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.
