Journey from the modern port city of Cochin to the sleepy backwaters where canals meander through coconut plantations. Take a classic rail trip and enjoy a homestay experience with a charming family. Finish your discovery of Kerala and go off the beaten track to cycle past tranquil villages.
ALTERNATIVE KERALA
HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoying Keralan cuisine at your homestay on a coffee plantation.
- Taking a rice barge journey through the backwaters.
- Experiencing the hustle and bustle of an Indian train journey.
FROM THE JOURNAL
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Arrive
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Day 1 Cochin
Arrive in Cochin and transfer to your hotel. Cochin has a rich trading past with Jewish, Portuguese, British and Dutch influences which combine and reflect one of the most interesting facets of Indian life: cultural plurality.
Overnight: Brunton Boatyard
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Day 2 Cochin
Take a fascinating heritage walk of Cochin, to include the ubiquitous Chinese fishing nets, the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jew Street, the beautiful Cochin Synagogue and the St Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama is buried. This evening, witness the spectacular Kathakali Dance Drama, a classical dance with themes centring on Indian epics.
Overnight: Brunton Boatyard
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Day 3 Vembanad Lake
Transfer to the 'backwaters' and your charming hotel perched on the shores of the Vembanad Lake.
Overnight: Purity
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Day 4 Rice Barge
Join your rice barge at the pleasant market town of Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East. Cruise through the canals of the backwaters, past paddy fields and water bound villages.
Overnight: Purity
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Day 5 Jan Shatabdi Express - Kozhikode - Sultan Bathery
Board the Jan Shatabdi Express for your rail journey to Kozhikode and continue to Sultan Bathery. Your accommodation is a renovated planter's bungalow situated in a working coffee plantation, formerly known as the Kuppumundy Estate. Integral to the homestay experience is dining at a communal table enjoying traditional Keralan cuisine and 'Grandmother's secret formulas'.
Overnight: Tranquil Plantation
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Day 6 Kuppumundy Estate
Enjoy walks through the estate, go bird watching or take an ayurvedic treatment. Alternatively venture further afield to the Edakkal Caves, the Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary and the towns of Sultan Bathery.
Overnight: Tranquil Plantation
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Day 7 - 8 Northern Kerala & Coast
Transfer by private car to Neeleshwar, located on the coast in northern Kerala. Explore this tranquil enclave. Go cycling through the local villages, try your hand at Keralan cuisine, do some yoga, visit the local turtle hatchery or spend an evening learning about Indian culture with a noted academic.
Overnight: Neeleshwar Hermitage
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Day 9 Depart
Depart Neeleshwar for your flight home. Should you require it, a day room can be organised in Mumbai between connecting flights.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| Low | $ 2,766 |
| Mid | $ 3,424 |
| High | $ 3,813 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Prices are per person based on two people sharing a room.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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