Bamboo Rafting and Elephant Bathing
Bamboo Rafting and Elephant Bathing
Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Places Covered: Cochin - Periyar - Vagamon - Cochin
Day
01 : Cochin - Periyar
By Road 200 km in 5 hr
Arrive at Cochin and drive to Periyar - the forested hill station of Kerala.
En-route lunch will be at a farm house at Kanjirappilly to see the dynamics
of rubber farming and life around an estate.
Check in at a resort on arrival by evening.
Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the best managed tiger reserves in the country.
The reserve spreads over 770 sq kms of virgin forests that support large populations
of elephants, bison, deer and the big cats.
In the evening visit the National Park on boat over Periyar Lake where several
wild animals congregate at different times.
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 02 : Periyar
Start on the jungle trek at 7:30 am from the boat landing, for about one and
a half hours (approx 4 km).
Enjoy the packed breakfast from the resort.
Start off on the bamboo raft which takes you on a unique trip into the core
areas of the jungle and also the non-tourism zones, to see a variety of wildlife
including elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, deer (SAMBAR), otters, bear, wild
dogs and a rich variety of bird life can also be observed.
Lunch will be served in the jungle (prepared by forest staff)
Continue rafting and at about 3.30 pm the raft will drop you on the shore- Trek
further to reach the Forest Bungalow for an overnight stay in the middle of
the jungle.
A guard will stay with you and also cook and serve dinner.
Overnight will be at the forest bungalow.
Day 03 : Periyar- Vagamon
By Road 100 km in 2 hr
Have a fresh cup of coffee and hot breakfast.
You can also wake
up early and go out into the bushes to sit under a tree and hear the birds welcome
the sun. This is an unbelievable experience as all the varieties join into the
chorus climaxing when the daylight breaks in.
Freshen up and leave for VAGAMON.
Reach and check in at the farmhouse of the MATHEW'S. Have hot lunch and
trek through the spice gardens knowing various Indian and international spices.
Lunch and dinner will be served in the house and before going to bed listen
to the stories of the simple lifestyle of the people in the plantations.
Overnight will be at VANILLA COUNTY.
Day 04 : Vagamon - Cochin
By Road 220 km in 4 hr
Breakfast will be at the farmhouse.
Walk down to the river and watch the group of elephants having a splash. Bathe
the elephants (very safe and this will be in the presence of the owners and
trainers) and have a go at the cold river water.
Return for a hot breakfast and then drive to Cochin.