Family trip : Nature, Elephants and Trails

At the airport, you'll be welcomed by your driver, who will take you to the Fort Cochin peninsula. Your arrival time will determine the start of your exploration of the city. Kochi, the former port city known as Cochin, is a symbol of its cosmopolitan past. Overnight at the hotel.

You can explore the streets of Kochi, with the tropical Malabar coast as the backdrop. The remnants of its colonial history, such as Portuguese houses, mosques, the 15th-century synagogue, St. Francis Church (the oldest in India), Chinese fishing nets, and Mattancherry Palace, will captivate you! A relaxing evening will help you recover and recharge for the next day's program. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your morning with a unique experience: fishing. First, visit a crab farm, then try traditional fishing with a net woven from coconut fiber. You’ll then learn how to utilize different parts of the coconut tree, including how to handle coconuts, extract coconut milk, peel, and weave coconut leaves. In the afternoon, attend a Kathakali performance, an ancient art form that combines dance, theater, and martial arts. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, explore the Western Ghats, the mountainous region, and the village of Thekkady. India is world-famous for its spices, and Kerala is the true source. Your guide will take you to family-owned spice gardens, where you'll discover various plants and their benefits. From aromatic to healing properties, these plants are versatile and essential in Ayurvedic medicine. By learning about their origins, history, and significance, you’ll gain insight into an important cultural aspect of India. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. You’ll venture into Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to majestic animals like elephants, bison, and tigers, as well as lesser-known species like barking deer, chevrotain, bonnet macaques, and dholes (wild Asian dogs). This animal haven is also home to over 250 bird species, including the great Malabar hornbill, grey hornbill, grey heron, ibis, osprey, racket-tailed drongo, flycatcher, and blue-winged parakeet. You’ll be amazed by the diversity. The day will end with an exclusive encounter with elephants. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, begin your journey to the plains of Palai. This idyllic route to Vembanad Lake offers stunning landscapes. Once settled into your accommodation, you can relax or explore the nearby area, with its picturesque villages, lush rice paddies, thriving plantations, and Kerala's renowned backwater canals.

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a houseboat cruise along more than 1500 km of rivers, canals, and lakes. Lunch on board. The sight of boats, bamboo pole-bearing boatmen, rice paddies surrounding the river, and the typical villages lined with hibiscus and bougainvillea will enchant you. Dinner and a peaceful night on the houseboat.

Disembark in the morning at Alleppey and head toward the Malabar Coast and its stunning beaches. Arrive at Marari, a beautiful, secluded white sand beach. Your hotel on the shore is perfect for relaxation. Swimming, resting, and strolling along the beach and its fishing villages are on the agenda. You can also try traditional fishing in a dugout canoe! Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day without a driver. You can choose from a variety of Ayurvedic treatments and massages, an authentic practice that restores the body’s energy balance. Alternatively, you can spend a relaxing day by the sea. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. You have a second day of free time to browse markets for souvenirs, including local crafts and unique gifts for loved ones. A cycling or horseback excursion around the area can also be arranged. Capture a memorable moment of your stay by watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea from your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, marking the end of your Kerala tour. During the drive to Kochi International Airport with your driver, you may request stops for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing, if time allows before your flight. Safe travels, and see you soon!