The first Race was an impromptu one held in 1952, in honor of the late Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He was so fascinated and in his return to New Delhi he donated a ‘Trophy’ to the winners of the boat race.

To view this amazing Snake Boat Race of Kerala, The Great India Tour Company invites you to join ‘The Race of Tradition’ tour which starts from 7th August 2006.

One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi, earlier known as Cochin, has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala’s commercial hub. Later, you will be whisked off for a half-day city tour covering St. Francis church - the oldest church of India, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue and the Chinese Fishing Nets.

Breakfast. Check out and drive to Cheruthurithy. En route visit Punnathur Kotah, the lovely elephant sanctuary attached to the Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor. The open green area is the home of around 55 temple elephants.

Cheruthuruthy is the seat of the Kerala Kalamandalam, where training is imparted in traditional Kerala art forms viz. Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Thullal etc. Established in 1930, this unique institution, devoted to classical performing arts is situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha. The ancient ‘gurukula system’ of education continues to be a living tradition in this school. Check in at RIVER RETREAT for 02 nights.

Breakfast and proceed to Kerala Kalamandalam. Tour around the theater and classes with students as guides. On the latter part of the tour, one or two Gurus (masters) may also join the tour to interact with you. Afternoon, enjoy a traditional Kerala feast. Evening back to hotel. [duration of the tour: 0930 - 1300 hrs]

Breakfast. Check out and drive to Alleppey. You will arrive at ‘Chenagiri’, a small village by the backwaters and will join a Local Family for 03 nights stay. This is a typical Kerala village and stay with the family will give you an insight into the Kerala life. You will be accommodated in a private room with attached bathroom. Post lunch at around 4 pm, proceed for a trek to meet the village folks and discuss with them the boat race and life in the backwaters either in a tea or toddy shop.

After breakfast, proceed to watch the trials till noon, participate for the boat lunch and return to home stay. Around 3 pm, watch a cultural programme that includes boat songs performed by local ladies adorned in traditional sari outfits. Around 4.30 pm start the canoe punting/paddling trip and en route you can witness the last preparations on the eve of the boat race. Enjoy the beautiful folk songs by the paddlers on the way back.

Breakfast. The day of hypertension - be ready to share it! Be a part of the local crowd and feel the warmth of Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Watch the activities in the backwater village prior to the boat race. Push-off to the boat race venue to watch the colourful pageantry. You will sail along the shore to watch the last minute excitement & preparations before the race. Keep your cameras ready to catch the colours & glimpses of the event! For the local people, it is their pride to win the trophy for their village. Join them as cheerleaders! Evening, back to home with breathtaking memories to cherish.

Breakfast. Say good-bye to your host family and drive to Kovalam.

Located 16 kms from Trivandrum, Kovalam – one of Kerala’s most popular beach has been a favourite haunt of European tourists. With boundless blue of the Arabian Sea and unwinding miles of fine sand washed by surf, roaring and hissing at the feet of coconut palm fringes, Kovalam is a sheltered natural bay and consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, catamaran cruising etc. Check in at TRAVANCORE HERITAGE for 03 nights. Rest of the day at leisure.

Breakfast. Day trip to Elephant Camp at Paravoor.

Elephants have been an integral part of cultural Kerala from the time immemorial. These huge mammals have always been loved, revered, groomed and given a prestigious place in the state. Most joint families here in the past owned elephants and their increasing number was considered a status symbol of the family. But today only a handful of families own an elephant. The rest have entrusted these treasured possessions to the temple managements owing to the degeneration of the joint family system and the rising cost of maintaining elephants.

Arrive at the village pond where the elephants bath, if interested you could also join; feed the elephant. Later, you can have a ride on the elephant (20 minutes). After lunch, boating through the scenic backwater. Evening, return to Kovalam.

Breakfast. Day free to relax by the beach / pool.

On time transfer to Trivandrum Airport for the onward flight.

Tour Concludes!

INCLUSIONS: -
  » 09 nights accommodation in standard double room on twin sharing basis on BB plan and FB plan during the stay with Local family.
  » All transfers, sightseeing as per the itinerary in A/c medium car.
  » Service of a local English speaking guide wherever applicable.
  » ‘A Day with the Masters’ programme at Kerala Kalamandalam.
  » Elephant camp tour.
  » All currently applicable taxes (any Govt. or State taxes subsequently introduced will be extra.)

EXCLUSIONS: -
» Expenses of a personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, still/video camera fees at monuments, laundry, phone/fax, tips & gratuities and travel insurance.
» Flight tickets.
» Any increase in fuel costs.
» Any other item not mentioned in the above clause “inclusions”.