8 Nights - 9 Days
Cochin (2N), Kumarakom (2N), Houseboat (1N), Kovalam (3N)
Kerala, fondly referred to as “God’s Own Country” is listed among the “50 must see destinations of the world” by National Geographic Traveller. For its amazing natural beauty, Conde Nast Traveller names it one of the world’s “top tourist destinations”. This tour encompasses major highlights of Kerala, from the port city of Cochin, the backwaters of Kumarakom on Kettuvalams (converted rice barges) to the serene beach in Kovalam. Experience Ayurvedic massage or just sit on a hammock and relax and experience the charm of slow travel. You also get the privilege of experiencing the luxury and comfort of the most authentic and atmospheric hotels in Kerala.
Beach
Cycling
Responsible
Culinary
Day 1 ARRIVE KOCHI
Day 2 IN KOCHI
Day 3 KOCHI – KUMARAKOM
Day 4 IN KUMARAKOM
Day 5 KUMARAKOM – OVERNIGHT HOUSEBOAT
Day 6 HOUSEBOAT – KOVALAM
Day 7 IN KOVALAM
Day 8 IN KOVALAM
Day 9 KOVALAM – THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Kochi International Airport
Platinum guests receive a VIP jet-bridge greeting at Kochi International airport. An Airport Representative will meet you at the Aerobridge, and fast track you through immigration and customs. A Platinum by Trans India representative will escort you to the hotel and will arrange for immediate check-in.
Check-in at Brunton Boatyard Hotel (Deluxe Sea Facing Suite)
Rich in history and a trading port since Roman times, Kochi is one of South India’s most interesting cities. Today, modern Kochi reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. The city comprises of three parts, Fort Kochi, Willingdon Island and Ernakulam. Cochin’s rich history also stems from the fact that it was first a Portuguese colony, later ruled by the Dutch, and then by the British, which is why the buildings and architecture of the Fort Cochin area reflect these multiple influences.
Overnight at Brunton Boatyard Hotel (Deluxe Sea Facing Suite)
Breakfast at hotel
This morning, proceed for sightseeing tour of the Old town of Cochin.
This half day tour of the Port city of Cochin includes visits to the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), featuring astonishing murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends, The Jewish synagogue which is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, built in 1568 and housing the giant scroll of the Old Testament. Also visit the Cochin Harbour area, famous for the Chinese fishing nets and the St. Francis Church which is the oldest church built by Europeans in India and is where Vasco da Gama was buried.
Later visit the home of the renowned culinary artist Nimmy Paul for a cooking demonstration and lunch
Visit the home of Nimmy Paul to witness a cookery demonstration of Keralan Syrian Christian food. Nimmy Paul conducts traditional Keralan Syrian Christian Cookery classes for visiting guests, food writers, chefs and others involved with culinary visual and media services. Here guests have an opportunity to learn about the local cuisine. There will be ingredients identification and tastings, cooking demo showcasing regional dishes.
At sunset, enjoy a Harbour cruise before heading for a Kathakali dance performance
A great way to experience either a Sunrise or Sunset while cruising the waters around the Cochin Harbour, a city also known as the Queen of the Arabian sea. This motorboat cruise passes by some of the islands around Kochi, glides through the main harbor, and finishes at the Chinese fishing nets. While on the cruise, there are also wonderful photo opportunities of nearly all of Cochin’s landmarks.
Visit a local theatre to discover an art form unique to Kerala.
Kathakali is a classical dance form, portraying Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The costumes of the dancers are very colorful and elaborate. Dancers with painted faces depict the various characters of the ancient epics. The Kathakali dancers portray a lot of facial expressions and articulate body movements.
