WAN 2009 - Welcome

KOCHI
Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city is one of the principal seaports of the country and is located in the district of Ernakulam, about 220 kilometres (137 mi) north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. It has an estimated population of 600,000, with an extended metropolitan population of about 1.5 million, making it the largest urban agglomeration and the second largest city in Kerala after the capital.

In 1102 CE, Kochi became the seat of the Kingdom of Cochin, a princely state which traces its lineage to the Kulasekhara empire. Heralded as the Queen of Arabian Sea, Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the Arabian Sea coast since the 14th century. Ancient travellers and tradesmen referred to Kochi in their writings, variously alluding to it as Cocym, Cochym, Cochin, and Cochi. Occupied by the Portuguese in 1503, Kochi was the site of the first European colonial settlement in India. It remained the capital of Portuguese India until 1530, when they opted for Goa as their capital. The city was later occupied by the Dutch, the Mysore and the British.

Successive waves of migration over the course of several millennia have made Kochi a cultural melting pot. Despite the risk of overdevelopment, the city retains its distinct colonial heritage and a blend of tradition and modernity.

KUMARAKOM
Kumarakom is a tourist village in Kottayam district, Kerala, India. It is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with Karimeen (Pearl spot), shrimp (chemmeen in the local language) and prawns. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres (57,000 m²), and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. It is a major tourist attraction.

KERALA

2 nights / 3 days

If there is one place in the riveting diversity of India where there is tangible beauty and a phenomenal thing like total literacy, it is in Kerala. This small State in the southern tip of the Indian peninsula is an easy winner owning to its great mind-blowing landscape and infinity of intriguing customs, high-intensity cultural life and educated public so often dressed in white.

27 Nov 2009 (Friday) KOCHI - KUMARAKOM

Half day City tour on Arrival. Proceed to Kumarakom, overnight at hotel 08h30 : Pick from your place of stay and Leave for city tour.
	City Tour Visit Jewish Synagogue; the Mattancherry Palace, known locally as the Dutch Palace; Fort Cochin, reminiscent of European streets and houses; the Chinese Fishing Nets on the northern shore of Fort Cochin; and the St. Francis Church, near to a typical English village green.
14h00 :	Proceed for Kumarakom.
16h00 :	Reach and check in at the Hotel.
21h00 :	Dinner and overnight at hotel.

28 Nov 2009 (Saturday) KUMARAKOM

Rejuvenate yourself with an Ayurvedic Massage (on direct payment). Half day backwater trip to Alleppey.
08h30 :	Breakfast at hotel
09h30 :	At leisure to enjoy the activities of resort
13h00 :	Backwater trip of Alleppey & around.
19h30 :	Dinner and overnight at hotel.
29 Nov 2009 (Sunday) KUMARAKOM - KOCHI - HYDERABAD

Transfer to Kochi Airport.
Board flight for Hyderabad.

08h30 :

Breakfast at hotel.

10h00 :

Transfer to Kochi Airport for your onward journey.

Board flight for Hyderabad.

Arrival at Hyderabad.

Tour Ends.

Tour Cost:

	COMBINATION I	COMBINATION II
PAX - Twin sharing basis	INR 28,885 per person	INR 24,549 per person
Single room supplement	INR 21,692 per Single	INR 17,240 per Single

Extra Night In Cochin	COMBINATION I (Hotel Brunton Boat Yard)	COMBINATION II (The Malabar House)
Single Room	INR 21820	INR 12312
Double Room	INR 21820	INR 13567

(Above rate are per room/per night and inclusive of breakfast on fixed menu basis)

Additional:

Airfare: Economy Class for Kochi-Hyderabad sector

INR 7200 per person

(Airfare / timings currently applicable and subject to change without notice)

Hotels Envisaged:

CITY	COMBINATION I	COMBINATION II
Kumarakom	Kumarakom Lake Resort	Coconut Lagoon

The tour cost includes:

Arrival/Departure transfers, sightseeing, excursion as per programme by an air-conditioned MINI coach with services of an English speaking guide for city tour.
Hotel accommodation twin sharing at the hotels envisaged above or similar per respective combinations in standard room, with all meals on fixed menu basis.

The tour cost does not include:

Meals (except those specified above).
Personal expenses like laundry, extras at the hotel, phone etc.
Any other services not specified above.
Govt. Service tax - currently @ 2.58%. The tax prevailing at the time of billing will be charged.