| Day 1 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Arrive Cochin – Drive to Kumbalangi |
| Duration | 45 KMS/2 Hours |
| Accommodation city | Gramam Homestay Kumbalangi – Kochi https://gramamhomestay.com/ |
| Meals included | Dinner |
| Description | On Arrival at Cochin airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transfer to Kumbalangi village in Cochin where you are assisted with check in .The next day's plans are briefly reviewed and you are presented with your welcome package includes your travel documents. Afternoon you are at leisure to explore your homestay and surrounding village. |
| Day 2 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Cochin sightseeing ,Cooking demonstration and dinner with Kerala family |
| Duration | |
| Accommodation city | Gramam Homestay Kumbalangi – Kochi https://gramamhomestay.com/ |
| Meals included | Dinner |
| Description | Start your day with guided exploration of the fascinating port city of Cochin and marvel in its culture and architecture, a result of centuries of various European influences combined with rich indigenous history. The guided tour begins from the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays), which was built in 1568 and is still an active house of worship for the few remaining Jews in the area. Next to the synagogue is Cochin’s ancient and colorful Jew Street with its antique stores, souvenir peddlers and spice market. There is evidence of a Jewish presence in Kochi from 70 A.D. After the synagogue you visit the St. Francis Church, which was established by the Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503. This is one of the first European churches built in India, and the famed Vasco Da Gama was buried in its courtyard for a few years before his remains were returned to Portugal. You now visit the famous dhobi Ghana in Cochin. Dhobi Ghana is an open air Laundromat in Fort Cochin India. The washers, known as dhobis, work in the open to clean clothes and linens from Cochin's hotels and hospitals. The origins of the dhobi khana lie in the colonial period, when British officers brought many Tamil villagers to Kochi to work as washer men. This Tamil community was first organised together in the 1920s, and came to be known as the Vannar community and has retained its cohesive identity over the years. This is what might possibly be the only Dhobi Khana (community laundry space) in Kerala, existing in the city successfully for many decades, thanks to a fair number of Kochi citizens who prefer their clothes washed by hand. Finally you visit the most photogenic of Cochin’s attractions, the Chinese fishing nets. Folklore will have it that these enormous nets (or at least their design) were brought here by famed Chinese Explorer Zhang He about 600 years ago. Local fishermen manipulate these massive nets with an ease that comes from centuries of practice – it is a vocation handed down by generations. The lowering and raising of the nets has a synchronicity and rhythm that is quite an amazing experience. Some of the nets are more than a century old as the fishermen patch them up and keep going. Finish your exploration with a short guided walk through Fort Kochi and experience the unique local culture and architecture – Fort Kochi is one of India’s best cities to explore on foot. You will be driven back to your hotel after your walk. In the evening you are driven to an experience that is the highlight of many of our guests’ time in Kerala. You will be hosted by a famous Kerala Chef and her family at their home. A delicious dinner will follow, and cooking lessons are included. At the end of dinner you will be driven back to your hotel. |
| Day 3 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Cochin- Thodupuzha |
| Duration | 80 KMS 2 Hrs 30 Mints |
| Accommodation city | Dewalokam Homestay Thodupuzha http://dewalokam.in/ |
| Meals included | Dinner |
| Description | Morning after breakfast check out from your hotel and drive to Thodupuzha and check in to Dewalokam Kerala homestay. Dewalokam is the ancestral farm of an ancient Syrian Christian family of Kerala. Dewalokam is a very special place, a farm with luxuriant vegetation on the banks of a small river. They celebrate life with good food and friendly environment. Completely cut off from the cities and ‘madding crowds’ it is located in the lap of nature, lulled by a murmuring river and birdsong. Their family will be delighted to show you the organic farm and tell you about the unusual trees and plants, many of which have medicinal uses. The word Dewalokam may be translated into “paradise”. |
| Day 4 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Activities at Dewalokam homestay |
| Duration | |
| Accommodation city | Dewalokam Homestay Thodupuzha http://dewalokam.in/ |
| Meals included | Dinner |
| Description | Today you are at leisure to explore the activities at your homestay. Spice Walk, Bamboo Rafting, Forest Walk, Village walk, Cycling on the Village Road, Swimming in the Fresh Water Pool , Swim in the River, School Visit, Visit Thommankuthu Waterfalls , Shop like a Local, Visit the Temples ,Birding , Spotting Butterflies, Cooking Demo , Watching the Extraction of Honey, Milking the Cow , Rubber Processing , Gain hands-on Experience in Organic Farming , Photographic Holidays , Painting Holidays are the activities offered by the homestay . |
| Day 5 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Drive to Chinnar wild life sanctuary |
| Duration | 150 KMS 4 Hrs 30 Mints |
| Accommodation city | Chinnar Eco living By Spice tree https://chinnarecoliving.com/ |
| Meals included | Dinner |
