Day - 1 » Mumbai - Cochin
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin founded by Vasco da Gama
in 1502, once a centre of the spice trade and now the principal port on the
Malabar Coast. A cosmopolitan European influence has been left by the
various waves of Portuguese, British, Dutch and Jewish settlers that have
made this colourful city their home. Stay for two nights at The Malabar
House Residency a beautifully appointed heritage hotel, situated in Fort
Cochin or casino Hotel.
Day - 2 » Cochin
Explore the diverse sights of Fort cochin, including the Mattancherry
palace, St. Francis’ Church, the spice market and the fine synagogue.
In the afternoon take a cruise around the harbourto see the Dutch-built
Bolghatty Palace and the Chinese fishing nets.
Day - 3 » Cochin - Puthenkayal
Today proceed by car and boat to the small island of Puthenkayal, near
Kumarakom to stay at Philipkutty’s farm, where the owners farm their
reclaimed land for coconut, banana, cocoa, nutmeg and pepper. The family
reside in their own house nearby and they will be your hosts whilst you stay
in a delightful traditional style Mayayali cottage on the waterfront. The
cottage with its wooden furniture and tiled floors is spotlessly clean and
although not air-conditioned acool breeze comes off the water. A small
veranda surrounds the cottage and provides the perfect place to sit and
watch river life.
Day - 4 » Puthenkayal
Explore the surrounding area in the company of your hosts or simply relax
and enjoy the serene and peaceful surroundings.
Day - 5 » Puthenkayal - Alleppey
This morning transfer by motor boat across Vembanad lake to the market town
of Alleppey from where you join your private houseboat for the next two
nights. The boats are simply, but comfortably, furnished and consist of a
thatch-covered lounge/dining area; one or two double bedrooms withmosquito
nets and attached bathrooms with a WC, wash basin anda hand held shower. In
the evening the boat is lit by so;ar powered lights and hurricane lamps.
Thatched awnings on both sides of the boat allow the breeze and views to
flow in. meals are cooked on board, using freshly caught or plucked
ingredients from the backwaters. The boat is fully staffed with a captain
and a cook. Remainder of the day cruising the backwaters.
Day - 6 » Backwaters
At leisure travelling on the backwaters where life passes by as it has for
centuries. Try your hand at catching fish, or discuss the menu with your
cook!
Day - 7 » Backwaters - Tiruvalla
This morning leave your houseboat at Changanacherry and proceed just a short
distance by car to Tiruvalla, a small quaint town that maintains the
richness of its local culture and traditions. Your stay in Tiruvalla will be
at Chalakuzhy, an ancestral home that is almost 200 years old. The Paulose
family reside in their house and they will be your hosts whilst you stay in
a delightful wooden and tiled cottage in the grounds. The cottage with its
wooden furniture and tiled floors is spotlessly clean.
Day - 8 » Tiruvalla
At leisure or visit the beautiful 8th century riverside temple at Aranmula.
The temple is home to three elephants, which can often be seen frolicking
intheriver. This town is also famous for its unique metal mirror work known
as Aranmula Kannadi. In Tiruvalla visitthe Sree Vallabha temple where
traditional Kathakali dances are performed as an offering to the deity on
most evenings.
Day - 9 » Tiruvalla - Mumbai
Proceed to the Cochin airport for your return flight to Mumbai.
Alternatively, relax at the Marari Beach Resort an idyllic retreat on the
Malabar Coast. Or go intot he hills to stay in Munnar at the Windamere
Estate or in Periyar at the delightful Shalimar spice Garden.
