| Day 1 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Arrive Cochin – Transfer to hotel – Cochin Sightseeing |
| Duration | 45 KMS/1 Hour 30 Mints |
| Accommodation city | Francis Residence Fort Cochin http://francisresidence.com/ |
| Meals included | NA |
| Description | On Arrival at Cochin airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel 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 proceed for 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. |
| Day 2 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Drive to Kakkathuruth Island |
| Duration | 30 KMS/ 50 Mints |
| Accommodation city | Kayal Island retreat http://www.kayalislandretreat.com/ |
| Meals included | Breakfast |
| Description | Morning drive to kakkathuruth Island near Alleppey. Kakkathuruth is a spectacular tiny island on Kerala’s backwaters in Alappuzha, has been listed in National Geographic’s ‘Around the World in 24 Hours,’ a photographic tour of travel-worthy spots in the world. The emerald-fringed ‘Island of Crows’ is a quiet place surrounded by Vembanad Lake, offers a haven for birdwatchers. On arrival check in to Kayal Island retreat. Afternoon experience a local Kerala village. experience – Walk through Island , Canoe ride , Meet a farmer , Toddy tapper ,and Fishermen Followed by visit to Toddy shop and Local tea shop. Evening drive back to hotel |
| Day 3 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Drive to Paniyeli poru |
| Duration | 80 KMS 2 Hrs 30 Mints |
| Accommodation city | Quiet by the river Paniyeli poru https://www.cghearth.com/quiet-by-the-river |
| Meals included | Breakfast |
| Description | Morning after breakfast check out from your hotel and drive to Paniyeli poru. Caressed and nourished by the River Periyar, which flows between Malayattoor in the north and Paneli in the south, the place obtained its name from the routine fight of raftsmen with the wild waves of the river. The river also offers one with a panoramic view of this pristine spot. On arrival check in to hotel. Afternoon Proceed for a Nature walk, Organic farm and Rubber plantation visit, Experience natural pools and fishing at river, Witness sunset from canoe and Evening experience Cooking demonstration with chef. |
| Day 4 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Drive to Cheruthuruthy on the way visit Punnathur Anakkotta Guruvayoor |
| Duration | 160 KMS/4 Hours |
| Accommodation city | Eco Garden Resort Cheruthuruthy http://cegpepco.com/ |
| Meals included | Breakfast |
| Description | After breakfast check out from your hotel and drive to Guruvayoor Elephant camp (Punnathur Anakkotta). Punnathurkotta was once the palace of a local ruler, but the palace grounds are now used to house the elephants belonging to the Guruvayoor temple, and has been renamed Anakkotta (meaning "Elephant Fort"). There were 86 elephants housed there, but currently there are about 59 elephants. The elephants are ritual offerings made by the devotees of Lord Guruvayurappa. This facility is also used to train the elephants to serve Lord Krishna as well as to participate in many festivals that occur throughout the year. The oldest elephant is around 82 years of age and is called 'Ramachandran'. The rituals of Gajapooja (Worshipping Elephants) and Anayoottu (Feeding Elephants) are observed here, as an offering to Lord Ganesha. The legendary elephant "Guruvayur Keshavan" was housed here. The compound also has a naalu kettu, a traditional rectangular home with a central courtyard, which belonged to the Punnathur Raja. It is poorly maintained and presently houses a training school for Papans (Mahout). This complex also contains a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bhagavathy. After the visit proceed to Cheruthuruthy, where Kerala kalamandalam is located .on arrival check in to the hotel. |
| Day 5 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Visit Kerala Kalamandalam and spent a day with Masters, Evening drive to Calicut |
| Duration | 110 KMS 3 Hrs |
| Accommodation city | The Beach hotel Calicut http://www.beachheritage.com/ |
| Meals included | Breakfast |
| Description | After breakfast proceed visit Kerala kalamandalam and spend day with masters in Kalamandalam. Kerala Kalamandalam has, for decades, been regarded as the most prestigious Kathakali School in the entire world. This legendary school of art is located in Cheruthuruthy and was originally set up by the famous poet of Malayalam, Vallathol Narayana Menon. The story goes that he recognised a subtle decrease in the interest people had in Kathakali and other traditional art forms and thus started the venture. Today, the Kalamandalam is the foremost proponent of a variety of traditional performing art forms that include Mohiniyattam, Kutiyattam, Thullal and Nangiarkoothu. It is also an official deemed University for Art and Culture. Founded in 1930 along the banks of the Nila (Bharathapuzha) River in Thrissur District, its ambience has assisted and nurtured Kerala’s traditional art forms for nearly a century. Performances and classes are regularly held in Kalamandalam, fostered by its quaint charm. Eminent artists from across the state and beyond perform regularly at its famous dance theatre, Koothambalam. Interestingly, it is the only one of its kind to be built outside a Temple complex. The Koothambalam’s granite pillars are famous for having one hundred and eight karanas (dance-poses) inscribed on them. Watching recitals in these hallowed halls is an ethereal experience. A number of scholarships and awards, sponsored by patrons from across the world, are regularly awarded to aid the student’s journey as artists. 