| Description | Check out from your homestay in the morning and enjoy the fascinating drive through the Western Ghats as you to head for Chinnar. This is one of the most beautiful drives in all of South India. Arrive at Chinnar and you are assisted with your check-in to your scenic nature resort. In the eastern parts of the high ranges of southern Western Ghats lies Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The south side of the sanctuary is covered by Eravikulam National park and the north side is by Indira Gandhi wildlife sanctuary. The 90 km sq. sanctuary is unique with its floral, ecological, geomorphologic and cultural significance. Chinnar is a unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species. This sanctuary is one among the 12 protected areas of Kerala. This is an ideal place for trekking, Chinnar is located in the rain shadow region of Western Ghats and receives very less amount of rainfall every year. Due to this extensive variation of rainfall, Chinnar is blessed with a wide array of habitat types like deciduous forests, dry thorn scrub, riparian forest, shoals and grasslands. There is an extensive sandlewood forest nearby the sanctuary, which is an added attraction. Chinnar has about 1000 species of flowering plants and a wide variety of medicinal plants. You can sight here 225 recorded species of birds and also the endangered species of Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. Other important mammals that you can see here are elephant, tiger, leopard, guar, sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri Tahr k etc. Afternoon you are at leisure to enjoy the facilities at your resort. |
| Day 6 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Day Activities at Chinnar Eco living |
| Duration | |
| Accommodation city | Chinnar Eco living By Spice tree https://chinnarecoliving.com/ |
| Meals included | Dinner |
| Description | Today you are at Leisure to explore the facilities at your resort. Morning enjoy walking trek to Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. |
| Day 7 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Drive to Dindigul |
| Duration | 130 KMS/4 Hours |
| Accommodation city | Rajakkad Estate Dindigul http://www.rajakkadestate.com/ |
| Meals included | Dinner |
| Description | Morning, Check out from your resort and proceed to Dindigul. This is a journey to the hill country of Southern India. It is a world to be found in the lush forests, the coffee estates and the grandeur of the Palani Hills. At 1000 meters above sea level and set in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Rajakkad Estate offers a sense of serenity and tranquility. Life here has changed very little over the last century. For the traveller seeking a world apart or for the explorer in search of adventure, there can be no better setting. As for those in search of peace, look no further. On arrival check-in to Rajakkad Estate. Rajakkad estate or Pallam Palace is the house that sits at the heart of the old Rajakkad plantation. A small garden hotel with 7 unique bedrooms within an 18th century wooden structure that perfectly expresses its rich architectural heritage. Originally constructed in the 18th century, this building is a fine example of the southern vernacular, a jigsaw of wooden parts influenced by the house building traditions of Kerala. Drawn from the forests of the Western Ghats, it is a construction of many thousands of interlocking beams, panels and screens, sheltered by a roof canopy that appears to float above, making light of a structural complexity that reflects a forgotten refinement. Rajakkad's Pallam Palace began life in a very different environment. It settles now with quiet authority upon its hill, having found its way here. Twice dismantled, twice transported, and twice re-assembled, a living testimony to its wondrous construction. |
| Day 8 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Activities at Rajakkad Estate |
| Duration | |
| Accommodation city | Rajakkad Estate Dindigul http://www.rajakkadestate.com/ |
| Meals included | Dinner |
| Description | Today you are at leisure to explore the activities at Resort. What you see today has been very much guided by a dedicated team of friends of Rajakkad. |
| Day 9 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Drive to Vandenmedu |
| Duration | 150 KMS/4 Hours |
| Accommodation city | Carmelia Haven Tree house Vandenmedu http://www.carmeliahaven.com/ |
| Meals included | Dinner |
| Description | Morning after breakfast Check out from hotel and drive to Carmelia haven Vandenmedu. Cardamom bushes, pepper vines and the seductive scents of clove and cinnamon. And, lingering in a tender, fragrant embrace, ginger and nutmeg, Trees abundant in season with succulent tropical fruit. Exquisitely furnished cottages and suites with thatch roofs, lofty tree houses and honeymoon suites with beautiful views that extend welcome to cupid’s designs. Carmelia Haven is a stylish, eco-friendly resort set amidst a tea and cardamom plantation where guests will be in communion with many of nature’s many splendored charms. Situated close to the village of Vandanmedu, a half hour drive from Thekkady. On arrival check in to Tree house. Evening you are at Leisure to explore the activities at your retreat. |
| Day 10 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Activities at Periyar wildlife sanctuary |
| Duration | |
| Accommodation city | Carmelia Haven Tree house Vandenmedu http://www.carmeliahaven.com/ |
| Meals included | Dinner |
| Description | Start your day with a drive up to Lake Periyar and proceed for a spectacular range hiking and rafting Programme through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. This unique wildlife experience begins at 7.30 am from the Boat Landing Point in Thekkady; a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before you get into your rafts made of bamboos. Begin with a two-hour long trek, an hour and a half long rafting up Periyar Lake. You will return in the same manner to the starting point of the excursion at 1230 pm. During this trail, you will drift through pristine wilderness, spot large mammals, birds and indigenous people fishing in the lake. Afternoon visit a neighboring spice plantation where an experienced naturalist will guide you through scores of different spice plants and illustrate their medicinal and gastronomical properties. Evening you are at leisure to enjoy local activities at your resort. Upon request you can spend time with the chefs who will give you insights into the preparation of the delightful local cuisine that they offer. |
