The Extra Mile

Confirmation Voucher

17Aug- 2016
Leisure Consultant:

Shoba George

Name of Guests:

Irina Croitor & Aditya Shankar

Number of Guests:

2 adults

Travel Dates:

17th Sept 2016 28 August 2016

Destinations:

Kerala

Itinerary at a glance

17 Sept

Arrival at Kochi airport.

Flight :9W403 ETA 1530 hrs.
Transfer to Munnar. (4 hrs drive) Overnight
Munnar.

Panoramic Getaway.
Executive suite

18 Sept

Full day Kolukumalai Jeep safari.

Start at 8.00 AM
Overnight Munnar

Panoramic Getaway.
Executive suite
Breakfast

19 Sept

After breakfast, transfer to Thekkady.( 3 hrs drive). Aanavilasam. Presidential

Check in at the hotel.
suite.
Afternoon at leisure. Option to take spice plantation Breakfast
visit with the in-house naturalist.
Overnight Thekkady

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20 Sept

Green Walk .
Depart from hotel at 7.00 AM
Overnight at Thekkady

Aanavilasam Presidential
suite.
Breakfast

21 Sept

After breakfast, transfer to Kannam Estate.

Day with the elephant program.
Overnight Kannam Estate.

Serinity at Kannm
Estate , Deluxe room.
Breakfast , Lunch, dinner.

22 Sept

After breakfast, transfer to House Boat.

Full day cruise. Overnight on the house boat.

Kumarakom Lake resort,

1 bedroom house boat.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

23 Sept

After Breakfast, House Boat to drop you at the jetty

of Kumarkom Lake resort.
Day at leisure
Overnight Kumarakom.

Kumarakom Lake resort .

Heritage Lake view villa
with private pool.
Breakfast

24 Sept

Early morning Bird watching with Naturalist.

Start time: 6.00 AM
Return for Breakfast.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight Kumarakom.

Kumarakom Lake resort .

Heritage Lake view villa
with private pool.
Breakfast

25 Sept

Discovery of the backwaters on a canoe.

Start time : 9.00 AM
Afternoon at leisure.

Kumarakom Lake resort .

Heritage Lake view villa
with private pool.
Breakfast

Over night Kumarakom.

26 Sept

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Fort Kochi.

After checkin. 3.00 PM sightseeing of Fort Kochi &
Mattancherry with guide.

Brunton boatyard, Sea

facing Deluxe room.
Breakfast

27 Sept

Half day Cochin Royal Heritage trail.

Depart hotel by 8.00 AM, tour starts at 9.00 AM
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight Fort Kochi

Brunton boatyard, Sea

facing Deluxe room.
Breakfast

28 Sept

After early breakfast checkout and proceed to ErNA

nakulam station for 9.10 AM train,12678/Bangalore Breakfast.
Exp COK>CBE.
Depart from hotel at 7.00 AM

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Hotel address and confirmation voucher numbers
Location

Hotel

Voucher no Confirmed by

Munnar

The Panoramic Getaway

8954

Marvel Tours

Chithirapuram, Anachal
Munnar Rd, Idukki Dist,
Munnar,
Kerala 685565
Phone: 082818 88777
Thekkady

AanavilasamPathumury Aanavilasam Road, Thekkady,

SH41, Kerala 685535 Phone:
094470 43259

8954

Marvel Tours

Serinity at Kanam
Estate

Serenity at Kanam Estate

8954

Marvel tours

Kumarakom
Kumarakom lake
resort & House boat

Kumarakom Lake Resort

3569

Marvel Tours

Fort Kochi

Brunton Boatyard1/498, Fort

Cochin, Calvetty rd, Kochi,
Kerala 682001
0484 3990500/2215557

906

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Payikad, Kanam P.O., Manimala, Vazhoor, Kerala 686515

Phone: 0481 245 6353

Kumarakom North Post, Kottayam, Kerala 686563 Phone:

0481 252 4900

Your contact on ground

Any emergency

Shoba George : 9822303735

All ground services in Kerala

Mable George : Ph 91 9544700846

Cochin Royal Heritage trail

Mr Ranjit Nair
9940458435

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Day wise detailed itinerary

17 Sept.
On arrival at Kochi airport after you collect your bags, at the arrival gate you will be
Flight de- met by our representative who will be carrying a paging board. He will greet you
tails
with a welcome pack and brief you on the services that will be provided and escort
awaited.
you to your car. The same driver will be with you for the entire tour .
Proceed to Munnar . ( 4 hrs drive).
Checkin at the resort.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Munnar.
Accommodation: Panoramic Gateway .
Meals included: Nil.
Alcohol policy: they do not have any license. So no alcohol will be served.

18 Sept

Day trek in Munnar.

