“We are very much impressed with how George has organized our trip. Our driver Manu was excellent, been polite and helpful throughout the tour. All the hotels have been great and have given us a taste of Kerala”
– Ms Snita -UK

 15 Dec – Cochin

On arrival at Cochin late evening, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

 16 Dec – Cochin

After breakfast, go for a guided city tour of Cochin. Early evening you shall be taken to city to buy your favorite Kancheepuram Saree. Overnight at Hotel.

 Cochin Sightseeing – St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attraction. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The “Dutch Palace” was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring – a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites – which gives the effect of polished marble.

Fort Cochin & Mattancherry are twin cities carry a flavor of the colonial era. Jewish, Arabs, Portuguese British all came to Cochin for trading and Mattancherry was the spice trade headquarters due to the proximity of Cochin Port. While Fort Cochin became the administrative headquarters, Mattancherry maintained its trading status. The colonial stature and buildings still make Fort Cochin a favorite destination for tourists. It’s getting an upgrade once it’s declared as the first heritage city in India. Fort Cochin was also a part of Muziris route. It will be interesting to know that around 13 religious communities are harmoniously living in Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Jains, Sikhs etc. are few among them.

 17 Dec -Cochin – Munnar 

Morning, after breakfast, proceed to Munnar, known as nature lover’s paradise (04 Hours). You will drive through Midland crops like Rubber, arecnut, pineapple etc. Afternoon go for a Naturalist guided plantation walk from the resort. Overnight at the Hotel.

Munnar …breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and tranquility – an idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country with unending expanses of tea plantations… pristine valleys and mountains…exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests…aroma of spice scented cool air. Munnar has all these and more…. It’s the place you would love to visit… It’s the place you would wish never to leave. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft. in Idukki district, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities makes Munnar a holiday resort. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower, which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi – which towers over 2695 M and is an ideal spot for campers who like trekking.

18 Dec- Munnar

After breakfast at the Hotel, drive to Marayoor Sandalwood forest for a soft trek and later to visit a tribal village. Afternoon you will be taken to Chinnar National Park for a 3 hour trekking through the forest. Return to Munnar for overnight stay.

Munnar is a misty, lush green hill station up in the Anamalai range of Kerala; Munnar’s tea gardens, some of the highest in the world, stretch up the sides of the hills and are interspersed with pockets of forest rich in birds. It is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Surrounded by almost 30 tea gardens that give it a picturesque view, Munnar is near Anaimudi, the highest peak of the Kerala Western Ghats.

Exotic and pristine, Marayoor is a unique place where tourism meets adventure. The enchanting beauty of Marayoor offers diversity in every aspect of the land and culture. Hamlets, rocky hills, rivers, brooks, cave temples, paddy and sugar cane fields, waterfalls, sandal wood and bamboo forests…Marayoor is famous for its natural sandalwood forests grown in natural abundance. Marayoor is the only place in Kerala where natural sandalwood forest is seen. Chinnar wild sanctuary is the haven for two highly endangered species-the grizzled giant squirrel and the star tortoise.

As you go on the nature trail in Chinnar, you are bound to come across a fascinating plethora of bird and animal life. In your journey to Anamalai, you will touch the main land again but on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. On the way you can see an entirely different way of village life from Kerala. The vast expanse of hundreds of crops, sacred groves, termite mount temples and if in season, can participate in a village festival like fire walk, Jelly Kettu (Bullfight) etc.

Chinnar Sanctuary is located in the eastern slope of Western Ghats sharing its flora and fauna with Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park. The sanctuary has an area of 90 sq.km. Chinnar has the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic vegetation. The undulating terrain with rocky patches manifolds the scenic splendor of the sanctuary. As the altitude varies from 500 to 2,400 m above sea level within a few kilometer radius, there is a drastic variation in the climate and vegetation.

This sanctuary has also rainfall ranging from 600 mm to 3000 mm and a dry season ranging from three to six months Elephant, gaur, leopard, spotted deer, sambar, grizzled giant squirrel, hanuman languor etc. inhabit the Chinnar forests. The grizzled Giant squirrel is an endangered species

19 Dec: Munnar –Periyar (3 Hour Drive)

After breakfast at the Hotel, you will be transferred to Periyar, the famous wildlife destination of Kerala. Afternoon visit a Spice Farm and elephant experience at the farm. Later shopping for spices. Overnight at Hotel.

Indian agriculture began by 9000 BC as a result of early cultivation of plants, and domestication of crops and animals. Settled life soon followed with implements and techniques being developed for agriculture. Plants and animals—considered essential to their survival by the Indians—came to be worshiped and venerated.

