An Introduction to Kerala with its famous backwaters, plantations and wildlife sanctuary.

Day 01

Arrive in Cochin.

The port of Cochin is characterised by many colonial influences; the Portuguese Church of St. Francis, the Jewish Synagogue and Mattanchery Palace, built by the Portuguese and renovated by the Dutch.

Stay at the renovated 300 year old boutique hotel The Malabar House or their nearby Trinity.

Or, stay at Brunton Boatyard, a luxury hotel resurrected from an old Victorian boatyard and situated at the Fort Cochin harbour mouth, overlooking the busy shipping channel.

Alternatively, stay at Le Colonial, a recently converted luxury hotel, the former residence of the Dutch Governors and reputed to have been the home of Vasco da Gama and St. Francis, has been lovingly restored and is a veritable living museum.

Day 02

Explore Cochin.

Stay a second night at your chosen hotel.

Day 03

In the morning driven to Kothamangalam to stay with Jose & Daisy of Mundackal Plantation Homestay situated in a rubber plantation close to Salim Ali Bird sanctuary and an elephant camp. Daisy is known for her lip smacking Kerala Christian cuisine.

Day 04

Stay a second night at Mundackal Plantation Homestay

Day 05

Driven to Munnar to stay at the Windermere Estate where the manicured tea gardens merge with the lush green forests of Munnar.

Day 06

Day walks around Munnar or visit Eravikulam National Park the home of endangered Neelgiri Tahr. Over night at the Windermere Estate.

Day 07

Driven to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, an artificial lake built by the British and home to Elephant, Gaur, Otter and a rich bird life.
Stay at Kanjirapally Estate , a “coffee and cardamom plantation” home of a delightful couple Gita & Mathew.

Day 08

Boat ride on Periyar Lake and walks through the Coffee and Cardamom plantations.

Stay a second night at Kanjirapally Estate.

Day 09

Driven to Kumarakom.

Stay at Kumarakom Lake Resort, one of the best heritage resorts in India, nestled on the serene banks of the Lake Vembanad, the vast stretch of tranquil, emerald green backwaters.

Or, stay at Coconut Lagoon, in typical wooden Kerala houses and bungalows, on the backwaters of Vembanad Lake, next to a Bird Sanctuary.

Alternatively if you like to have a homely atmosphere, stay at Philip Kutty’s Farm, 50kms drive from Cochin; this exclusive special backwater farm and homestay is owned and run by a Christian family. They have 6 independent waterfront cottages/villas. Excellent food and warm hospitality.

Day 10

Stay a second night at your chosen hotel. Explore at your leisure.

Day 11

Picked up by a Rice Barge Houseboat for an Overnight Houseboat Cruise of the backwaters, observing all of life; the people living on narrow strips of land, fishing, washing, cooking, going to school, farming and harvesting the paddy.

The Rice Barge Houseboat is an Air-conditioned luxury Kettuvallam, with your own crew to pamper and look after your every whim, also arranging when required, your swimming in the lakes.

Day 12

After breakfast, you will be transferred from the Houseboat Cruise to stay at the simple homestsay Mankotta Island, the ancestral home of a delightful Syrian Christian couple Jai & Laila.

Day 13

Relax and stay a second night at Mankotta Island

Day 14

Driven 2 hours to Paravur, Kollam. Stay at Fragrant Nature Retreat, nestled amongst graceful palms, on over five acres of beautifully landscaped, waterside land, on the breathtakingly beautiful and serene Mala lake, with excellent food and a host of enjoyable leisure activities

Day 15

Stay a second night at Fragrant Nature Retreat

Day 16

Driven to Trivandrum/Kovalam.

Stay at Niraamaya Group’s – Surya Samudra, Kovalam (Formerly Surya Samudra Pvt. Retreat ).

This personalized private retreat is a heritage property with beautiful wooden traditional Kerala houses for rooms, offering all the 21st century comforts with the beach as close to a private one you can get. The evening entertainment (optional) gives a glimpse into the local culture.

Food is tasty and the chef is ready to cater to preferences. Friendly staff. The excellent Spa with the various massages make it a rejuvenating and relaxing break.

Day 17
Relax and stay second night at Niraamaya Group’s – Surya Samudra, Kovalam.

Day 18

Check out of the Resort – END OF CHOOMTI TOUR.