| Day 11 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Drive to Kumarakom back waters |
| Duration | 120 KMS/4 Hours |
| Accommodation city | Philipkutty’s Farm Kumarakom https://philipkuttysfarm.com/ |
| Meals included | Breakfast |
| Description | Morning after breakfast proceed to Kumarakom backwaters and check in to Philipkutty’s Farm. The centuries old backwaters of Kerala consist of a network of many rivers, canals and natural water bodies, fed mostly by the monsoon rains that crisscross the narrow coastal belt of Kerala. Unlike the hills, beaches and wild life which are found in other parts of the India, the backwaters are unique to Kerala because of the vibrant community life along the banks, which is throbbing with its own unique culture. Among the many features of Kerala’s backwaters that make it unique are the vibrant community life on its banks which is both adapted to, and dependent on, the waters, the reclaimed farms, the network of canals and rivers, the flora and fauna, the indigenous methods of fishing, the handmade country boats which are works of art, the coir fibre production and finally the locally-sourced, delicious cuisine. All this makes Kerala and its backwaters a destination of distinction and character, indeed something very special. Set in the midst of this natural and cultural splendor is Philipkutty’s Farm. About Host: Mrs. Anu - We are prominent members of the local community, and have our roots in agriculture. My late husband’s grandfather was involved in land reclamation and my father-in-law, the late Philipkutty’s, received the ‘Kera Kesari’ award for the best coconut cultivator from the Government of Kerala in 1994. Staying with the family is an unforgettable experience with, we hope, fond memories to take back home. As hosts, we reside on the property full time, and our personalized attention is assured. All the guests at Philipkutty’s Farm are welcomed and cared for by the family. We are fully involved and will gladly take you around the farm or the many places of interest or just sit and chat with you, without compromising your privacy. The family takes a lot of interest in personalizing your stay, depending upon your interests. We are always there to make your holiday a memorable experience. We therefore strive to give our guests the undiluted real Kerala experience by getting to know an authentic Kuttanadan (backwater) family, a taste not only of the delicious local cuisine but also the region’s rich cultural heritage and in a beautiful setting. In short, it is our vision to sustain and enhance your ‘Sense of Place’ and all that Philipkutty’s Farm has to offer reflects this. |
| Day 12 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Day at Philipkutty’s Farm house |
| Duration | |
| Accommodation city | Philipkutty’s Farm Kumarakom https://philipkuttysfarm.com/ |
| Meals included | Dinner |
| Description | After breakfast proceed for short tour to the farm in and around philipkutty’s. It has an interesting mix of inter-crop cultivation’s. You can experience from close the cultivation of commercial crops like coconut, banana, cocoa, nutmeg, pepper and the culture of fresh water jumbo prawns (scampi).The farm is made up of ridges and canals, with all the planting done on the ridges. The canals are used for natural fish culture. Karimeen (Pearl spot) and fresh water jumbo prawns (scampi) are grown naturally in some of the canals. The major crops on the farm are coconut, toddy tapping, nutmeg, cocoa, banana, pepper and many other fruits, vegetables and spices. The farm also has a few cows, geese, ducks and hens. After the farm tour you will be hosted a delicious lunch with Kerala dishes cooked by the graceful and skilful Mrs. Mathew Senior, are often the highpoint of the day. Expect traditional Kerala cuisine - big on fish, coconut and vegetarian dishes - using organic, home-grown fruit, vegetables and spices, plus fresh king prawns and karimeen (or pearl spot) fished from the farm canals. Later board the motorboat to travel to hotel at Kumarakom with enjoying the beautiful picturistic view of backwaters. |
| Day 13 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Drive to Alleppey and board houseboat |
| Duration | 35 KMS/1 Hour |
| Accommodation city | Alleppey Houseboat |
| Meals included | Lunch , Dinner |
| Description | Morning Check out from the farm stay and driven to the Alleppey backwaters. Arrive at Alleppey and you are assisted in boarding your houseboat. Take our word for this, your backwaters cruise will very likely become one of your most treasured travel memories. The incredible lushness of the vegetation around the fresh water canals, rivulets and lakes, the beauty of the water bodies themselves and the abundance of coconut trees and other exotic plants create a subtropical environment not found elsewhere on this planet. When you combine this with the opportunity to be part of a unique way of life that hasn’t changed much for a few centuries, it results in most visitors’ second highest rated experience in India (after the Taj Mahal). Relax and have a great time until the next morning as you cruise the amazing backwaters. The cook and other staff make sure that all your needs are taken care of, while serving you with delicious Kerala cuisine. You have the option of taking shore excursions at one or two of the tiny rural communities as you cruise by – the locals are very friendly and communicative. |
| Day 14 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Departure transfer to Cochin airport |
| Duration | 45 KMS/2 Hours |
| Accommodation city | NA |
| Meals included | NA |
| Description | Morning disembark from houseboat and transfer to Cochin airport. |
| General Info | |
|---|---|
| Inclusions |
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| Exclusions |
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| Payment policy | If any specific to the itinerary (by default Lotus payment policy will be applied/displayed) |
| Cancellation policy | If any specific to the itinerary (by default Lotus cancellation policy will be applied/displayed) |
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