General

Places Covered: Cochin – Thekkady – Kumarakom- Marari

Duration: 7 Nights 8 Days

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT COCHIN

On the arrival at Cochin International Airport, our representative will receive and greet you and proceed to historic Willingdon Island or Fort Cochin. On reaching the destination check in to a hotel and have refreshment. Later on explore the ancient harbour, old spice market at Mattancherry, antique shops, Jew Street, Synagogue, the Dutch Palace and also Chinese fishing net. Then after also visit the famous and ancient European St. Francis Church, which stands for its unique architecture and ambience. In the evening enjoy the beauty of ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ with harbour cruise. Overnight stay at hotel.

Hotel Used :  Eight Bastion Fort Cochin (Bastion Room)
Meal plan :  All meals

DAY 2: COCHIN-THEKKADY

In the morning enjoy your breakfast and check-out from hotel and set out to next destination towards the tropical evergreen forest at Thekkady, typically a spice village. The place is a tribal village with old culture and living harmony, revival for a modern traveller. On reaching the destination check in the cottage at Spice Village, built with log and brick- roof covered with dry grass same like tribal huts. Of course all the comfort exists like a hotel including modern plumbing, hot showers, comfortable beds and other amenities. Here we can also enjoy the chirruping sounds of birds. There after enjoy the mouth watering lunch at Spice Village. In the afternoon engage yourself in some kind of activities like Cooking demonstration and cultural programmes and followed by dinner. Late night stay at cottage.

Hotel Used : Spice village (Spice garden cottage)
Meal plan : All meals

DAY3: THEKKADY SIGHTSEEING

After enjoy the breakfast, let’s have a visit to spice plantation with awesome scenery. During this visit you can study how these spices are cultivated and tea bushes are picked. After that have your picnic lunch at the hotel and get ready to explore an adventurous day at Periyar Reserve. You can go through by treks as leisure half-day stroll / overnight jungle halt to experience the rain forest closely. There after you can also visit the tribal village to experience their living style and activities. Depending on the season you are travelling various other kinds of activities are there; fishing, river drafting etc. There after you can visit the farm accompanied by naturalist. Overnight stay at Spice Village.

Hotel Used : Spice village (Spice garden cottage)
Meal plan : All meals

DAY 4: THEKKADY-KUMARAKOM

In the morning after having your breakfast, check-out from the cottage and move on to next destination to enjoy the nature’s beauty with backwaters of Vembanad Lake. On reaching the destination check in to a house boat to coconut Lagoon, an eco- friendly resort set in web of canals on the bank of Kavanar River. In the evening enjoy the sunset in the cruise, in a converted rice boat with a flute background (sound). After enjoying it, its time learn some authentic Kerala dishes demonstration classes with the help of chef. In the evening you can also enjoy some traditional art forms of Kerala organised by resort followed by dinner. Overnight stay at Coconut Lagoon.

Hotel Used : Coconut Lagoon (Heritage bungalow )
Meal plan : All meals 

DAY 5: KUMARAKOM SIGHTSEEING

In the morning wakeup call is done by birds through the chirruping sounds from nearby bird Sanctuary. Then after get ready to experience how Yoga plays an important role in our life.(refreshment for both body and mind).Thereafter proceed to have your breakfast and explore a soft trek through Bird Sanctuary accompanied by your naturalist and explain about the birds over there. After that make a small trip to nearby village and analyse their way of lifestyle and proceed to resort for your lunch. Rest of the time relax and enjoy the day as leisure. In the evening you can also enjoy some traditional art forms of Kerala organised by resort followed by dinner. Overnight stay at Coconut Lagoon.

Hotel Used : Coconut Lagoon (Heritage bungalow )
Meal plan : All meals 

DAY6: KUMARAKOM-MARARI BEACH RESORT

In the morning ready to experience another session of Yoga and followed by your breakfast and then check-out from the resort and proceed to next destination Marari Beach Resort. On reaching the destination check-in to an independent villa at Marari Beach Resort. The place is apt for those who look for a relaxation and stress release from busy city life. On reaching here you can completely experience a better feel. After your refreshment have your lunch in the restaurant and relax under the coconut grove. In the evening you can enjoy the light music organised by the resort. And just go through a Kerala cooking demonstration class by the chef and followed by dinner.  Overnight stay at the Marari Beach Resort.

Hotel Used : Marari beach resort (Garden Villa)
Meal plan : All meals

DAY 7: MARARIKULAM SIGHTSEEING (Guided Tour to Fishing Village)

In the morning after your Yoga, enjoy the delicious breakfast and get ready to explore Mararikulam and fishing villages nearby on a Bicycle or else take a sunbath in the sea. After enjoying some time go for your lunch and then have a walk through a organic farm where vegetables and fruits are farmed freshly. After your walk talk to the chef for any clarification regarding the recipes. Then after have your Dinner in the restaurant and go back to your cottage and make the arrangements for next day.

Hotel Used : Marari beach resort (Garden Villa)
Meal plan : All meals

DAY 8: DEPARTURE & DROP AT AIRPORT

After enjoying the breakfasts check-out from the resort and proceed to Cochin International Airport for catching your flight, while you are back home let the ever-relishing memory of trip to ‘GOD’S OWN COUNTRY ‘remains in your mind. If time permits you can also spend some time in sightseeing and shopping hours in Kochi.

COMPLIMENTARY in Spice village

INTRODUCTION TO SPICES : This is an interactive cooking demo with our chef who will demonstrate the art of using spices.
The resident naturalist will introduce all the spices which chef has been using for this cooking demo.
TIMING – (06:45 PM TO 07:30 PM)

ECO ACTIVITIES : The team of resident naturalist’s will take you on a tour of the amazing eco activities that happens at the Village
Recycling of water, solid waste management, solar energy and organic farming. You could also have a hands-on exposure
on creating paper from waste.

COMPLIMENTARY in coconut lagoon
SUNSET CRUISE : Enjoy the sunset with soothing music from the onboard musician
Timing – 04.00 pm
BIRDING : Kumarakom is a heaven for wetland birds some of which are migratory and come all the way from Siberia.
A great experience even for the novice.
Timing- 07.00 am
KALARIPAYATTU DEMONSTRATION (KERALA MARTIAL ART) : It is said that Buddhist monks took this idea to
China which later developed into ” Kungfu “. Watch them perform and also learn a few moves.
Timing- 06.00 am to 07.00 am
INDIAN MUSIC : Tabla and other Indian musical instruments are a must in almost all Indian concerts.
Some are even experimenting with it in western music. Give it a try and learn more.
Cooking Demo at 04.30 pm
Saree & Dhoti Demo at 05.00 pm
OTHERS

COMPLIMENTARY in marari beach resort
YOGA : Every morning at 07:00 AM.
MEDITATION : Every evening at 05.15 PM.
OTHERS : Bicycles to ride, village walk, butterfly garden visit.
INTERACTIVE COOKING : Every evening at 06:30 PM along with the Chef.