Eco Exotica

Day 1: Arrive Ernakulam and proceed towards Periyar orThekkady as it's better known and check in to Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge

The eco-lodge is in the heart of Thekkady (Periyar), adjacent to the famed Periyar Tiger Reserve. The Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge is the result of a revolutionary eco-tourism programme initiated for the joint management of the famed Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Kerala. Jungle patrol in the night: Trekking groups are accompanied by armed forest guards with good communication equipment, and geared to face any emergency situation. Remember to listen to unusual and strange adventure stories of the former poachers, now your guides and protectors of the forests.

Day 2: After breakfast by 8 am proceed for Border Hiking - Protection-oriented range hiking

The programme: This is a conservation-oriented hard trek taking up a full day. The trekking starts at 8 o’ clock in the morning and ends in the evening.

The route passes through undulating terrains. Altitudinal ranges of 900 meters to 1300 meters will be covered and the trekkers could glimpse the lofty escarpments bordering the park watershed and the vast plains down below. Gaur, sloth bear, elephant, etc. are often sighted along this route apart from birds and butterflies.

Maximum of 10 tourists can take the programme in two different groups. The trekkers will go with two guides and an armed forest guard. Vegetarian refreshments can be had en route.

Day 3: After breakfast proceed towards Alleppey (Alappuzha as ithe place is now known) and check in to a homestay-style resort called Taamara. Relax at Tamara for the rest of the day.

Day 4: After breakfast, enjoy a country-boat ride, fishing and some toddy tapping lessons and if time permit also attend some farming lessons. Overnight stay at Taamara.

Day 5: After breakfast check in to an eco-friendly house boat for a full-day cruise along the backwaters of Kerala. Over night stay aboard the houseboat.

Day 6: After breakfast head towards Thattekkad (also spelt Thattekad) and check in to hornbill Camp. Rafting and plantation visit during the day and over night stay at Hornbill camp. Thattekkad

Day 7: After breakfast proceed for a half day birding in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, and later in the after noon proceed towards Kumblangi Village and check in to a Home stay called Gramam, is situated at Kumbalangi, a village 10 Kms from Fort Kochi - the heritage zone. The backwater lagoons surround this area. Large numbers of Chinese Fishing Nets which abound here greet the visitors. Do activities of your choice there, Overnight stay there.

Day 8: After breakfast proceed towards Kochi/Ernakulam and get dropped there. Tour ends.

Package includes : English speaking Chauffer from pick up to drop, accommodation for 2 pax in all mentioned locations, all meals in all locations, all activities, all sight seeing, professional guides and all assistance for your travel, toll, parking and all taxes.

Bamboo Grove Eco Resort: An eco-lodge, Bamboo Grove is located near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki district of Kerala. This unique eco-friendly resort is ensconced within the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The adequately furnished cottages are built using localy-sourced materials used by the tribals of the forest. In fact, the entire resort tries to mimic a tribal village.

Staying at Bamboo Grove is a memorable experience, described by tourists as "rejuvenating". Restaurant serves delicious local food. There are seven cottages with attached en-suite toilet. For an outdoor stay, well-equipped tents with sleeping bags are available. Various activities such as bamboo rafting, boating, trekking and village visits are organized.

a premium home-stay located on the banks of the picturesque Vembanad Lake.

Taamara Homestay, Alleppey (Alappuzha): Situated on the bank of the serene Vembanad Lake in Alleppey, Taamara offers absolute privacy for a memorable holiday in this picturesque backwater town. Just overlooking the lake, Taamara Resort is a perfect choice to unwind from the mundane hustle-bustle of city life.

Two cottages built on the waterfront that has a casually elegant look. A picturesque view guaranteed to take your breath away! Watch the lazy fishing boats, thatched houseboats,Chineae fishing nets and swaying palms…All that you dreamed about Kerala right in front of your eyes! A unique bath experience that provides conveniences of modern living with a breathtaking view as you pamper yourself in the tub watching the meandering fishermen glide post in their narrow canoes and the Kettuvallams cruise by.

Relish the authentic cuisine of Kerala during your stay at Taamara Homestay Resort in Alleppey, Kerala. The guests are served local specialties of Kerala that are traditionally prepared using rich fragrant spices and taste just like home-cooked food.

Kerala Gramam (Gramam Homestay): A quiet retreat on the banks of the backwaters, 10km from the bustling town of Cochin. Kerala Gramam Homestay is situated in 3 acres of coconut garden. Other trees include arecanut, mangos, jackfruit, pepper, tapioca, pineapple, banana. Here they also produce a few vegetables and medicinal plants. This is a coastal area and the soil is not so suitable for spices or vegetables, still the promoters manage to produce some. As the promoters are keen on organic farming, they never use chemical or inorganic fertilizers in the garden. The excellent cuisine offered at Kerala Gramam features food cooked in true Keralan style, using organically produced coconuts, bananas, tapioca, mangos, pepper, vegetables. Seafood is another speciality, with fish, prawns, crabs are all from the nearby backwaters.

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