Relaxing in Kerala

The colourful, coastal city of Cochin (or Kochi) is the perfect place to start your Kerala adventure. It’s a melting pot of Portuguese and Dutch influences, cultures and religions, and still an important seaport for trade in gold, textiles, fish and spices. The spice market here is one of the best in Kerala. Down by the water, you can see the famous Chinese fishing nets in action. You’ll be warmly welcomed into a colonial style, boutique hotel in the historic Fort Kochi district, with lots of Keralan style and personality.

There are so many things to see and do in Cochin – you could easily spend a week in this charming town. Cochin is the home of Keralan dancing and we can arrange a two hour dance class if you want to experience classic Kathakali dancing first-hand. Or, if you’re a foodie and want to try your hand at cooking Keralan cuisine we can organise a hands-on cooking class in a local home. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.

The tea plantations that surround Munnar were first planted by the British in the 19th century and many estates are still in operation. Today you’ll learn all about tea production – from leaf to cup – with a visit to a tea museum. There will be different tea blends to sample and you’ll leave with a new appreciation of the humble cuppa!

If you’re feeling active we can arrange a guided morning walk through the tea plantations. You’ll learn more about the process of tea production and see the pickers at work. Ask your Travel Specialist for more information.

This morning you’ll depart the hills and head to Alleppey, which is the hub of Kerala’s famous backwaters. Here you’ll board a traditional houseboat to explore this picturesque region from the water. The labyrinth of tiny canals is fringed by palms on all sides and as you float along you’ll pass small villages, hidden temples, lush paddy fields and rice barges. You’ll see the local people go about their daily work, women in colourful saris washing their laundry, fishermen waiting patiently with their nets and children playing in the water and waving from the banks. Full board is included on the boat and the crew will conjure up delicious Indian dishes for you. Tonight you’ll sleep aboard your houseboat, moored alongside the river bank.

Just like hotels, houseboats come in different styles and comfort levels. We’ve selected an affordable but charming boat with all the necessary comforts (your cabin has an en-suite bathroom with a hot water shower). But if you’d like a bit more space and luxury, then just let us know and your Travel Specialist will arrange an upgrade.

Whilst here you can take it easy, enjoying the relaxed pace of life. Doze in a hammock or relax with a book in the gardens. If you’re feeling active, the homestay offers complimentary bike hire, so you can explore the area by bicycle. They can also arrange a guided kayaking excursion so you can explore the really tiny canals. If you’d prefer to stay on land, you can explore on foot, learn how to prepare traditional Keralan dishes at a cooking demo, relax with an Ayurvedic massage or try your hand at fishing in the river just in front of the property.

Breakfast is included in your stay, but it’s also possible to enjoy lunch and dinner in the open-air dining area. You’ll be served traditional Keralan cuisine created from locally sourced ingredients including spices grown in the property’s extensive gardens.

Take a final stroll along the beach and a dip in the pool before your driver arrives to take you to Cochin airport (about one hour’s drive) in time for your homebound flight. If three nights on the beach isn’t long enough, just ask your Travel Specialist to add an additional night or two to your travel plan.