This tour of Kerala combines the classic traditional style Kerala hotels with a glimpse into the different landscapes and atmospheres of Kerala. Beach, backwaters & hill stations.
This 8 day Kerala tour combines classic traditional style Kerala hotels with a glimpse into the different landscapes and atmosphere of Kerala from the hillstations and tea plantations to Fort Cochin, the backwaters and the Arabian sea coast line. Our most popular tour that combines luxurious but unpretentious accommodation with the ecological variety of Kerala.
Day 01: Cochin
On arrival at Cochin International Airport/Railway Station, you are greeted and whisked away to historic Fort Cochin. In Cochin, explore its rich colonial past in the old spice market at Mattancherry, the antique shops on Jew Street, the Synagogue, the Dutch Palace and of course, the famous Chinese fishing nets - all followed by a harbor cruise of the outstanding natural harbour.
Overnight stay at Brunton Boatyard Hotel overlooking the harbour.
Day 2: Cochin – Thekkady
You leave the coastal plain for the hills, the drive punctuated with plantations of rubber, spice and tea. After checking in at Spice Village the afternoon is reserved for a boat safari in the Periyar Sanctuary. Later enjoy cooking and cultural programme.
Overnight stay at Spice Village.
DAY 3: Thekkady
Day kept aside for sightseeing in and around Thekkady. Later visit the spice plantations. Afternoon at leisure, lolling in the gardens or making paper. Overnight stay at Spice Village.
DAY 4: Thekkady – Kumarakom
After breakfast, it is a drive back down to Kumarakom on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Here, you hop on to a boat to Coconut Lagoon, an eco-friendly heritage resort set on the banks of the Kavanar River. In the evening, go on a sunset cruise on the lake, in a converted rice boat adrift to the accompaniment of a flute. After cruise, learn to cook some authentic Keralan dishes from our Chef and watch traditional art forms of Kerala.
Overnight stay at Coconut Lagoon.
Day 5: Kumarakom
Why not start the day with some yoga. After breakfast, gentle trek to the nearby bird sanctuary accompanied by our naturalist. Follow it up with a visit to the village nearby. Back in the resort for lunch. After an afternoon at leisure, get ready for another evening of cooking and cultural show.
Dinner and overnight at Coconut Lagoon.
Day 6: Kumarakom - Mararikulam
Another session of Yoga. After the breakfast, you are transferred by boat and then by road to Marari Beach. Check-in to an independent villa at the Marari Beach Resort, to enjoy the quiet beauty and charm of the secluded beach and the fishermen’s village next to it. After lunch in the restaurant, relax in the coconut grove. Evening is kept aside for music and cooking classes.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Marari Beach Resort.
Day 7: Mararikulam
After Yoga and breakfast, explore the fishing villages nearby on a bicycle or take a dip in the sea. After lunch at leisure, take a walk across the road to the organic farm which ensures that the vegetables and fruits we serve are the freshest you can get. Don’t forget to meet the Chef for any assistance/clarifications regarding the recipes you would have collected by now, for this would be your last day here.
Dinner and overnight at the Marari Beach Resort.
Day 08: Departure from Mararikulam to Airport
Drive to the Cochin International Airport to board the return flight.
Itinerary Notes:
Please Note that Accommodation may change depending on room availability in certain seasons. Prices are indicative for the purposes of helping get a feeling for likely costs. This is a "template" and can be altered in any way you want.