Day 01 : Arrival Cochin

Arrive Cochin Airport. (40 km/ 01 hr)
• Special welcome upon arrival at the airport
• Transfer by luxury coach
• Exclusive Check-in desk at the hotel
• Traditional welcome with garlands by the hostesses.
• Non-alcoholic drink on arrival
• Local music welcoming the guests on arrival at the hotel.
• Welcome kit (postcards, Maps & welcome letter)

Cochin (Kochi) is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port, which became the principal harbour for Malabar Coast’s spice trade. Cochin was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built places of worship and their own communities.
Relax in the morning or take a Ayurvedic massage at the hotel.
Lunch at the hotel.
Drive to Fort Cochin. Get on board an Auto Rickshaw (TUK TUK) for a live experience of the streets of Fort Cochin. Enjoy the sights and sounds of daily life, and in Cochin there is some wonderful colonial architecture.
An authentic Tuk-Tuk ride through the historic streets of Fort Cochin and Cochin city area.
Visit St Francis Church ~ the oldest European Church in India, Chinese fishing nets -- giant nets lowered into the water, left a while, then raised again, a job that requires at least five men. The technique came from Kubla Khan’s court and till date serves the purpose for catching fresh water fish in large quantities.
A historic walking tour of Fort Cochin passing through princess street , Vasco da game house, Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, old residences etc. Later, visit Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue (Saturday closed) at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town.
Evening, take exclusive Motor Boat from Fort Cochin for a Sunset cruise in the Cochin harbour. (2 hours)
Light snacks and non alcoholic beverages will be served on board.
Later, disembark Motor boat in the jetty of Taj Malabar.
You will be welcomed with Garland at the jetty and welcome drink will be served. This evening you will experience the Sea Food of Cochin.
A performance of Kerala Martial Arts “Kalaripayattu” will be thing to watch. Dinner will be served in the lawns over looking the Cochin backwaters.
After dinner, drive back to Hotel (20 mts).
Overnight at Cochin.

Day 02 :In Cochin

After breakfast, proceed for a tour of Kumbalangi Village to experience the fishermen village activities like live fish catching, Crab farm, coir making etc. On arrival refresh yourself with a tender coconut drink; later visit the Fishing Village.
Kallancherry Retreat is a local estate converted in to a home stay; it is designed to offer the guests great insights in to the life and culture of the people of Kumbalangi.
Kumbalangi is a village in Cochin, 13 kms away & it is identified as the first model fisheries and tourism village in India. Take a stroll through the narrow country roads from the main road and you can see the village folk engaged in different activities for their livelihood, may be a woman in her village provision shop, a farmer in his paddy field, a fisherman spreading his net, a kid with a fishing net ....it goes on.
You could also enjoy a country boat ride on the backwaters and see and get firsthand experience on the Chinese Fishing Nets. Experience the fishermen village activities like fish catching, crab farming, prawns farming, coir making unit etc.
Enjoy your lunch at Kallancherry Retreat on the lawns by the side of backwaters along with classical music.
Return to the hotel for refresh.
Later, you will be transferred by coach (10 minutes) to Padua House, the first European Bungalow in Fort Cochin. The Lunch will be served at the Lawns at 1430 hrs.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 03 : Cochin - Periyar

