Arrive at Cochin international airport.
On arrival, you will meet by our representative and will be escorted to your hotel in Cochin.
Kerala’s long history of international trade has made it eclectic, which in turn has influenced many aspects of culture and religious balance. Cochin (formally Kochi), by reflecting this, has become one of India’s fascinating cities. Beautifully located on a cluster of islands and peninsulas it surrounds a large natural harbour. Much of the past has survived in its many historic sites.
Cochin is an attractive city with serene backwaters, and lagoons with feathery coconut palms. The older parts, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, are an unlikely blend of Indian and medieval Portuguese. Now the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala, it is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India after Mumbai.
Check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Cochin
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, proceed for morning city tour of Cochin.
Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): Built by the Portuguese in 1557, it was presented to the Cochin Raja, Veera Kerala Varma as a goodwill gesture. In 1663 it was substantially renovated by the Dutch, hence its other name. The coronation of many Rajas took place here and in the Coronation hall dresses, turbans and palanquins are displayed.
By far the most notable aspect of the Palace is the superb murals in the bedchambers and other rooms. They depict scenes from the Ramayana and legends of Lord Shiva, and are almost certainly the best in India. (closed on Friday)
Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry: The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.(closed on Friday& Saturday)
St. Francis Church: Close to Fort Kochi, it is the oldest church in India, built in 1503 by Franciscan Friars. On his third visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama the Portuguese trader, who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi and was buried in St. Francis Church. Fourteen years later his remains were exhumed and taken back to Portugal. Despite this his grave inside the church is clearly marked.
Chinese Fishing Nets: It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan installed these fishing nets here. Oddly, outside China these nets are only found in and around Cochin. Today many fishermen still earn their livelihood using these massive nets, which are dotted along a stretch from Fort Cochin, opposite Vypeen Island.
Bolgatty Palace: Built by the Dutch in 1744 is situated on a narrow stretch of land in the backwaters. The building was once the Dutch governor's palace, later becoming the home of the British Governors. Now converted into an hotel, The Bolgatty Palace Hotel, it has a commanding view over the harbour outlet into the open sea.
In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance.
Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala, South India, which dates from the 17th century. Kathakali recitals are drama and are danced with elaborate masks and costumes. They are emotive and narrative, while other dance forms have either one of them. The dancers use their stunning costumes and make-up, with the accompaniment of drums and vocalists, to create various moods and emotions.
Overnight in Cochin
After breakfast, check out and drive to Kumarakom.
The enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small village that is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. It is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies.
This place is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Birds like, Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck, the Siberian stork that can be found here in flocks. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing etc.
On arrival, check in the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Kumarakom
Day at leisure.
(Spa and Ayurvedic massages are recommended)
Overnight in Kumarakom
After breakfast, check out and drive to Mararikulam
Situated 60 kms from Cochin, Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm.
The village of Mararikulam is tucked away behind a line of dense palms that rise like a sudden rampart of green out of the sands The isolation of the islands have ensured the preservation of their pure culture and pristine nature, right to the present day
Sprawled expansively across 25 acres of land, the Marari Beach Resort is separated from the sea by a windbreak of stretching palm. There are 52 cottages built in the style of a traditional fishing village with thatched villas that have been designed to be in keeping with the local village style. Simplicity and harmony mark the interiors, which nevertheless contain all the comforts of a modern resort. The cottages are separated by generous stretches of open parkland, dotted with fruit-laden trees.
Overnight at Mararikulam
Breakfast at the hotel.
Day at leisure.
Overnight at Mararikulam
After breakfast transfer to airport to board your flight back home
