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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
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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.
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From Cochin to Thalassery by train
At 0645 hrs , transfer to Railway station (30 mts) to connect train to Tellicherry at 0745 hrs. Arrive Tellicherry at 1340 hrs. You will be met on arrival and transfer to the home stay.
Thalassery, also known as Tellicherry, is a city on the Malabar Coast of Kerala. This is the second largest city of North Malabar. The name Tellicherry is the anglicized form of Thalassery.
Your home for two night will be Ayesha Manzil - A beautiful, old, colonial-style mansion overlooking the blue Arabian Sea, Aisha Manzil was built in 1862 by Murdoch Brown, an Englishman who came to Tellicherry as a trader with the East India Company. This simple heritage home boasts a multitude of period furniture as well as family heirlooms and antiques collected and restored by the present owners, Moosa and Faiza. Faiza is a wonderful chef and cookery teacher and will be happy to demonstrate some of the finer points of how to prepare Mapilla cuisine.
Overnight at Thalassery
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Thalassery
Visit the Local fish and Spice Market , Handloom weaving units .
In the evening witness a Theyyam or Theyyattam - a popular Hindu ritual of worship in North Kerala .As a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs, it embraces almost all the castes and classes of the Hindu religion in this region. The performers of Theyyam belong to the indigenous tribal community, and have an important position in a major form of worship.
Over night at Thalassery.Test Content -
From Thalassery to Neeleshwar backwaters
Morning drive to Neeleshwar backwaters (85 kms , 2.5 hrs)
The Lotus, Neeleshwar
The Lotus is an elegant houseboat constructed in the way of Kerala's traditional rice barges and the ideal way to get to know the peaceful backwaters of north Kerala. The two teak floored cabins are brightly decorated and comfortably furnished, private balcony decks and luxurious en suite bathrooms. A typical cruise will take you along seldom visited waterways or to Valiyaparamba a hauntingly picturesque inland lake, or the 18th century Sultan Canal, built by the ‘Tiger of Mysore'. And along the way you're likely to see unspoiled villages, hidden temples and shrines and plenty of birdlife such as egrets and orange-breasted ki.gfishers with iridescent wings.Overnight on board House boat.
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From Neeleshwar backwaters to Neeleshwar Beach
You will disembark your houseboat after breakfast and the short transfer of around 15 minutes to your resort on the beach
Kerala's northern beaches require a bit of effort to reach but those who make it to this part of the world , are rewarded with long empty stretches of sand and glorious peace. Overnight at Neeleshwar.
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At Neeleshwar
Full day relax at the beach resort.
Overnight at Neeleshwar
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From Neeleshwar to Calicut
In the morning , drive to Calicut (150 km , 04 hours)
Situated in Calicut, part of the historic Malabar province, the gateway through which Europe, led by Vasco Da Gamma, entered the fabled Indies – Harivihar offers its guests the unparalleled experience of living in a heritage homestead surrounded by a verdant and serene landscape. Embodying the best in traditional Kerala architecture, this ancestral home of the Kadathanadu Royal family presents an ambience like no other and welcome guests with an embrace of genuine warmth.
At Harivihar, you can enjoy the priceless benefits of Ayurveda – the science of pristine living as prescribed by Mother Nature and perfected by ancient gurus.
Harivihar offers traditional Kerala Vegatarian meals.
Overnight at Calicut.
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Departure from Calicut Airport
In time to Calicut International airport (40 mts) to connect flight back home .
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Duration | Description | Stay |
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Day 1: | Arrival in Cochin | Eighth Bastion |
Day 2: | Explore Cochin | Eighth Bastion |
Day 3: | From Cochin to Thalasserry | Ayesha Manzil |
Day 4: | Witness Theyyam | Ayesha Manzil |
Day 5: | From Thalasserry to Neeleshwar backwaters | The Lotus House boat |
Day 6: | From backwaters to Neeleshwar beach | Neeleshwar Hermitage |
Day 7: | Relax at the Neeleshwar beach | Neeleshwar Hermitage |
Day 8: | From Thalasseery to Calicut | Harivihar Heritage home |
Day 9: | Departure from Calicut Airport |
INCLUDED
- Hotel accommodation bed & breakfast basis except Thalasserry , House boat and Calicut on full board
- Transfers, sightseeing by an air conditioned vehicle
- Meeting and assistance on arrivals and departures
- Entrance fees to all monuments as per program
- Private & exclusive sightseeing tours & Train Tickets , activities as per program with services of an English speaking local guide
- 24 hour emergency contact
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Any meals other than that mentioned in the program.
- Camera/video fees at various monuments
- Tips and gratuities