Guide will report at the hotel lobby at 8.00 AM.
Option 3:
Kolukkumalai Jeep safari, tea trail and Orthodox Tea Factory (1935) visit (full
day)
The highest tea growing estate in the World
After breakfast drive through the Kanan Devan Hills tea plantations and scenic
beauty valleys, Lock heart gap, spice plantations etc,
After around 25 kilometers jeep ride through the normal road we will reach the
jeep able, bumpy, rugged road to the Worlds highest organic tea growing estate.
This is situates in the eastern slope of western Ghats which makes the tea very
special. The view, on our way to this estate we will have very wide view of tea estates and ride will be through small narrow jeep able roads with few bends. On
reaching the top we will be able to see the Low land of Tamil Nadu, the second
highest peak in S. India. Drive or walk little further to one of the oldest orthodox
tea factory in this region. After visiting the Factory we will have fresh tea picked,
processed and made on the spot. Soon after we will start walk to a small ground
where we will have our picnic lunch near the cliff with wonderful view around,. After lunch proceed to Munnar, you can walk a little more before you do the wonderful experience of the jeep drive through the tea plantations. On the jeep ride
you can have close look at the spectacular country side and the tea pickers with
their warm smile.
Accommodation: Panoramic Gateway .
Meals included: Breakfast & packed lunch.

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Day wise detailed itinerary
19 Sep

After your breakfast, transfer to Thekkady.

Checkin at your accomodation.
Afternoon optional to visit a spice plantation with a naturalist.
Evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Aanavilasam
Meals included: Breakfast
Alcohol policy: They do not have license. So no alcohol will be served.

20 Sep

Departure from your hotel : 7.00 AM

After an early breakfast , you will be transferred to the starting point of the Green
walk.This is a very informative trek, where you cover various landscapes such as
grasslands, evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest . It is a focus on the Flora and
of course you will have the opportunity to see great bird life and maybe some
sighting of animals.
Return to the hotel.
Evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Aanavilasam
Meals included : Breakfast & lunch during the Greenwalk.

21 Sep

Morning, have a leisurely breakfast and proceed to Kannam Estate.

After you checkin, you will be be introduced by the mahout to the elephant , and
you can enjoy your day with the elephant . Take a ride on the elephant, feed the
elephant, bath the elephant and more.
At Kannam Estate they offer activities such as Bullock cart excursion, cycle and
escorted walking tours. These can be availed while there at additional cost.
Overnight at Kannam Estate.
Accommodation: Serinity at Kannam Estate
Meals included : Breakfast lunch & Dinner.
Alcohol Policy : Beer & wine available.

22 Sep

You will checkout after breakfast and proceed to the backwaters.

Arrive at the Kumarakom Lake resort to board you house boat .
You will be provided with a menu at the beginning of the cruise to place your order
and you meals will be prepared on the house boat.
Cruise thru the day( 6.00PM to 6.00 AM, the boat will be docked).
Overnight on the House boat.
Accommodation: Kumarakom Lake resort House Boat
Meals included : Breakfast lunch & Dinner.
Alcohol policy: The house boat does not stock any alcohol, you may place you order for wine while at the resort before boarding the house boat and they will place
the bottle in the house boat.

23 Sep

After breakfast, the house boat will bring you to Kumarakom Lake resort.
Checkout of the house boat and checkin to the resort.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Over night at Kumarakom.
Accommodation: Kumarakom Lake resort
Meals included : Breakfast
Alcohol policy: All alcohol available.

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Day wise detailed itinerary
24 Sep

6.00 AM, your naturalist will report at the reception to take you for the bird watching.
Return by 8/8.30 to the resort for breakfast.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Kumarakom.
Accommodation: Kumarakom Lake resort
Meals included : Breakfast

25 Sep

After breakfast by 9.00 AM, you will be transferred to the boat jetty from where
you will board the Canoe. Lifejackets will be provided , and you can start your 3 hrs
tour thru the backwaters to see the villages of Kumarakom and if time and weather
permit Aayamanem .
Highlight of experience:
-The best means to go thru the very narrow canals, which is the most beautiful experience of backwaters.
- Witness untouched rural life .
- Pass by paddy fields , coconut groves, where you have the possibility for more
bird watching.
You will be accompanied by a naturalist on this tour.
Return by lunch time to the resort. Rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Kumarakom Lake resort
Meals included : Breakfast

26 Sep

Spend the morning in yoga . Have breakfast and checkout.

