Bernadette's India

It is universally acknowledged that India is a wondrous magical place and those who visit are always in want of more. India is mesmerizing and unforgettable and makes an indelible mark from the moment you step off the plane. However very few have experienced the richness and warmth of this place. Come and explore The Magical Mystical South with Bernadette Russell as she samples the Regional epicurean delights touring Spice Gardens and the eateries favoured by locals. Start your day with Yoga sessions in the morning as you relax and unwind on the Beaches of Kovalam or swim in azure blue waters and take in the sun. Experience Ayurvedic treatments to raise your level of health and well-being. Spend a night on a houseboat cruising the backwaters of Kerala while the richness of local life unravels before your eyes. Come visit Southern India with Bernadette Russell and come back with memories of this magical place!

DAY 01: Saturday, 26 Jan. 2013, holding accommodation for Immediate Occupancy

DAY 02: Sunday, 27 Jan. 2013, ARRIVAL COCHIN from Dubai By EK 532 at 03:20 Hrs early morning Upon arrival, meet and greet followed by transfers to Cochin. European influences are instantly apparent in this charming town picturesquely located on a number of islands squeezed between the Arabian Sea and the Kerala backwaters. The maritime history of Cochin is reflected in its blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture. Rest of the day is free. Overnight: Hotel in Cochin (4 Nights)

DAY 03: Monday, 28 Jan. 2013, COCHIN Morning Yoga session for 01 hour. After Breakfast we take you to a Cooking Class at house of Nalini Verma. Nalini Verma is a professional cookery instructor for the last 26 years and has authored four cook books. Nalini Verma offers tourists from across the globe a unique opportunity to get acquainted with finer nuances of traditional Kerala cuisine through her special cookery classes. These classes / demonstrations are meant exclusively for foreigners and conducted at her residence in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, and Kerala (India) .On arrival welcome drink will be served. Every single dish will be demonstrated to the guest. Printed notes will be given. We will also arrange for Market trip –like visit vegetable market and spice market. Guests are also provided the opportunity to enjoy a meal with an Indian family whereby they can enjoy delicious food in homely ambience and get an opportunity to interact with members of the host family on a personal level and experience the nuances of a joint family system. The unique experience brings tourists in close touch with the traditions; values and cultural ethos of this enchanting land. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 04: Tuesday, 29 Jan. 2013, COCHIN Morning Yoga session for 01 hour. This morning we visit KUDUMBASHREE UNIT -today one of the largest women-empowering project . Kudumbashree initiative has today succeeded in addressing the basic needs of the less privileged women, thus providing them a more dignified life and a better future. Later, Meander through the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin where the various European influences are most apparent with merchant houses and old warehouses cramming the waterfront and narrow streets. Take in the Pardesi Synagogue in Jew Town, St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the highly decorated Santa Cruz Basilica. Allow time to admire the colourful murals, including depictions of the Ramayana, in the 16th century Dutch Palace. Linger in the colourful, pungent spice markets before moving on to the much-photographed Chinese nets that line the shore of Fort Cochin. Evening we visit Kathakali show - the epic Ramayana comes to life at a Kathakali performance, traditional Keralan dance, where the characters use larger than life gestures, wear outrageous costumes and dramatic make up. After the show we proceed for MALABAR HOUSE for Dinner the Malabar Junction – A superb, open-sided restaurant in the garden. Known throughout India for its exceptional food (probably the best pasta in India!). The seafood is the best in this region. It offers a blend of Mediterranean, Indian and local cuisine. Return to hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Please note: Jewish synagogue remains closed on Friday and Saturday

DAY 05: Wednesday, 30 Jan. 2013, COCHIN – MUNNAR (110km/3h) Morning Yoga session for 01 hour. Depart from Hotel and 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 still retains its colonial charm and is famous for its tea plantations, most of which are privately owned. With its sprawling estates, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, picture postcard hamlets and undulating valleys, Munnar is an ideal holiday destination. Check into your hotel and unwind. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the ambience of Munnar. Overnight: Hotel in Munnar (2 Nights) (Breakfast)

