Welcome to Kochi, one of Kerala’s most interesting cities and featured in National Geographic Travellers “50 Greatest Places of a Lifetime”. 

Upon arrival at Kochi International Airport, one of our representatives will be there to escort you to your hotel where you can spend the rest of the day at leisure. 

OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL

This morning, you’ll take a sightseeing tour deep into the heart of magnificent Kochi, home to Dutch, British, French and Portuguese architecture. 

Visit Fort Cochin, a centuries-old cherished sea port, Vasco Da Gama Square and the Santa Cruz Basilica before continuing to St Francis’ Church (one of India’s oldest European churches and the burial site of Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese explorer). 

Then, head to the VOC Gate, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace, boasting intricate murals depicting the Ramayana and Puranic legends. 

You’ll also learn about the locals’ unusual fishing method, passed down by the Chinese and involving enormous nets (known as “cheenavalas”) operated from the shore. 

Afterwards, tuck into some lunch before heading to Kumbalagi, a village that’s full of greenery. Here, you’ll be able to see how the locals fish and take a country boat ride too. 

OVERNIGHT STAY IN KOCHI

Today, you’ll explore the spice capital of Thekkady after checking out of your hotel in Kochi. Spend the afternoon exploring the area at your own pace (we recommend taking a stroll through Kumily Village’s spice market). 

OVERNIGHT STAY IN THEKKADY

Take some time to relax and unwind this morning before boarding a boat at the Periyar Tiger Reserve for a wildlife viewing cruise in the late afternoon. You might see elephants, kingfishers and possibly even tigers lurking within the undergrowth. 

Afterwards, watch a traditional show known as the Kathakali – a mixture of art, music, dance and drama with colourful costumes, makeup and storytelling. You’ll also get the chance to watch another type of show involving the Kalaripayattu – a blend of fast-paced martial arts and sword-slashing. 

OVERNIGHT STAY IN THEKKADY

Kick off your day with a delicious breakfast and then check out at around 11am. Your next destination is Alleppey and you’ll head there via the quaint village of Kumarakom, stopping off at a tea factory en route to learn about tea processing. 

You’ll reach Kumarakom in the afternoon and in the evening, a visit to the Kumarakom bird sanctuary is on the cards. Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the sanctuary is home to rare birds like the Siberian Stork and Kingfisher. 

Afterwards, proceed to Alleppey and check in at your backwater homestay. The homestay has its own beautiful farmhouse where ginger, turmeric, passionfruit, papaya, nutmeg, pepper and other organic vegetables are grown (you’ll get to try some of these during your stay!). 

OVERNIGHT STAY IN ALLEPPEY

Wake up to a delicious breakfast and get ready to continue exploring the Alleppey backwaters and rustic village life present here. You’ll see coconut and paddy fields, colourful migratory birds and gain an insight into the lives and routines of the local fishermen. 

There’s also the opportunity to go on an hour-long shikara ride (a type of long boat) through the small canals or try your hand at cycling or fishing. 

Later on, you’ll visit a local village and then make your way back to your homestay. 

OVERNIGHT STAY IN ALLEPPEY

After breakfast, you’ll board a houseboat for another enchanting one night’s stay in Alleppey with all three meals included. Keep your eyes peeled for traditional fishing nets, paddy fields, rustic buildings, ancient temples and coconut trees. 

OVERNIGHT STAY ON THE HOUSEBOAT

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before checking out of your houseboat at around 10am and heading to Marari Beach. En route, visit the Coir Village and Coir Factory. (“Coir” is a natural fibre made from the husk of a coconut and dates back to the 1800s.)

Afterwards, make your way to the St Andrews Basilica in Arthunkal – Kerala’s 7th basilica and the first ever in Alleppey, making it the most popular church in the Alappuzha district. Believed to possess the power to heal mental and physical disorders, the church was first constructed in the 16th century but has been renovated several times.  

You’ll then continue to Marari Beach and check into your homestay. 

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MARARI BEACH

After breakfast, kick off your day with some sightseeing. Your first stop will be the Velorvattom Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to have been built some 700 years ago. 

Later, proceed to the Mararikulam Mahadeva Temple, said to be the only temple in Kerala where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were seen sitting face to face. Devotees believe that a visit to this temple will make your wishes come true.  

Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to visit the local markets, go on a stroll or bike ride through the fishing villages before heading back to the homestay. 

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MARARI BEACH

Take some time to relax at your accommodation after a tasty breakfast. Today there is no set itinerary so you’re able to explore Marari Beach at your own pace.

This is one of Kerala’s best beaches; it’s tranquil, fringed by coconut groves and there’s sand, sand, sand as far as the eye can see. 

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MARARI BEACH

After a hearty breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to Kochi Airport to board your flight home. We hope you’ve had a brilliant stay in India! 

END OF TOUR