Sri Lanka With Kerala Backwater Cruise
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Introduction
Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, fun trains, famous tea and flavourful food make Sri Lanka irresistible. Sri Lanka's 2000-plus years of culture can be discovered at ancient sites where legendary temples boast beautiful details even as they shelter in caves or perch on prominent peaks.
Kerala is South India's most serenely beautiful state. This slender coastal strip is defined by its layered landscape: almost 600km of glorious Arabian Sea coast and beaches; a languid network of glistening backwaters; and the spice- and tea-covered hills of the Western Ghats, dotted with fiercely protected wildlife reserves and cool hill stations.
Tour Highlights
- Cruising on the Kerala Backwaters
- Visit Temples and Dance performance of Sri Lanka
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Spice Garden visit
- Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala
- Experience the bygone era of Bronze art work
- Experience Kathakali Dance, Martial Arts and Bronze Art work in Kochi
- Cooking demonstration and home hosted meal
- Multicultural city “Cochin”
- Relax at the pristine beaches of Kerala
Destinations Covered
Colombo
Sri Lanka's Ocean CityColombo is Sri Lanka's prime city. The official capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, is also within the urban area of Colombo, so Colombo is often called the capital of Sri Lanka as well. The city has a rich colonial heritage, and also some very scenic and popular attractions. Colombo is arguably Sri Lanka's most popular tourist destination. The coastal city is a beautiful place to spend a couple of days just relaxing, indulging in the local food and leisure activities.
Kandy
A Tempting Taste of the TropicsIt is nestling in a valley surrounded by verdant hills Kandy was the last capital stronghold of the Singhalese Kings. Rich in history and traditions the Temple of the Tooth attracts devotees and pilgrims worldwide and is the focal point during the magnificent Procession or Perahera during the month of August. Kandy’s attractions are its traditional arts and crafts, the folk dances as well as its busy and colourful streets shops and eateries.
Negombo
Sand, Sails and Sea
Kochi
Queen of the Arabian SeaKochi (formerly Cochin) is a cosmopolitan city in the state of Kerala with a bustling commercial port. Kochi is the financial capital of Kerala and, with a population of more than 2 million, the biggest urban agglomeration in the state. It is one of the major tourist destinations in India.
Kumarakom
The Enchanting BackwatersThe village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region in Kerala. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, Darters, Herons, Teals, Waterfowls, Cuckoo, Wild Duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and fascinate all visitors.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many leisure options.
Alappuzha
Venice of the EastAlappuzha is the hub of Kerala's backwaters, home to a vast network of waterways, over a thousand houseboats and an important coir industry. Head out towards the backwaters and Alleppey becomes graceful and greenery-fringed, disappearing into a watery world of villages, punted canoes, toddy shops and, of course, houseboats.
Mararikulam
A Serene Beach Get-awayNot moving along with times, life in Mararikulum stands back in time almost 100 years ago. Mararikulam is just 60 kms from Kochi city and 12 kms from the city of Alleppey. One can see beautiful swaying palm trees, coconut trees and the vast expanse of the sea in a tranquil environment.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Colombo - Negombo
- Day 2 Negombo – Sigiriya - Habarana
- Day 3 Habarana – Polonnaruwa - Habarana
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Day 4
Habarana – Dambulla – Matale - Kandy
Kandy
After breakfast, leave for Kandy. En-route visit Dambulla and visit the Dambulla Rock Temple. Climb up to the temple, which was donated by king Walagambahu in the 1st century BC to Buddhist monks. Also, visit a spice garden in Matale to see the different types of flavours. The island is famous for and how they are grown.
Overnight at Hotel (B)
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Day 5
Kandy
Kandy
Visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, the arts & crafts centre and a gem museum and a lapidary. Enjoy the tuk tuk ride in the Kandy bazaar. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and thereafter witness a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dancing.
Overnight at Hotel (B)
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Day 6
Kandy – Pinnawala - Negombo
Negombo
Morning drive to Negombo. En-route visit the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala - This orphanage is the home for about 89 elephants, out of which some are baby elephants found abandoned or orphaned in the wild.
Overnight at Hotel (B)
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Day 7
Negombo – Colombo - Kochi
Kochi
Today, drive to Colombo airport to board your flight to Cochin, where ancient meets contemporary. Beautiful churches, 500 plus years old fishing nets, impressive museums, fascinating synagogues and more.
Overnight at Hotel (B)
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Day 8
Kochi
Kochi
Roam around in the lanes of Fort Kochi and hopping between its histories. Visit the Jew town and synagogue, St. Francis church and Dutch Palace. Witness the stunning sunset and the centuries old Chinese fishing nets.
Overnight at Hotel (B)
- Day 9 Kochi – Backwater Cruise
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Day 10
Backwater Cruise - Vaikom
Kochi
After breakfast, enjoy the traditional Kathakali dance performance. Later cruise to Chenganda to meet the coir weaver and mussel & prawn farmers. Evening get down on an island to visit a local farm house, where the hostess will demonstrate her culinary skills. Overnight Onboard (B,L,D) -
Day 11
Backwater Cruise - Birding
Kumarakom
After a light breakfast set out for a canoe ride to watch the migratory as well as the endemic birds of Kumarakom. Post breakfast cruise through the interiors of Kuttanad and enjoy the folk dance performance by village girls.
Overnight Onboard (B,L,D)
- Day 12 Backwater Cruise
- Day 13 Backwater Cruise
- Day 14 Backwater Cruise – Excursion to the Mainland
- Day 15 Backwater Cruise
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Day 16
Backwater Cruise – Alleppey - Marari
Alappuzha
Disembark at Alleppey, also named as Venice of the East, as per the visualization of the British. Later, take a guided tour of the heritage part of the town. Drive to Marari Beach, named after the tiny fishing village of Mararikulam, its tranquil and pristine character makes it suitable for relaxation.
Overnight at Hotel (B)
- Day 17 Marari
- Day 18 Marari – Kochi – Departure