After breakfast, drive to Periyar wildlife sanctuary (5 hrs)
Enroute, visit the plantation bungalow at kanjirapally
A half way drive from Periyar, winding down hills, nestled among the rolling plantations of Kanjirapally, lies the Manjappally Plantation Bungalow, and is perfect stop over on the Cochin - Periyar journeys.
There’s just so much to do on a visit to one of these plantation bungalows. As you set out on a gentle trek through the estate, you will feel as though your favourite poem just came to life in the tree-clad hill sides, sun-dappled clearings, babbling brooks and the fine mist that shrouds each morning.
Trek through acres of rubber, coffee, pineapple and spices. Watch rubbers being tapped, coffee beans are being picked – in fact, a plantation at work. Learn from the experts at work the various stages of processing sap into commercial grade rubber, brewing aromatic coffee from coffee beans and cultivating spices and tropical fruits. Walk deep into the plantation, and you’ll chance upon a tree-house. It will give you a bird’s eye view of the surrounding areas!
Sample the best of authentic Kerala cooking, as made in traditional Syrian Christian homes. Lunch will be served on the large front lawn. Savour the flavours of estate life clustered around tables in little groups of 4 or 5, under a large mango tree, surrounded by birdsong, gentle breeze and friendly conversation.
Optional Cost: Cultural Programs like Panchavadyam & Sinkarimelam could be arranged at Plantation Bungalow for the groups welcome.
Visit Tea Factory.
Later, proceed to Periyar. On arrival, check in at the hotel.
Rest of the time at leisure or experience Ayurvedic massages on your own
Dinner and overnight at Periyar

Day 04 : In Periyar

Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning you will be transferred to the boat landing point. Board your motor boat for a cruise on the Lake Periyar.
Periyar is a designated tiger reserve, one of a handful scattered across India. The sanctuary surrounds the waters of an eponymous lake, covering 777 acres of mixed grassland and vegetation, including some of the most pristine tropical rain forests in the world. While there are 40 tigers around (according to the last census), they're shy animals, so don't bank on seeing one. But elephants, definitely - herds and herds of them. Not to mention monkeys like the nilgiri langur and the lion-tailed macaque, deer like the sambar, gaur, flying bats, flying squirrels, flying snakes (harmless, really), and over a 143 species of orchids.
Enjoy, lunch at Lake Palace.
Lake Palace, a former summer palace of the king of Travancore, is situated on an island in the middle of the Periyar Lake - 20 minutes by boat from the mainland. Located inside the Periyar tiger reserve, this is where the British viceroys and governor-generals used to take time off from the world to listen to the call of the wild.
After lunch, transfer back to boat landing point by motor boat.
A short 10 mins drive from boat landing point to visit a spice plantation and enjoy an Elephant Safari through the spice plantation.
A plantation expert will join you at Periyar and take you for the spice plantation visit. He will introduce you to the different spices grown in that area like pepper, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, coffee etc. He will describe in detail about the harvesting and the cultivation methods. The program will take 60 minutes. Later you will go for an elephant safari through the spice plantation. You can spend time with the elephant feeding and bathing them and enjoying a ride on their back through the plantation.
Optional Excursion - Nature trek at Periyar wildlife sanctuary
Morning proceed to the Boat Landing Point at the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekkin g routes, generally 4 to 5 km. in length. This is an interpretive programme offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands.
The programme is offered between 7.00 am. and 10.30 am. and lasts for about 3 hours. A maximum of 10 persons can go for trekking at a time along each nature trail, accompanied by a trained tribal guide. The Nature walk is the right programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.
Optional Excursion ~ Bamboo Rafting in Periyar
Bamboo Rafting is a unique eco friendly program takes the tourists to the thick forests on trek and then, to the catchments area of the Periyar Tiger Reserve on a bamboo raft.
The bamboo rafting team consists of maximum 10 tourists, 5 guides and one-armed guard for protection from the wild animals. During this program the tourists have a panoramic view of the lake and forests and are provided a rare opportunity of encountering wild animals and birds.
Bamboo rafting program normally starts at 8 am and ends by 3 pm. Lunch and tea is served during the day.
Later, drive to a large 200 acre farm house (20 minutes drive from Periyar)
Spend the evening on the lawns or go for a short walk through the plantation. The major cultivations in the farm include Coconut, Areca nut, Cotton, Cashew etc. The farm is located on the foot hills of Western Ghats and climate is very pleasant during evening. The estate is bordering forest and you get the chance to spot wild animals if you are lucky.
Enjoy a barbeque and dinner at the farm house along with the cultural programs arranged. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 05 : Periyar ~ Alleppey (Houseboat)

