Natural Treasures of Kerala

Day 01: Arrival / Cochin (Mattancherry is closed on Fridays and Jew Town is closed on Fridays and Saturdays)

Welcome to India, or as we say ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (The guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!

Mid-morning arrival, meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.

(Though check in time is 2pm, every effort would be made to ensure an as early as possible check in – subject to availability)

Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.

Afternoon, we proceed on a guided tour of the City. The true character of the city is to be found in the older parts of the Fort Cochin area. It more or less exists as it used to be a 1000 years back, when it was first built. The roads have not been widened because the old haggard buildings, through patchwork repairs over the centuries, still stand on the edges. This part of the city reflects an unusual blend of medieval Portugal, Dutch and English country life grafted on to the tropical Malabar Coast. The fishing community of Cochin is also very interesting. They ancient cantilevered fishing nets called Chinese Fishing Nets. The net is fixed to a pole on the shore. While fishing, the entire net is lowered by a primitive fulcrum mechanism using long bamboo poles. By the same mechanism the pole is lifted along with the catch. We will explore the sights of Photographic as well as cultural interest. We would also visit the 16th century Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace since the Dutch substantially renovated the palace in the 17th century. The double storied quadrangular building surrounds a courtyard containing a Hindu temple. The Central Hall on the first floor was the coronation hall of the Rajas of Cochin; on display are their dresses, turbans and palanquins. The most important feature of this palace, however, is the astonishing murals in the bedchambers and other rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana and other religious legends. These murals are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful and extensive anywhere to be seen in India. The unique feature here is the unexpected and isolated Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD 52. They are self-contained and have their own Synagogue.

The area around the Synagogue, known, as ‘Jew Town’ is one of the main centres of spice trade. Scores of small firms huddle together in old dilapidated buildings and the air is filled with the aroma of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves. The area is very busy. The potters are loading gunny bags of spices on to carts, which keep running up and down the narrow lanes. We would visit Jew Town, in the Mattancherry section and a short walk from the ferry is one street long. Jews used to occupy virtually all the houses on Jew Town Road, where they sold fruits, vegetables and spices or worked as oil pressers or carpenters. The spice markets are still located on the narrow street

Overnight at Koder House, Cochin (Junior Suite) (No Meals)

Day 02: Cochin / Dewalokam (81 Kms) (02 ½ Hrs Drive)

At 08:00 am, we will drive to Dewalokam.

Upon arrival we will make our way to, Professor Jose and his family live on the premises – an organic farm with goats, cows, buffalo, and pigs, chickens, ducks and guineas fowls. Delicious Kerala dishes are prepared for guests using the farm produce. From the patio of your room you can see the Sahyadris mountains (the local name for the Western Ghats), beyond the river and forest.

Time is free for independent exploration. We suggest you to spend some time in and around this divinely stunning place, tucked in the lap of Mother Nature.

After little refreshments, we visit the organic farm of Dewalokam (Guided) that produces almost all the vegetables, fruits and spices. Dewalokam is in the Spice Belt. The Birthplace of spices like pepper, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, curry leaves, etc. Almost all the vegetables used in the kitchen are produced on the farm. A walk in the garden, plucking, smelling, and, tasting, will enrich your earth experience. In these plantations you will see many of the spices growing that you buy in the Department Stores.

Following a little downtime it is time to get working again - sorry! We will participate with the chef and undertake a cooking lesson. Here, you will be explained significance of various spices and measures that we need to bear in mind when preparing South Indian recipes. This is also hands on experience, either make or break your dinner.

Overnight at Dewalokam (B, L & D)

Day 03: Dewalokam

Following breakfast, we undertake a general nature walk through the forested areas that surround your resort. This would be a great opportunity to get up close to the birds and a variety of vegetation as well as bloom. You also get to see medicinal and ornamental plants that are found in the vicinity.

If you have a bone or two, for exciting activities, then we also indulge in some soft adventure of Bamboo Rafting on the adjoining lake. This is an easy activity that is possible for all age groups. The Rafting takes us deep into the forest for a true nature experience.

Back to Resort for lunch

Following lunch, we will go native! How? We ride on a public bus for a short distance to a neighboring village. Upon arrival we will walk through the rubber estate to the village where we will witness traditional dwellings, interact with the natives, learn about their beliefs, as well as practices, and, get a better understanding of people and culture. Along the way you will also get to see a rubber factory started by the British in 1913. Following the walk, we would have a special ride in a unique public transport – the local tuktuk!

In the evening (at leisure) you may choose to book yourself into regular Ayurvedic massages and treatments. The resort has well-appointed Ayurveda center.

Overnight at Dewalokam (B, L & D)

Day 04: Dewalokam / Munnar (68 Kms) (02 ½ Hrs Drive)

At 8:30 am, we will drive to Munnar.

Upon arrival in Munnar, we will check into hotel, Spice Tree Resort. The latter is the perfect destination for those wanting to get away from it all. At SpiceTree, you have everything that you expect from Munnar, but much more by way of peace, freshness, tranquility, and, total privacy. Each room of the resort is just wonderful and offers a soothing feel with energy saving warm lights, wooden floor, a sofa cum bed by the window, a balcony with a coffee table; all add up to make for a cozy warm experience.

