Marari, Alleppey, Wayanad, Itinerary for Ms Petra & Mr Michael-Germany -

Duration: 15 Days

Location: Chennai , Cochin. Alleppey Houseboat, Marari Beach, Nilambur, Vythiri, Mysore, Bangalore

“You have a very good team. The cookery show was very nice. All guides were very good. Car was comfortable and clean always. Manu was a perfect driver, always helpful and friendly. The two weeks were wonderfully organized. All people from your team or the hotels are super friendly and helpful. We thank you so much and will never forget this great journey and recommend you.”
– Ms Petra & Mr Michael

08 Mar – Arrival Chennai & Mahabalipuram Sightseeing (1 Hour Drive)

On arrival at Chennai Airport vide LH758 FRA Chennai at 0005 , you will be met & transferred to an airport hotel. Take rest after long flight. After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram to explore the heritage township. Guided sightseeing. By evening return to Airport Hotel for overnight stay.

Mahabalipuram has a significant role in the history and architecture of India which gives a major role for the archaeological enthusiasts. This is the only place in India where we have Cave Architecture, Monolythic Architecture and Structural Architecture still existing simultaneously. Also the long stretch of clean beach will give one a peaceful relaxation in Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram – It is among the most outstanding examples of Pallava art and architecture. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. Arjuna’s Penance – This skillfully carved rock is the largest bas relief in the world. There are nine rock cut cave temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, contrasting the goddess fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu’s cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable one. Five Rathas –These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent example of Pallava art. Shaped in different styles, the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.

09 Mar –Chennai- Cochin (By Air)-B

After breakfast, you will be dropped at Chennai Domestic Airport to connect your flight into Cochin. On arrival at Cochin Airport, you will be met & transferred to your hotel. Evening visit Greenix Theatre for a kaleidoscope of various art forms. Overnight at Hotel .

Cochin the queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. A root-conscious people of Kerala have preserved their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of monuments and palaces. Places, palaces and institutions of historic value are being preserved conscientiously.

10 Mar – Cochin -B & L

Morning, after breakfast, proceed for a village backwater Cruise with lunch. Afternoon back to Cochin for sightseeing. Evening free to walk around Fort Cochin. Overnight at the Hotel.

Village backwater Cruise – A journey in a country boat into the pristine purity of a typical village backwater of Kerala…. goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms…..watch rare birds….country boat making….a natural fish farm where you can go fishing…. You will witness coir making, toddy tapping before you end up your exclusive experience in our Farm House for lunch -a delicious traditional Kerala dish under a tree…..While scrolling through this amazing village, you will watch the common life of the villagers for their livelihood. You will see them fishing in the river, the women do the coir making, a toddy tapper who does his job as a routine, men climbing the coconut trees to pluck the coconuts, later peeling the same to prepare to dry and make oil extraction possible. It’s all about a life experience which you will cherish throughout your life.

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 its 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.

11 Mar – Alleppey Houseboat-B,L & D

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Alleppey to board your Houseboat for a cruise through the backwater villages followed by overnight stay on board. Your meals are cooked and served on board. Explore the amazing backwater life of Kerala! We will arrange a special dinner with candle light along with a bottle on Indian Wine. Your beds will be floral decorated. Overnight at the 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. It’s to be lived and evolved by yourself.

12 Mar – Houseboat-B,L & D

You will continue your cruise on Houseboat .Your meals are cooked and served on board. Explore the amazing backwater life of Kerala! Overnight at the Houseboat.

13 Mar – Alleppey – Marari Beach (1 Hour Drive)-B & L

Enjoy your breakfast on board. Later, checkout & drive to a heritage home in Alleppey for a cookery show followed by lunch. Later proceed to Marari, a relatively quiet beach paradise of Kerala. On arrival check in at the resort on the Beach. Rest of the day at leisure on the beach. You may opt to go for an Ayurvedic Massage or a village walk. Overnight at the Resort.

Kerala has a distinctive cuisine, very unusual and different from the rest of India. Cooking in Kerala is all about discoveries, aromas and colors. Kerala cuisine is very hot and spicy and offers several gastronomic opportunities to those willing to experiment with the local cuisine. Traditionally, in Kerala food is served on a banana leaf. One has to take food with right hand. This cookery demo is not just being in the kitchen, will give your hands on experience, you’ll learn to prepare 3-4 variety of Kerala’s delicacies in a friendly, relaxed, informal environment. Each dish will be demonstrated, prepared and cooked.

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. 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.

14 Mar – Marari-B

Full day at the resort. Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more… An authentic experience of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a re-creation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. You may opt to take an Ayurvedic Massage…Visit the fishermen villages. By evening it may interesting to visit the local temple to watch the local crowd coming for worship and socialization. Overnight at Resort.

15 Mar – Marari Beach -B

Full day at leisure on the beach. Overnight at Resort.

