India’s most beautiful state, Kerala is today one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. Today, Kerala Tourism is a global super brand and is recognized as a pioneer and trendsetter in the country. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography have made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Arrive at Kochi’s Airport. Welcome to India! You are met by our representative in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and customs formalities.
Depart for your hotel where you will check-in for your overnight stay.
Kochi is also known as ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ due to its natural harbor being one of the finest. Kochi is a city made of islands connected to Ernakulam on the mainland by bridges and ferries. The interesting city of Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. This quaint town has seen historic visits from seafaring traders in the past from Portugal, China, etc bringing to it different cultures that make up its fabric.
Accommodation
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After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Kochi.
Today, visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Friday, Saturday, and Jewish holidays) which is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. It is an interesting little place with hand-painted willow pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in China in the mid-18th century. The synagogue is in an area called Jew Town which also is one of the centers of the spice trade in the region. Also, pay a visit to the amazing Chinese fishing nets operating on principles of physics advanced for their times. Cochin’s Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.
Later in the evening visit a local theatre where you will learn about Kerala’s fascinating art, Kathakali. The Kathakali performers begin to train for their art at a young age, and their study continues for a lifetime. Here you will enjoy a dance performance.
Visit the ancient Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1557. This palace was presented to the ruler of Kochi as a gesture of goodwill. The Palace’s alternative name “Dutch Palace” resulted from substantial renovations by the Dutch after 1663. The most important feature of the palace is the astonishing murals that adorn some of the palace rooms, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara, and Durga.
Another stop is made at the St. Francis Church (closed on Sundays), the oldest European-built church in India. Constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars who accompanied the expedition led by Pedro Alvarez Cabral. He famed Vasco de Gama, the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa, died in Kochi in 1524 and was buried here for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone can be seen inside the church.
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After breakfast, begin your drive to Kumarakom. Upon arrival check-in at your hotel
Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck, and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks area, fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip around the islands.
The rest of the day is free for Independent activities enjoy various Ayurveda facilities available at Resort.
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Accommodation
Tour
After breakfast, visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist’s paradise is a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron, and teal. A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. Also, you can get
thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colors, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise flycatchers
Rest of the day free for independent activities.
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Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Alleppey. Upon arrival check-in at houseboat.
Cruise through narrow lakes and canals towards Alleppey. The backwater in Kerala is a network of 930 miles (1500 km) of canals both manmade and natural, 38 rivers and 5 big lakes extending from one end of Kerala to the other. Before trucks became popular, the main cargo transportation was through backwaters by ‘Kettuvalloms’. Kettuvallom means, ‘stitched boat’. Kettuvalloms or Houseboats (Rice boats) are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. With the advent of roads, bridges, and ferry services, gradually the Kettuvalloms went off the scene. Now, these Kettuvalloms are back again as a major tourist attraction. A ride on a Kettuvallom is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters
Today things are a bit more modern, although a lot of effort has been made to keep the traditional touch there. Today’s houseboats are converted ‘kettuvalloms’. They are designed for a comfortable cruise and overnight stay. The boat is constructed with Eco-friendly materials like a bamboo mat, Arecanut trees, and coir. A distinctive feature of the Kettuvallom is the design suggesting the possible Chinese influence. The canopy’s sides can be lifted.
Dining onboard is an experience. Though based on the tradition of fish and vegetables, in keeping with the demands of a cosmopolitan clientele, the cuisine served aboard our houseboats features a far more sophisticated menu than a Kettuvallom. The ethnic meals are prepared on board by a personal cook and fish delicacies like white prawns, pearl spotted fish, crabs, and mussels are the specialties.
Once on the boat, you will cruise along the backwaters for a couple of hours. Pass small villages and see how the local people live. The lushness of coconut trees will astound you en-route visiting villages to see coir making, tea shops, paddy fields, temples, beaches, etc. till sunset.
At night, the boat is anchored in a beautiful and quiet part of the lake.
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Cruise/Boat
After breakfast, disembark and drive to Kovalam. The rest of the day at leisure & free to relax by the beach.
Kovalam is a beach town on the Arabian Sea in Kerala, a state in south India. It is located around 13 km (8 miles) from downtown Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. The European guests of the then Travancore kingdom discovered the potentiality of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930s. However, Kovalam shot into the limelight in the early seventies with the arrivals of the masses of hippies. That started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India- the Kovalam beach. Kovalam has three crescent-shaped beaches separated by rocky outcroppings. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of meters are ideal for swimming.
Breakfast
Accommodation
After breakfast at the hotel, a full day is at leisure.
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Accommodation
After breakfast at the hotel on time transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
Breakfast
Transfer
Price per person in double occupancy
The rate is based on deluxe accommodation
Price excluding international & domestic flights
This trip is customizable for your private travel.
Please inquire to request a quote for your custom trip!
