Kerala is the most literate State in India with 95% literacy. The State is known for its hygiene standards, cleanliness and health system. Due to the high level of literacy, one of the main impacts was the uplifting of women in the social environment. A number of successful Women Entrepreneurs  turned out in the Economic scenario. There are a large number of Women empowerment projects supported by the Government and NGOs. All these efforts resulted in making women a strong contributor to the economy as well. Now you can see schools run by ladies, self help women groups to operate public transport in cities, catering units and the latest introduction is “She Taxi” which is first in the country. She Taxis are owned and driven by women entrepreneurs for women passengers. Presently the services are available in Cochin & Trivandrum. Kerala State has very strong Political leaders, Senior Police Officers and Administrative Professionals. Our exclusive Women Tour on Kerala takes you to many facets  of women life in Kerala to see how safe the State is for a Lady traveler.

Day 01 – Cochin

On arrival at Cochin, Kerala, you will be met & transferred to your hotel.Afternoon you will be taking a short guided city tour of Cochin. Evening you may scroll through the Fort Kochi area to watch the local people operating the huge Chinese Fishing nets and if you wish you may join with them too.Early Dinner and 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 head quarters due to the proximity of Cochin Port.While Fort Cochin became the administrative head quarters, Mattancherry maintained its trading status.The colonial stature and buildings still make Fort Cochin a favorite destination for tourists.Its 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.

Day 02 – Cochin

Morning, after an early breakfast, visit Kumbalanghi Fishermen Village to experience the village activities.You will be taken in Tuk-Tuks through the narrow village roads. The farmer will demonstrate live fishing and crab catching. You will also meet the village women engaged in various livelihood activities.Later drive to Poothotta,an island village for a village backwater Cruise followed by lunch.Here you can enter the traditional live Kerala Kitchen. Evening visit Pepper Trails Kitchen to witness a cookery demo followed by Dinner.You will also witness and experience the typical Indian Henna session which is a part of almost all Indian weddings.Overnight at the Hotel.

Kumbalangi is a village in Cochin, 13 kms away & it is identified as the first model fisheries and tourism village in India. Experience a ride by an autorikshaw through the narrow country roads from the main road and you can see the village folk engaged in different activities for there livelihood, may be a woman in her village provision shop, a farmer in his paddy field, a fisherman spreading his net, a kid with a fishing net… it goes on.

Village backwater Cruise – An unforgettable journey in a country boat into the pristine backwater villages 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 and enjoy a typical Kerala lunch at a farmhouse.

Kerala has a distinctive cuisine, very unusual and different from the rest of India. Cooking in Kerala is all about discoveries, aromas and colours. 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. Tender coconut water is a refreshing nutritious thirst quencher..Seafood’s are main diet of Coastal Kerala. Here at Pepper Trails, we are trying to pass on a tradition of our kitchen to the World. The cookery demo will be conducted at short distance away from Kochi, in the beautiful ambiance of a Kerala’s modern architectural bungalow, nestled on the top of a valley in its natural setting with a peaceful ambiance  combined with refreshing environment, promising to make your another day in Kerala a wonderful experience. Enjoy a warm welcome by the breath taking lush green landscape complimented by a welcome drink and… now you are a part of our home… This cookery demo is not just being in the kitchen, will give you 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. You will then be able to enjoy tasting each dish and take home the recipes as a memento of your delicious day .

Day 03- Cochin -Munnar

Morning, after breakfast, drive to Munnar, known as nature lover’s paradise (04 Hours). Enroute visit a Spice Farm to familiarize the Spices like pepper,cardamom,ginger,coffee etc.Afternoon go for a Nature History Trail followed by a soft trek through tea plantations.You will also visit Tea Museum to learn more about how tea is being processed.Dinner & 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.

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.

Munnar History Trail is a soft hiking program highlighting the following:

1. Head works dam- the first hydro –electric  project in Kerala built during the British period. The trail leading to the next destination from this point is passing through tea garden and lake side which gives a fine birding walk.
2. The Blossoms Park – The Blossom park is attached to the Head works dam. The tunnel from the dam to the power house is located in the park. Plenty of exotic trees and plants from British period can be seen in this park
3. High range club – It is a club of plantation managers constituted during the British period. An old golf course is also located in this club.
4. Heather cottage – built and found during the British period , this is the first of its kind in Kerala. The founders practiced worshiped Anti-Christ
5. Old hanging bridge – connecting the Old Munnar market with Club road
6. The CSI church- Built during the British period where early planters were buried. It was built in memory of Eleanor Isabel – young wife of a planter died after 7 days of Marriage.
7. Munnar Market- a beautiful vegetable and provision market
8. Fusion Hill- where a mosque, church and temple are located face to face. It is the place which is mentioned in ‘Life of Pie’-

Day 04: Munnar

Full day guided Tea Trail experience. You will be driven to a Tea Plantation to go with the workers to pluck the tea leaves and you will go through the whole process of making tea.In between our Naturalist will give you short Nature walks.Linch will be served at the Estate Bungalow.Finally you will taste your own tea and will take home 500 gms of Tea as memory of your day experience.Overnight at the Hotel.

