pure sojourns


ITINERARY 1
Cochin - Kumarakom - Kovalam

Cochin - Kumarakom - Kovalam

Day 1, Cochin
Arrive in Kochi and check in at your hotel overlooking the harbour.
Overnight: Brunton Boatyard or Vivanta by Taj Malabar

Day 2, Cochin
Enjoy a tour of fascinating Fort Kochi where much of the architecture strongly resembles that of the imperial capitals of Europe. The Portuguese, Dutch and British all traded and settled here and left their colonial imprint. Fort Kochi is easy to explore on foot, especially the antique and spice shops in Jew Town. Get acquainted with the painstaking make up and preparation of the artists decorating themselves in vivid colours. Witness their theatrical performance of the traditional Kathakali dance-drama at local art centre.
Overnight: Brunton Boatyard or Taj Malabar

Day 3, Cochin - Kumarakom
Drive through a canopy of coconut palms and quaint villages to the banks of the breathtaking Vembanad Lake that spreads serenely over 205 square kilometres of picture perfect beauty.
Sprawling across 25 acres of lush greenery and set in soul-stirring ambience, Kumarakom Lake Resort, a privileged member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and awarded thrice in a row as India's Leading Resort by the much acclaimed World Travel Awards, exudes the charm of Kerala's true heritage while offering a complete range of New Age amenities for a luxuriously comfortable stay.
Overnight: Kumarakom Lake Resort

Day 4, Kumarakom
One of the best ways to enjoy the lake is to embark on an idyllic sunset cruise. Learn the ways of village life, unfolding in vignettes along grassy banks shaded by tropical canopies, the village houses at mere handshaking distance. The Ayurvedic Centre is the place to experience the gentle, yet deep healing of an Ayurvedic massage in its authentic form.
Overnight: Kumarakom Lake Resort

Day 5, Kumarakom - Kovalam (180km, 4hrs)
Drive through lush green country towards the Southern tip of the Indian mainland. Kovalam truly captures the essence of Kerala, it offers breathtaking view of backwaters, lush landscapes, coconut palms and pristine beaches.
Unwind at your hotel or the nearby beach.
Overnight: The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach

Day 6 & 7, Kovalam
Relax at the hotel or visit Kaniyakumari (Cape Comorin), the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. This picturesque seaside town is famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Overnight: The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach

Day 8, Depart Kovalam
Transfer to Trivandrum airport for your onward journey or continue to stay at the resort.


ITINERARY 2
Delhi - Darjeeling - Thimphu - Paro
Delhi - Darjeeling - Thimphu - Paro

Day 1, Arrive Delhi
You will be met upon arrival by our professional representative and accorded a traditional welcome.
He will escort you to the hotel in a chauffeur driven limousine and brief you on the next day's program.
Overnight: Taj Mahal

Day 2, Delhi
An exhilarating Rickshaw Ride (Pedi-cab) through the narrow, meandering streets of the medieval market of Chandni Chowk is worth experiencing.

Day 3, Delhi - Bagdogra - Darjeeling
Fly to Bagdogra and get transferred to Glenburn valley (3 Hrs)
Overnight: Glenburn Tea Estate

Day 4, Darjeeling
Ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (a World Heritage Site) from Darjeeling Town, through the picturesque Batasia Loop and then to the neighbouring towns of Ghoom and Kurseong.
Trout Fishing is a seasonal activity from early October to March. We recommend that you carry your own equipment, especially flies, plugs and spinners.
Overnight: Glenburn Tea Estate

Day 5, Darjeeling
Walk or drive through the tea fields with one of our guides, who will give you an insight into how the tea bush is grown and looked after.
Overnight: Glenburn Tea Estate

Day 6, Darjeeling - Bagdogra - Paro - Thimphu
Transfer to Bagdogra airport to fly to Paro, the only international airport in Bhutan.
Arrive Paro and drive to Thimphu (55 km, approx 1.1/2 hour)
Overnight: Taj Tashi

Day 7, Thimphu
Visit the National Library, King's Memorial Chorten, and Trashichhoedzong, "fortress of the glorious religion".
Visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials.
Overnight: Taj Tashi

Day 8, Thimphu / Dochula Pass / Paro (98 km, approx 3.1/2 hour drive)
After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, you can see the snow capped mountain peaks. Later drive to Paro en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627. It now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Evening take an exploratory walk around Paro main street.
Overnight: Zhiwa Ling

Day 9, Paro
After breakfast visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. En route take a short stop at Satsam Chorten for a view of famous Taktsang Monastery. Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Overnight: Zhiwa Ling

Day 10, Paro
Transfer to Paro airport for onward journeys