Boutique Kerala

Arrive Cochin

Arrive Cochin Airport in the morning . Met on arrival and drive to Fort Cochin ( 01 hr)  . 

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. 

At 1700 hrs , proceed to a local theatre  where you can witness live performance Kathakaly dance and other performing Arts of Kerala. Overnight at Cochin

Overnight at Cochin

At Cochin – Being local

Today is a different day , this morning you will explore Cochin with your guide by being a localite. There is no car today. You will walk , take the TUK TUK through the narrow streets of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry , climb on a local bus in the busy hours to the city  , walk along thousands of people exploring the local market , know the spices , visit the railway station when thousands of people return to their nearby village after the day’s work , take the local ferry from the mainland to return to the island of Fort Cochin. By evening you will experience everything what is happening in a day at Cochin. 

During the course, you will also visit the monuments at Fort Cochin and Mattancherry  - The St  Francis  Church,  the oldest European Church in India ,where Vasco de Gama the first European traveller to India was originally buried here.  Dutch Palace at Mattancherry (Friday closed) 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.  

At 1600 hrs  , you will drive to Ernakulam South Railway station , one of the busiest train station in Kerala. In the busy evening hours , you will see thousands of passengers busily moving around to catch their train after the day’s work.

This evening you will have Sea food dining experience with Mr Francis and his wife Mrs Rosy at their residence and experience the traditional flavours and preparations of Kerala Cuisine.  They serve closely guarded secret recipes sourced from the old families of Cochin flavourful dishes generously spiced with fresh cinnamon, pepper, red chilli, coriander, green chilly, curry leaves, vanilla, ginger. Freshly caught fish and crustaceans grilled or cooked the way you fancy with a fusion of Indian condiments. Mrs Rosy will also teach you a favourite sea food dish of Fort Cochin. 

Overnight at Cochin.

Cochin/Muhamma

Visit to a fishermen village to witness the auction of fresh catch of fishes. 

You will rise up early morning and after a cup of tea from the hotel, your guide will drive you to the  nearby village of Chellanam , where you witness the live action of boatmen bringing in their fresh catch of fishes for auction.  You will mix with hundreds of people gathered in the beach to auction the fresh catch. You will come across local fishermen folks, traders , auctioneers , mobile shopkeepers selling tea and snacks , kids picking up the spill over , Canoes , boats  , nets. Everything work on a system of distribution.

Later you will visit a family at their home. You will have breakfast together. Interact with the family and exchange experiences with brief introduction to some of the heritage relics available in the house. You will further continue for a village walk through the paddy fields, fish farms, you will cross the river in the panchayat ferry to visit the local market.

Later by 1200 hrs , you will drive to the backwaters of Muhamma (45 mts)

Overlooking the Vembanad lake , lies this small boutique resort , Purity.

Purity is the perfect setting for a backwater vacation, offering art, design, ayurvedic spa treatments, yoga and waterfront dining in its pristine lakefront settings.

Over night at the resort.

Muhamma /House boat

Morning at leisure.  At 1100 hrs, you will be transferred to the backwaters of Alleppey to board a House boat for an overnight cruise around the   backwaters.

HOUSEBOATS, popularly known as “Kettuvalam” is converted from a traditional rice barge.  While cruising to Alleppey you will see the glimpses of village life of the people living around the backwater area.  You may watch palm-lined bank and narrow stips of land that separate the waterways and the constant quiet traffic of valam (small boats) are typical.  

Lunch , dinner and overnight on board House boat.

Alleppey/Marari

At 0930 hrs , disembark from House boat and stroll through Alleppey town.

The bazaars of Mullackal Road provide a delightful morning browsing. Here you’ll find everything from fine gold jewellery to umbrella emporiums and coir products. Visit the Mullackal Temple

You will visit the house of Mr Tomy & Mrs Elsamma  who will await to welcome you. You will experience the Keralan hospitality with a sumptuous Kerala lunch.

After lunch , drive to Marari (30 mts)

Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. It is an authentic experience of the world of Kerala's traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. 

This stunning three bedroom villa is located just meters from the Arabian Sea, with a private sandy beach garden. Wake up to the sound of the sea or laze in the sandy beach garden 

Overnight at Marari

Marari

Full day relax at the beach resort. 

Overnight at Marari

Departure Cochin Airport

In time transfer to Cochin Airport (90 km, 2 hrs) to connect flight back home