Lifescapes Of Malabar Coast, Coffee plantations & Palace City of Karnataka

Who doesn’t like to listen to life stories! The most enchanting way to taste a destination is to know the local community, their life, livelihood and lifestyle. The roads I travelled in South India always gave me new impressions to curate my next story. Kerala as a destination is always known to many but the Northern region, otherwise known as Malabar is an unexplored hidden gem. Worth exploring and experiencing. Whether it’s the traditionally conserved culinary skills of Tellicherry, the bell metal industry, the most revered artisans, local story tellers, the pottery community, local fishermen, the weaving community known for even the Geo Tagged Kasargod Saree, beedi makers, royal families, village temples or mosques, Malabar stands apart. Most significantly, the people, their smiling faces, welcoming nature and family feeling makes Malabar very special. Along with the historic Cochin and refreshing backwaters of Central Kerala, we have curated some interesting stories on the lifescapes of Tellicherry, Nileshar, Coorg Coffee Plantations & Mysore.

Day 01: Arrival Cochin-Kumarakom (2.5 Hours drive)

On arrival at Cochin, you will be driven to Kumarakom, which is known for its lively backwaters, rice fields, coconut farms and village life. Kumarakom is acknowledged by UNWTO in 2014 by honoring the destination with Ulysses award for the best responsible tourism destination in the world.

On arrival. Check into your resort set on the Vembanad Lake to relax and unwind. You may enjoy a relaxing Ayurveda Massage at your resort for rejuvenation. Overnight at the Resort.

Day 02: Kumarakom- Alleppey Houseboat (1 Hour Drive)

After a relaxing breakfast, you will be driven to Alleppey to board your exclusive houseboat for a cruise through the Vembanad Lake followed by overnight stay on board. Your meals will be freshly cooked and served on board. Overnight stay on board Houseboat.

Houseboat in Kerala backwaters was one of the most community oriented project in tourism as this industry created a huge employment opportunity for the local people. The traditional culinary heritage is being conserved and sustained to offer the regional Alleppey/Kuttanadan cuisine on board the Houseboat. The interesting part is that all cooks on Houseboats are men. Houseboat also gives an opportunity to the local fishermen and other vendors to sell their products locally which is another guarantee that the guests get food prepared from the fresh ingredients sourced locally. Even when the local farmers had many climatic chaos like floods which resulted in heavy crop loss, at least the availability of employment to many on Houseboats was a great boon to the local community. Two consecutive floods followed by the Pandemic have made the living in this region a real livelihood issue. During your cruise, you may see the new houses coming up which are all built on raised pillars in fear of floods during Monsoon. As the crew are from the local community, with proper training, now they are taking a special interest on keeping the waters clean and garbage free.

This unique cruise gives an opportunity to understand the local life and livelihood around the backwaters.You will also watch the nature based solutions followed by the local community to mitigate the climate change related disturbances.

Day 03: Alleppey-Cochin (1.5 Hours)

After breakfast on board, check out and drive to Cochin. Check into your hotel on arrival. Afternoon for free walks in Fort Cochin. Evening watch a Kathakali Live performance at a local theatre. Overnight at Cochin.

Fort Cochin still keeps its Colonial remnants reminding us about the presence and passing of various invasions and historic moments. Fort Cochin & Mattancherry, the twin cities closely connected are great examples of the sustainable preservation of a cultural heritage which still chills a curious traveller.

Day 04: Cochin-Poothotta Village (01 Hour Drive)

After an early breakfast, drive to a serene backwater island village-Poothotta for an exclusive experience which is a part of our Community Based Responsible Tourism. On arrival at the other side of the island, the local host along with a guide will receive you to cross the river in a canoe. Further you will be taken through some breath taking narrow canals and village activities like coir making. You will be offered a home cooked meal by the local family

This is an exclusive experience offered to our travellers as a part of our community support imitative and the economic benefits go to the host family which eventually support the local circular economy and sustainable living.

Afternoon, drive back to Cochin for a guided sightseeing covering the historic monuments and cultural heritage at Mattancherry & Fort Cochin. Highlights will be Chinese Fishing Nets, St Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue & Jew Town. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05:Cochin-Kannur (By Train 3.5 Hours)-Tellicherry (45 minutes)

With a packed breakfast, you will be transferred to Ernakulam Railway Station to board Vande Bharath Super Fast Deluxe train departing at 8.25 AM. Vande Bharath trains are the new generation fast trains launched in India connecting cities. On arrival at Kannur at 12 Noon, you will be received to drive to Tellicherry to check into your heritage accommodation.

Heritage 1866 is an amazing heritage bungalow belonging to a local family thought settled in different parts of the world. Its an architectural marvel in a serene rural set up. The unit is maintained and managed by a very sustainable local organisation -Polika Unique Stays and Experiences.

