7D Thrissur Pooram Festival; May 11 - 17, 2008
Kerala, India
Kochi, Thrissur, Kerala backwaters
USD $860 per person; local payment of USD $100 per person
Tour prices DO NOT include International airfare and taxes.
Thrissur Pooram is the most colourful of all the temple festivals of Kerala. At the heart of the festival are the elephant processions, elephent pageants, fireworks and thousands of devotees. Following the festivities, enjoy a family homestay on Kerala’s famous backwaters where we’ll watch village life slip slowly by and learn the finer art of Kerala cooking.
Highlights
- Mumbai Orientation tour
- Elephanta Island
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
Day 01 / Arrive Kochi
Arrive in Kochi at any time.
Days 02-03 / Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is the most colourful of all the temple festivals of Kerala. At the heart of the festival are the elephant processions and elephent pageants, which pits two group of fifteen elephants against each other and extensive efforts are made by each party to ensure their elephants are the most colourful in their artistic cloaks. Another highlight is the competition in the swift rhythmic changing of brightly coloured and sequined parasols while standing on the back of an elephant. Traditional percussion instruments accompany this visual treat. In the evening, firework displays light up the night sky.
Days 04-05 / Kerala Backwaters Homestay
Slip silently through sleepy canals and backwaters as we make our way to our family homestay - a great chance to meet, talk and eat with the people who live here. Mingle with the people of the village as you visit the ancient temple or watch a glorious sunset over the paddy fields. Marvel at the process of toddy tapping, a local alcoholic drink taken from the coconut trees.
Day 06 / Kochi
An important stop on the spice trading route due to its strategic location near the tip of the Indian subcontinent, Kochi (Cochin) has been a melting pot of influences since the 14th century. The Portuguese, Dutch, Arabs and British have all left their influence in the variety of architecture and food. Watch the sunset from the tip of Fort Kochi where you will spot the old Chinese cantilevered fishing nets or watch a performance of Kathakali - a combination of drama, dance, music and ritual.
Day 07 / Depart Kochi
2008 Dates
- May 11 - 17
Group Size
- Minimum 06, Maximum 15, Average 10
Group Leader
- Tour Leader, local guides
Accommodation
- Guesthouses/hotels (4 nights), homestay (2 nights)
Transport
- Train, local bus, cycle-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, taxis
Meals Included
- 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Meal Budget
- Allow USD $100 for meals not included.
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