| Day 1 | Cochin arrival |
| Day 2 | Cochin |
| Day 3 | Cochin – Kumarakom |
| Day 4 | Kumarakom |
| Day 5 | Kumarakom – Mararikulam |
| Day 6 | Mararikulam |
| Day 7 | Mararikulam – Perumbavoor |
| Day 8 | Perumbavoor |
| Day 9 | Perumbavoor – Cochin departure |
Arrive Cochin airport. Meet & greet at airport and transfer to hotel for check in.
Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight stay at hotel
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.
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.
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.
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 / You can enjoy spa and Ayurveda massage at hotel – on direct payment basis.
Overnight stay at hotel
Day is at leisure / own activity.
You can enjoy spa and Ayurveda massage at hotel – on direct payment basis.
Overnight stay at hotel
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 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
In time transfer from hotel to airport to connect flight for onward destination.
| 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 |
Cancellations must be received in writing.
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:
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.
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.
