10 Days Spice Roads of Kerala
Backwaters, Beaches and
Elephants
Introduction
India's far southern state makes an excellent
introduction to the riches of the subcontinent with an
easily accessible diversity of landscapes in a compact
area and famously well-educated and welcoming people
with a relaxed approach to life. We cover the key
highlights during this steady-paced ten day trip.
Tropical Malabar
Our adventure begins on the tropical Malabar coast in
Kochi, with its unique architectural blend of Indian and
European styles. We'll take a boat trip to explore the
old Portuguese fort with its Chinese fishing nets,
churches, synagogue and old godowns, now occupied by
some interesting antique and curio sellers. A chance to
eat freshly caught seafood straight from the net or
visit a performance of the colourful Kathakali dancers
are a must.
Elephants and Spices
Heading up the coast we'll visit the famous temple
elephants at Guruvayur, housed in an old Zamorin's
palace, they take part in many of the state's important
festivals. At the Periyar National Park we hope see
these majestic creatures in their natural habitat,
grazing the shores of the massive lake which we traverse
by boat. An opportunity for an early morning trek
provides the chance to spot the sambar deer and myriad
bird species that live here. This cooler upland area is
dotted with lush spice gardens; we'll take a tour to
learn more about where many of our daily condiments come
from!
Backwaters and Beaches
Behind the long sweep of Kerala's sandy beaches lie the
“backwaters” - a maze of islands and villages linked by
rivers and canals. We glide through the waterways by
houseboat, these converted rice-barges provide an ideal
vantage point from which to observe the everyday lives
of the friendly Keralans for whom fishing and farming
the fertile soils provide the mainstay of life. Coconut
trees are everywhere and their humble nuts are of major
importance to the economy. We'll get the chance to eat
them in many forms, straight off the tree or in the
delicious and delicately spiced local cuisine! Our trip
finishes on the beach where the options are to just
relax on the warm sands and in the sea or, for the more
energetic, there's the chance to journey south the very
tip of the subcontinent at Kanyakumari.
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Western Australia - The Real Australia
Spice Roads of Kerala
Tour Information India's far southern state makes an excellent introduction to the riches
of the subcontinent .
Prices & Dates Prices and departure
dates throughout 2007/08
Itinerary & Map 10 days Hotels - Backwaters, Beaches and Elephants
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