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After
breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of the City. The true character of
the city is to be found in the older parts of the Fort Cochin area. It more
or less exists as it used to be a 1000 years back, when it was first built.
The roads have not been widened because the old haggard buildings, through
patchwork repairs over the centuries, still stand on the edges. This part of
the city reflects an unusual blend of medieval Portugal, Dutch and English
country life grafted on to the tropical Malabar Coast. The fishing
community of Cochin is also very interesting. They ancient cantilevered
fishing nets called Chinese Fishing Nets. The net is fixed to a pole on the
shore. While fishing, the entire net is lowered by a primitive fulcrum
mechanism using long bamboo poles. By the same mechanism the pole is lifted
along with the catch. We will explore the sights of Photographic as well as
cultural interest. We would also visit the 16th century Mattancherry Palace,
also known as the Dutch Palace since the Dutch substantially renovated the
palace in the 17th century. The double storied quadrangular building
surrounds a courtyard containing a Hindu temple. The Central Hall on the
first floor was the coronation hall of the Rajas of Cochin; on display are
their dresses, turbans and palanquins. The most important feature of this
palace, however, is the astonishing murals in the bedchambers and other
rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana and other religious legends.
These murals are u ndoubtedly some of the most beautiful and extensive
anywhere to be seen in India. The unique feature here is the unexpected and
isolated Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD 52. They are
self-contained and have there own Synagogue. 
A
special treat awaits us this evening as we proceed to witness the strength
and vigor of Kathakali dance drama, as it enacts episodes from great Indian
epics. The extremely stylized gestures, the elaborate make-up, the masks and
the splendid costumes of these all-male dancers, recreates an incomparable
sense of pageantry.
After
breakfast, we drive to Munnar, through the scenically vibrant valley of the
Cardamom Hills of the Western. We would stop a few times to interact with
locals as well as walk through the countryside to explore traditional and
ethnic lifestyles. It’s a journey through extensive tea and spice
plantations and for most part of our journey; the air is rendered with the
fragrance of tea and spices. 
Day
is at leisure. Munnar is surrounded by 30 tea gardens; the atmosphere is
fragrant with extensive tea and cardamom plantations. Tea estates are
situated mostly on the inner slopes of an elevated basin-like plateau.
Estate elevations vary from about 1220 m to over 1830 m. some of the tea
plantations, at an elevation of over 2135-m, are among the highest in the
world. It would be worthwhile to visit some of these tea gardens to witness
the plucking of leaves by women who carry conical bamboo baskets on their
back and strapped to their forehead by a cloth band. The work on the field
is all done by hand and is a fascinating sight. You may also visit the
nearby Lockhart Gap, which provides a panoramic view of the valley and
plantation down below. The enchanting high range of lakes and streams, the
low-flying clouds and the mist-filled valleys cast a magical spell, which
lingers long in the memory.
Besides experiencing a great, traditional accommodation in stunning natural
settings, we also want you to experience a typical back of beyond unhurried
Athoor village that has remained frozen in time. We suggest that you simply
stroll through the village at your own pace, absorbing the atmosphere and
watching as the rural life unfolds. On the track you will pass a Hindu
Temple situated under a Banyan Tree, Continuing your stroll you will pass
Banana Plantations, fields of Chilli and Groundnuts, and of course hundreds
upon hundreds of Coconut Trees. The villagers whose Way of life is dependent
on agriculture, are Very friendly and will welcome you. Some of the Cardamom
House staff either hail from, or are living in Athoor and will ensure that
they are there to help you, introduce you to people and help with the
devilishly difficult Tamil language, Athoor is truly an unspoiled Indian
Village waiting to be discovered.
Morning,
we will drive to Periyar through the scenically vibrant valley of the
Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at
Thekkady in Kerala, is one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India. About
a century ago, a British engineer, Col. J. Penn ycuick, chalked out a plan
to dam the Periyar River, subsequently, a dam was constructed in 1895. This
resulted in the adjoining forests being granted protection, by the Maharaja
of Travancore. The 55 sq km reservoir and the surrounding forests, provide
protection to the animals within. Today, Periyar is undeniably, one of the
most impressive wildlife sanctuaries in the world.
Following
breakfast this morning we would take a short trek inside the forest. The
birdlife comprises of darters, cormorants, kingfishers, great hornbills (the
great Malabar hornbill) and racket-tailed drongoes. The reptilian population
boasts of monitor lizards that can be spotted basking in the sun, on the
rocks along the lakeshore, especially in the cooler months. Pythons, king
cobras, flying lizards, flying squirrels, flying snakes and to top it all,
flying frogs are the other inhabitants of this amazing sanctuary.
Day
is free for independent activities. You can also enjoy the optional
ayurvedic body massage at the resort. You could also choose to explore the
surrounding tribal villages, visit the nearby water bird sanctuary or ride
through the narrow backwater channels through back of beyond Kerala.
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