Overview
Proudly called as “God’s own country” for a reason: Kerala, a blend of nature’s palette and a rich cultural juices, make it a “must-visit” country in everyone’s travel book. A complete dip in the traditional artforms and age-old festivals, in the midst of lush greenery and aromatic spice plantation topped with its very own celebrated, unique cuisine! We guarantee that Kerala will win your heart!
Itinerary
Cochin: This town is located on a number of islands squeezed between the Arabian Sea and the Kerala backwaters. The maritime history of Cochin is reflected in its blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture.
Kathakali: Kathakali, traditional Kerala dance becomes the shine of the evening, where the characters incorporate striking gestures, wear bold costumes and dramatic make-up to perform the epics of the country.
To tie your dinner to the roots of the land, watch the local fisherman unload his catch of the day and run to his favourite roadside "restaurant” and have them cooked to tantalise your taste buds! (If you are fond of sea foods)
Meander through the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin where the European influences are strikingly bold in merchant houses and old warehouses. We will explore Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town, St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India and the highly decorated Santa Cruz Basilica, then the colourful murals that depict epics like 16th century Ramayana and the much-photographed Chinese nets that line the shore of Fort Cochin: all of these are breaths of Cochin, whiff them in abundance on this trip.
You will have your breakfast at the Cochin stay. After checking out, you will be driven to Munnar, a hill station located 1600 metres above sea level. With its sprawling estates, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, picture postcard hamlets and undulating valleys, Munnar is an ideal holiday destination.
You can check into your hotel and unwind. Rest of the day can be spent at leisure to enjoy the ambience of Munnar.
Starting with a visit to the tea museum, then the Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr mountain goat amongst others) or choose a walk through the tea estates to experience the tranquillity!
We will drive from Munnar to Thekkady/Periyar.
The Cardamom Hills is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a reserve on the Kerala/Tamil Nadu border which is surrounded by tea and spice plantations. You may benefit from an elephant ride to get the best view of the stunning scenery.
Here at Periyar, grab the chance to experience a display of this most ancient of art forms. Witness the Kalaripayattu show which dates back to 3000 years.
In a natural walk, early in the morning, at Periyar wildlife sanctuary you can spot elephants, deer, wild boar, mongoose and colourful birds or even elusive leopards and tigers, with the help of a guide. Engage in a cooking demonstration at the end of the day.
We will begin the day with a drive from Periyar to Alleppey, through the beautiful landscape to reach the land of backwaters. Experience the daily slice of lives of the locals from the decks of a house boat. Enjoy tasty local meals as the boat drifts along and watch the sunset over the ever-changing scenery before retiring to your cabin to be lulled to sleep by the gentle lapping water.
On reaching the picturesque fishermen village of Mararikulam, get tucked away by the quiet and rich coconut groves. Spend a relaxing day in the resorts right by the pristine white sand beaches of the Marari; they offer you an unparalleled quiet in astoundingly beautiful settings. Overnight at the resort.
Take a dip in the sea, take a walk on the beach, read a book by the pool or hunt for fishing villages.
You will be dropped at Cochin airport at the end of journey.
