Experience the Magical Monsoon of Kerala.
Serene Journeys monsoon getaway to Kerala, exclusively for MEN only & why not?
The sunset at the chinese fishing net, an unforgettable journey through the villages alongside the backwaters, the enchanting beaches & the river life surrounded by the waters of the River Periyar. Explore life, people, culture, cuisines, experiences and interactions. This trip is all about you, enjoy your ‘ME’ time and you can thank us later.
Image © Robindro Saikhom
COCHIN – KUMARAKOM – MARARIKULAM – PERUMBAVOOR – COCHIN
Day 1 Cochin arrival
Arrive Cochin airport. Meet & greet at airport and transfer to hotel for check in.
Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight stay at hotel
Day 2 Cochin
This morning after breakfast sightseeing tour of Kochi. Visit the Dutch Palace (Friday closed), the Jewish Synagogue – (which remains closed on Friday & Saturday) St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. While driving along the coastline, at the Harbour’ s mouth, one can also view the unique and still-in-use “Chinese Fishing Nets” which were introduced by the Chinese traders in the 14th Century. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 500- year-old Fort are still amazingly well preserved.
Evening witness Kathakali dance performance Enjoy India’s most spectacular Dance Drama based on stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The dancers are elaborately made up with paint and masks, accompanied with drummers and musicians.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 Cochin – Kumarakom (40 KMS / 01 HOUR)
Today morning after breakfast drive to Kumarakom. Upon arrival check in to the hotel.
Kumarakom is a small village 14 km. west of Kottayam. It is a part of Kuttanad, which is a ‘ wonder land ‘, lying below sea level, comprising of a number of islands, in the backwaters. Kumarakom is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, this small water world has plenty of traditional country boats, crafts and canoes, which will take you in to the heart of scenic Kerala.
Rest of the day is at leisure, own activites.
You can enjoy spa and Ayurveda massage at hotel – on direct payment basis.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 4 Kumarakom
After breakfast, we proceed for the houseboat day cruise followed by lunch (duration 03-04 hrs.) takes you through the intricate maze of backwaters, mesmerizing and surprising you at every turn with its serene beauty & simple charm. Enjoy the countryside of Kerala at its best. Soak your eyes & soul with array of coconut trees & endless paddy fields. You will also get chance to take a small stroll through the villages & interact with the locals.
Post cruise return to your hotel, rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 5 Kumarakom – Mararikulam (30 KMS / 45 MINS)
Morning at leisure, after a leisurely breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Mararikulam. Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Rest of the day is at leisure. Unwind & relax at the beach.
You can enjoy spa and Ayurveda massage at hotel – on direct payment basis.
Overnight stay at hotel
Day 6 Mararikulam
Day is at leisure / own activity.
You can enjoy spa and Ayurveda massage at hotel – on direct payment basis.
Overnight stay at hotel
Day 7 Mararikulam – Perumbavoor (78 KMS / 2 HRS DRIVE)
Today morning after breakfast drive to Perumbavoor and check in at resort Quiet by the River situated in the Malayattoor forest range.
‘Quiet by the river’ is a scenic island resort, surrounded by the waters of the River Periyar. The approach to the resort involves a 30-minute ride aboard a 4×4 vehicle down a rugged forest trail to an embankment point, followed by a short ride across the river in a country canoe. For accommodation, there are four lodges, right on the banks of the river. The resort commands spectacular views of the gushing streams and the lush forest. The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is close by and the area is frequented by lots of colorful birds. The location of the resort is ideal for spotting wildlife and one may even see elephant herds. The food is terrific – mostly, traditional homemade native dishes are served.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 8 Perumbavoor
Day at leisure and free to experience various activities offered at the resort like a forest trek with a naturalist during day or night time. Early morning bird watching or a country canoe ride to explore the river.
Overnight stay at hotel
Day 9 Perumbavoor – Cochin departure (01 1⁄2 HOURS DRIVE)
In time transfer from hotel to airport to connect flight for onward destination.
PRICE ON REQUEST.
For reservations, email robin@serenejourneys.co (no com)
Hotel Envisaged:
| DESTINATION | HOTELs by CGH Earth |
| COCHIN | BRUNTON BOATYARD, Sea Facing Room |
| KUMARAKOM | COCONUT LAGOON, Heritage Bungalow |
| MARARIKULAM | MARARI BEACH RESORT, Garden Villa |
| PERUMBAVOOR | QUIET BY THE RIVER |
INCLUSIONS:
- 08 Nights hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis including all existing taxes.
- Accommodation based on bed & breakfast basis except at Quiet by the River in Perumbavoor where it’s on APAI (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Meals are Fixed Menu or Buffet at hotel restaurant
- Meeting and assistance on arrival / departure by SJ representative
- Transfer from airport to hotel and vice-versa.
- All transportation by AC private car.
Sightseeing, excursion and Surface travel as per program. - English speaking local guide at Cochin sightseeing tour in the program.
- Kathakali Dance in Cochin.
Day Houseboat on backwater followed by lunch - Entrances fee as per the program
Payment Schedule:
- Deposit Per Person at Time of Booking: 30% (full-payment if within 120 days of departure).
- Final Payment Due: 120 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Fees Per Person:
- 121 days prior to departure or more: 10% of the tour price.
- 120-91 days prior to departure: 20% of the tour price.
- 90-61 days prior to departure: 50% of the tour price.
- 60 days prior to departure or less: 100% of the tour price.
Cancellations must be received in writing.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR:
- Travel Insurance; Any airfares.
- Costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas.
- Excess baggage charges; gratuities to the Resident Tour Director.
- Meals other than those specified in the itinerary; room service, beverages other than those noted in inclusions above.
- Sightseeing not included in the published itinerary; and personal expenses such as laundry, telephone and optional activities (which are subject to availability).
HOTEL CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT:
Most hotels allow check-in to take place during the mid-afternoon while check-out is expected by noon. Should you wish to have a guaranteed room ready for your immediate check-in upon arrival or late-check-out, it can be arranged for an additional charge.
ROOM UPGRADES/SPECIAL REQUESTS:
Upgrades are available on request at individual hotels. Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking rooms and special dietary needs should be advised at time of booking. Please note that while every effort will be made to secure a special request, it cannot be guaranteed.
BAGGAGE:
Please note should your journey include internal/domestic flights, your luggage allowance may be less than two (2) pieces of baggage and weight/size restrictions. Standard check-in baggage allowance is 15Kg and additional costs may apply.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is not included in the price of the program and is recommended. Please purchase a good Travel Protection Program (which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or stolen or damaged luggage)
PHOTOGRAPHY DURING TRAVEL:
SJ reserves the right to take photographs and video during the operation of any tour and to use them for promotional purposes during the program and thereafter. By booking a program with SJ, guests agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs and video. Guests who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to their Resident Tour Director at the beginning of their program.