds a touch of exotica to this experience. The locals go about their daily
business in canoes and we find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods,
door to door in their wooden canoes. As we cruise along the backwaters we can ask our captain to stop at
villages, paddy fields and other places, en-route. At the end of the cruise we visit a local fish market
where we can buy fresh catch of the day and later ask our chef on board to cook us our selections for
dinner.
Overnight: River Escapes – Luxury A.C. Houseboat (B, L, D)
Day 13: 02Mar : Kumarakom/Marari
Morning after breakfast checkout from the boat and transferred to Kumarakom Coconut Lagoon , enjoying
a group lunch. After lunch depart for Marari& check-in at our beautiful resort hotel. Balance of the day is
at leisure to enjoy the beach or try the many Ayurvedic treatment offered at extra cost by the spas (–
available on optional basis). The day ends with a celebratory Gala dinner. Overnight: Marari Beach Resort (2 Nights) (B, L, D)
Day 14: 03Mar : Marari
After an interesting and unforgettable culinary tour of the land of spice we take a morning trip to Allepy/Cochin
and return early afternoon to prepare for our departure. After Dinner, get ready to go to Cochin Airport for
the Flight home on March 4. (B, L, D) Overnight Marari Beach Resort
Day 15: 04Mar: We are transferred to the Cochin International Airport for our early morning flight back
home on Qatar Airways. After a short transit stop at Doha, we should be arriving home the same day in
the evening
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Price is $4995.00USD per person based on double occupancy*
*based on minimum group participation
*single occupancy rate on request
Deposit of $1250USD per person required by 15Nov 2015
Final payment of $3745USD per person due by 15Dec 2015
Price is in USD. Payment by cheque from US dollar account or bank draft in USD.
Payment by credit card available. On day of transaction will use current exchange rate to determine
amount in Canadian dollars. In addition, 3% credit card processing fee.
Cancellation fees apply for cancellation by traveler:
Cancellations made prior to 15Dec15 - $100USD per person
Cancellations made between 16Dec15 and15Jan16 – 50 percent nonrefundable
Cancellations 16Jan16 up to the day of departure and no show – 100% nonrefundable
Canadian citizens require:
a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond return
A visa for India