Proceed to Fort Kochi.
After checkin and lunch,you will be met by your guide for a walking, Tuk Tuk tour
of Fort Kochi & Mattancherry starting 3.00 PM
This walking tour gives you a glimpse into Cochins rich history and heritage,
showcasing the mixed Dutch, Portuguese, British and Jewish influences. During the
tour, we will visit the old quarter of Fort Kochi, exploring the quaint streets of this
city on foot...and the promenade lined with fishing nets, Jew street , Synagogue.
We recommend you finish the tour at cafe in Jew street. Evening at leisure. You can
choose to go for a harbour cruise from Brunton boatyard.
Over night at Fort Kochi.
Accommodation: Brunton Boatyard
Meals included : Breakfast
Alcohol Policy : Beer & wine available.

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Day wise detailed itinerary
27 Sep

Morning Cochin Royal Heritage trail. This is a half day curated trail.
Depart from Brunton Boatyard by 8.00 AM to report at the Hill palace at 9.00 AM

The trail starts with a visit to the nearly 150 yr. old Hill Palace, a grand structure
built on 52 acres of land, from where nine Rajahs ruled over the princely state of
Cochin. The palace today has been converted into a museum which has on display
many artefacts, antiques and portraits belonging to the royal family, as well as
from other royal families of Kerala. We bring these inanimate objects to life
through some interesting stories and anecdotes, for example, why none of the
Cochin Rajahs ever wore the gold crown, studded with precious stones, that was
gifted by King Immanuel of Portugal.
From the Hill Palace we move to the residential quarters of the royal family (located about 2 kms. away). Many members of the royal family still reside over
here, many of them in structures that are over 100 yrs. old. We walk around and
listen to the story behind the family temple- selling of its treasures to build the
local railway line almost costing the Rajah his throne. The clock tower built by
the Dutch and other heritage structures in the area will transport us to a different period in time.
We then proceed to meet a family belonging to the royal dynasty at their private
residence. The family has been kind enough to open up their home and to share
their stories and experiences with visiting guests. This will be an informal visit.
The family today is very much a part of mainstream society. The trail ends with
high-tea, a jovial group picture, warm good byes and pleasant memories of time
well spent with a family that continues to charm and welcome visitors to their
home land.
Return back to your hotel.

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotels lovely pool, or you an indulge in some
massage and more.
Overnight at Fort Kochi.
Accommodation: Brunton Boatyard
Meals included : Breakfast
28 Sep

You will be met by our representative by 7.00 Am, to take you to the train station.
Our representative will assist you with the baggage and seating you in the train.
End of service.
Meals included : Breakfast

Note: Kerala has a restriction and strict alcohol policy , and hence we have mentioned the alcohol
policy at all places of accomodation. At all places you are welcome to carry you own liquor , but
you will need to consume it in your private space only.

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Inclusions

Not inclusive of

Private Transfers , and a/c Innova at disposal

through out the tour.( 17th Sept - 28th Sept)

Meals other than mentioned in the program.

Assitance on arrival at Kochi airport and assistance at departure from Ernakulam station.
Accommodation as mentioned above , inclusive of breakfast . ( Kanam Estate & House
boat all meals included)
Full day Kolukumalai Jeep tour Munnar
Visit to Tea planation and Tea museum with
guide.

Alcoholic/Non-Alcoholic drinks not included

during the meals or other anytime.
Any of the other sightseeing tours mentioned
as optional tour .
Any of the other activities mentioned as optional.
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses

Green walk in Thekkady.

Overweight luggage

Day with the elephant program in Kannam

Estate.

Hotel Early check-in/late check-out

Birdwatching with naturalist in Kumarakom

Tips & Gratuities

Canoe tour discovery of the Backwater villages, and birding with naturalist.
: Guided walking and tuktuk tour of Fort
Kochi and Mattancherry
Cochin Royal Heritage trail 1/2 day program
with specialist.
All taxes

General Travel Guidelines for India

Meet and Greet
On arrival at Kochi from Mumbai , after you collect your bags you will be met by our
representative. He will be carrying a paging board with your names on it.
Once you have exited you will find a large amount of people waiting for their respective
guests. Please move slowly so that you can spot our representative. In the rare event that
our representative is not to be found please call up on 91 9822303735
Visa Formalities
Visa on arrival facility has been made available for US passport holders.
You may begin by applying for the same online .https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
visa/tvoa.html.

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Dress
The hotels are smart but not hugely formal and the smart casual label is the best description for suggested dress code. Kerala is tropical, so cottons..cottons..cottons is your
best choice. However Munnar & Thekkady will be colder than the rest of Kerala, and you
will need something warm for the evening.
You are in Kerala during the monsoons, while the heavy rains will be over by August, do
anticipate occassional showers.
Dress Code for sightseeing
Please do note during your sightseeing tours where visit to places of worship is involved,
please do not wear sleeveless and shorts. Please wear comfortable walking shoes .The
sun is strong , please carry sunblock , sunglasses and a hat.
Others :
Please note as a tropical destination, the ecosystem has variety of bugs , insects and
mosquito. Please carry your insect repellant , and anti allergy medication .
Currency
Indias currency is 'Rupee', abbreviated as Rs. One Rupee is equal to 100 paise. Coins
are in various denominations of 50 Paise (these are rarely in circulation these days) and 1,
2, 5 & 10 Rupees. Notes (Bills) are in denominations of 1, 2, 5 (these are rarely in circulation these days) and 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 1000 Rupees.

