Journey through South India

Welcome to India! We are landing at Kochi International Airport, from where we will be transferred to the hotel. Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is one of the most culturally diverse cities in India with ancient Christian and Jewish communities, as well as more traditional Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist ones. The city's colonial past has also left a legacy of heritage characterized by Portuguese, Dutch, and British culture and architecture. In the afternoon, we explore the historic districts of the city. Our walking tour will take us to the Jewish Town, where we can admire the Pardesi Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays); the Mattancherry Palace, known locally as the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays); Fort Kochi, reminiscent of European streets and houses; the Chinese fishing nets on the northern shore of Fort Kochi; and St. Francis Church, near a typical English 'village green'. We spend a pleasant time watching the fishermen work the nets at sunset before returning to the hotel.

After breakfast, we depart for Periyar, where we will check in around noon. After lunch (not included in the B&B and half board option), let's get ready to discover this land of elephants, endless hills, and fragrant spice plantations. The flora and fauna of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary are absolutely thrilling, and Periyar Lake is a haven for nature lovers: the greatest wonder it offers is the sight of herds of elephants coming down to play in its waters. Enjoy an afternoon boat trip on Periyar Lake and observe the wildlife (depending on the water level). Look out for sambar, bison, spotted deer, tigers, leopards, Malabar giant squirrels, striped-neck mongooses, and many others. Later, return to the hotel.

After breakfast, we begin our journey to the small and picturesque Kumarakom, on the Backwaters of Kerala. The village is located on the eastern shore of Lake Vembanad, a beautiful bird sanctuary. Here one can observe a wealth of waterbirds, cuckoos, and wild ducks. In winter, large flocks of migratory wild ducks from Siberia arrive in a spectacular formation to settle here. Kumarakom lies in a timeless place, amidst gentle and relaxing activities. Around lunchtime, we check into our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day exploring this beautiful location at our leisure.

After breakfast and a 30-minute drive to the Kumarakom pier, we board a houseboat (Kettuvallam). Kettuvallams are huge, sleek vessels traditionally used to transport rice and other goods throughout Kerala. A section is covered with bamboo and coconut fibers, serving as a kitchen and sanitary facilities for the crew. These boats are built entirely without the use of nails. Wooden planks are joined together with coconut ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. Modern Kettuvallams feature finished bedrooms, modern sanitary facilities, cozy living rooms, kitchens, and even balconies where tourists can relax on cushions. Most boats are propelled by local oarsmen, while some are powered by engines. Gliding over the calm Backwaters, visitors can admire the side of Kerala untouched by time. Let's enjoy the day at our leisure to better discover the activities of the local people and then spend the night aboard the houseboat.

After breakfast, we descend from the houseboat and head to Kovalam. This quiet seaside resort on the Arabian Sea is located about 16 km from the center of Thiruvananthapuram. In Malayalam, the regional language, the term "Kovalam" means "Grove of coconut trees", as the area is surrounded by spectacular beaches and lush coconut palms. After checking into the hotel, the rest of the day is at our disposal to explore the world-famous beaches, particularly the "Eve's Beach" and the "Lighthouse Beach". The calm waters are perfect for a swim and for beach lovers, there are top-notch amenities available, from sunbathing on the pristine beaches to Ayurvedic massages.

After a pleasant breakfast, the entire day is at our disposal to explore Kovalam at our leisure. We can choose to relax on the beach or wander through the village streets, savoring the local food and shopping in the local stores. We might also visit the famous Karamana river.

Our journey to discover India ends here. We are escorted to the airport after breakfast. See you on the next tour!