NEI (UK)'s holidays to India... welcome..

Kerala Kayaking

DAY 01 : Fly UK to India

DAY 02: ARRIVAL AT KOCHI
On arrival at Cochin airport you will be met and transfered to your hotel at Fort Cochin. After a chance to relax and freshen up the rest of the afternoon is free to discover a little of this amazing city. Its historic links can be seen in the Colonial bungalows, the old Jewish Synagogue,the Chinese fishing nets, St Francis' church, the oldest European Church in India and the Dutch Palace. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 03: COCHIN TO HORNBILL
After an early breakfast you will be driven to Neriamangalam, 65 kms away where you will commence kayaking. Neriamangalam is located in the foothills of the Western Ghats where the river Periyar finally meanders onto the plains. The dense tropical jungles on one side and the many spice plantations on the other bank greet you as you buckle up to go down the river. You will also see the first ever rubber estate in India set up over a hundred years ago by a Mr. Murphy amidst what was once dense impenetrable lowland forests. You will also come across a ‘Kavu’ sacred grove - a holy forest preserved in its pristine state around an ancient temple. Besides the myriad birds along your way (over 275 species), you may also come across wildlife, notably elephants on the banks of the river! You will pull out at a lagoon near a riverside resort for a sumptuous lunch. After lunch you will reach the world famous bird sanctuary at Thattekkad. Your stay will be at the the Hornbill Camp, which is a birder’s camp, set within the forests, and just the right place to relax for the night.

DAY 04: AT HORNBILL CAMP
Early in the morning, you set out for a nature walk into the lowland rainforests across the river from Hornbill Camp. With over 200 species of birds this area is a dream come true for ardent birders.You will return to the camp for breakfast and later proceed for a bit of kayaking in the in the Periyar river. You return back to the camp for lunch and after a couple of hours of rest, kayak again and return to the camp as the sun goes down for a barbeque dinner and a well deserved rest. O/n at the camp.

DAY 05: HORNBILL TO ALLEPPEY
After breakfast you will checkout from the camp and drive to Alleppey to board the houseboat which is waiting to take you on a cruise through the narrow canals of the legendary Punnamada lake. You will see at first hand, fascinating local life, paddy fields, stop at a local toddy tappers shack to taste the fiery brew, and much more besides.Lunch will be served by the canal side and by nightfall you will be moored in the middle of the lake being served a wonderful dinner on board the houseboat. O/n onboard houseboat.

DAY 06: ALLEPPEY TO KOVALAM(230 KMS / 5.5HRS)
After breakfast and returning to the shore to disembark you will checkout from the houseboat and be driven to Kovalam – one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in India. The journey through the tropical landscape of Kerala gives a good idea of how the people live there. On arrival at Kovalam you will check in to your hotel and have rest of the day at leisure. O/n at hotel.

DAY 07: IN KOVALAM
A day during which you can unwind, eat some good food in one of the local fish restaurants, swim or sunbathe. O/n at hotel

DAY 08: DEPARTURE TRANSFER TO TRIVANDRUM
After breakfast you will check out from hotel and be driven to Trivandrum to catch your flight home.

Please contact us for further information and prices.