DAY 06: Thursday, 31 Jan. 2013, MUNNAR Morning Yoga session for 01 hour. Today you take a visit tea museum, take a short trip to the Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Thar mountain goat amongst others) or simply walk through the enchanting tea estates and enjoy the tranquility it provides. Day at leisure. Evening we enjoy the sumptuous Barbeque dinner at resort. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 07: Friday, 01 Feb. 2013, MUNNAR – PERIYAR (138km/3.5h) Morning Yoga session for 01 hour. We depart from hotel after Breakfast and drive to Periyar (also known as Thekkady). The name Periyar comes after the Dam made here by the English in 1895. A wild life reserve hence is an ideal place to track down wild life such as Elephants, Bison, Deer and numerous other varieties of birds. The landscape here is with very tropical and you will be surrounded by tea, coffee & other spices. Evening we visit KALARIPAYATTU SHOW -the oldest of martial arts-is a gift to the modern world and known as the mother of all martial arts. Legend traces the 3000-year old art form to sage Parasurama-the master of all martial art forms and credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea. Kalaripayattu originated in ancient south India. Kungfu, popularized by the monks of the shaoline temple traces its ancestry to Bodhi Dharma-an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master. We Proceed to Spice village for Dinner Each dish is specially prepared by a team of master chefs brought in from various parts of country. Our chefs specialize in the popular local foods of their respective regions and therefore bring authentic flavors and aroma to the exotic preparations. Overnight: Hotel in Periyar ( 3 Nights) (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 08: Saturday, 02 Feb. 2013, PERIYAR/THEKKADY Early morning at 06.00am you go on a Guided Jungle walk at the Periyar tiger reserve / national park. This 03hrs walk (not very hard) is very interesting and gives you the chance to see the wildlife life at a very close distance. If you are lucky you may even spot the rarely sighted leopards & tigers. Return to hotel for breakfast. After noon we Board a small boat for the chance to cruise the lake at the heart of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. From the tranquillity of the lake, enjoy the lush scenery all around you and keep a look out for animals that may come down to the water's edge – maybe a family of elephants, scurrying Wild Boar or the magnificent Sambar Deer. (Breakfast)

DAY 09: Sunday, 03 Feb. 2013, PERIYAR Morning Yoga session for 01 hour. After noon we proceed to Visit a Keralan family Owns Spice garden, the rambling gardens contain familiar and unusual spices and herbs, with a variety of culinary and medicinal purposes. Its totally organic, with natural forms of pest control. The owner and his family were very knowledgeable about their produce, and were keen to show us the various spices and herbs, encouraging us to smell and taste various clipping. Enjoy typical home lunch and demo of home cooked food. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 10: Monday, 04 Feb. 2013, PERIYAR – KUMARAKOM (138km/3.5h) Morning Yoga session for 01 hour. We depart from Hotel and drive to Kumarakom - This cluster of tiny islands is almost impossibly beautiful, surrounded by a labyrinth of tropical waterways. Kumarakom is the jumping off point to join a boat to explore the Kerala backwaters.. Today we visit Tharavadu, which means family house in local language, Heritage Home is a 120 years old Traditional Kerala Syrian Christian family house, located near the river bank. Talk on the culinary styles of Kerala’s Syrian Christians is combined with a hands-on demonstration.
Overnight: Hotel in Kumarakom (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11: Tuesday, 05 Feb. 2013, KUMARAKOM – ALLEPPEY (45km/1h)
[House Boat Cruise: Alleppey Round Trip]
This morning we depart from hotel and drive to Alleppey - Embark on your private houseboat and cruise on the Backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats or ‘Kettuvalloms’ are luxurious boats with well-appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape from your cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings it’s the life along the coast that adds a touch of exotica to this experience. The locals’ travel in canoes and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods, door to door in small wooden boats. As you cruise along the backwaters you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy fields and other places, enroute. Overnight on board. (Full Board)
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (A/C HOUSEBOAT)

DAY 12: Wednesday, 06 Feb. 2013, ALLEPPEY – KOVALAM (165km/4.5h) This morning enjoy a leisurely morning before disembarking at approximately at 10.00am and Drive to Kovalam, one of the most popular beach destinations in Kerala and check into your hotel. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches separated by rocky headlands, of which the southernmost Lighthouse beach is the most famous. The Azure waters and favourable climate make Kovalam a favourite year-round destination for beach lovers.
Overnight: Hotel in Kovalam (5 Nights) (Breakfast)

DAY 13 : Thursday, 07 Feb. 2013, KOVALAM Morning Yoga session for 01 hour. Day at leisure on the beach or you could Experience Ayurvedic treatments (supplement cost will applicable). (Breakfast)
No transport services

DAY 14 : Friday, 08 Feb. 2013, KOVALAM Morning Yoga session for 01 hour. Day at leisure on the beach or you could Experience Ayurvedic treatments (supplement cost will applicable). (Breakfast)
No transport services

DAY 15 : Saturday, 09 Feb. 2013, KOVALAM Morning Yoga session for 01 hour. Day at leisure on the beach or you could Experience Ayurvedic treatments (supplement cost will applicable). (Breakfast)
No transport services

DAY 16 : Sunday, 10 Feb. 2013, KOVALAM Morning Yoga session for 01 hour. Day at leisure on the beach or you could Experience Ayurvedic treatments (supplement cost will applicable). (Breakfast)
No transport services

DAY 17: Monday, 11 Feb. 2013, DEPARTURE TRANSFERS: Flight # EK 523, Departure: 04:30 Hrs Early morning we are transferred to Trivandrum airport to connect onward flight to Fly back home.

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Bernadette's Contact Info

	Bernadette Christina Russell Senior Travel Consultant Omega Travel Service Ltd 3230 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6K 2H4 Telephone: 604 742-4210