Kerala: Home from Home

This tour is an exceptional experience, leaving the glitzy hotels behind and staying in delightful family run Keralan homes. Each has its own unique ambience with stunning settings, delicious home cooking and gracious hosts to regale local tales. Highlights include the bustling city of Cochin, Periyar National Park, a cruise on the Backwaters and a beach break.
Day 1. To Cochin
Fly to Cochin via Dubai with Emirates.
Day 2. Cochin
Arrive Cochin in the morning. Transfer to the graceful Parayil Homestead, a family home set in coconut groves and acres of fruit trees. Antique woodwork, beautiful furniture, elegant public rooms and decidedly comfortable bedrooms with ensuite facilities, make for a relaxing stay. In the evening walk in the grounds or take a bike ride to the local village. Two nights stay at Parayil Homestead.
Day 3. Cochin
Morning sightseeing of this delightful city – ‘The Venice of the East’ – visits include the Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Chinese fishing nets. Lunch at the waterside Brunton Boatyard Hotel. Evening Kathakali dance performance, arriving early to watch the actors apply their complex makeup.
Day 4. To Vagamon
Morning drive to Vagamon. Set in plantations of vanilla, pepper, coffee and rubber, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy Keralan hospitality at its best. Overnight stay at the charming eco conscious Vanila County Plantation.
Day 5. To Thekkady
Morning drive to Thekkady and check–in at the delightful Mayappot Home Stay. Experience a sense of relaxation surrounded by the beautiful countryside filled with groves of scented spice plantations – a haven for wildlife. In the evening see a Kalaripayattu performance. Kalaripayattu is a form of ancient martial art, and the dancers perform extremely energetic dance techniques of defence and attack. Two nights stay Mayappot Home Stay.
Day 6. Thekkady
Early morning nature trek in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, accompanied by a Naturalist, watch out for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. In the afternoon experience the thrill of an elephant ride in a Spice plantation.
Day 7. To Kanjirappally
Early morning boat ride on Lake Periyar to watch the wildlife come to drink. Dive to the lovely Kalaketty Estate surrounded by magnificent teak and mahogany trees. Experience delicious Syrian Christian cuisine and meet the delightful family. Overnight at Kalaketty Estate.
Day 8. Houseboat
Late morning drive to Pallathuruthy for a leisurely private cruise on the Keralan Backwaters. The Backwaters are a vibrant place. Small farms dot the river banks, boats laden with produce head for the markets and the cry of the fishermen can be heard as they throw their nets. Overnight stay in a/c Houseboat.
Day 9. To Mararikulam
After breakfast disembark from the Houseboat and drive to Mararikulam. It’s a perfect place to unwind on the golden beaches. Two nights at Fisherman Village Beach Resort.
Day 10. Mararikulam
At leisure to simply escape from the world! Laze in a hammock with a good book, walk the pristine sands beach combing for shells, or bike around the local village.
Day 11. To London
Morning drive to Cochin for flight to London via Dubai on Emirates.