Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Kerala, exploring the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and timeless traditions of its most iconic destinations. Begin your adventure in Trivandrum, the state's vibrant capital, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Discover the artistic soul of Kerala in Aranmula, famed for its traditional boat races and the ancient craftsmanship of metal mirrors. Move into the lush wilderness of Periyar, where the wildlife sanctuary offers a serene escape amid rolling hills and spice plantations. Cruise through the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, often called the "Venice of the East," aboard traditional houseboats. Continue to Cochin, a historic port city steeped in colonial charm, blending Indian and European influences. Experience the rural traditions in Ottappalam, a cultural hub known for its festivals and heritage homes. Head to Kannur, where long, pristine beaches and centuries-old rituals offer a unique insight into the region's traditions. Conclude in Calicut, a city that echoes the legacy of ancient maritime trade, where history, spice markets, and scenic beauty intertwine. This tour is a perfect blend of Kerala’s cultural depth, natural wonders, and historical richness.
Trip Duration - 16 Days
Grade - Premium
Accommodation - 15 Nights Hotel Stay
Category - Cultural & Heritage
Welcomed by Marvel Tours representative upon arrival in Trivandrum and transfer to your hotel. Relax and Unwind. Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala. For many tourists, Trivandrum is just the gateway to beaches like Kovalam and Varkala, but the city is definitely more than that. It has some of most prominent structures in Keralan history, like the Sri Padmanabha Temple, The Equine mansion, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the legislative Assembly building etc. This evening, explore the Chalai market. The Diwan of Travancore “Raja” Kesava Das established this ever-vibrant market during the closing years of the 18th century. The name ‘Chalai’ originated from the community of traders, the “chaliyas" as they started to influence the cultural and linguistic tradition of the city. The narrow but vibrant street extends 2 kms from the East gate and ends at Killipalam. Overnight at hotel.
Today enjoy a sightseeing of Trivandrum city. You will visit the Padmanabhaswamy temple complex. You are not permitted inside the temple, however the area around the temple is really worth it. There is also the Equine Mansion, a great example of the Kerala school of architecture and is made from teakwood, rosewood, marble, and granite. A total of 122 smiling wooden horses await you in this palace which is known as ‘Kuthiramalika’ meaning “palace of horses”. Built by Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, who was Maharaja of the Kingdom of Travancore in British India, it takes one back to the 1840s when it was first constructed. Also visit the Museum complex, which also has the Sri Chitra art gallery which has some of the best works of the famed Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma. Evening is at your leisure. You may decide to spend some time around sunset at the Shankhumugham beach. Many local people visit here in the evenings though, there would be only a few who would dare to swim in the sea. Overnight at hotel.
Morning drive to Aranmula, which is considered one of the heritage villages in India. Located by river Pamba, the centre of the village is the Sri Krishna temple. Aranmula is also very famous for its metal mirrors. A traditional craft in which a unique metal surface is polished to reflect like a mirror. The mirror is also one of the most favoured souvenir from Kerala. Aranmula is also famous for its Snake boat race which happens during Aug/Sep, and these boats are part of the village life. You will find them in their shelters, as a pride possession of the villages. There is also a Mural art gallery here. Kerala has the second largest number of mural paintings in India, and uses quite a different technique than what is found in the north of India.This village is not touristic and offers you a glimpse into the village life. Not only can you explore its major attractions, but you could also find many paths to walk away from the village centre and have many encounters with local people.Overnight at hotel
Days at your disposal to explore the attractions and the village life around. Non Hindus are not permitted inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, however you could still get into the temple compound and it is a good visit, especially in the morning and evening hours. Overnights at hotel.
Morning drive to Periyar an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel. Evening enjoy a boat ride in Periyar lake. This boat ride inside the National park presents an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife with the safety of being in a boat. Periyar is considered one of the best parks in India to spot Wild Elephants. Overnight at hotel.
Today enjoy a half day hiking and rafting program through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. A mosaic of habitats will be traversed at times by walk and also on bamboo rafts. By rafting you will get a panoramic view of forest-clad hills. Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar could be sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake. Later today go on a spice plantation tour where you will be enticed by not only the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg but will also get to know how they are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. Overnight at hotel.