16 Mar –Alleppey-Muziris-Nilambur (260 kms-6 Hours)-B & D

After an early breakfast, check out and drive to Muziris Heritage circuit. You will reach Chendamangalam to visit the Jewish Synagogue and Jewish Cemetry. Afternoon visit Paliam Dutch Palace, Paliam Nalukettu , Kerala Jews Historical Museum at Paravur Synagogue. Later drive to Nilambur Royal Township for overnight stay.

Jews all over the world are a proud lot when it comes to their culture and heritage. Resulting from their diaspora in the sixth century BC, they made their presence felt in different parts of the world. They made India too their home, till majority of them returned to Israel after 1948.
Kerala is one place in India, where the Jewish community made its presence felt in a strong manner.

The synagogue at Chennamangalam reflects traditional Kerala architecture and has utilized western construction technology. Some of the visual attractions of this synagogue are undoubtedly the majestic altar, which stands out for its intricate artwork. The synagogue has a high roof, which at first sight would itself convince one about the difficulties that the craftsmen might have encountered while fixing it. The ceiling of the roof has a brightly coloured chequered pattern, with huge wooden beams giving additional support to the roof.

The short Muziris trail will give you a different picture on the historic thoughts on Kerala where we see a lot of influences during the life of our ancestors which paved ways to a better State later. Its amazing to see in spite of all kinds of invasions and destructions, still Kerala maintains a harmonious way of life and different religions play significant roles in maintaining a harmony within the society and life of Keralites. We could see the emerging of Cochin as the present trade centre due to many invasions in the olden days.

17 Mar -Nilambur-Vythiri/Wayanad (2 Hours)-B,L & D

After breakfast, visit Asia’s first Teak Plantation and Museum. Later, after lunch, check out and drive to Vythiri for overnight stay.

Nilambur Kovilakams or palaces situated at the foot of the Western Ghats along the banks of the river Chaliyar, are architectural marvels known for their beautiful frescoes and wood work. These residences of the local rajas were built according to traditional Kerala architecture and boasts of excellent skill and craftsmanship.

The generous rulers of Nilambur who eventually emerged as one of the richest and most prosperous royal families of Kerala always gave impetus to the welfare of the society and played a significant role in shaping and evolving the Ernad Taluk into a modern township. Nilambur Kovilakam was one of the richest families in Kerala with over 125000 acres land as asset. But unlike many other royal family’s Nilambur Kovilakam gave away a major chunk of its assets for the well-being of the society without taking anything in return. More than 48 thousand acres of land was given to Muthumala wildlife sanctuary on lease which later came under the Government.

The well-known Teak Museum is regarded as the first of its kind in the world and the only one in India; it is a house to the treasures of historical, aesthetic and scientific aspects of Teak. The museum was established on the campus of the sub-centre of Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) in 1995. The museum was established here owing to the historical significance of the region. The world’s first Teak (Tectona grandis) plantation was raised in Nilambur way back in the 1840s in order to ensure a steady supply of Teak timber to the British.

The ground floor of the double-storied museum exhibits a translite of Kannimara Teak, the oldest naturally growing teak tree located at the Parambikulam wild-life sanctuary and the life-size replica of the trunk of the largest known teak tree growing in the Malayattoor forest division. Another translate of a giant tree present in the oldest teak plantation in the Conolly’s Plot at Nilambur offers the visitors a glimpse into the teak plantation activities undertaken 160 years ago. The 142 mtr long hanging bridge across Chaliyar River to Conolly’s plot is also an interesting part of the visit. The largest Teak in this plantation has 4.9 Mtrs width. Some of the other attractions here are the traditional granary and a miniature model of sailing vessel called Uru made of teak wood.

Wayanad, one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization. Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. The aroma of the soil mingles with the wetness of the air and tingles our senses like the caress of a cool wind. Further, the little stream lowing creates a beautiful sound and whoever listens to it feels the beauty of nature. One gets easily mesmerized with the beauty of the surroundings.

18 Mar – Wayanad -B,L & D

After breakfast, you will go for a guided village walk followed by a traditional lunch served on banana leaf. Afternoon at leisure at the resort. Overnight stay.

19 Mar – Wayanad-Mysore (150 kms-4 Hours’ drive)-B

After breakfast, drive to Mysore. You will be driving through Nilgiri Biosphere which will enable you to watch a lot of wildlife on both sides of road. On arrival in Mysore, check into your hotel. Afternoon for sightseeing of Mysore .Visit Maharaja’s Palace (Front Palace), Local market etc. Overnight at the Hotel.

Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There’s an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched. Visit the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. Visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple & a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Mysore is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks. Mysore, an undulating tableland, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests, offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendor of Mysore City and its fabulous Dasara Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centers and scenic spots.

Maharaja’s Palace is a synonym for Mysore in the Tourist Map. Its built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades. The Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. The walled Palace complex houses the Residential Museum, temples and shrines including Shwetha VarahaswamyTemple. The jewel studded golden throne, the pride of the Wodeyars and the symbol of their sovereignity, displayed here during Dussehra festival in October. The Palace will be lit with One Hundred Thousand electric bulbs on Sundays and Public Holidays.

