Holidays with Downtown

Cochin: Cochin is known as the Venice of the East, a fascinating port town that tumbles from mainland Kerala over a maze of islands and peninsulas connected by a network of bridges and ferries. A colorful blend of influences, Cochin formed the heart of the Indian spice trade for centuries, absorbing and being shaped by the many nations that came together on its shores. From giant Chinese fishing nets to Dutch palaces and Portuguese churches, a 400-year-old synagogue and the white sails of Arabic dhows, Cochin offers a mesmerizing blend of traditions, histories and architecture.

Munnar: The picturesque little town of Munnar nestled amidst acres of sprawling tea estates and verdant forests. Its name meaning “three rivers” stems from its location at the confluence of three mountain streams. Besides tea, Munnar is also renowned for its spices like cardamom and pepper, and the local infusions of tea and spices offer a warm respite from the chilly mountaintop climate.

Kumarakom is a delight for the senses. With the backwaters mirroring the blue skies and green palms overhead, few places can offer the quiet calm, tranquility and serendipity of Kumarakom making it a haven for those who want to get away from the urban hustle and bustle. Rich in tropical fruit and vegetation, bananas, mangoes, coconuts, and pineapples jostle for space with brightly colored hibiscus and bougainvillea which spill over into the backwaters.

Day 1- Kochi

You will be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel for overnight.

Day 2: Kochi

This morning you’ill embark on city tour of Kochi visiting St. Francis Church. Cochin is believed to be the oldest European settlement in India and St. Francis Church was the first European church to be built in India. The history of this Church reflects the colonial struggle of European powers in India, from the 15th to the 20th Centuries. (Note: St. Francis Church is closed for visitors on Sundays from 8:00 to 11{00 am) Then, continue to Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in the middle of the 16th century. This structure was taken over in 1663 by the Dutch, who added some improvements before presenting it to the Rajas of Cochin. This palace is notable for some of the best mythological murals in India, particularly in the bed chambers, depicting the entire story of Ramayana. (Note: Dutch Palace is closed for visitors on Fridays and government holidays) Our next stop will be the Jewish Synagogue, an imposing structure built in 1568, when the Jews settled in Mattancherry, after their expulsion from Rahabi. Its most important relics are the impressive copper plates recording king Bhaskara Ravi Varma's 4th century decree that guaranteed the Jewish settlers’ domain over Cranganore (Kodungalore). The Chinese fishing nets, a hallmark of Cochin, speak of the first traders who visited this coast from 1350 to 1450 CE. These nets are built using teak wood and bamboo poles. Huge mechanical devices hold out horizontal nets of 85 feet or more across. The Indo-Portuguese Museum, in the compound of Bishop House at Fort Kochi, is a heritage museum dedicated to the Portuguese connections in Kochi’s past. Our tour ends with a visit to the Spice Warehouse. Later this evening, visit the performing arts institute to witness ‘Kathakali’ dance performance. The most iconic image of Kerala, is that of the traditional Kathakali dancers with their painted masks in green and white. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at their make-up rituals followed by a dance interpretation of gestures and facial expressions. Revel in an hour-long performance of Kathakali with a narrative selected from some of India’s epic poems or mythology and discover a new form of storytelling through the medium of dance and drama. [B]

Day 3: Kochi, Munnar

This morning we drive about 3 ½ hours to reach Munnar. On arrival we check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and enjoy the amenities offered by your hotel. [B]

 Day 4 – Munnar

There’s no better way to discover Munnar than by experiencing a tea trail. After breakfast, we’ll explore one of them and learn the story of tea from its leaf to your morning cup. Visit the lush, verdant slopes of a tea estate to get a glimpse into an industry that is over a hundred years old and learn the process from plant to infusion. Follow this with a visit to the Tea Museum, which houses curios, photographs and machinery representing a turning point for the tea industry in the region, and also some colonial-style furniture. Don’t miss out on the tea-tasting demonstration, where infusions of different tea varieties give an insight into the nuances of tea processing! [B]

Day 5: Munnar, Kumarakom

It will take the full morning to reach Kumarakom. On arrival check-in at your hotel and rest of the day at leisure. This alluring backwater destination offers insane natural beauty and charm. Comprised of clusters of islands surrounding Vembanad Lake, this scenic tourist spot is a perfect paradise for nature lovers and a feast for the eyes for birdwatchers. In addition to the many places to visit in Kumarakom, the city also offers absolutely enjoyable activities, such as boating, fishing, walks and short and short hikes. These super cool activities for families, couples and friends are some of the best ways to unwind and make Kumarakom one of the most visited destinations in God's Country. A perfect setting for a relaxing holiday with endless memories etched on your soul. [B]

Day 6: Kumarakom

For the intrepid travelers, we recommend an early morning stroll around the shores of Vembanad Lake as the sun rises. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. After embark you will embark on a traditional kettuvallam houseboat to cruise the backwaters of Southern Kerala. Thick foliage and tropical greenery lines these shores, within which lie a slice of Kerala’s old-world charm cut off from contemporary influences. Stop off from time to time to explore the villages on foot to meet the locals and get to know more about their lives. Post backwater cruise you will dis-embark at your resort and spend rest of the day at leisure. [B]

Day 7: Kumarakom

Day at leisure for independent activities to enjoy the various activities offered at your resort or do spa therapy or visit Kumarakom’s bird sanctuary that sits on a peninsula jutting out of Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala. It is a veritable labyrinth of canals and small lagoons, a paradise for shrimps, crabs, ducks, herons and even Siberian storks. The place is ideal for walking on the backwaters, between mangroves, paddy fields and coconut plantations. [B]

Day 8: Kumarakom, Kochi, USA

Morning departure transfer from hotel to Kochi International Airport. [B]

[B] = Breakfast