Colony Backwaters and Beaches of Kerala (7 Days)

Colony Backwaters and Beaches of Kerala (7 Days)

If you’re looking to spend your week in India fully unwinding, then look no further than the sunny, laid-back southern state of Kerala. Fly into Kochi and explore Fort Kochi, the old-town quarters famous for its cobblestoned lanes and Dutch, Portuguese, and Jewish heritage. From there, head to Alleppey, a Venetian-esque town built onto canals and streams known as the Keralan backwaters. If your idea of a good time involves a hammock and a steady supply of fresh coconuts, then look no further than Marari Beach, an stretch of sandy coastline where you’ll get a chance to see local fishermen in action as they haul in their catches of the day. Or head south to Kovalam, a sandy and shallow coast dotted with Ayurvedic spas.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kochi

Pass By: Kochi (Cochin), Kochi (Cochin), Ernakulam District, Kerala
On arrival at Kochi airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Kochi founded by Vasco-da-Gama in 1502, quickly developed into a principle port and the center of the spice trade on the Malabar Coast. A picturesque town of dilapidated buildings, vibrant bougainvillea and a languid palm-fringed harbour, Portuguese, Dutch and British settlers have all influenced this charming city.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Kochi

Stop At: Fort Kochi, Fort Kochi, Kochi (Cochin), Ernakulam District, Kerala
Breakfast at hotel. Smell of the seawater and fish, hung over nets and locals on the beach – today we explore the Fort Kochi. Starting on foot, begin the day at the church of St Francis, the oldest European church in India, then walk to the town’s waterfront – site of the iconic Chinese fishing nets and the many fish stalls.
Later visit Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift to the Raja of Kochi, and the town’s fine synagogue. The area here is also known for its many antique and souvenir shops. End the day with a mesmeric sunset cruise around the bustling harbour.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Kochi - Alleppey (60Kms/ 1.3hrs approx)

Stop At: Alleppey Backwaters, Alappuzha India
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Alleppey the Kerala backwaters to join a private houseboat for a night cruise. Authentic and comfortable, all meals are cooked on board and the boat is staffed with a captain, a deck hand and a cook. Spend the remainder of day cruising the picturesque and peaceful backwaters.

Explore the backwaters that entails a network of lakes, coconut shaded canals and estuaries – tiled and thatched cottages bright with hibiscus dot the embankments and the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets hung over the water’s edge. Witness local life with children swimming and playing in the water, women attending to their daily chores and men fishing from their canoes. Lunch, dinner & overnight in houseboat.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in houseboat.

Day 4: Alleppey - Mararikulam (20kms/ 30min approx) or Kovalam (160kms/ (3hrs approx)

Pass By: Marari Beach, Beach Road, Mararikulam 688006 India
After breakfast disembark houseboat and drive to Marari and check in at a Beach Resort for a three-night stay. Rest time free and easy to relax on the beach.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at beach resort.

Day 5: Mararikulam/ Kovalam

Pass By: Marari Beach, Beach Road, Mararikulam 688006 India
Breakfast at hotel, day free and easy to relax on the beach and connect with yourself.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at beach resort.

Day 6: Mararikulam / Kovalam

Pass By: Kovalam, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala
Breakfast at hotel, day free and easy to relax on the beach and connect with yourself.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at beach resort.

Day 7: Mararikulam - Kochi (75kms/ 2hrs approx) or Kovalam - Trivandrum (16kms/ 30min)

Pass By: Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala
Breakfast at hotel. As per your flight schedule transfer to Kochi or Trivandrum Airport to board flight for onward destination.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.