Go Local in Kerala

Upon arrival at Cochin Airport, you will meet our office representative and proceed to Fort Kochi. After checking in at the hotel, spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the local culture with a guided walk through Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Visit the historic Jewish Synagogue, located in the heart of Jew Town, followed by the Dutch Palace, renowned for its exquisite 17th-century mural paintings.Experience local life by taking a tuk-tuk ride - the most popular mode of transport among residents while exploring hidden corners of the town. En route, stop at the Dhobi Khana (traditional laundry station), which, though once bustling with activity, now reflects a fading heritage. Continue your exploration with a visit to St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India (built in 1503), where Vasco da Gama was originally buried. Then proceed to the Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the most magnificent churches in the country. Conclude the day with a visit to the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, whose massive cantilevered structures have become a defining symbol of Fort Kochi. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, proceed to Alleppey. By noon, board your traditional houseboat to experience the authentic rhythm of rural village life and the serene backwaters. Cruise through an enchanting network of canals, lakes, and lagoons, offering an intimate glimpse into Kerala’s unique water-based lifestyle. Observe how daily life unfolds along the backwaters, where residents travel, fish, bathe, and carry out household activities by the water’s edge. Witness locals engaging in conversations while standing waist-deep in the water, reflecting their deep connection to this environment. Local vendors navigate the waterways to supply daily essentials, and even public transport operates on water. As you glide through this tranquil landscape, enjoy the sight of lush green vegetation and numerous water birds waiting patiently to catch their prey. This immersive journey highlights the harmony between nature and community life in Kerala’s backwater regions. Overnight stay on board the houseboat.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the houseboat crew and disembark for your onward journey to Kurialacherry House in Champakulam. This traditional Kerala-style homestay is situated on the banks of the River Pampa, surrounded by swaying coconut trees and lush green paddy fields. The ancestral home was once owned by the Venerable Thomas Kurialacherry (January 14, 1873 – February 6, 1925), a member of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and the first Bishop of the Archdiocese of Changanassery. Today, it has been thoughtfully converted into a heritage homestay, with a few guest rooms adapted from an antique granary while preserving its original wooden architecture. Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome from your host, Mr. Chacko, and join him for an immersive village walk to experience the local community. Visit the historic Champakulam Kalloorkadu St. Mary’s Forane Church, regarded as one of the oldest churches in India and believed to be among the seven established by St. Thomas in AD 427. Continue your exploration with a visit to a traditional wooden carving workshop, followed by a stop to view one of the longest snake boats, an iconic symbol of Kerala’s backwater culture. You will also visit the Bishop’s Museum before returning to the homestay for a home-cooked lunch served in a warm family setting. In the early evening, enjoy a leisurely walk through the family-owned paddy fields. Later, savor an authentic dinner prepared by your hosts in the regional Kuttanad style, featuring organic vegetables from their own cultivation and fresh fish sourced from the property’s fish farm. Overnight stay at the homestay.

Today, awaken to the soothing sounds of birds echoing through the natural surroundings. There is no better time than early morning to embark on a traditional country canoe ride through the tranquil backwaters. Experience authentic village life by observing local activities from the perspective of your host. Return home for a freshly prepared breakfast. Before lunch, take the opportunity to participate in a cooking demonstration featuring local cuisine with your host, followed by a traditional Kerala lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure, immersing yourself in the serene environment. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the homestay.

Enjoy breakfast at the homestay before bidding farewell to your host. Thereafter, embark on a scenic drive from the plains to the lush green mountains of the Nilgiris. Along the way, observe expansive rubber, coffee, and cardamom plantations, as well as rolling tea gardens that characterize the region’s agrarian landscape. Arrive at a heritage plantation bungalow in Peermade, where you will gain insight into the local history and evolution of plantation life. The estate, historically associated with silk production and later transformed into a tea plantation, offers a unique perspective on Kerala’s agricultural heritage. In the afternoon, explore the plantation with a guided walk and visit a waterfall located within the property. In the evening, proceed to Parunthumpara Viewpoint to experience panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a local plantation bungalow or eco-lodge.

Begin the morning with a guided walk through the tea plantations, offering insight into local cultivation practices and the daily lives of plantation workers. After breakfast, proceed to visit a nearby tea factory, where you will experience the traditional tea-making process and gain an understanding of regional production techniques. In the afternoon, drive to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a unique setting where visitors can դիտ wildlife in its natural habitat from the safety of the water. This experience provides opportunities to observe animals at close range while respecting their ecological environment. Return to the hotel in the evening and conclude the day with an overnight stay.

After breakfast, proceed to Munnar-often referred to as a paradise for nature lovers. Enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside to this popular hill retreat, renowned for its expansive tea estates and rich biodiversity. Surrounded by lush greenery, Munnar offers a distinctive landscape characterized by diverse flora and fauna. Upon arrival, check in at a heritage tea bungalow, providing an authentic local experience amidst the plantations. In the afternoon, visit Echo Point and Mattupetty Dam. Echo Point is particularly known for its natural echo phenomenon and remains a popular attraction for visitors throughout the year. Situated at a considerable altitude, the area invites leisurely walks through its verdant surroundings.Return to the bungalow in the evening and conclude the day with an overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr and recognized for hosting the largest known population of this species in the world. The park offers a unique opportunity to experience the region’s rich biodiversity within its natural habitat. On your return journey, stop at the Srishti Welfare Centre, an initiative by Tata Global Beverages dedicated to the rehabilitation and empowerment of differently abled individuals. Engage with the local community, observe their artisanal practices, and enjoy some time exploring and purchasing handicrafts that support this social initiative.Return to the hotel, and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, allowing for independent activities within the resort. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport to board your return flight home, carrying with you memorable experiences of local life and culture.