Afternoon, enjoy the tea with local traditional snacks prepared by the lady cook Rubina who has in depth knowledge on the traditional Mappila cuisine of Tellicherry. Mappila stands generally for the newly wedded groom and its said that the first 40 days of the marriage, the wedding house will have an exclusive cuisine for the groom at bride’s house and not a single day, the dishes are not repeated. brings back the legacy of the Mappila cuisine which she conserved from her earlier generation.

Lunch & dinner are to be discussed with the cook who will be happy to cook it your taste of masala grade. I personally have always found the food quantity is high and hence its advisable to ensure that you don’t order too much!

Evening, go for a village walk with Jeril or another local guide to witness the goodness of local people and the serenity of the village. Overnight at Heritage 1866.

Day 06:Tellicherry-History, Culture, Life & Livelihood

Early morning visit the local fishing harbour followed by a walk on Dharmadom Beach. The most fascinating thing I found in this region is the soft and welcoming nature of the local people. Later return to Heritage 1866 for a sumptuous breakfast curated by the magical hands of the cook. All traditional local dishes but customised to match your spice levels.

You may opt little rest in the property after breakfast.You may order your lunch with the cook.

Afternoon, drive to Gundert Museum and later to Tellicherry Fort to explore the historic remains of a bygone era. Herman Gundert and his contributions to the local language played a big role in the rich culture and civilization of the region.

Hermann Gundert’s contributions to Malayalam were profound, mainly for creating the first comprehensive Malayalam-English dictionary in 1872. He also paved the ways of Malayalam journalism with the first Malayalam newspaper, Rajyasamacharam in 1847. His contributions in the educational history of Kerala by establishing schools helped to synchronize the cultural understanding by serving as a linguistic and cultural link between Germany and Kerala.

Return to your room for a freshen up. In the evening, visit Andallur Kaavu at Dharmadom Village which is a sacred grove of the village famous for its festivals and Theyyam performance. The kind of religious harmony in this region is beyond comparison and I was amazed to listen that during the seven days temple festival, everybody in the village will stick to vegetarian food and all fish markets or shops will be closed during the period. This is observed unanimously by the Hindus, Muslims and Christians living harmoniously in this village.

Between October & March, we may find Theyyam performances in this region which we will explore and take you there to witness the unique temple art where the entire village is a part. Theyyam is a Temple ritual art form performed as a ritual by the theyyam artists. Most of the performances stay throughout night in the presence of large crowds. But our exclusive theyyam guides will help our guests for a comfortable watching of the ritual.

Today you deserve a traditional dinner at Heritage 1866 which will be the signature of Tellicherry Mappila Cuisine, you will keep in your memories for life-until you are back!

Day 07:Tellicherry-Nileshwar (2.5 Hours)

After breakfast, drive to Nileshwar, a pristine beach destination with a very long stretch of beachline. Enroute explore Kunhimangalam village near Payyannur and meet one of the local bell metal artists to understand the unique craft which they conserved from their ancestors as a traditional profession. Thought its noted with high concern that the next generation is not entering into this profession, those who are doing the same are so passionate.

By early evening, reach your resort or homestay at Nileshwar to unwind the day and relax. Overnight at the resort.

Day 08:Nileshwar-Kavvayi-Pottery village

Early morning go for a walk through the beach side to watch the fishermen livelihood activities along the coast. Breakfast at your accommodation.

Later visit Kavvayi islands for a mangrove tour with a canoe followed by a visit to the village mussels processing centre which is the source of supply to many parts of Kerala.

You will also visit a local co operative weaving factory to see the conservation of the traditional hand weaving technology where local people are employed.

After this proceed to Pottery village for a guided story telling trail. You will also be offered a farm lunch at one of the village homes. Lunch is being prepared by women from different houses in the village using local ingredients. The women who cooked the food will be happy to serve you the same too.

This unique pottery village is a story in itself starting from the village temple with a deity believed to protect the entire village. I found such a harmony among the village community who co operate seamlessly in pottery making which is an endemic profession. The village people try their best to conserve their traditional profession and still follow the same methods their ancestors brought forward.

Later after watching the pottery making, you will be taken to a traditional beedi (Local cigarette) making unit which is now very rare to watch. Mostly local women are working here in a co operative organisation set up.

Day 09:Nileshwar -Kasaragod Saree weaving unit – Malik Deenar mosque visit

After breakfast, drive to Kasargod Saree weaving centre. Kasargod saree should be the first Geo Tagged Saree in Kerala to go with a sustainability label.

Before winding up the day, you will visit the gigantic Malikdeenar Great Juma Masjid which is said to be around 1400 years old. Though there were some recent renovations, the structure stands as an example of highly conserved traditional architecture. The Mosque welcomes everyone coming there to go inside by taking out your shoes outside and washing your feet.

Return to your accommodation in Nileshwar for overnight stay.