Morning drive to Alleppey, which is the heart of the famous backwaters of Kerala. Avoid the town and you will drive straight into the heartlands of the backwater region, locally famed as ‘Kuttanad’. This is where at least half the rice production of Kerala happens. The whole region is chequered with lakes, canals, coves and vast stretches of paddy fields, it is simply stunning. Add to this is the charm of the amazing water centered life of the population here. Most people are either fishermen or farmers or both. Kerala has backwaters all along its coast. However, the life in this region is incomparable to anywhere else in the state. Upon arrival, you will check in to the home stead. Later this afternoon, you will enjoy a cute boat ride , going up to the village of Pullengadi and back. This is best done around 16:30 hours and you should be able to enjoy the beautiful sunset too while on your boat. Overnight at hotel.
Days at your disposal to explore the backwater villages around and have a first hand experience of people and their life.Overnights at hotel.
Morning drive to Cochin. A port town since early centuries, Cochin, also known as the spice coast of India, attracted traders and invaders from the world over. Needless to say, Cochin offers you some fascinating snippets of history and culture. Check in to your hotel. Later today, Walk around Fort Kochi & Mattancheri, visit the Jewish Synagogue which is the heart of the so called Jew Town, followed by the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century. Take a tuk tuk– the most popular mode of transport among the locals and stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), which is a favourite spot of visitors. Next visit is the St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India built in 1503, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama was originally buried. Also visit the Santa cruz Basilica,one of the finest and imposing churches in India. Finally visit the famous Chinese Fishing Nets of Cochin. The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that droop towards the waters like over-sized hammocks, have become a hallmark of Fort Kochi. In the evening, visit a local theatre and witness a Kathakali dance show. Kathakali is a Classic dance–drama which is at least 300 years old. In many ways it is an union of Theatre, Music, Dance, Costumes and Make-up with Indian Mythological stories and characters. Most viewers are spellbound by this performance that very few manage to take their eyes away from the stage. Overnight at hotel.
Morning you will drive north to Ottappalam, and drive towards your homestead which is located ideally in a village outside the town. It is right to say that from today you will be entering into North of Kerala. Even if a tiny state there is quite a difference in many aspects of life between the north and south of Kerala. As you explore the village around, we are sure you will start noticing at least some of these differences. Upon arrival check into your homestead. Overnight at hotel
Day at your disposal to explore the village around. Overnight at hotel.
Morning, you will have a long drive to Kannur, formerly known as Cannanore. Marco Polo christened it a ‘Great Emporium Of Spice Trade’. Kannur has, since time immemorial, been hailed as an influential sea port. Legend has it that it had interactions and trade relations with the rest of the world since the time of King Solomon to the Greeks, Arabs and Romans. It is famed for its Beedi (hand made local version of cigarettes) and handloom industry. On top of it all it is also the heartland for Theyyam, the ritual which is nowadays often termed a performing art. Theyyam is probably the most aboriginal of all Indian rituals/art from the Indian sub continent, which follows ancestoral worship.Upon arrival, you will check into your homestead, which is located by a beautiful pristine beach region. Overnight at hotel.
Days at your disposal to explore the whole region and also to relax by the beach. We will find one or more Theyyam festival for you to visit during your stay in Kannur, closer to date. In addition, you could also venture into the city and visit its St. Angelo Fort which is beautifully located by the sea. Overnight at hotel
Today drive to Calicut. Calicut or Kozhikode as a Port City came up somewhere in the 13th Century is generally considered as the heart of Malabar. Malabar had been famous as the principal source of spices and timber from time immemorial. Vasco Da Gama landed in Kappad, 16 Kms north of the city, in 1498 paving the sea route from Europe to the sub continent. Calicut though, had received traders from all around even Centuries before. The fame of Calicut had spread throughout the maritime world and the Arabs and the Chinese were the leading visitors, both liked the operational efficiency and the atmosphere of discipline in the society. Very close to Calicut city there is Beypore, which has its century old tradition of making Dhows or Ships made of wood. This tradition continue unhindered even today, though in a smaller scale. Check in to your homestead upon arrival. Your hotel is an Ayurvedic Wellness Centre too. Evening, enjoy the Sweet Meet street or Mittai Theru, the busiest market road in Calicut which is the hallmark of the region, for many. You would be amazed by the sheer number of shops which sell a very special delicacy of this region, Kozhikodan Halva. The Mananchira square and the pond which is just a stone’s throw away from Mittai Theru, is yet another major landmark of the city, which attracts lots of local people in the evenings. Overnight at hotel.
Today, you will visit the traditional ship building yards of Beypore, interacting with the crafts men there. You could also visit the premises of the Thali temple which is in the heart of the city. Overnight at hotel.
In time, transfer to airport for your departure flight.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Historic Capital City
Heritage Village with traditional metal mirrors
Snake boats and Bamboo rafting
hiking in National Park
Backwater village
Village life in North Kerala
Theyyam festival