Enjoy a leisurely walk on Kochi’s melting pot heritage and learn about all the different cultures that have made the stunning maritime city so unique, such as the Dutch Palace and the oldest European Church in India.
Chinese Fishing Nets- introduced by the court of Kublai Khan can be seen on the mesmerizing Fort Kochi beach.
Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
You may visit the Kalamandalam University, which follows the gurukula sampradayam, the ancient Indian education system based on residential tutelage. Kalamandalam was conceived to provide training to its students in the Gurukula Sampradaya, an ancient tradition of residential schooling where students stayed with the teachers.
They also impart training in classical dance and theatre forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kudiyattam, Thullal, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Nangiar Koothu, besides the traditional orchestra called Panchavadyam. Training is also given in various percussion instruments like chenda, maddalam and mizhavu.We can try and arrange for a class as well subject to permission being granted by the University.
Morning after breakfast checkout from the hotel and transfer to Kumarakom, the enchanting backwater region of Kerala and check into your hotel. The labyrinthine network of rivers, canals, streams and lagoons that form the famed backwaters offer stunning views and offers an ideal place for a peaceful getaway. Day at leisure.
City attractions:
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a small piece of heaven for nature lovers and bird watchers. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, this preservation ground is a habitat to plenty of common as well as endangered species of residential and migratory birds
Also visit: Pathiramanal, the fascinating island called the Sands of Midnight on the Vembanad Lake, can be reached by boat from here.
Opening hours: 6:30 am – 5 pm; all days of the week
With a plethora of Ayurvedic massages, Maya Spa Kumarakom in Kerala is conceivably the idyllic rejuvenation destination.
Distance between coconut lagoon hotel Kumarakom and Maya Spa Kumarakom: 15 mins (5.9kms)
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall is a scenic and gorgeous tourist attraction near Kumarakom, surrounded by rubber plantations and sedimentary rocky outcrops
Overnight stay at the Coconut Lagoon hotel.
A glide in a Kettuvalam (houseboat) through the enthralling backwaters of Alappuzha is a truly breathtaking experience. One can find tiny villages lined up on both sides of the backwater canals, which is a panoramic and memorable site.
Overnight stay at the Relax Houseboat. (Includes lunch and dinner onboard)
After Breakfast, check out from the houseboat and drive to Kanyakumari- the southernmost tip of India and also called Triveni- the meeting point of the Indian Ocean with Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
Distance between Allepey and Kanyakumari: 5 hrs 26 mins (249kms)
The memorial to Swami Vivekananda is a must visit along with the sunset and sunrise. Ferries to Vivekananda Rock Memorial stop at the Thiruvalluvar statue afterwards if the tide permits. It’s possible to go inside the base of the statue, and climb the stairs up to its feet for a superb view, as long as it’s not closed for periodic maintenance.
When in Kanyakumari, be dazzled at the Thovalai, Asia’s largest wholesale flower market in a village 30 minutes north of Kanyakumari.
You may choose to stay overnight in Kanyakumari or proceed to Kovalam.
Check in to Travancore Heritage Hotel in Kovalam.
Silhouetted against lush palm groves, the crescent shaped beaches of Kovalam are internationally acclaimed tourist destinations. Day at leisure for local sightseeing in Kovalam.
City attractions:
Enjoy a hearty brunch at the German bakery overlooking the stunning lighthouse beach. The place is highly recommended for pastries, shrimp biryani and special ayurvedic meals, with the Malabar Fruit Flambé being a highly recommended dish.
Go for a serene catamaran ride floating all the way at the Hawah Beach. Alternately, you can also go boating at Vellyani Lake while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding fishing villages.
After breakfast proceed for Sightseeing in Trivandrum. Return to Travancore Heritage Hotel in the evening.
Trivandrum city tour
You will be picked up from your hotel and accompanied by a local, English-speaking guide, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle as you go sightseeing in Trivandrum, you will visit:
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple: This 260-year old temple has a gopuram that rises 30 metres in the sky and intricately carved pillars which are beautiful.
Napier Museum: This is an art and natural history museum which houses a collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings.
Chitralayam Art Gallery: See works by renowned painters Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich as well as examples of Mughal and Tanjore art.
Sri Moolamthirunal Shasti Purthi Memorial (State Handicraft Institute): See fine samples of handicrafts over here.
You will also see Zoological Gardens, Reptile House, Observatory, Kanakakunnu Palace.
Morning at leisure. This marks the end of your journey. Proceed to airport for final departure