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It's
not all Cycling!! Tour Highlights
During
the tour we will have plenty of rest days to experience all that
Kerala has to offer. Although all excursions are included in the
price, they are optional.
There
will be time to relax on Kerala's stunning palm fringed beaches
such as Varkala where you can also try a relaxing Ayuvedic
treatment, great after a hard day's cycling! Varkala is also
good for Dolphin spotting, and boasts a mineral water spring.
Kanniyakumari is a vibrant town of Hindu worship, whose beaches
lie at the very southernmost tip of India.
We
will visit one of the largest wildlife reserves in India, the Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary home to elephants, tigers (Periyar is part
of Project Tiger), wild dogs, macaque monkeys, sambar deer and a
variety of birds. From here we will take a boat trip on the lake
located in the centre of the sanctuary, and hopefully spot some
game! or you can take a trek through the sanctuary with a local
guide. Whilst in Periyar you will also have the opportunity to tour
the nearby spice plantations, and visit the spice markets.
We
will retreat up to the former British Hill Station of Munnar
which is set amid dramatic mountain scenery where you can enjoy
walks offering spectacular views, take a tour of the tea estates
(amongst the highest in the world) and watch tea pickers at work
before seeing how tea is processed in the factory.
Along
the network of lagoons, streams and canals which make up Keralas
spellbinding Backwaters we will take a long, leisurely
boat trip, drifting between palm trees and past tiny villages where
it’s possible to catch a glimpse of traditional Keralan village
life. During the cruise welcome drinks and a freshly cooked traditional
lunch will be served.
For
those with an interest in culture and history we will visit
•
Padmanabhapuram Palace, (completed in 1744) which epitomises
Keralan culture.
•
A magnificent Mahadeva Temple at Ettumanur featuring
one of the earliest (16th century) Keralan murals.
•
St Thomas Church in Palai. An impressive Portuguese-style
building featuring a well-preserved wall of stunning frescoes
•
The 2000 year old Janardhana Swamy Temple at Varkala,
where pilgrims come to bring the ashes of departed relatives for
their "Final Rest".
Whilst
staying in the historic port of Cochin you will have the opportunity
to see a live performance. This uniquely Keralan Kathakali
ritualised theatre has been depicting the world of Gods and demons
for over four centuries. Also in Cochin:
•
Chinese Fishing Nets - The only one of its kind in India,
it is believed that they were introduced by traders from the court
of Kublai Khan.
•
Jewish Synagogue - Rebuilt in 1664 it's interior is paved with
hand-painted eighteenth century blue and white tiles from Canton,
each unique, depicting a love affair between a mandarins daughter
and a commoner. Chandeliers imported from Belgium hang from the
ceilings.
•
St. Francis
Church
- The first European Church in India, built in the 16th Century.
Plus
much more!!
Take
a look at our Itinerary for full details of the tour
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