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and drive to Alleppey ~ known as Venice of the East. (4 min).
Board the traditional House Boat KETTUVALLAM for cruise with lunch & snacks. (6 – 10 people in a house boat)
These Houseboats were primarily used for transportation of paddy and other commercial goods in olden days. The ‘hull’ of these houseboats are made of ‘Anjali’ woods, using small planks of wood joined together with coconut husk packing and stitched it with coconut fiber ropes. No nails are used while making these houseboats. The sidewalls are made of bamboo. These palm-covered boats are designed to navigate the narrowest of canals. During the cruise, you can see a different face of India. The local people living on the banks of the backwaters, the river is their life, where they wash themselves, their clothes, their dishes, where they catch their fish for the day’s meal and in many cases their only way of traveling is from one place to another.
Later in the evening, all the houseboats will anchor on the banks of the lake where we will have a cultural program with fireworks. Drinks will be served on the boat followed by traditional Kerala Dinner.

Day 06 : In Kumarakom

After breakfast, the houseboats will anchor at the jetty of the chosen Kumarakom hotel and the guest will disembark from the boat and checkin at the hotel.
Kumarakom ~ an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake.
Later, proceed for a witness the demonstration of the famous snake boat race on the backwaters The snake boat races of Kerala. Magnificent fiestas that brings alive the tranquil backwaters. Snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The largest team sport in the world, the snake boat races are preceded by colourful water parades.
Boats from nearby regions assemble at the starting point of the race, which is later followed by a procession of participating teams and cultural shows. Experience the real essence of a backwater village and take in the very best of a boat race that is bound to redefine your levels of excitement. A splendid procession unfolds with all types of 'kali-vallangal' or racing boats. Its rowers sing songs known as ' vanchi pattu ' to the rhythm of the oars - a feast for the eyes and the ears. Later boats of would line up for their heats leading to the final race.
Here, we will recreate a mock snake boat race participated by two Snake Boats manned by more than 100 oarsmen in each boat. Guests will also get the opportunity to participate too.
You could be part of this splendid event by rowing the boat along with the rowers.Later, Cruise back to the hotel by motor boat.
Ayurvedic rejuvenation massage treatments/Face Masks (Mukha Lepanam) – Optional on own cost.
Dinner at kumarakom lake resort

Day 07 : In Kumarakom

Breakfast at the hotel.
Experience of the Kuttanad Backwater Village
Proceed for a day cruising in the Country Canoe for 01 hour. Later board a motorboat to explore the backwaters and village life around it. Motor boating through vembanad lake, one can also visit the emerald paddy fields, watch the shell collection procedures and witness the local fishing with nets. There is abundant variety of birds in and around the banks of vembanad, and the scope for bird watching.
Later on, proceed for R Block in Kuttanadu farmland where the cultivation is done on the lying 8 feet below the sea level. R block is one of the biggest man made islands on the Vembanad Lake. Here one can see the coconut, vanilla, arecanut, plantain and cocoa plantations and also witness coconut plucking procedure.
Afternoon, get disembarked at Kainady Heritage home, a 100-year-old heritage home on the banks of the River Manimala.
Enjoy the Kuttanad Lunch with the family.
Later, cruise back to Kumarakom.