Day 10:Nileshwar-Coorg (3.5 Hours)

After breakfast, drive to Coorg. Upon arrival in Coorg check in to the hotel. of the day at leisure in the midst of Coffee plantations. Early evening, you may go for a coffee plantation walk. Overnight at Hotel

Coorg or Madikeri is a sought out plantation hill station in Karnataka with sprawing Coffee plantations and lively villages. place is known for its peaceful location and moderate climate. local people are one of the most hospitable kind of people in India.

Day 11:Coorg

After breakfast, visit one of the biggest Tibetan Settlements and Madikeri Fort etc. Afternoon at leisure at the resort. Overnight at the Resort.

Tibetan Monastery: His Holiness, Pema Norbu Rinpoche, established Namdroling Monastery shortly after he came to India from Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama consecrated the spot and bequeathed the name “Namdroling Monastery.” Today the monastery is home to nearly 5000 monks and nuns, renowned as a center for the pure upholding of the teachings of the Buddha. Now, the Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery is the largest teaching center of Nyingmapa; a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. The monastery is home to a sangha community of over five thousand monks and nuns, a religious college (or shedra) and hospital. The huge investment of time and energy made by Penor Rinpoche to build his monastery has borne abundant fruit. Among those who have studied, or are studying, at the monastery, are all the major lineage holding tulkus and lamas of the Palyul tradition, including the fifth Karma Kuchen Rinpoche, the third Choktrul Rinpoche and the third Rago Choktrul. Their spiritual training is directed and guided by Penor Rinpoche himself. Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe also has a retreat centre, opened in 1985, where thirty monks undergo an intensive three-year retreat. Penor Rinpoche personally instructs them in the Dzogchen Longchen Nyingtik cycle. Every autumn, according to the tradition of the Palyul Monastery, he gives instructions on Ngondro, Tsalung and Dzogchen from the Namcho cycle of Terton Mingyur Dorje. Students attend this one month retreat from the Institute, monks from the monastery and lay people. It was Penor Rinpoche’s dream, and something he continues to emphasize, that students would be able to combine in-depth, intensive study with practice, and now the monastery offers the perfect setting in which to do this. It is a must visit for those interested in Buddhism and its philosophy or just in general to see the hub of the burgeoning of Buddhism in India.

Madikeri Fort was first built as a mud fort by Mudduraja in the last quarter of the 17th century. He also built a palace inside the fort. It was eventually rebuilt in granite by Tipu Sultan who named the site as Jaffarabad. Madikeri Fort, built of brick and mortar, had witnessed several fierce battles. In 1790, Doddavira Rajendra took control of the fort. The palace was renovated by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1812-1814.In the north-east corner at the entrance are two life size masonry elephants and a church is present in the south-east corner. The fort offers panoramic views of the city from its walls. This is a fort with archaeological value and a marvel of architecture. The centuries old Madikeri Fort with its stone ramparts houses the prison, a temple, a chapel, a small museum, and assorted government offices. Raja’s Seat is a small pavilion with a garden surrounding it; offering a view of the green valley below. According to legend, the kings of Coorg spent their evenings here. The spectacular sunset and the far stretching blue mountains will take ones breath away.

Day 12:Coorg-Mysore (3 Hours)

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and drive to Mysore. On arrival at Mysore, check into your hotel. Afternoon, Sightseeing of Mysore to visit Devaraja Market, Maharaja Palace etc. Overnight at the Hotel.

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.

 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 centres and scenic spots.

Day 13:Mysore

Full day guided city tour of Mysore’s suburbs visiting Srirangapatna, Chamundi Hills & Somnathpur etc. Overnight stay in Mysore

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 grandtemples 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.

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.

Day 14: Mysore-Bangalore (3.5 Hours)

After breakfast, drive to Bangalore. Afternoon, a short guided tour of Bangalore. Overnight at Bangalore.

Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka and best known internationally as an IT hub that rivals silicone valley. It is easy to see why it is the favourite of the Tecchies with its salubrious climate, its tree-lined avenues, its trendy bars and clubs, it is a city of striking contrasts. Bangalore today is Asia’s fastest growing cosmopolitan city. The VidhanSoudha is a major attraction which presently functions as the state legislative assembly and a marvelous example of Neo-Dravidian architecture. The City boasts of spacious gardens, parks, tree-lined avenues, a profusion of flowering trees and lakes earning it the synonym of Garden City. With its booming economy and racy lifestyle, the capital of Karnataka has metamorphosed from a sleepy Garden City into one of India’s fastest growing cities. Bangalore is still popular for maintaining the Green inspite of the expansion of the City as one of the Metros of India. The Cubbon Park in the heart of the city, Lal Bagh (famous for the blooming red roses), and the Bangalore Palace are some of the other must see attractions of this garden city. The Tipu’s Palace and the adjoining fort are fine examples of Indo-Islamic architecture that also offer a glimpse into the Mughal lifestyle of the day. Besides, one can also visit the Aquarium, which is the second largest in the country.

Day 15:Bangalore Departure

Today, you will be transferred to Bangalore International Airport to board your flight home or onward journey.