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Kerala’s Chai & Masala

Kerala is synonym with Ayurveda , Backwaters, Spices Houseboat.. From the European neighbourhood of Cochin to the tea plantations of Munnar, you will witness the diverse landscapes and captivating culture in Kerala. Indulge in a moonlit dinner as you drift down the serene canals around Alleppey in a Houseboat and end the journey with a beach holiday or an relaxing rejuvenation therapy at some of the best Ayurveda retreats available here.

Travel Route

Cochin – Munnar – Periyar – Kumarakom –Alleppey – Kovalam – Trivandrum

  • Experience the exceptional history of Cochin that dates back over 600 years
  • Enjoy the traditional costumes and music of a Kathakali performance
  • Visit tea factory and learn about the processing of Tea, also visit the plantations in the magnificent Munnar Hills
  • Discover the exquisite wildlife at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, from wild bison to elephants
  • A tour of spice plantation
  • Traverse the charming backwater canals around Alleppey in the private comforts of a houseboat
  • Feel the soothing warm sand and rejuvenating waters on the shores of the Arabian Sea at Kovalam

Day 01- Arrive Cochin

Welcome to Cochin, the gateway to Kerala and a city filled with layers of history. The Portuguese built their first stronghold along the northern tip of the peninsula. You are met at the airport by our representative and transfer  to your hotel.

Visit the antique Chinese fishing nets which creates a skyline above the Arabian Sea. The nets are around 60 ft wide suspended on wooden supports that are around 30 ft tall. You can see them dip down into the water, counter balanced by large stones and guided by agile fishermen.

In the evening enjoy a cultural evening of Kathakali performance. The classical Indian dance-drama is filled with elaborate costumes and intricate movement with traditions that date back to the 17th century. The costumes are vibrant and almost tell the story on their own.

Overnight at hotel

Day 02- Cochin / Munnar by Road  ( 130 kms / 4 hrs Approx)

In the morning you will tour through the city visiting the Dutch Cemetery was consecrated in the 18th century. The headstones are worn but the names and dates are remarkable, each one commemorating a Dutch merchant, soldier, or trader. The Paradesi Synagogue remains a historic jewel.The interior is extravagant. The tiles sparkle a bright blue. Belgian glass chandeliers dangle from the ceiling. Within the opulence there is a harmony, decorating the synagogue and the eclectic past of Cochin.

In the afternoon you will drive to Munnar and by evening reach Munnar Town

Overnight at hotel

Day 03- Munnar

Hill of Munnar  are verdant and look endless. The green of tea plantation stretches over the rolling mountains in the distance. Women tow through the tea fields and pick the budding leaves.

With special emphasis to Munnar, and to the delight of tea lovers and tourists, Visit the TATA group’s Tea Museum which houses photographs and machineries each depicting a turning point that contributed to a flourishing tea industry, as seen today in the region. Also you can see a short documentary flim on the origin and about Tea Plantation. A demonstration room for tea tasting is another attraction where one would come across different varieties of tea.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 04- Munnar / Periyar by Raod  (100 kms/  3 hrs Approx.)

Morning leave for Periyar leaving behind the endless green of Munnar , a city adjacent to the natural splendor of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Western Ghats Mountain Range creates a horseshoe-like valley. The mountains are draped in lush foliage.

Take a boat ride on lake Periyar surrounded by  evergreen forest standing vibrant and strong. Thin branches reach up from water. One can spot a herd of sambar deer at the water’s edge. They linger on the plain and dip their heads to nibble on the grass. The water glistens; the deer are quiet and graceful. A single male has prominent and powerful horns. His coat is richer than the surrounding herd. The deer disappear into the trees and the night comes soon after. There are chances of seeing wild elephants around the lake .

Overnight at hotel

Day 05- Periyar/ Kumarakom  by Road (113 kms / 3 hrs Approx)

After breakfast you leave for a spice plantation tour where you visit a farm and know about the various spices grown there followed by a cup of Tea.

Proceed to Kumarakom. The foothills and morning mist gives way to the endless blue sky and towering palm trees. The canals around the city have become famous and the preferred means of transportation in the area. With the afternoon at your leisure you can enjoy the quiet waterways or venture out into the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to witness some of the celebrated avifauna of Kerala.

Overnight at hotel

 

Day 06 – Kumarakom / Alleppey  by Road ( 33 kms / 1 hr Approx.)

Alleppey, known as the “Venice of the South.” The calm water ripples against the lush riverbanks. You board a houseboat and drift down the charming network. The boat is luxurious and comfortable. Near Vembanad Lake the land surrounding the banks gives way to paddy fields. Shallow wooden skimmers are filled with mounds of produce.

It is like that you have arrived in a different world made of tropical scenery and lush serenity. You stop during the cruise to buy fresh fish of choice In the evening your private chef uses the local ingredients to create a spectacular dish to surprise you. The scent of chili and cloves emanate from the kitchen. The night sky is rich with twinkling stars. The canal banks are remarkably quiet. You savor the meal, dining beneath the unparalleled starlight as you continue to cruise alongside reaching palms.

Overnight on houseboat

Day 07- Allepey  / Kovalam  by Road  ( 159  kms / 4 hrs Approx.)

The morning sun paints the canals with an orange stripe. Bright green is illuminated along the leaves and grasses. Breakfast brings you the familiar flavors of chai masala and some Appam which is local bread of Kerala.

Deboard at the Jetty and transfer  to Kovalam.  The lighthouse stands on a rocky hill outcrop and is candy striped. It stands 118 feet tall. The color itself is almost enough to shine over the gentle water of the Arabian Sea.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 & Day 09 – In  Kovalam

The sunrise over Kovalam is soaked in rich orange. The sounds of jovial fishermen fill the air and cover the lapping waves. You can enjoy fluffy rice pancakes soaked in coconut milk or the sweet flavors of fresh banana and mango. The day is at your leisure to experience the beach on your own way ,  whether stretching out along the warm sand or sitting in a café and watching the day pass  or take a Ayurveda spa  or  do some Yoga.

Overnight at hotel

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Day 10 – Kovalam / Trivandrum  Departure

Transfer to Trivandrum where you will make your flight home.