20 Mar –Mysore – B

Full day to explore the Royal City. You will visit Somnathpur, Srirangapatna, Chamundi Hills, Nandi Bull etc. Overnight at the Hotel in Mysore.

The island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatna is just 16km from Mysore city. Inside the fortress is Tipu’s mosque with its twin minarets, the celebrated Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Tipu’s Summer Palace, the Wellesley Bridge, and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned. Equally impressive is the ornate white-domed Gumbaz, an imposing structure with doors of ebony inlaid with ivory and lacquered with Tipu’s tiger-striped emblem. About 1km to the east of the fort is Tipu’s Summer Palace (known as the Daria Daulat Bagh) set amidst a lovely garden.

Somnathpur, a tiny village on the banks of the Kaveri, 140 kms, south-west of Bangalore. This place boasts of one of the last and the grandest of Hoysalamonuments – the Kesava Temple. The riches and splendour of the Hoysala court were already evident in their grand temples at Belur and Dvarasamudra (present day, Halebid).The temple, however, was built by this celebrated army commander, Somnath. Some year ago he had founded a village on the left bank of the Kaveri River, which he named Somnathpur, after himself. All the facts are duly mentioned on the slab in old Kannada script and appear as though to have happened yesterday! Somnathpur is more representative of the age, since it did not suffer destruction as much as Belur and Halebid did and hence offers a more unbroken view of period’s architecture. Often it is referred to as the poor cousin of Belur and Halebid. Its unique design and perfect symmetry are ignored amidst the farms and agricultural lands of surrounding villages.

Fort : It is from here that Tippu charged at the British soldiers with his legendry sword. An obelisk in the Fort marks the place where he fell – betrayed by his own men. Within the Fort is a Mosque and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.

DariaDaulatBagh :Built in 1784, this Summer Palace was one of Tipu’s favorite retreats. It stands on a raised platform at a height of 1.5 metres. The Bagh is situated on the banks of Cauvery river has treasured the paintings, engraving, arms that depict the Valant victories and Struggles of Tipu Sultan. The structure made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes. The corridors showcase murals which describe Tipu’s ordeals in the battlefield against the British.

Museum showcases painting with Tipu wearing a turban, a striped shirt, a necklace and a belt adorned with precious stones with a sword attached. In 1792, G F Cherry painted the portrait. One more portrait was made by Jony Zoffany in 1780. There are pencil sketches of the Tipu’s sons, minister of the Nizam, his son, Krishna Raja Wodeyar III his maternal uncle, Nandi Raja all drawn by Thomas Hickey, an English artist between 1799 and 1801. The museum boast of collection of coins of various denominations of those times and medals made of bronze, silver and copper issued by the English to commemorate their victory over Tipu.

Masjid-E-Ala or JamiaMasjid :The mosque situated near the Bangalore Gate of the fort built by Tippu Sultan It is said that he performed the first imamath himself. standing on a high basement with an open court in the open court in the front and a covered verandah with a spacious prayer hall with the “Mihrab” on the west. There is an inscription mentioning the ninety-nine names of Allah and another records the date of its construction by Tippu in 1787 A.D. There are 2 minarets that are double storied and octagonal in shape with pigeonholes surmounted by domes that adds to the grandeur of the entire structure. There are 200 steps leading to the top of the minarets from where one can get a picturesque view of the Masjid.

Gumbaz :Mausoleum of Tippu Sultan, and his father Hyder Ali and mother Fathima Begam. This was built by Tippu Sultan between 1782-84, the Gumbaz, an imposing structure in the midst of the Lalbagh garden, stands on a high and wide platform with an open verandah of polished pillars all round. The importance of Gumbaz lies in its well-shaped large dome, ivory inlaid doors, carved stone windows of fine workmanship and inscriptions. Tipu’s favorite Tiger stripes cover the walls. Inside are the tombs of Haidar in the center, his wife and his son Tippu on either side. In the verandah and on the platform are the other tombs of Haidar’s family members.

Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon :Named after Colonel Bailey who died here in 1780 A.D., this dungeon was used to imprison Captain Baird, Colonel Brithwite, Captain Rulay, Frazer, Samson and Lindsay by Tipu Sultan. The dungeon measures 30.5 meters width 12.2 meters height and is built of brick and mortar. Prisoners were chained to stone slabs fixed on its walls. During the siege of Srirangapatnam, one of the cannons rolled back, pierced the ceiling and fell into the dungeon. One can see them still lying there .

21 Mar –Mysore-Bangalore Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Bangalore. A short drive through the city to have a glimpse of the Silicon Valley of India. Later you will be brought to an Airport Hotel for freshen up and rest. By Midnight ,you will be transferred to Bengaluru International Airport to connect LH755 ETD Bangalore 0330 to fly back home.

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