Backwaters enhance the elegance of Kerala charming visitors at first sight. Portuguese and Dutch settlements in port town Kochi reveals the history of ancient foreign inhabitants. Alleppey’s backwaters are the peaceful enough to take you to another world, away from noise and stress. Chirpies at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary offers an exclusive date with birdies. The concluding destination, Mararikulam, is one of the best beach villages in India.
Day 1 : ARRIVE AT KOCHI IN EVENING
Our representative will welcome you on arrival at the airport and escort you to hotel. Overnight in Kochi
Day 2 : KOCHI
After breakfast you will check out houseboat and then drive to Kochi; enjoy a half-day tour of Cochin. Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city, also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. The ruler of Kochi allowed the Portuguese to construct a fort next to the waterfront here. Thus, emerged Fort Kochi. Also called Fort Emmanuel, Portuguese planned their livelihood around the church with settlements and church. St. Francis church, the first church of colonial era where Vasco-Da-Gama's body was buried before being taken to Portugal. You'll also come across Dutch cemetery, Santa Cruz Basilica, Indo Portuguese museum and Cochin ThirumalaDevaswomTemple, Willingdon Island here. Later in evening, witness a Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is the most recognized dance form of Kerala. A traditional Kathakali performance began at dusk continued through the night, culminating at the auspicious hour of dawn, when Good finally conquers Evil. Now, of course, shorter performances are more the norm! Costumes and makeup are dramatically characteristic of the dance, and the technique involves highly intricate gestures and expressions.Overnight in Kochi.
Day 3 : KOCHI-KUMARAKOM (65KMS; 1-1.5HRS DRIVE APPROX.)
After breakfast you will drive to Kumarakom; on arrival you will enjoy a walk inside the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on Vembanad Lake, which is home to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. An ornithologist's paradise, the sanctuary is spread across 14 acres, and is the favourite haunt of local birds like Waterfowl, Cuckoo, Owls, Egrets, Herons, Water Ducks, Parrots, Teal, Larks, Flycatchers and Wood Beetle. The Island of Pathiramanal ( Sands of night), with its lush acres of wooded land, attracts a variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia… including the Siberian Crane. Later check in at a hotel and relax. Overnight in Kumarakom
Day 4 : KUMARAKOM-ALLEPPEY (40KMS; 1-1.5HRS DRIVE APPROX.)
After breakfast you are at leisure; at noon you will check out of the hotel and drive to Alleppey. Enjoy a houseboat cruise through Alleppey, "Venice of the East" which has a large network of canals that meander through the town and surrounding villages… the Snake Boat Race held every year in August in the backwaters is a major attraction. The Kerala backwaters are a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce, and are often the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. Overnight in Alleppey.
Day 5 : ALLEPPEY-MARARIKULAM (15KMS; 20MIN. DRIVE APPROX.)
After breakfast you will disembark from the houseboat and drive to Marari Beach; on arrival you will relax on beach side followed by check in at a beach resort. Thereafter you are at leisure on your own. No vehicle service hereafter. Overnight in Mararikulam.
Day 6 : MARARIKULAM
After breakfast you are at leisure for your independent activities; no vehicle service. Overnight in Mararikulam
Day 7 : MARARIKULAM-KOCHI (43KMS; 1HR DRIVE APPROX.) & FLY OUT
After breakfast you are at leisure; later at noon you will check out of your beach resort and then you will be given assistance in transfer to Kochi airport to board flight for onward destination; henceforth your journey ends and we wish you safe, happy, memorable journey back to your home.