Inclusions
- Return International Flight
- 2 nights in a 4-star hotel in Kochi on a Half Board basis
- 2 nights in a 5-star hotel in Kumarakom on a Half Board basis
- 1 night in a Deluxe Houseboat in Alleppey on a Full Board basis
- 4 nights in a 5-star beach resort in Marari on a Half Board basis
- Guided sightseeing tour in Kochi covering Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Vasco Da Gama Square, and Chinese fishing nets
- Traditional Kerala cooking class and lunch with a local chef in Kochi
- Sunset cruises on Vembanad Lake (Kumarakom) on two evenings
- Daily Yoga and Meditation at resort
- Return Airport transfers with an English Speaking Driver
You'll Love
- Exploration of Kochi’s colonial heritage, including Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church, and Dutch Palace
- Authentic Kerala cooking class with a renowned local chef and traditional lunch
- Scenic backwater stay in Kumarakom with peaceful sunset cruises on Vembanad Lake
- Unique overnight houseboat experience through the backwaters of Alleppey – the “Venice of the East”
- Relaxing beach retreat at Marari Beach, one of the world’s top hammock beaches
Overview
This 10-day Kerala itinerary offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation, beginning in the historic port city of Kochi. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to unwind before diving into a guided exploration of Kochi’s rich colonial past, featuring Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church, the Dutch Palace, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets. A highlight includes a traditional cooking class to immerse yourself in Kerala’s culinary heritage. The journey continues to the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom, where serene canals, lush landscapes, and sunset cruises provide a peaceful retreat. From there, you’ll board a houseboat in Alleppey for an unforgettable overnight cruise through Kerala’s scenic waterways. The final leg of your trip is spent unwinding at the idyllic Marari Beach, known for its golden sands, coconut groves, and laid-back charm. Days here are filled with yoga, village exploration, cycling, and relaxation, making it an ideal end to your journey. The itinerary offers a thoughtful pace, diverse experiences, and a deep dive into Kerala’s natural and cultural beauty.
When/Date
Itinerary
Welcome to Kochi, the most fascinating city of Kerala. On arrival at Kochi International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Kochi is the magnificent entry to Kerala and has been featured in National Geographic Travellers “50 greatest places of a lifetime.” Spread over several islands and historically rich in culture with booming industries, the city is a fantastic beginning to exploring the vivacious diversity of Kerala.
Overnight in Kochi
Unlock Kochi’s history by embarking on a morning sightseeing tour that will take you into the heart of this magnificent and beautiful city. The Dutch, British, French and Portuguese have all left their outstanding imprint with beautiful architecture. You will visit Fort Cochin, which has been a cherished sea port for centuries, Vasco Da Gama Square and Santa Cruz Basilica. Continue to St. Francis’ Church, considered to be India’s oldest European church, built by Portuguese Franciscan Friars. Vasco da Gama was buried here before being taken to Lisbon. Proceed to the VOC Gate, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and marvel at Mattancherry Palace’s murals depicting the Ramayana and Puranic legends.
Intriguingly, the only traces of China’s influence are the gigantic nets, ‘cheenavalas’ from 1350. According to Diplomat Ma Haun, “The fishermen are tourist-friendly and will happily let you join them.” And his observation still rings true today. You will learn about their very unusual fishing method, operated from the shore. In the afternoon, experience your very own pièce de résistance with a cooking class from a renowned local TV personality. At lunch, enjoy the flavours of Keralite cooking.
Overnight in Kochi
After breakfast Proceed to Kumarakom, which is the heart of beautiful backwaters and lagoons.The area is interlinked with hundreds of winding canals, and typical low slung country boats that carry everything from people to fish, rice and coconuts to the milkman and newspaper boy. On arrival, you will check-in at your hotel. Spend rest of the day relaxing. Sunset cruise in the evening from 17 00 to 18 00 hours.
Overnight in Kumarakom.
Full day is at Leisure at the backwater resort, enjoy the inhouse facilities at the backwater resort, evening enjoy a sunset cruise at 17 00 to 18 00 Hours on the vembanad lake,
Overnight stay at the backwater resort in Kumarakom.
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and board your houseboat on arrival. Alleppey, "Venice of the East" has a large network of backwater canals that meander through the town, surrounding villages, and Vembanad Lake.Check in at the houseboat after 12 00 noon and Cruise through the beautiful and scenic backwaters of Kerala, while you stay in a houseboat.
Overnight on a Houseboat
Check out at 10 00 clock & depart to Marari beach, Check in at Marari beach around 14 00 Hours.
Marari Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Marari name has been derived from a local village on the coast of the Arabian Sea “Mararikulum”. Marari beach in Kerala is titled among the top five Hammock Beaches by National Geographic survey. Marari beach is an ideal location for holidaying with friends and family or for a relaxed getaway. The golden sand and coconut trees along the coastline add to the already existing charm of the place.
The ideal plan for the day is to begin the morning by taking either a yoga & meditation class that can be arranged at the resort. Post this delightful experience, you can indulge in a scrumptious breakfast to get started for the day. To enjoy the native feel of this location you can take up a cooking demonstration class that teaches how to use spices in preparing an authentic meal of the region.
To truly explore the serenity of this beach scenery, you can also take bicycles and choose to ride them around the vast property. The bicycle tour will let you explore the local culture and get the true feel of the place.Marari Beach is the ideal vacation spot for both solo travellers and families alike. The long beach is graced with lovely golden sands and is dotted with quite a few coconut trees that add to the beauty of this scenic destination.You may retire to your villa for the night and be well-rested for your final day at Marari.
Overnight in Marari Beach
You can start off the day with yet another relaxing day Treat your taste buds to some authentic breakfast at the resort and get ready for the day ahead.Later in the day, you may choose to explore the nearby village life and get a greater understanding of how the locals live in this beautiful beach. You can do so by either taking a stroll or riding a bicycle to the markets.Enjoy your final evening in Marari and take in the beauty of the stunning sunset in all its glory.
Overnight in Marari Beach
Full day is at Leisure at the beach resort in Marari Beach, Enjoy the in house facilities at the resort.
Overnight stay at the Marari Beach
Marari Beach to Kochi Airport 90 kms ( 2 Hours’ drive )and Departure.No doubt that Marari would have won you over with its extraordinary beauty and culture, but alas, it is now time to say goodbye as your vacation ends here. After eating a hearty breakfast, you may check out of the hotel and head to the Kochi airport to catch your flight.
