Village is different from urban centers in a large way. It is as if a very different universe exists about which we are not aware. A universe more pure, serene, spiritual and challenging than ours. The village economy is driven by agriculture alone. The presence of other production systems is negligible. The commercial activity within the village is heavily influenced by pepper and coffee in the market that any disturbance in those prices had extreme effects on the life in villages.
You will be impressed by the risk that a farmer takes when he sows in his field. Farmer treats the field as his mother and expects the motherly attitude from fields and puts all his effort to get a good season of crops. He puts all his yearly income on stake. He faces risk every year, every month and every day. If we lost a pen we become tense, now look at the farmer who losses his crop, his livelihood and still standing, smiling and ready to face the new challenge. This spirit is nothing less than super human, certainly not present in our urban psyche.

Day 01 : Arrive Cochin - Mala (Village in Trichur)

Arrival transfer from Cochin airport to the village of Mala in Trichur district ( 40 kms / 1 hr ) Check into the traditional house Tharavadu. It is time for a sumptuous Sadhya or traditional vegetarian lunch. Evening witness Kerala’s own trademark female dance form emerged in the seventeenth century in the period of Sri Swathi thirunal ,Travancore dynasty king. Delicious dinner will be served after the performance. Over night stay at the Tharavadu.

Day 02 : AMala - Activity day 1

After an early morning wake-up call with bed tea, attired in traditional dress, proceed to the paddy fields along with local village workers. Work here begins with the building of rectangular dykes of even sizes which is locally named as Varanmbu .Take a welcome break for delicious breakfast at the Tharavadu around 1000 hrs and then get back to work on the dyke. Enjoy a drink of tender coconut to quench your thirst in between and you should be done with the share of your work around 1230 hrs. Enjoy a refreshingly cool dip in the fresh water pond or Kulam before heading for lunch at the Tharavadu. After a brief rest/nap and followed by tea proceed to visit local shops, local coconut oil mill etc .
Return to Tharavadu and witness another mesmerizing cultural evening with the performance of Parayan thullal – a typical folk dance form of a tribal community of Kerala. Dinner & overnight at the Tharavadu.

Day 03 : Mala - Activity day 2

Work in the paddy field today is Uzhukal – or ploughing of the fields using ploughs harnessed on to oxen, which is a truly fascinating experience. Filling the field with water follows Uzhukal by paddling in water using giant wooden paddle wheels or Chakkram. The refreshment served today between breakfast and lunch is Toddy – the exceptionally sweet and mildly heady fresh extract of coconut palms, which is the local favourite. Toddy if kept for a few hours quickly ferments and becomes very sour to taste and quite a potent drink. Return to Tharavadu and lunch after bath. Proceed for a sightseeing in the afternoon which include visits to ancient Jewish tombs located just 5 kilometres away. The evening cultural show is Singarimelam – the most lively percussion art form conducted during the temple festivals by group of Chenda artists.Dinner & overnight at the Tharavadu.

Day 04 : Mala - Vaikom backwaters & Cochin

This day you are leaving the village after the three days paddy cultivating experience to another village with backwaters. Vaikom an historically important town and rich with its heritage and village activities. On arrival at the village you will be welcomed by the village family for the delicious Kerala Lunch with Karimeen fish curry, specialty of this area. After the lunch proceed for the village backwater cruise in a hand roven country boat through the canals of the village where you can see plenty of village activities like toddy tapping, coir making, coconut processing for oil and other activities. Evening after the tea drive back to Cochin city which is 45 mts from the village. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 : Cochin - Alleppey houseboat

Morning after breakfast proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Old Cochin known as Fort kochi. Visit the Dutch Palace- built by the Portuguese in 1557 and subsequently renovated by the Dutch after 1663. The murals are perhaps the best in India. Jewish Synagogue – built in 1568 and the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth is at Mattancherry. St. Francis Church – built in 1510 and the oldest European church in India, Chinese Fishing Nets- introduced by the court of Kublai Khan can be seen in Fort Cochin. You can buy live fish from the fishing nets and get cooked at the nearby open restaurant which could be a different experience for your lunch. After lunch drive to Alleppey for the traditional houseboat cruise.You will be staying at the houseboat overnight and cruising through the canals witnessing the village life on the banks.Dinner & overnight at the houseboat.

Day 06 : Houseboat - Day with an Elephant

Morning after breakfast disembark at the Kumarakom Jetty and drive to Muvattupuzha another place where a surprise is waiting for you. This day you will be spending with an elephant. Full day you will be with elephants along with the Mahouts. Take an elephant ride through the village roads. Feed the elephant, even you can give a good bathe to the elephant. This will be an unique experience staying close to a huge beast which acts like a tamed pet of yours. This eve you will be having a special cocktail dinner at a local club along with the members and family. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 : Cochin - Departure

Though it’s painful it’s time to depart. After the breakfast proceed to Cochin Airport for departure transfer with unique memories of Kerala and its Village culture with new experiences.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Local sightseeing
• Cultural programs on day 01 & 02
• Village tour & canoe cruise with traditional lunch at Vykom.
• Accommodation in Deluxe AC houseboat on twin sharing basis and all meals.
• Experience of Day with an Elephant
• Farewell dinner with cocktail (IMFL)