(Departures May 1 – September 30)
The Arabian Sea and the Malabar Coast of India have conjured up magical tales since early days of civilization. So you can see why a journey to Kerala, the state in which this area lies, is on many traveler’s “not to be missed” list. Discover Cochin’s diverse culture of colonialism and its bustling harbor lined with Chinese fishing nets. Visit spice plantations. Explore Periyar and see India’s wildlife. Take a boat down the backwaters and enjoy Kerala’s culture through its enchanting music. Learn to cook South Indian style. Bicycle through fishing villages. Majestic Kerala will entrance you as you discover its magic!
Day 1 – Cochin (Morning Flight)
Arrive Cochin by morning flight. On arrival at Cochin International Airport, you are greeted and whisked away to Willingdon Island. On arrival check in hotel (check in 1200 noon).
In Cochin, you may explore the ancient harbour, with its rich colonial past, the old spice market at Mattancherry, the antique shops on Jew’s street, the Synagogue, the Dutch palace and of course, the famous Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church and David Hall (CGH Earth Art Gallery). Harbour Cruise in the evening. Overnight in Casino Hotel
Day 2 – Cochin/Thekkady
Morning after breakfast, drive from Cochin to Thekkady. On arrival check in at hotel. Engage in activities like cooking demonstration and cultural program. Overnight at Spice Village
Day 3 – Thekkady
Morning after breakfast, take an elephant ride through the Spice Plantations. Evening watch running slide shows on flaura and fauna of Periyar at the Tiger Club inside the resort. Afternoon take a boat ride on the lake to view wild life and water birds. Herds of elephants and bison come to the lake. Spotted deer and sambhar are also found here. Overnight at Spice Village
Day 4 – Thekkady/Kumarakom
Morning after breakfast, you will drive back down to the coast and this melodically named town of Kumarakom on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Here, you hop on to a boat to Coconut Lagoon, an eco-friendly resort created from restored heritage homes, set in a web of canals on the banks of the Kavanar River. Evening finds you on a sun-set cruise on the lake, in a converted rice boat adrift to a flute accompaniment.
After cruise it is learning time. Learn to cook some authentic Keralan dishes in the cooking demonstration class organized by the Chef. The resort gives an opportunity to see some traditional Art Forms of Kerala. Overnight at Coconut Lagoon
Day 5 – Kumarakom
Wake-up call by the birds from the nearby bird sanctuary and get ready to experience yoga for your body and mind. After breakfast, bird watching accompanied by a Naturalist who will identify the birds which wake you up in the morning. There is enough time to visit the village nearby. Back to resort.
Afternoon is at leisure. Evening has another session of cooking demonstration and cultural show. Overnight at Coconut Lagoon
Day 6 – Kumarakom/Mararikulam
Another session of yoga followed by breakfast. After breakfast, transfer by boat and then by road to Marari Beach. Check-in to an independent villa at the Marari Beach Resort. Marari Beach Resort is not just the sand and the sea but the living environment that surrounds it. It is a peaceful and tranquil area ideal for relaxing and getting rid of the stress from city life.
Afternoon, there is time to relax in the coconut grove. Evening will be engaged in good music and cooking classes. Overnight at Marari Beach Resort
Day 7 – Mararikulam
After breakfast, explore the area and it’s fishing villages on a bicycle or take a dip in the sea. The beach is usually empty except for a few other guests and the odd local fishermen.
Afternoon at leisure. If you want, walk across the road to the resort’s organic farm to see the different types of vegetables and fruits that are grown there and used in the hotel cuisine. This is your last chance to ask the Chef for any assistance/clarifications regarding the recipes you have collected over the past few days. Overnight at Marari Beach Resort
Day 8 – Mararikulam/Cochin International Airport
In time transfer to Cochin International Airport to board the flight for your onward destination.
CALL NOW to BOOK 415-331-3791
Includes:
– Transport: Meeting and assistance on arrival/departure, transfers, Sightseeing’s & excursions via midsize car
– Accommodation: Twin/double bedded room, 4 star hotel, standard room
– Meals: Bed & breakfast basis at all places
– Entrance fees as per program
– Guide: Local English speaking guide as per program
– Rides: Boat ride in Periyar & Backwater Cruise in Kumarakom
– Special Attractions: Harbour cruise in Cochin, Elephant ride and spice plantation visit in Periyar, Sunset cruise and bird watching in Kumarakom & Cooking demonstration
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Does not include:
– Any airfare
– Anything not mentioned in the above inclusions
– Items of a personal nature such as tips, laundry, beverages, mini bar, room service, etc
