sample itinerary
DAY 1 & 2
met on arrival at cochin airport and transferred to brunton boatyard
L
ike the other great port cities of the world, Cochin is heir to a remarkable cultural heritage. This is a place where civilizations have rubbed shoulders for centuries. Once the century old boatyard of Geo. Brunton and Sons, The Brunton Boatyard Hotel brings colonial Cochin’s illustrious past back to life. From the Indo-Portuguese punkahs in the lobby, to the ancient anchor in the green courtyard, every little detail here has a story to tell. All of the hotel’s 26 rooms overlook the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea where trade filled the seas with shipping vessels. It is easy to drift to another time, another space.
Explore this ancient harbour, with its rich colonial past. Hop into an auto rickshaw and explore the old spice market at Matancherry, the antique shop on Jew's street, the Synagogue, the Dutch palace and of course, the famous Chinese fishing nets.
DAY 3 munnar > overnight windemere estate
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala in the Western Ghats. Sitting high on the observatory hill at 1600m above sea level, this charming retreat is set amidst a cardamom estate surrounded by tea clad hills and dramatic rainforest where you can unwind and fill your lungs with pure mountain air.
A visit to the beautiful hilly town of old Munnar taking in the local market and the tea museum is well worth it.
Take a
2hr walk through the Windermere Estate or a 4hr trek through the beautifully landscaped tea plantation and woods to the Attukadu waterfalls, an ideal spot for a picnic.
DAY 4 thekkady > overnight shalimar spice garden
Visit nearby Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can go tiger and elephant spotting and see exotic animals such as macaques, sambar, langur, antelopes, indian bison, leopards and wild boar. Take a wander down to the local town of Kumily (5km) to browse for local crafts and get an auto rickshaw back up; visit a nearby tea or spice plantation; or take a day trip to the forests and waterfalls of the cardamom hills. In the evenings sit by a cosy log fire. Alternatively, enjoy a therapeutic massage at the Ayurvedic centre, a yoga lesson, or an invigorating swim in the pool.
DAY 5 & 6
vazhoor > overnight
serenity at kanam estate
This recently converted 1920s estate house is always peaceful and there is little to disturb you except for the sounds of nature. There are wonderful, guided walks to be had through the rubber plantations, a masseuse is on hand and Kottayam (Kerala’s main Christian centre) with its 16th century churches of Cherai Palli and Valia Palli, is close by. Serenity exudes charm, peace and style.
DAY 7 & 8
lake vembanad > overnight
privacy
Privacy is the ideal place to come on your own or with friends to get away from the masses and completely switch off for a few days. The perfect place to read, write, take gentle boat rides on the lake and in the maze of inland canals. Or, simply sit on the verandah and watch life on the lake unfolding silently before you.
DAY 9
spice coast houseboat
A journey through the heartland of kerala in a houseboat. A journey that bares the indescribable beauty, the very soul of Kerala. Overnight on board followed by breakfast on the boat and your transfer to Marari.
DAY 10
mararikulam > overnight
marari beach resort
Indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, a herbal massage, yoga classes, or simply relax on the beach. The resort is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern day life. Settle into the languid pace of life, relax by the pool or on the beach, eat delicious, freshly grilled seafood and explore the local area and its fishing villages by bicycle.
DAY 11 cochin airport
It's time to bid farewell. You will be driven to the airport and assisted with check-in formalities for your return flight to the UK.