COLOURS OF KERALA

Day 01: Cochin

Arrive Cochin International airport, meet with our representative and be transferred to the hotel (check in is at 12 noon- early check in subject to availability only). Cochin is the Commercial capital of Kerala maintaining the old world charm. Enjoy the reminiscence of the Portuguese, Dutch and later the British period. Visit St. Francis Church, walk past Loafer’s corner/Princess Street, Santacruz Basilica, the parade ground, see Chinese Fishing nets, and also see a few colonial private homes – Pierce Leslie Bungalow, Koder House, Vasco House, In the evening discover the famous dance drama of Kerala, the “Kathakali” show.

Day 02: Cochin – Munnar ( 140 kms/4 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Early start; Check out and take a tuk-tuk– the most popular mode of transport among the localities, Continue through the small streets of Mattancherry, enroute stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), once throbbing with activity, it is now a picture of slow extinction and stop at a Fruit market where localities frequent, Make a pause with a refreshing tea at one of the tea shops where you get the “one meter” tea. Visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays) at the heart of the Jew Town, and the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays) with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century. By mid-day, drive to Munnar. South India’s largest tea-growing region. Passing through the rolling hills and sculpted tea gardens to arrive at your next accommodation. Enjoy the weather. If time permits, free to go on a stroll through the plantation town, see the Mattupetty dam with its still water reflecting the tea gardens around. Return to the hotel. Overnight Stay.

Day 03: Munnar

Early start. Proceed to the trek point. Go on a Half-day trekking passing through the rolling hills and sculpted Tea gardens of Munnar . Gradual trek and hike through the tea plantations. View from top of the hill is spectacular. Trek duration is around 3-4 hrs. (medium pace-) Savour the Picnic hamper. On the way back visit the Tea factory at Lock hardt estate and enjoy tea tasting. Early Evening head to Srishti TATA project for a visit. This project is a venture of Tata Global Beverages for the rehabilitation of the differently abled. Enjoy some shopping time in this community centre and get some Strawberry jam (handmade), handmade paper or clothing naturally dyed on site. If time permits, also visit Tea Museum which explains the history of Tea in Munnar – a good opportunity to get authentic tea dust and related products. Overnight stay.

Day 4: Munnar – Muhamma (170 kms/5 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive down to Muhamma. Arrive at your backwater hotel and Check in. Muhamma is part of the Kuttanad region which is dubbed as the “Venice of the East”. Check-in and rest of the day at leisure in your hotel, sipping a mocktail at the pool or observing the surroundings of cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and the traditional fishermen routine around the area..

Day 5: Muhamma

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the Boat landing point to Board your Private Shikara, there is no better way explore the Backwaters and the Life around, at close quarters. The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce and at times is the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. The Allepey is also one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea-level, using a system of dykes. Stop en route to visit a handloom factory and then a Temple. Cruise through the palm fringed canals enjoying the beauty of rural village life. Stop at a local house; interact with your hosts who will be happy to share a traditional Keralan Lunch. Return to the hotel. Afternoon enjoy a heritage craft experience. You will be taken by car to Mannar, the heart of Kerala’s ancient metal casting craft. Only a few families are in the trade, passing on the skills and secrets of the lost wax process from one generation to the next. The sheer variety and sizes of brass and bronze is amazing. Overnight stay.

Day 6: Muhamma – Varkala (140 kms/31/12 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a costal drive towards south, to Varkala Beach. On route make a stop at Mannarsala Snake Temple. This is one rare temple where the puja (ceremony worship) pattern is headed by a Woman Poojari (Priest). Legends say that the Muthassan (Senior priest) had given certain rights and instructions to his mother that SHE herself must offer worship. Also visit the Jatayu Earth center that hosts the world’s largest bird sculpture. Drive on to Varkal Beach, arrive and check in at your Hotel. Varkala beach is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. Rest of the day free. In the evening explore the cliff top restaurants and shops. Overnight stay.

Day 7: Varkala Beach

Breakfast at the hotel. Counted as one of the top ten seasonal beaches in the world by discovery channel, this beach has a stunning beauty of landscapes, brown sand, and sea. The beach is also known as Papanasham Beach and It is believed that a dip in the waters of Papanasham (destruction of sins) Beach washes away all the sins in one’s life. Full day free for SUN, SAND and SURF. One can also visit Janardhanaswamy temple in the vicinity, which is about 2000 years old and one of the main temples for paying homages to the ancestors. Overnight stay.

Day 8: Varkala – Trivandrum ( 65kms/11/2hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and transfer to Trivandrum International airport for your onward Journey.

Hotel Envisaged: 3-star Deluxe

PLACE	NO. OF NIGHTS	HOTEL
COCHIN	01	Dutch Bungalow
MUNNAR	02	Deshadan Mountain Resort
MUHAMMA	02	Deshadan Backwaters Resort
VARKALA	02	Deshadan Beach Resort