OR

Experience Kerala Village Life
After breakfast, drive to an Island by the backwaters (250 hectares of land), which is a typical Kerala village, where you will have an insight to Kerala villages and to experience the hospitality. This will be a complete recreation of Kerala village. You will be welcomed by the villagers, headed by the main person of the village. They will arrange a special ‘pandal’, which will be decorated with coconut leaves and mango leaves.
Today you will have typical Kerala meal served on banana leaves. As you are aware, Kerala is famous for hospitality and for big ‘sadhyas’ (elaborate lunch). ‘Sadhya’ will be served in a pandal in front of a House. The food will be rich with Toddy (Kind of beer taking from the coconut trees, white in colour). Local people will serve lunch considering the group as honoured guests to the village.
For the female members of the group, village women will be interested to show how to wear ‘Saris’ and to put ‘Mehandi’. The village palmist will also be there with his parrot to predict their future!!! A day with thrilling experience!!!
The group is also given a demonstration of ‘toddy-tapping’ by a village local. Return to the hotel. Refresh.
Farewell Theme gala dinner in Fishermen’s Village style settings along with Elephant Pageantry and cultural programs
A traditional Kerala village is set up in all its splendour. Guests are greeted by local girls in traditional attire.
No celebration in Kerala is complete without an elephant pageant. This gentle pachyderm is accorded the privilege of escorting the numerous gods and goddesses. The elephant pageants feature colourfully decked up elephants with mahouts atop them holding aloft tinselled silk parasols, swaying white tufts and peacock feather fans.
Witness the grand spectacle of elephant’s lineup in ceremonial attire with other paraphernalia like muthukuda (colourful and glittering parasols), alavattam (a disc-shaped fan, fringed by a ring of peacock feathers) and venchamaram (white whisks, usually made of hair from Yak tail). And to add more attraction is the electrifying traditional percussion ensembles of panchavadyam and pandi melam.
A cultural programme includes Thiruvathirakali, a traditional dance performed by village belles during the harvest festival of Onam, Mohiniyattom, Kathakali or Kalaripayattu the martial art form of Kerala keeps the guests spellbound. The guests will get an opportunity to interact with the artists and can also take pictures of the elaborate make up. After the program the sun will be perfectly set to start the fire works in the middle of the lake.
The lavish Kerala buffet is served from food counters with thatched roofs, in keeping with the theme program (optional cost)

• Kathakali
Kerala owes its transnational fame to this nearly 300 years old classical dance form which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. It is said to have evolved from other performing arts like Kootiyattam, Krishnanattam and Kalaripayattu. Kathakali explicates ideas and stories from the Indian epics and Puranas. Presented in the temple precincts after dusk falls, Kathakali is heralded by the Kelikottu or the beating of drums and to the accompaniment of the Chengila (gong). The riches of a happy blending of colour, expressions, music, drama and dance are unparallelled in any other art form.

• Kathakali Make-up
Costume is elaborate with the face painted up. Great importance is laid on the Vesham or make-up which are of five types - Pacha, Kathi, Thadi, Kari and Minukku. The pomp and magnificence of Kathakali is partly due to its décor, part of which is the kireetam or huge headgear and the kanchukam the over sized jackets, and a long skirt worn over a thick padding of cushions. The identity of the actor is completely mutilated to create a super human being of larger-than-life proportion.

• Margomkali
Margomkali is a ritual folk art of the Syrian Christians of Kottayam and Thrissur districts. A dozen dancers sing and dance around a lighted wick lamp ( Nilavilakku), clad in the simple traditional white dhoti and sporting a peacock feather on the turban to add a touch of colour.
This is an allegorical enactment with the lamp representing Christ and the performers his disciples. The performance is usually held in two parts and begins with songs and dances narrating the life of St.Thomas, the apostle. It then takes a striking turn with a martial play of artificial swords and shields.
The narration is stark without musical accompaniments. The songs date back to a period much before the Portuguese invasion. Today, Margomkali is only performed as a stage item by women.

• Mohiniyattam, Classical Dance of Kerala
The sinuous dance of the enchantress, this is a distinctive classical dance form of Kerala. Slow, graceful, swaying movements of the body and limbs and highly emotive eye and hand gestures are unique to this dance form. The simple, elegant gold-filigreed dress, in pure white or ivory, is akin to the traditional attire of the women of Kerala.
The origin of Mohiniyattom is rooted in Hindu mythology. Once the ocean of milk was churned by the gods and demons to extract the elixir of life and immortality. The demons made away with this divine brew.
Lord Vishnu came to the rescue of the panicky gods and assumed the female form of an amorous celestial dame Mohini. Captivating the demons with her charms, Mohini stole the elixir from them and restored it to the gods. This dance was adopted by the Devadasi or temple dancers, hence also the name 'Dasiattam' which was very popular during the Chera reign from 9th to 12th century.

