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.
Further Information
Duration in Days
8 Days/7 NightsInclusions
Accommodation, Transport, Breakfast, TaxesExclusions
Dinner, Lunch, All Meals, Dinners, LunchsHotels in this Tour
The Brunton Boatyard
Fort Cochin Waterfront Hotel: beautiful and lovely service
Brunton Boatyard is a boutique hotel situated in the quiet colonial town of Fort Cochin. The hotel mirrors a romantic age and has captured a little bit of every culture that has left its footprints in Kerala.
Spice Village
Tranquil and jungle like with focus on comfort & environment.
Spice Village is Periyar's most charming resort with lush gardens, individual cabins and a passionate attachment to ecological methods. Probably the best hotel in the Thekkady area.
Coconut Lagoon Resort
The Model of Backwater hospitality - ancient Kerala finds new uses
Marari Beach Resort
50 acres hidden beside the beach. Kerala best beach resort
Marari Beach Resort in Mararikulam, Alappuzha is the original and still the best among other Beach Hotels in the area. If you fancy a few days beside the sea, very close to Cochin, then this is the one. This beach resort at Marari is spacious, unpretentious and refined. The resort spans across 55 acres of beachside property and offer the best service and comfort along with a beach bar shack!
Experiences
1 Ride the Symbol of India
Atop a tusker in Kerala
Feel high and mighty atop an elephant in the forests of Periyar...
Special Journeys on this Tour
Thekkady to Kumarakom
Scenic Drive from Periyar to the Backwaters
This journey drops you from the mountains to sea level passing through the whole gamut of Kerala landscapes and agriculture.