Essence of Kerala

Assistance on arrival at international airport

On arrival, once you have completed Immigration formalities and collected your baggage, please proceed to the arrival lounge. TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive will meet you holding a placard who will assist you with a transfer to your accommodation.

Half day city tour, visit Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Cathedral, Chinese Fishing Nets, evening Kathakali dance

Morning proceed for the sightseeing tour of Kochi. We stop at Mattancherry Dutch Palace which was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin in 1555. Ongoing, you will visit St. Francis Church, the first church to be built in India by the Portuguese. Next after visiting Santa Cruz Cathedral, enjoy a stroll on the beach to see the Chinese fishing nets. Later in the evening enjoy a Kathakali Dance Performance. Kathakali is a ritualized dance form that is native to Kerala, with elaborate costumes and make-up. Male dancers portray both male and female roles that tell the stories taken mostly from the epics of the Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

Travel to Kumarakom

Travel to Kumarakom, located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies.

Check in at hotel and afternoon village activities

On arrival transfer to your accommodation. Later you will be taken to the nearby jetty and introduce to the boatmen cum interpreter to enjoy the local village experience, which includes Canopy Ride (Covered Rowing Big Country Boat), Coconut Tree Climbing, Toddy Tapping, Screw pine Weaving, Coconut Leaf Weaving, Net Fishing, Coir Making, Paddy Field visit and a Village walk.

Travel to Alleppey

Morning travel to Alleppey rechristened as Alappuzha, but most still call it Alleppey – is the hub of Kerala's backwaters, home to a vast network of waterways and thousands of houseboats, beautiful paddy fields, lagoons and coir industry. The experience of an overnight stay on a houseboat, floating along and gazing over paddy fields of succulent green, curvaceous rice barges and village life along the banks is one of Kerala’s most mesmerizingly beautiful and relaxing experiences.

Check in at Houseboat

On arrival, check-in and board your private houseboat converted from a Kettuvallam or traditional rice barge. Sail through the beautiful backwaters of Kerala as it reflects a world of serenity and wonderment. This large aquatic area is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals, and the people who live in this region have created their distinct lifestyles. Witness the peaceful way of life on amazing waterways with lunch, dinner on board. This will be a real highlight of your holiday.

Disembark houseboat at Alleppey and travel to Marari

Disembark in the morning from the houseboat, get picked up by our driver from the Jetty and travel to Marari, the sea-side village experience set on 30 acres with coconut groves, lily ponds, fruit trees and a large organic farm on Marari beach in Mararikulam, is a tribute to the fisherfolk of this region who populate its spirit in obvious and subtle ways.

Check in at hotel and rest of the day at leisure

On arrival, check-in at hotel and rest of the day is free to relax by the beach and enjoy the scenic beauty.

Day at leisure, enjoy Ayurveda massage

Day at leisure for your activity. Kerala is famous for Ayurveda massage, 01 standard massage is included so book a time with the hotel and experience. Ayurveda” means “science of life” and it is a holistic system that seeks the wellbeing of the person based on their dosha or constitution (vata, pitta or kapha) and their vikritis (dosha imbalances that cause disease) to adapt both the essential oils that are used as the pace and strength of the specific massage. Ayurvedic medicine considers the interaction and balance of mind, body and spirit from the internal power of the individual and seeks, through massage, a general good feeling. An ayurvedic massage serves not only to relieve pain but especially as preventive medicine increasing circulation, stimulating and strengthening the lymphatic system, and opening the flow of life force in order to cleanse and revitalize the body.

Travel to Kochi

Morning after breakfast, travel to Kochi.

Direct departure to Kochi airport

Upon arrival in Kochi, you will be assisted by TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive for a direct transfer to the airport to board flight for onward destination.