Godly Kerala

Itinerary:

Day 1

On your arrival at Cochin, the TTC envoy will assist you with transfer from Cochin Airport or Railway Station and hotel check in. Relax and set out for the city of Cochin, else known as Ernakulam, to absorb the hues of its both new and old city. However, as there is not much to cherish in the new city, embark upon the ferry ride from the Main Jetty to drift towards Ernakulam, the old city that will greet you with its fabled Mattancherry Palace, otherwise known as the Dutch Palace. Mesmerize your senses amidst the carefully crafted Hindu murals, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends in intricate detail. Walk through the central hall on the 1st floor, now a portrait gallery of maharajas from 1864, to feel the, once lavished grandeur by the Dutch royalty. This astonishing grand architecture, built by the Portuguese was presented to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma, as a gesture of goodwill. The impressive collection of palanquins (hand-carried carriages), bejeweled outfits and splendidly carved ceilings has been renovated by the Dutch in 1663, which still stands with all its exquisiteness, for you to delight your senses.

The lanes, right around the Palace are filled with antique and tourist curio shops, from where raise the lively port area – Jew Town, a centre for spice traders from the yesteryears. As you will tread through the old, dilapidated buildings, filled with the biting aromas of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves, you will find the small firms huddled together, with shabby structures around. Look out for the name plates on the buildings. The Jewish names will confirm your coordinate – you are in the Jew Town. A few steps inward will take you to the Synagogue, a smack-bang in the middle of Jew Town. Originally built in 1568, it features an ornate gold pulpit and elaborates hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles, all under the grandeur of magnificently illuminated by chandeliers and coloured-glass lamps.

As you will explore deeper, Cochin will offer you a town within a town, Fort Kochi. A glimpse of FortImmanuel will take you back in time, when this bastion used to belong to the Portuguese and was a symbol of the strategic alliance which existed between the Maharaja of Cochin and the Monarch of Portugal, after whom the fort is named. Stop by the Thakur House, the Hill Bungalow, which still depicts the temper of the colonial era. It was home to the managers of the National Bank of India during the British rule. Walking past the Parade Ground, where the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British had once conducted military parades, to reach the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India.Further, in the fort there is a bouquet of foundations that awaits your visit, like elite houses, grand gates, reckoning corners, historic streets, estranged bungalows, flamboyant squares, social clubs, and winding roads, flavours of colonial past, which still hang in its air.

Outside this microcosm, have a view of the Chinese fishing nets, also, known as Cheenavala in the vast macrocosm of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen, which are dotted with these nets, introduced by the Chinese traders of the Kublai Khan Court. Outside China, these are found only in Kochi.

Stroll along the Fort Kochi Beach, at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships at the backdrop, to hold a soul full of memorable experience, before you call it a day. After traveling quite a distance, around Cochin, spend your leisure time, by the picturesque promenade of Cochin, Marine Drive. Cherish the serine beauty of the walkway, facing the Backwaters, free from pollution, as no vehicles are allowed to drive through the boulevard by the sea. Return to the hotel, relax, and stay overnight.

Day 2

After having a filling morning breakfast, set out for the hinterland waters of Kerala, the great shrubbery of the Backwaters. On arrival at Alleppey, board the houseboat, for a night cruise, in the tranquil isolation, amidst the vast lush green, sprawled through the black backwaters under the night sky, where the stars hang like fireflies from the heaven, with its crystal reflection on the backwaters of Alappuza. Spend your laid-back time in the graceful and greenery-fringed, disappearing into a watery world of villages, canoes, toddy shops and, of course, houseboats. At the break of dawn, wake up, float along and gaze over rice fields of succulent green, curvaceous rice barges and village life along the banks. Experience one of Kerala’s most mesmerisingly beauties, trapped reluctantly in the nature, in its virgin form. On your private trip to the backwaters of Alleppey, the famous labyrinth of waterways spanning 900-km, feast on a mouthwatering Kerala-style lunch and dinner, to enjoy savory dishes such as sambar, a hearty vegetable stew, with a vegetable and coconut curry. Tickle your sweet tooth with pappad, a South Indian wafer, and payasam, a rice pudding flavored with cardamom, raisins, saffron, cashew nuts and pistachios. Soak in the beauty of the landscape from your thatched-roof boat and relish the serenity of the river town, a classic experience of a lifetime. Stay overnight in the boathouse.

Day 3

Bid adieu to the floating paradise, as you have your breakfast. Set out for the city of Cochin for you departure Journey, after a soulful trip.

Inclusions:

Accommodation in well-appointed room on double sharing basis with base category of rooms
Daily Buffet breakfast at hotels
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at Houseboat
A/C Vehicle for all surface transfers & sightseeing
All applicable hotel taxes
All applicable Government Taxes

Sightseeing: Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, Calicut fish market, Mattancherry palace, Marine drive, Fort Cochin beach, Houseboat Night cruise

Exclusions:

Any meals other than those mentioned above
Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and flight delays, road blocks, and vehicle mal-functions, political disturbances etc.
Personal expenses like tipping, laundry 

Package Cost:

Trip Notes

Terms & Conditions:

Supplementary charges would be applicable for Any Conference or Festival times or Public Holidays etc.
Hotel Check-In time is 14.00 hrs & Check-Out time 12.00 Noon
Houseboat Check-In time is 12.00 Noon hrs & Check-Out time 09.00 AM
Houseboat AC Timing for Standard or Deluxe Houseboats will be: 08:00 PM – 06:00 AM & Luxury Houseboats will be full time
Early Check-In and late Check-Out subject to availability
These package rates are not available on the special days