Oscar Travel Bureau Ltd.

Arrive Cochin by flight. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cochin. Overnight stay in Cochin for one night. One of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi earlier known as Cochin, is the oldest European settlement in India. Many influences including Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese are contained within its environment. With its wealth of historical associations and beautiful setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin or Kochi, reflects the eclecticism of Kerala perfectly. Traders from the West came to Kerala as far back as the 3rd century B.C. and took back with them spices, ivory and teak. Much later, in the 15th century, the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British came to this region in the guise of merchants, some to stay on as colonial rulers. They all left their impression on the town. Modern Cochin is a splendid mosaic myriad where Portuguese architecture and British influences all blend harmoniously with the basic thread of Kerala's rich heritage. Here you can also see the oldest church in India. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cochin includes a visit to the Dutch Palace originally built by the Portuguese, which houses a fine collection of mural paintings. The Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 & magnificently decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Visit the St. Francis Church, which is the oldest church, built by Europeans in India. See the Chinese Fishing nets that line the tip of Fort Cochin and which are the only ones of their kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.

Afternoon Game Viewing by common boat on Periyar Lake. A boat ride in the lake running through the sanctuary provides an opportunity to watch wild animals such as Elephants, Deer and scores of Water Birds. A guided walk through the serene forest with beautiful birds and scent of the woods is a wonderful and invigorating experience

After breakfast depart by road to Kumarakom a journey of about four hours. Evening enjoy the sunset at Kumarakom lake. Overnight stay at Kumarakom for two nights. Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics, panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands and extensive rubber plantations.