Introduction
Itinerary
Reception and welcome at Cochin airport followed by transfer to your hotel.
This morning enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the city. This evening witness the classical dance –drama of Kerala called Kathakali. B
This morning you will be driven to Mundakayam, situated in contoured land that is verdant with plantations of rubber, pepper, coffee, vanilla and cloves. Spend two nights at the Evergreen Estate, a British colonial style bungalow built in 1955. Visit Tharavadu which offers a unique architecture and the village to witness bamboo craftsmen and weavers working on unique cane and reed articles. B
Full day excursion to Periyar. During the afternoon, visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary, enjoying a boat ride on the artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam. Following, visit a spice plantation growing cardamom, black pepper, cinnamom, clove, rubber, vanilla and coffee, for which Thekkady is famous. B
Drive to Olavipe where you will witness the 250 year history of “Parayil Tharakans”, a well known Syrian Christian family of Kerala. Stay for 2 nights at Olavipe Homestay. BLD
Day at leisure. Optional activities include a bicycle tour of Olavipe, a Keralan cooking lesson or trying the traditional techniques of Coir making. Row a boat through local canals or experience a cruise at sunset. BLD
Drive to the ancestral home of the Kandath family; a two hundred year old architectural gem constructed primarily of mud and teak, set in the lush rice paddies of rural Kerala. During the afternoon you will visit a weavers and potters colony to witness traditional local artists at work followed by a visit to a stunning local temple and Hyder Ali Fort. Overnight at Tharavad Homestay. BLD
Drive to Tellicherry for your two nights stay at an old colonial mansion, situated overlooking the blue Arabian Sea. Enjoy some of the wonderful gourmet cuisine with your hosts. BLD
Relax or explore the local area. BLD
This morning drive to Neeleshwar, an oasis of tranquillity set on one of the finest, unspoilt beaches of Kerala with neighbouring fishing villages scattered along the coast. Stay for the next four nights at Neeleshwar Hermitage. B
The next three days are at leisure to relax on the beach or enjoy the facilities of the hotel. B
Transfer to Mangalore airport for your flight to Cochin. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. B
Free day, this afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight home. B