Kerala Backwaters and Beaches

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Kochi, you are greeted by an Active India representative and driven to your hotel by private car and driver. Spend the rest of the day recovering from the journey, venturing out in the evening for a performance of Kathakali dance, a classical dance form unique to Kerala. (At your own expense).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Today we leave for a guided tour of Fort Kochi area, founded by the Portuguese in 1503 and believed to be the earliest European settlement in India. The true character of the town is found in the old Fort Cochin area. We begin our sightseeing tour with the Mattancherry and Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi. Next, we visit the Jewish synagogue dating back to 1568. We then head to St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India, built in 1503 and stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), established by the Dutch in 1720 for washing their army's uniforms. We also visit the Chinese fishing nets that line the entrance to the harbor and were introduced by the Chinese in the late 14th century. Today’s tour concludes with a visit to the town of Kochi, its bazaars, spice market, and old harbor area. (Note: Jewish Synagogue is shut on Friday and Mattancherry Palace remains closed on Friday & Saturday)

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - Today we drive to Alleppey. Also known as Alappuzha, the town is the principal center for backwater cruises in Kerala. Experience Kerala's backwaters on-board your traditional thatched roof houseboat. We begin our cruise along the backwaters of Kerala, a key highlight of the trip. These beautiful boats have been renovated and converted into pleasant cruise ships. We meander along the waterways flanked by lush tropical vegetation, catching glimpses of dazzling tropical birds and watching idyllic villages. Our overnight stay is on a boat in the middle of the famous Vembanad lake.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - Mornings disembark at Alleppey and after breakfast, drive to the calm coastal town of Kumarakom. Kumarakom is the first place to implement responsible tourism practices. Upon arrival, we check-in and relax at the resort. Later, we visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in the Kerala Backwaters, is a favourite destination for many local and migratory species, making it a dreamland full of ecstasy and delight for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. The houseboats and motorboats available for rent to see birds add to the enriching experience. A visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is thus a must while in Kerala in order to explore and discover the Earth's hidden treasures and offerings. Overnight in Kumarakom.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - After a leisure breakfast, drive to the Marari Beach, Marari beach is famous as the cleanest sandy beach in the whole of Kerala. This beach, which is visited by hundreds and millions of beachgoers, is known for its magical charm, serene ambience, and diverse leisure options. This town, dotted with swaying evergreen coconut palms, also provides fascinating backwater boating opportunities. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel at Marari Beach. Enjoy the sunset at Marari beach. Night stay at your hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - Spend quality time at the Marari Beach on your own pace. Day at Leisure, today relax at the beach or you may have an option to go for some Ayurveda massage. When you are not busy at the beach, you could spare a gaze at the many other interesting activities around. Plan a bicycle tour to the many villages where people make hand spun coir, take a look at the arts and crafts at the village markets or stop by a beach side eatery to sample the spicy fresh fish menu that Marari is famous for!

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - Our Kerala Family tour comes to an end here. Morning after breakfast, we check out from the hotel and get transferred to the International Airport of Cochin to board our flights for the next destination.

Tour Ends