Afternoon, we will visit the Anayirangal Dam - Surrounded by the Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. The view of this imposing dam can also be enjoyed by taking a boat trip. The scenic beauty of this place is simply astounding. Lots of wading birds can also be seen here.

Later, we will visit the remnants of the Stone Age, just to the right of the Resort. These Dolmens are believed to be the dwelling places of the inhabitants of this area during the stone-age. These now stand as monumental witness of a pre- historic era. Little is known about them through written history; but they were apparently the rulers of this beautiful land. Ideal for photography, one can experience some great views of the mountains covered in lush green vegetation from here.

Overnight at Spice Tree Resort, Munnar (Classic Room with Jacuzzi) (B)

Day 05: Munnar (Tea Museum is closed on Mondays)

Following breakfast we proceed on an excursion to Bison valley – a small village overlooking the Spice Tree Resort. This village is one of the oldest migrations for the high range region of the central part of Kerala. We are offering a tour to explore Bison Valley to reveal its ‘Spice’ tradition using the guidance of a trained team of experts who have an in-depth knowledge about this area and its valuable place in history. During the tour of this place you will get a chance to take a glimpse into the life and cultural activities of the people living in this village valley who are mainly spice growers and farmers. Down below, in the valley you will also witness paddy fields that again add yet uniqueness to this area. These paddy fields are perhaps the rarest at this very high altitude. Guests also visit a variety of plantation to witness their day to day working, and also interact with the locals. Prominent plantations would be that of tea and cardamom. If willing, you may also indulge in soft treks, or nature walks. This beautiful valed village depicts a different culture and has a totally different story to tell compared to Munnar’s colonial plantation culture.

As we return after our experience, learn some authentic South Indian dishes. Kerala has always been famous all over the world for its spices. The best Kerala dishes are aclever blend of exotic spices and delicate herbs. The chef will introduce you to some of the popular and traditional recipes of Kerala, and make it look easy for you. This would be an ideal activity if you wish to experience the true flavors and preparations of Kerala food in an easy and relaxed manner.

Afternoon, we will visit the Tea Museum was inaugurated by Tata Tea a major producer of packaged tea so as to keep the history of tea plantation in India intact. The Munnar Tea Museum houses some of the exclusive artifacts like the 'Pelton Wheel' used in the power generation plant, the original Tea roller, and, an ancient rail engine wheel of the Kundale Valley that shuttled men and material between Munnar. Besides this Museum is a tribute to the efforts of all the unsung heroes who were determined to make Munnar a major tea plantation center in Kerala, India.

Overnight at Spice Tree Resort, Munnar (Classic Room with Jacuzzi) (B)

Day 06: Munnar / Periyar (150 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)

At 08:30 am, we will drive to Periyar

At 08:30 am, we will drive to Periyar Afternoon, we will proceed to visit the spice plantation in Periyar, which is one of the major spice plantations in Kerala. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in, since different spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation. The spice plantation in Periyar is a prime attraction of this beautiful land. Though sprawling tea estates cover much of the landscape of Periyar, plantations of cardamom, rubber, vanilla and coffee are also aplenty. We have the option for nature walks, bird watching, taste the various spices and breathe in the fragrant air while exploring the spice plantation in Periyar. Pick up a few packets of the tea and spices grown here that make for a good buy. There are various kinds of spices cultivated in Periyar. The most abundantly found spice in Periyar is pepper. However, there is a variety of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves on the slanting slopes of the spice plantation in Periyar. We will also visit the Sahyadri Organic tea factory in Peer made, a recent venture of the PDS. There are specially designed vantage points for you to view this factory housed in a white-washed building.

Evening, we visit a theatre to witness a special martial arts performance unique to the region. The performance involves a holistic approach aimed at the ultimate co-ordination and control over mind and body as the weapons become an extension of the body, controlled by the mind to achieve high degree of protection in both offensive and defensive combats. The inherent beauty of this art from lies in the harmonious synergy of art, science and medicine. Kalaripayattu is a traditional psycho-physiological discipline emanating from Kerala’s unique mytho- historical heritage as well as a scientific system of physical culture training.

Overnight at Poetree Sarovar Portico, Periyar (Club Room) (B)

Day 07: Periyar / Gavi / Periyar (21 Kms – One way) (01 Hr Drive)

At 5:30 am, we will drive to the splendid Island of Gavi. The Gavi Jeep Safari is a remarkable off-the-beaten-path experience, perfect for a wilderness retreat. This picturesque destination offers a variety of activities, including trekking, birdwatching, canoeing, and comfortable boarding facilities.

Nestled amidst rolling hills, lush valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, and cascading waterfalls, Gavi is home to diverse flora and fauna. The region also features shola forests and cardamom plantations, providing a rich natural habitat for many endangered species like the lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri tahr, which can often be spotted during the visit.

Located 40 km from the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Gavi is adjacent to an elephant reserve. Despite being relatively unknown among tourists, it offers a similar tropical forest experience and abundant wildlife.

The jungle safari is a full-day adventure that begins at 5:30 AM and concludes at 4:00 PM. The journey covers 40 km by jeep, with 15 km passing through villages and 25 km through dense forest. The experience includes wildlife and bird sightings, trekking, and pedal boating.

We will return back to our hotel by 5:00 pm

Overnight at Poetree Sarovar Portico, Periyar (Club Room) (B & L)