Indian spices include a variety of spices and herbs grown across the Indian subcontinent (South Asia). With different climates in different parts of the country, India produces a variety of spices, many of which are native to the Subcontinent, while others were imported from similar climates and have since been cultivated locally for centuries. Spices are typically heated in a pan with ghee or cooking oil before being added to a dish. Lighter spices are added last, and spices with strong flavor should be added first. Curry is not a spice, but a term which refers to any side dish in Indian cuisine. It could be with a gravy base or a dry item. A curry typically contains several spices blended together.

Periyar – Conjures up images of elephants, chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will see a lot of wildlife and observe the way of life of simple mountain people. Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

20 Dec – Periyar-Kumarakom (4.5 Hour drive)

Early morning go for a boating in Periyar Lake to watch wildlife. After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, which is famous for its backwater & scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. You may opt to have Ayurvedic rejuvenation Massage at your resort. Overnight at the Resort.

The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wildlife. A cruise through the waters of Periyar Lake around which the wildlife sanctuary is situated, offers lots of photo opportunities. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake’s edge. Tigers are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.

 The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, it’s never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. And that is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.

 Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake and a picturesque, clean village like most places in Kerala. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres, the bird sanctuary 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 in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

21 Dec – Alleppey-Houseboat

Enjoy your breakfast at the resort. Later drive to Alleppey to board an exclusive Houseboat for a cruise through Vembanad Lake followed by overnight stay on board. Your meals will be freshly cooked and served on board. Overnight on houseboat.

What is truly magical about a houseboat is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen where are cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Today, the tradition is still continued and the food from the local cuisine is served by the Kuttanad locals, on board. The name Backwaters brings you the very thought of Houseboats. Food and leisurely times spent on-board with the feeling and privacy of house as well as enjoying the natural beauty. A Cruise amidst marvelous mangrove forests, captivating coconut canopies, swaying palms, mangrove forests, pulsating paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals decked with white lilies, can be quite a rejuvenating experience for the weary traveler. Enjoying a cruise in these backwaters is not to be missed, as it leaves you feeling fully rejuvenated. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the most enchanting picnic spots. You get to experience the native way of living. The experience on the Houseboat is not the one to be explained by words. Its to be lived and evolved by yourself.

22 Dec: Alleppey-Marari

After breakfast on board, drive to Marari Beach. Check in time is 2 PM but we will try our best for early check in. You may spend some time at the organic farm inside the resort and also visit the butterfly garden. You may also opt Ayurvedic Massage at the Resort. Overnight at  Resort.

Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. An authentic experience of the world of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. The village of Mararikulam lies on a forgotten shore, midway up the Malabar coast, where the Indian Ocean finally decides that it has now become the Arabian Sea.

Marari Beach is considered to be the most private and serene beach on the shoreline of Kerala. The friendly villages around and the rich life make things more vibrant for a traveler. Marari Beach is always a favorite destination for travelers who like to be on leisure and just doing nothing becomes a habit here. One can walk around the villages, join the fishermen in their fishing habitats… It’s all interesting and full of life. Excellent options for Ayurveda also make this destination favorite of many. And beyond is a milk-and-azure ocean, fringed by a beach more ochre than yellow, a sand-meets-sea combination you’re not likely to find anywhere else. And the alluring sea food cuisine also tempts one to be back.

 23 Dec: Marari

Early morning attend the Yoga session. Day free to enjoy the beach activities. You may also opt another Ayurvedic Massage at the Resort. Overnight at  Resort.

 Marari originates from “Mararikulam”, one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holiday maker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm/and traditional Keralan Hospitality at its best.

24 Dec: Marari

Early morning attend the Yoga session. Day at leisure. You may also opt another Ayurvedic Massage at the Resort. Overnight at Resort.

 25 Dec: Cochin-Departure (2.5 Hour drive)

Early morning attend the yoga session. By noon check out from the resort. Drive to Cochin for a visit to the city side and later visit Lulu Mall for a last minute shopping. Later you will be transferred to Cochin Airport to connect your flight.

Like all good things, your rejuvenating experience comes to an end but you will always carry with you the warmth and freshness of this unique and unforgettable experience.

Hotels Opted:

• Cochin: Trident    www.tridenthotels.com
• Munnar: Windermere Estate   www.windermeremunnar.com
• Periyar: Spice Village   www.cghearth.com
• Kumarakom :Coconut Lagoon   www.cghearth.com
• Houseboat: Punnamada  www.punnamada.com
• Marari: Marari Beach Resort   www.cghearth.com

Tour Cost Includes:

• 10 Nights stay at designated hotels as above
• Breakfast at all hotels
• All meals on Houseboat
• Guided Tour in Cochin & Munnar
• Jungle trekking in Munnar
• Spice Farm Visit in Periyar
• Elephant ride in Periyar
• Boating in Periyar Lake
• Aircon SUV with English speaking driver as per itinerary.NO car available in Marari Beach
• All entrance fees as per program
• All road tolls, driver batta, fuel etc.
• All Taxes.