Overnight at Brunton Boatyard Hotel (Deluxe Sea Facing Suite)
Breakfast at hotel
This morning, transfer to Philip Kutty’s farm (approximately 01 hour and 30 minutes drive) to learn about farming below sea level as well as the different crops cultivated, check out process of toddy tapping followed by lunch
Phillip Kutty’s farm is set on a beautiful small island, which was actually reclaimed from the backwaters (Vembanad Lake) in the early 1950’s. The working farm, which practices sustainable organic methods of farming, is two metres below the lake level and has coconut, toddy, nutmeg, banana, cocoa and pepper cultivation not to forget the jumbo prawn (scampi) and karimeen (pearl spot) found in some of the farm canals. Though accessible by road (up to the opposite bank), it is the ‘vallam’ (country boat) that will finally take you across.
Afternoon transfer to Kumarakom and check-in at Kumarakom Lake Resort (Meandering Pool Villa)
On the eastern bank of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a typical Keralan village once known for its rubber plantations. Kumarakom and the nearby islands, having been developed by the tourism department are now a roosting place for migratory birds.
Overnight at Kumarakom Lake Resort (Meandering Pool Villa)
Take a trip to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to discover avian life in the backwaters
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is among the most popular bird watching spots in the country. Spread out over 14 hectares, one comes across numerous rare avian species in these parts. Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, one gets to see a variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, ranging from places like the Himalayas to Siberia. What makes this bird sanctuary unique, is also the fact that it is only accessible by boat.
Breakfast at hotel
Spend rest of your day in the resort or partake one of the many activities offered by the resort including Cycle Tours Peddling your way around the nearby village is a great way to explore your surroundings.
Cycles are available at the resort and you can go for a ride though the village road. A map will also be provided to you to navigate your way through the trails of Kumarakom. The cycling tour in Kumarakom is a favourite and a sure must-do! Canal Cruise Treat yourself to a glorious morning! Book a canal cruise from the resort, where the small boat takes you through the narrow canals where you get to see rich sights of graceful water lilies, lush paddy fields and the everyday lives of the villagers on the banks of the canal as you cruise by in a quiet, motorized canoe boat.
Overnight at Kumarakom Lake Resort (Meandering Pool Villa)
Breakfast at hotel
Late morning, board a Riceboat (Air-Conditioned Houseboat) for an overnight cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey
Float in sheer bliss as Kerala's traditional kettuvalloms or houseboats, styled as per the norms of tradition yet equipped with every luxury and every modern amenity, offer the opportunity to relax on the serene waters of the Lake Vembanad. Stay, dine and truly experience the timeless beauty of life along the banks of Kerala.
Overnight on board Houseboat
Breakfast onboard
Disembark from the Houseboat around 10am and transfer by road to Kovalam (approximately 05 hour drive)
Check-in, at Niraamaya Retreat Surya Samudra (Heritage Premium Room)
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon Hi-tea on the beach.
The beach butlers of the resort will set up a cozy sun mattress and umbrella, for you to laze on. Learn about the secret origin of this beach as you walk down through this stretch below the retreat. Meanwhile the Chef will delight you with delectable nibbles ranging from Tuna Samosas to Tropical fruit tartlets and Cardamom cashew nut biscotti, to pair with a selection of superior teas.
Overnight at Niraamaya Retreat Surya Samudra (Heritage Premium Room)
Breakfast at hotel.
Day at leisure to either just relax on the beach, or indulge in one of the many Spa and Wellness treatments offered by the Resort.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this ayurvedic heritage retreat and let your senses awaken to the sounds of the wind and the waves. Allow therapists to work their magic, restoring your body and mind.
Overnight at Niraamaya Retreat Surya Samudra (Heritage Premium Room)
Breakfast at hotel
Day at leisure to either just relax on the beach
Overnight at Niraamaya Retreat Surya Samudra (Heritage Premium Room)
Breakfast at hotel
Later transfer to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) International Airport to board flight for onward destination
Platinum guests receive a VIP departure assistance at Thiruvananthapuram International airport with a friendly meet and greet host who provides luggage assistance, expedited security check and immigration.