Munnar –perched on the roof of Western Ghats is explored by John Monroe in 1877 during a land survey of Travancore High range for British India. Later two Scottish men Henry & William Turner pioneered plantations in Munnar under a concession from the then King of High Range. They constituted ‘North Travancore Land Planting & Agricultural Society’ in 1879. There begins the age of Plantations in South Western Ghats. The first plantations were Cinchona, Coffee, Cardamom and Sessile . Later Baron Ato Von Rosenberg, a German planter joined them and constituted United Planters Association of South India (UPASI). In 1895 Finley Company reorganized all plantations and constituted all under their management agent ‘The Kannan Devan Hills Producers Company’. In 1973 , after FERA(Foreign Exchange Regulation Act) came into existence, the Finley company lost its holdings and a new company constituted under their then management company Tata Tea. Thus Tata Finely born. In 1983 Tata took over the complete plantations from the Finely and now its Tata Tea.

Tea history  Trail – ‘From Plant to Packet’

Tea Leaf (Also called “Kolunthu” in Malayalam) in Munnar

An Study tour through the rolling hills of tea garden experiencing Tea from plant to packet. A full day exploration by walk, interaction and participation with planters, and workers . The day start with early morning ride from your hotel to a private tea plantation . The plantation is more than hundred years old and located in the foothill of Aanamudi-the highest peak in South India.

The geographic feature of the area offers excellent scenic wonders including sighting of wildlife. The tour start with a walk through the garden with tea pickers. Our guide – a tea expert – will explain the method and norms of picking . You can join them and start picking tea leaves. Your collection will be taken to a mini factory separately. Mean time you can interact with the workers and supervisor. After a tea break you will be invited to visit their factory. There you can experience all levels of processing and production. Then it is the time for you to make your own tea with the leaves you collected in the morning. You can do all processes in the mini factory with the help of workers.

Your lunch will be arranged in the Colonial Bungalow once used by British Planters. After the lunch a guided walk through the garden in the forest fringe to watch nature, wildlife and birds. Return to the factory by the time of ‘Tea Tasting’. Mean time your own tea, which is picked and processed by you will be ready for packing. After a tea and snack return to your hotel.

The package includes

1. All activities mentioned such as
   1. Plantation walks
   2. Tea picking
   3. Interaction with workers
   4. Tea processing experience
   5. Tea factory visit
   6. Nature walks
2. Lunch at the British Bungalow
3. Tea and snacks
4. One kilo of tea dust
5. Entry fees
6. Camera fees etc

Day 05 – Munnar – Kumarakom (5 Hours drive)

After breakfast, check out from the Hotel & proceed to Kumarakom, which is famous for its backwater & scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. On arrival at Kumarakom check in at your hotel on Vembanad Lake. Your Kerala tour takes a magical turn at this backwater peninsula.You may opt to go for a rejuvenating Ayurveda or a village walk and many more. Overnight at Hotel.

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 favourite 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.

The Vembanad lake body attracts waterfowl like pin-tailed duck, garganey teal, spot-billed duck, birds of prey like osprey, marsh harrier, steppe eagle, etc.Bird lovers can also take a boat trip to the nearby Kaipuzha Muttu, Pathiramanal, Narakathara, Thollayiram Kayal and Poothapandi Kayal to watch local birdlife and migrants which could easily be more than a hundred species.

Day 06 –Kumarakom

Full day at relax on the backwaters.You may opt to visit the nearby town,Kottayam for little shopping or to visit the two famous churches Cheriyapally(Small Church) and Valiyapally (Big Church).Also you may opt to take a boat to visit the Bird Sanctuary or go for a village walk.Dinner & Overnight at Resort.

Day 07: Kumarakom – Houseboat

After a leisurely breakfast, board the houseboat from the resort jetty for a nights stay with on board lunch and dinner, covering the nearby villages and the ethnic life around these villages.You can try cooking on board with the chef.Overnight in 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.Its to be lived and evolved by yourself

Day 08 – Alleppey – Marari

Morning after breakfast on board, checkout & proceed to Marari, a relatively quiet beach paradise of Kerala. On arrival check in at Marari Beach Resort (built in the style of a traditional fishing village with thatched villas that have been designed to be in keeping with the local village style).You may opt to have a rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage. Also visit the butterfly garden and Organic vegetable farm.at the resort escorted by the Naturalist.Evening you can join your Chef to prepare your exclusive dinner at a Speciality Restaurent where the food is prepared from the fresh picked vegetables from the Organic Farm of Marari Beach..Dinner & Overnight at Marari Beach 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 it’s 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.

Day 09 – Marari

Full day at the resort. More of a relaxation… 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 be interesting to visit the local temple to watch the local crowd coming for worship and socialization. Today you will have a Kerala Saree wearing and photo session… Our ladies will help you to learn wearing a saree.Dinner and overnight at Resort.

Day 10 – Marari-Cochin

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Cochin. You may opt to visit a women empowerment society to see how our women work for supporting the family. You may experience sitting in a “SHE TAXI” driven by ladies for women. She Taxi is a new women empowerment project by Government of Kerala which is being supported by Kerala Police. Also visit a Special School for mentally challenged children run by the Christian Women Missionaries along with a vocational unit where many challenged people are working to earn a little share to support their life. Also you will visit a kinder garten. Afternoon you will be taken to the busy City area where all the home shopping takes place. Full of Jewelry and textile showrooms and many more. We may organize a meeting with a Lady Politician to interact with you during dinner.Dinner and Overnight at a City Hotel.

Day 11– Cochin Departure

Like all good things, your experience tour in Kerala comes to an end but you will always carry with you memories of this unique and unforgettable holiday experience. Today, you will be assisted and transferred to Cochin International airport for your flight home!!