• Oppana, Muslim dance of Kerala
A dance form essential to the wedding entertainment and festivities of the Malabar Muslims. Maidens and young female relatives sing and dance around the bride, clapping their hands. The songs of Mappilappattu, are first sung by the leader and are repeated by the chorus. The themes are often teasing comments and innuendoes about the bride's anticipated nuptial bliss. Oppana is often presented as a stage item today.

• Thiruvathirakali, Group Dance from Kerala
Thiruvathirakali is a dance performed by women, in order to attain everlasting marital bliss, on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December- January). The dance is a celebration of marital fidelity and the female energy, for this is what brought Kamadeva (the god of love) back to life after he was reduced to ashes by the ire of Lord Siva.
The sinuous movements executed by a group of dancers around a nilavilakku, embody 'lasya' or the amorous charm and grace of the feminine. The dance follows a circular, pirouetting pattern accompanied by clapping of the hands and singing. Today, Thiruvathirakali has become a popular dance form for all seasons

• Kalaripayattu – Martial Art Performance
Kalaripayattu the martial art form of Kerala is regarded as the oldest and most scientific of its kind in the world. Training in combat is given at the kalari (training school). The principles of kalari education stipulate that training in martial art begins with an oil massage of the body which goes on until the body is agile and supple. Feats like chaattom (jumping), ottam (running), marichil (somersault) etc. are then taught, followed by the lessons in the use of weapons such as daggers, swords, spears, maces, the bow and arrow and so on.
Kalaripayattu training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of the mind and body. The traditional training in a kalari includes specialisation in indigenous medical practice too. Kalaris are also centers of religious worship. The general guidelines to be followed in kalaripayattu demand that once the course is complete, a person should undergo oil massage and engage in the practice of the feats regularly to help him keep in shape.

• Panchavadyam - A mesmerising native orchestra
Pancha (five) Vadyam (instrument) is an orchestra, typical of Kerala, consisting of five instruments - Maddalam, Edakka, Thimila, Ilathalam and Kombu. It is an inevitable accompaniment during processions, religious or otherwise. The most thrilling performance of Panchavadyam can be witnessed at most of the temple festivals in Kerala.
The maddalam is considered to be a divine instrument or Deva Vadya on account of its inclusion as a major accompaniment in the 'Dance of Lord Siva, the Destroyer'. References to maddalam date back to the 13th century. There are two varieties: Suddha maddalam and Toppi maddalam. The former is tied around the waist of the player with a cloth, while the latter is a smaller version suspended from the neck of the player. Barrel shaped and carved from jack wood, both ends of the maddalam are covered with stretched hide and fastened by leather straps. It is also an important instrument in art forms like the Kathakali, Krishnanattom and Tullal.
The Edakka is an extremely sensitive percussion instrument. Made of wood and about a quarter metre long, the drumheads are held in position by interlacing cotton threads. The player beats the drum with one hand while simultaneously manipulating the strings with the other, thus creating a variety of musical notes. Kombu, literally meaning horn, is a C-shaped wind instrument made of brass or copper. Its shrill blare helps in subduing the pitch of the other instruments. The ilathalam is a native version of the cymbals.

The following programs can also be arranged during the lunches / dinners in Cochin & Kumarakom.
• Mehendi Designing on Hand
• Kathakali Facial Make up session
• Caricature Session
• Wearing Traditional Kerala Costume
• Meet the Astrologer

Day 08 : Kumarakom ~ Cochin

Early morning, tea/coffee with cookies at the hotel.
Later, group will be transferred to Cochin international to board your return flight.