Exotic Kerala Tour: Unveiling the Malabar Coast

Daywise Tour Plan

  • day1

    Arrival at Cochin & Transfer to the Hotel

    Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a city in southwest India's coastal Kerala state. It has been a port since 1341, when a flood carved out its harbor, opening it to Arab, Chinese, and European merchants. Sites reflecting these influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, typical of Kochi, have been in use for centuries.

    In the evening, enjoy a special treat as we witness the strength and vigor of Kathakali dance drama. This traditional art form enacts episodes from great Indian epics. The extremely stylized gestures, elaborate make-up, masks, and splendid costumes of these all-male dancers recreate an incomparable sense of pageantry.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day2

    Cochin Sightseeing

    After breakfast, we proceed for Cochin sightseeing.

    The true character of the city is found in the older parts of the Fort Cochin area, which has preserved its essence over a millennium. Narrow roads are flanked by ancient buildings that have undergone patchwork repairs through the centuries. This part of the city reflects a unique blend of medieval Portuguese, Dutch, and English influences grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast.

    The fishing community of Cochin is equally captivating, renowned for its ancient cantilevered fishing nets called Chinese Fishing Nets. These nets are fixed to poles on the shore and operated using a primitive fulcrum mechanism with long bamboo poles. Our exploration includes sights of both photographic and cultural interest. We will also visit the 16th-century Mattancherry Palace, known as the Dutch Palace due to substantial renovations by the Dutch in the 17th century.

    The double-storied quadrangular building surrounds a courtyard containing a Hindu temple. The Central Hall on the first floor served as the coronation hall of the Rajas of Cochin, showcasing their attire, turbans, and palanquins. However, the palace's most remarkable feature lies in its astonishing murals in the bedchambers and other rooms, depicting scenes from the Ramayana and other religious legends. These murals are among the most beautiful and extensive found anywhere in India.

    A unique feature here is the isolated Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD 52. They maintain their own self-contained existence with a synagogue. Surrounding the synagogue is 'Jew Town,' a main center of the spice trade. Scores of small firms cluster in old, dilapidated buildings, and the air is filled with the aroma of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, and cloves. The area bustles with activity, as potters load gunny bags of spices onto carts that navigate the narrow lanes. We will visit Jew Town in the Mattancherry section, a short walk from the ferry, occupying a single street. In the past, Jews inhabited nearly all houses on Jew Town Road, engaging in trade or working as oil pressers and carpenters. The spice markets still thrive along this narrow street.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day3
    Cochin - Munnar (By Surface)

    After breakfast, drive to Munnar. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax.

    Munnar offers a journey through high mountains, unspoiled valleys, and cool, scented air infused with the aroma of spices. The picturesque scenery is sure to captivate you. Our staff will assist you upon arrival in Munnar and accompany you to your hotel or resort. Take some time to unwind, and for the rest of the day, explore the beauty of the lush coffee and tea gardens, enjoy panoramic views, and experience the salubrious climate.

    You can also indulge in shopping for tea, green tea, coffee, cashew nuts, homemade chocolates, and spices at reasonable prices at Abbas & Co. Tea Merchants and Green Land Spice Supermarket.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day4
    Munnar Sightseeing

    Proceed for the sightseeing of Munnar.

    Kerala has always been renowned worldwide for its spices. The finest Kerala dishes blend exotic spices and delicate herbs masterfully. Our chef will introduce you to popular and traditional Kerala recipes, ensuring an easy and relaxed experience. This activity is ideal for those seeking to savor the true flavors and preparations of Kerala cuisine.

    In the afternoon, we will visit the Tea Museum inaugurated by Tata Tea, a leading producer of packaged tea, dedicated to preserving the history of tea plantations in India. The Munnar Tea Museum showcases exclusive artifacts such as the 'Pelton Wheel' used in power generation, the original tea roller, and an ancient rail engine wheel from the Kundale Valley that transported materials in Munnar. Moreover, the museum pays tribute to the unsung heroes who transformed Munnar into a prominent tea plantation center in Kerala, India.

    For those interested, an optional detailed tea tasting experience can be arranged at SpiceTree upon prior request. You will learn about tea production and explore the various tea varieties available in Munnar, concluding with a high tea session.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day5
    Munnar - Periyar/Thekkady (By Surface)

    After breakfast, drive to Periyar. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

    In the afternoon, embark on a wildlife exploration adventure. Periyar National Park, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, is located in the mountainous Western Ghats of Kerala, southern India. This wildlife sanctuary is renowned for its tiger population, significant elephant herds, rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards, and Indian bison. The park's northern region features Periyar Lake, popular for boat rides, while spice plantations surround the nearby town of Kumily.

    Return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing stay.

    Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • day6
    Periyar/Thekkady - Alleppey (By Surface)

    After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and embark on the houseboat cruise.

    Alappuzha (or Alleppey) is a city on the Laccadive Sea in the southern Indian state of Kerala, renowned for its serene backwaters. Houseboat cruises along these tranquil canals and lagoons offer a unique experience. Alappuzha Beach hosts the 19th-century Alappuzha Lighthouse, while Mullakkal Temple showcases traditional architecture. The annual snake boat races on Punnamada Lake are a famous local event.

    Your houseboat will glide through the backwaters, allowing you to admire the scenic villages and local markets along the canals. Enjoy this Alleppey backwaters day tour.

    Optionally, you can take canoe rides offered by locals (at your own expense) to explore the narrower canals that lead closer to the villages.

    Return to the houseboat for the night, where you will enjoy a locally sourced dinner prepared according to your preferences.

    Overnight stay on the houseboat.

  • day7

    Alleppey - Cochin Airport Departure (By Surface)

    Transfer to Cochin airport and board the flight to your home country.


    'TOUR ENDS WITH MEMORIES'

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