Natural Paradise of Kerala

Day 01: Arrive Kochi (Cochin)
Arrive Kochi. On arrival our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Kochi is one of India's most interesting towns, a major port situated on the Malabar coast and the centre of the spice trade. Its a mix of commercial centre and historical picturesque buildings which makes Kochi a interesting city with relaxed and quiet atmosphere. Kochi witness first European settlement in India, founded by Portuguese traveller Vasco da Gama in 1502, however it was the British who influenced this colourful city the most with it being under direct British political control from 1795 up until India's independence.

Day 02: Kochi
Today explore Fort Kochi area starting with a guided walking tour of this historic area. Visit St Francis Church the oldest European church in India, before walking down to the waterfront to witness the fascinating Chinese fishing nets and the market stalls. Afterwards, drive by car to visit Mattancherry Palace, the nearby merchant houses and a fine synagogue (closed Saturday). Mattancherry Palace (closed Friday) was built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift to the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights and today a museum which exhibits of clothes, weapons and furniture as well as having numerous remarkable murals painted on the wooden walls. Continue to the synagogue, adorned with beautiful Cantonese ceramic tiles, before stepping out and exploring the local streets which is full with shopkeepers who sell varieties of rice, ginger, garlic, chilli and antiques from street side warehouses. Around sunset take a motor launch cruise around the picturesque harbour and witness Bolghatty Palace and the Chinese fishing nets at this beautiful time of day.

Day 03: Kochin - Mararikulam (80 kms / 2 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to nearby Mararikulam. Set in twenty-five acres of coconut groves and with grounds leading down to the beach, the Marari Beach Resort is an ideal place to relax, yet is close to the backwaters for sightseeing and exploration.

Stay at the Marari Beach Resort for two nights. Based upon the design of local fisherman's village and set in 25 acres of coconut grove Marari Beach offers 52 comfortable thatched villa, some with their own pool. There is a definite connection with nature here, with every attempt made to blend the resort into the natural surroundings with generous stretches of garden throughout the resort, which is separated from the sea by swaying palms. Facilities include a multi cuisine restaurant, bar, swimming pool and Ayurveda centre.

Day 04: Mararikulam
Full day to relax and unwind yourself close to the beach.

Day 05: Maraikulam - Alleppey (12 kms)
After breakfast a short drive by car to the town of Alleppey where you will board your private Houseboat for overnight stay. The houseboats are traditionaly furnished and consist of a thatch-covered lounge and dining area, one or two double bedrooms with mosquito nets and attached bathrooms with a toilet, wash basin and a hand held cold water shower. Bedrooms are equipped with small air conditioning unit which is powered by an on board generator between 2100 hours and 0600 hours. Meals are cooked on board and the boat is staffed with a captain, a deck hand and a cook. Some crews do not speak English and therefore an English speaking representative may also accompany you on your boat. Spend the whole day cruising on the backwaters of Kerala.

This is a unique experience to explore the beauty and tranquillity of the Kerala backwaters on your own houseboat. The backwaters consist of a network of lakes, coconut shaded canals and estuaries. While on houseboat you can witness local life with children swimming and playing in the water, women attending to their daily chores and men fishing from their canoes. You will get an opportunity to move down from houseboat to visit local village for a leisurely walk.

Day 06: Alleppey - Kumarakom
Disembark your houseboat at Kumarakom which is situated on the bank of the Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom is famous for its bird sanctuary many paths lead through the reserve to the main nesting areas and the island in the middle of the lake can be reached by boat.

Stay, on the far side of the Vembanad Lake at resort which is approachable only by boat.. This place is offering the guest the chance to stay close to nature without destroying the environment with sustainable schemes and developments. Few room have fantastic views across the water, with each room incorporating the nature and local design. Most of the 50 rooms are heritage rooms, produced from reclaimed timber in the local area. Facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant and an Ayurveda centre.

Day 07: Kumarakom
Breakfast the resort. Enjoy your full day in the midest of nature and try some ayurvedic massages for rejunuvate yourself.

Day 08: Kumarakom - Kovalam (170 Kms / 4-5 hrs drive)
After breakfast you will be met by your car and driver for the journey to Kovalam. Once a series of remote sandy bays, deserted except for the little traditional fishing villages hiding amongst the palms, Kovalam is today a major tourist beach centre which attracts visitors from all over the world due to the quality of its beaches and Ayurveda centers. There are four main stretches of beach at Kovalam and a rocky outcrop divides them into north and south sections. The beaches at the north are more sheltered, however, the southern beaches are more populated with beachside bars, cafes, fruit and clothes stalls. Evenings at this tropical lush green beaches, are casual, friendly and relaxing.

Day 09: Kovalam
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day enjoy your stay at one of the best beach resorts and take benefit of Ayurveda treatments to rejunuvate your mind, body & soul.

Day 10: Kovalam
Full day free to relax and enjoy the beauty of sun, sand and surf.

Day 11: Kovalam - Trivandrum (Airport & Depart)

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