Family Ties in South India

Welcome to Kerala! Upon arrival, meet our representative transfer to your hotel. Cochin, also known as Kochi, has been a principal seaport of India for over 600 years. The region has Arab, Dutch, French, Portuguese, and Chinese influences. The city stretches across a number of peninsulas and islands, which can be reached by a network of water taxis and bridges.

In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Originally performed only by men, this art form, with its intricate hand gestures, facial expressions and choreographed movements, evolved from an ancient martial art form. Overnight.

After breakfast, visit Kumbalangi Village. Kumbalangi is a quiet, leafy island village known for rural tourism activities. View the Chinese fishing nets, explore its mangrove forests, and experience traditional Keralan village life. Boat trips from Kallenchery cruise along the surrounding backwaters. Local artisans and boatmen offer craft demonstrations and fishing trips, while simple, no-frills eateries serve seafood and local meals.

Spend the evening with Nimmy and Paul.  Savor traditional delicacies that includes seafood, coconut, and plantains from a nationally recognized cooking instructor in her home. Return to your hotel and overnight.

After breakfast, explore Kochi by bicycle and meet a few of the 20+ communities in the area. The cultural vibrancy is a beautiful example of the spirit of unity in diversity. Riding through the back alleys of Cochin, the program includes sampling delicacies from other parts of India – and the world! This is an experience for the senses: the aromas of spices and incense; the tastes of sweetness and sourness; the cacophony of temple bells, honking tuk-tuks and the call of the fishermen! 

Evening at leisure and overnight.

After breakfast, drive to Inchathotty (2 hours) for a stay at the Windermere River House. Located off the popular tourist circuit, the 5-bedroom plantation offers guests an immersive experience. Enjoy canoeing, birding, village walks, cycling, or simply sit by the pool with beautiful views of the Periyar River. Evening at leisure and overnight.

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom (2 hours). Kumarakom is a charming village on the Eastern bank of Vembanadu Lake surrounded by paddy fields. The lake's majestic canals, streams, and distributaries weave an intricate and enchanting web. Time at leisure to enjoy the resort or you can visit Kumarakom Village, a responsible tourism initiative. Overnight.

In the morning, enjoy a cruise on the backwaters. The canals thread their way through the state to the sea. Along the way you will pass rice fields, tiny villages, boats transporting children to school, and farmers transporting their produce to the market.

Later you will be transferred to Philipkutty’s Farm for lunch, a hideaway set on a remote farm island. The cuisine is mostly local and cooked by the family. Share stories, relish in the surroundings, and enjoy a lavish lunch influenced by the backwaters. Return to your hotel and evening at leisure.

In the morning, drive to Alleppey (2 hours). Also known as Alappuzha, Alleppey is set along the coast of the Laccadive Sea. Dubbed the Venice of the East, it is renowned for its houseboat cruises which float along the tranquil backwater canals.

Transfer to Nelpura Heritage Homestay, a renovated structure adjoining the ancestral house of Mr. Chacko and his family. The building showcases the fine features of traditional Kerala architecture and woodcarving. Dating back around 150 years, the rooms are made mostly with seasoned timber and still retain their original grandeur.

Remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight.

In the morning, join Mr. Chacko and visit the 500-year-old village temple. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the locals in close quarters.

Later, drive to Mararikulam (45 min), a picturesque fishing village on the Malabar Coast. The village has a host of sandy beaches fringed by coconut palms, ideal to stroll around, enjoy the waves and interact with the locals. Afternoon at leisure to soak up the splendid coastal scenery of Mararikulam. Overnight.

Day at leisure. In the evening, transfer to the Kochi airport (2 hours) for your onward flight. Bon Voyage!