Foreign Exchange
Visiting foreigners can exchange money at international airports where 24-hour exchange facilities are available, through banks and approved moneychangers. Or, one may
change money at the big city hotels. In larger cities and towns a number of ATMs have
cropped up everywhere, you can withdraw money using your credit cards at these ATMs.

Bank timings are usually from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs on weekdays and 1000hrs to 1400
hrs on Saturdays. Please remember that not all banks will exchange foreign currency or
travellers cheques particularly in small towns.
Exchange money only through authorized banks or Money Changers. Insist on a receipt/
encashment certificate when changing money. Retain all receipts to facilitate re-conversion of unspent money on departure from India.
Before leaving the country, the left over Indian currency should be exchanged back into
your currency; legally, you are not permitted to carry back home large amount of Indian
currency.
Travellers Cheques/Credit Cards
Travellers Cheques should be of well-known brands like Thomas Cook, American Express and Visa. Large establishments generally accept Major Credit Cards like American
Express, Master Cards and Visa, including hotels, shops and airlines. A majority of establishments such a shops do not accept American express due to their very high service
fee. Please carry visa or Master card.

Electricity
In India voltage is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles, though some areas also have DC supplies. Visitors are advised to check the voltage before using electrical appliances. Socket sizes
vary, so it is as well to take a set of plug adapters, available from most electrical stores.

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Prohibited Articles
The import of prohibited articles such as dangerous drugs, live plants, is either totally
prohibited or restricted. The law provides heavy penalties for the infringement of this restriction, and in some cases punishment can extend to the death sentence. Also, by law,
visitors are banned from taking antiques and wildlife products out of the country any
infringement is punishable by fines and imprisonment.

Caution
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act bans all forms of wildlife trade. Violations of the provisions of the Act are punishable with heavy fines and imprisonment up to 7 years. Foreigners are, therefore, advised not to buy any wildlife or wildlife products or derivatives
especially ivory articles, fur and skin articles derived from wild animals such as Shahtoosh.

Photography
Visitors to India find varied subjects for photography including people, monuments,
wildlife, festivities, and landscapes. Note, however, these formalities, in respect of photography:

Taking photographs of airports, railway stations, bridges, military installations,

and from the air is prohibited.

Visiting Places of Worship

Removing ones shoes before entering temples, mosques or Gurudwaras (Sikh Temple) is
essential. Avoid taking leather goods of any kinds (bag, belt etc) and cigarettes into
places of worship, as these are often not permitted. Do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops
in places of public worship.
Insurance
It is always advisable to obtain good travel insurance to cover the worst possible scenario. Do keep a copy of your policy separately as a safeguard.
The cancellation policy of the hotel is a full retention for cancellation made less that 45
days from day of check in. Airlines also have their cancellation and change of flights. We
highly recommend taking cancellation insurance.
Inoculations/Vaccinations
Before travelling to India it is advised that you get vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis, rabies and typhoid. Consult your doctor before taking them / also take advice on other
vaccinations for meningitis and tuberculosis. Most vaccination courses are completed
within four weeks, best taken before the trip. Malaria preventive course may be taken before your trip, but again this should be consulted with your doctor.
Tipping Advice
Although gratuities are at the discretion of each individual, we are aware it can also be
an area of concern for some visitors to India. In this regard, we have listed some guidelines, in order to assist, although the decision is freely left with you.
Above all, it is to be remembered that tipping is a sign of gratification for good service,
and therefore please view the below guidelines as the middle ground, which can be adjusted depending on the level of service you feel you have received.
Please note the below amounts are per couple.

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Guides, Escorts and Transport
Guide (Full Day)
Rs 400 Rs 600 per day
Guide (Half Day)
Rs 300 Rs 400 per day
Tour Escort
Rs 700 Rs 800 per day
Driver (Local)
Rs 200 Rs 300 per day
Driver (Accompanying)
Rs 300 Rs 500 per day
Hotels/ Restaurants
Bell Boy

Rs 20 Rs 50 per baggage

Restaurants

About 10% of the bill total (Unless service is mentioned as included).

Please note some hotels have a general tipping system in place.

National Parks
Mahout (Elephant driver)

Rs 100 Rs 200 per ride

Naturalist

Rs 200 400 per game drive

Driver

Rs 100 per game drive.

We look forward to welcoming you to Kerala.

Thank You.
Have a wonderful journey of discovering
Gods Own Country Kerala.