Simple Living – Experience Keralan Hospitality

Arrival at Cochin

Arrive Cochin. You will be transferred to your hotel in the heritage town of Fort Cochin (01 hour)

The spice trade first bought Chinese and Arabian traders to Kerala’ shores and later the Portuguese  , Dutch and British thus making Fort Cochin a cultural melting point. Wander through its old streets, the synagogue, the ancient churches, colonial houses and the picturesque Chinese fishing nets. 

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.  

Overnight at  Cochin 

From Cochin to Nedumudy backwaters

After breakfast drive to Nedumudy a village in the backwaters (65 km, 1.5 hrs) Once you are at the jetty, you will be transferred in the canoe to the home stay.

This 100 year old wooden mansion situated on the bank of the holy river Pamba, you will feel the serenity, peace and joy, which has been long lost to the frenetic pace of the times that we live in. This is a golden opportunity to experience closeness with Nature. The home is just on the bank of the river with a clear view of the village life across and also once sit and relax watching the fishermen , boats , people cruising along.

Half past six when the sun set beneath the banks , you set off in punted canoe with your lone oarsmen, on a slower pace cruising through the darkness watching the far way lights. Somewhere in the middle of the lake, your oarsmen will serve you a glass of wine. On a clear sky, sip the wine gazing at the stars or watch the people still on the bank , some taking a bath, some fishing , some washing their utensils and some waving at you.  

Overnight at Nedumudy
 

From Nedumudy to Alleppey

After early breakfast, you will walk up to the nearby public jetty with your host who will assist you getting into the public boat transport to Alleppey. This cruise lasts for 1.5 hours passing through the villages and en-route picking up villagers from the jetty who are on their way to Alleppey for daily work.  

On arrival at Jetty , your driver will wait with your luggage and drive you to the home stay .

Your host Mr Tomy  Hostess Mrs Elsamma will await to welcome you. Tomy’s Wife Elsamma , who is a post graduate in sociology , supports her husband in his business and also manages the Home stay. Together, they’re natural talents combined to ensure guests friendly service and unforgettable feasts.

Next two days, you will experience the Keralan hospitality, culture, history and cuisine. When you leave this place, you will master to cook some best dishes of kerala.

Lunch with the family.  Afternoon at leisure. Late afternoon, you can walk up to the beautiful Alleppey beach.

At 1830 hrs , you will assemble at your hostess’ Kitchen for a cooking demonstration and a lesson on how to prepare ‘Appam’ , (Milk Hopper) a kerala speciality that owes its origin to jews.

After Dinner , you will assemble at the living room. Your hostess will announce that the lunch for tomorrow will be prepared by all with her supervision. Elsamma will give a lesson on the recipes planned for next day and the ingredient required for the same. The vegetables and fish will be purchased by yourself from the local market. 

Over night at Alleppey

Alleppey

After  breakfast, you will proceed to the local vegetable and Fish market with the list given by your hostess. She will also give you enough money to buy the items.Return back to home stay after you purchase the given items.Next two hours you will be busy helping your hostess to prepare the lunch. 

At 1300 hrs , enjoy the sumptuous meal with the host and the hostess.

In this evening , Your host will take you to the small town of Alleppey in a TUK TUK. The bazaars of Mullackal Road provide a delightful evening browsing. Here you’ll find everything from fine gold jewellery to umbrella emporiums and coir products. Also visit the Mullackal Temple from inside.

Overnight at Alleppey

From Alleppey to Marari

Mid morning, bid farewell to the home stay drive to Marari beach (30 minutes)

The Marari beach is among one of the 5 Hammock beaches in the world rated by National Geographic survey. A deserted sandy beach, sunshine, cloudless skies and a warm inviting blue sea, the most exquisite of South Indian food, peace and quiet and the simplicity of being in harmony with nature and your surroundings.

Set amongst shady palm trees and just 100 metres from the sea, This heritrage house offers the discerning traveller a paradise retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday India. Here you can experience first hand the simple joys of life in the tranquil setting of a Kerala home stay.

Relax at the beach. 

Overnight at Marari

At Marari

Full day relax at the beach. 

Overnight at Marari

Departure from Cochin

In time  transfer to Cochin airport (90 km,2.5 hrs) to connect flight back home