9 DAYS ~ FROM £1,298
(Onam festival falls in the months of August or September)
Onam celebrates the harvest and homecoming of King Mahabali, during the Malayalam month of Chingam, roughly August to September. It’s ten days of energetic feasting, song, dance and the Internationally famous Vallamkali - snake boat – races, with 100 oarsmen skimming each graceful boat cross the water. Although the festival is Hindu in origin, all faiths celebrate with equal fervour. Pookkalam – coloured floral decorations grace the front of homes, with competitions to create unique designs.
Cochin • Munnar • Periyar • Kumarakom • Houseboat • Cochin
Day 1. To Cochin
Fly from London to Cochin via Dubai with Emirates Airlines.
Day 2. Cochin
Arrive Cochin in the morning. Afternoon at leisure. Relax on a sunset harbour cruise; if the tide is right watch the intriguing Chinese Fishing nets at work. Two nights at either the Old Harbour or Grande Residencia.
Day 3. Cochin
Morning sightseeing of this beautiful port city includes theMattancherry Palace, Jewish town and Synagogue. Afternoon at leisure.Watch a spectacular Kathakali dance performance in the evening – arrive early to see the actors put on their elaborate makeup.
Day 4. To Munnar
Wonderful scenic drive to the breathtakingly beautiful Hill Station of Munnar. Endless expanse of Tea plantations, pristine valleys and forest-clad mountains make this the perfect escape. Afternoon visit the Tea museum. Overnight at either the Windamere or Ambaday Estates.
Day 5. To Periyar National Park
Drive to Periyar. Afternoon cruise on Lake Periyar hoping to elephant, deer and even tiger come for water. Overnight stay Spice Village.
Day 6. To Kumarakom
Morning drive to Kumarakom, en route visit a Spice plantation. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Coconut Lagoon.
Day 7. Houseboat
Transfer to a private a/c converted rice boat – a traditional Kettuvallam. Spend the day cruising the Backwaters, the ‘motorway’ of the area! Watch out for fishermen casting their nets. The Backwaters are a haven for birds – in particular the magnificently coloured Kingfishers. Overnight stay on Houseboat.
Day 8. To Cochin
After breakfast disembark at Alleppey and drive to Cochin. Later join local hosts at their residence for the Thiru Onam celebrations. Activities include Athapookkalam (floral decoration making), and watching the "Kaikottikkali" dance followed by lunch. Evening another traditional dance performance – Pulikali (Tiger dance). After dinner transfer back to the hotel. Overnight at Old Harbour or Grande Residencia.
Day 9. To London
Fly to London via Dubai with Emirates Airlines.
If you wish to travel from any other country outside UK please contact us and we will give you the cost of the holiday without international flights relevant to your travel dates.
Suggested extensions: Marari Beach Resort
(Various other extensions are available on request)
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