'A Day with the Masters’ is a pilgrimage to the most sacred temple of arts, giving a world class experience to the visitors, with an unique menu of presentations that bring out the grandeur of the institution. This premier cultural tourism product of the ‘Gods Own Country’ is jointly promoted by Kerala Tourism and Kerala Kalamandalam. The tour consists of the following: An audio-visual presentation – Saga of Kalamandalam A Presentation and visit to the Koothambalam – the traditional temple theatre A Visit and Exposition of 10-15 Kalaris (teaching classes) – Classical dances – Mohiniyattam, Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi; Kathakali - Vesham(acting), Make-up, Vocal music, Cholliyattam; Koodiyattam.; Percussion instruments – Chenda, Maddalam, Mizhavu, Thimila and Mridangam; Karnatic classical Music, Thullal A Presentation on Kerala Mural Painting , ‘Nrittyolpathi’, the origin of Dance A visit of the Art gallery, to see costumes, head-gears, masks and jewellery. A glimpse of the old Kalamandalam Campus on the banks of Nila; Portrait-gallery and the tomb of poet laureate Vallathol Narayana Menon, founder of Kalamandalam Evening proceed to Calicut, on arrival check in to your hotel. |
| Day 6 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Morning Drive to Wayanad |
| Duration | 80 KMS / 2 Hours |
| Accommodation city | Wayanad wild https://www.cghearth.com/wayanad-wild |
| Meals included | Breakfast |
| Description | Morning breakfast at your hotel and enjoy the fascinating drive through the Western Ghats as you to head for Wayanad. This is one of the most beautiful drives in all of South India. Arrive at Wayanad and you are assisted with your check-in to your scenic nature resort. Nuzzled in the majestic Western Ghats, Wayanad adorned with lush green mesmeric forests is a haven of diverse species of flora and fauna. The mystic wilderness of Wayanad is the abode of some of the oldest tribes that remain unravished by civilization. This green dreamland is also famed for its sub-tropical savannahs, rich cultural traditions, quaint hill stations, dense forests and lush green spice plantations. |
| Day 7 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Village Experience – Responsible Tourism Mission Visit Uravu Bamboo village |
| Duration | |
| Accommodation city | Wayanad wild https://www.cghearth.com/wayanad-wild |
| Meals included | Breakfast |
| Description | Morning Proceed for Responsible Tourism mission village visit – A day at Nellarachal Experience • Pottery Making - The way the skilled craftsmen of Kerala mould clay to make attractive pottery will surely surprise you. Making of Eucalyptus Oil - A visit to the processing centre of Eucalyptus oil will give you a glimpse of the various stages involved in its making. Plantation Visit - The plantation displays a variety of spices that ranges from the common coffee, tea and cardamom to rare spices that are found exclusively on the hills of Wayanad. Traditional Weapons and Tools Making - Know more about the exciting tools and weapons used by the tribes of Wayanad. It is believed that the Kurichians, the warrior tribes, were the soldiers of King Pazhassi Raja in the guerrilla warfare against the British Visit Uravu Bamboo grove. “Uravu Bamboo Grove” is an eco-friendly community tourism project located on the elevated and picturesque mountain plateau of Wayanad, Kerala, southern India. Situated just outside the peaceful Thrikkaipetta Bamboo Village and surrounded by rice fields, the stunning Uravu Bamboo Grove encircles a beautiful pond and a bamboo grove. The main objective of the Uravu Eco Links tourism project is to develop and run a sustainable, eco-friendly tourism venture by involving and benefitting the local community. The villagers are taking part in the management of the project, which features innovative building designs based on latest environmental standards, locally sourced materials and include the ideas of local artisans. These homespun designs have been paired with local knowledge of sustainable construction and an enthusiastic team of international and local experts in the areas of architecture and design, engineering, innovative water and energy management, tourism and craft. After the visit drive back to resort. |
| Day 8 | |
|---|---|
| From / to Subheading | Departure transfer to Calicut airport |
| Duration | 75 KMS/2 Hours 30 Mints |
| Accommodation city | |
| Meals included | |
| Description | After breakfast check out and transfer to Calicut 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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