Day 06: Nagarhole / Kadavu (113 Kms) (03 ½ Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, at 09:00 am, we will drive to Kadavu.
Upon arrival check into Raviz Kadavu that celebrates the art and ethnicity of Kerala in its truest and brightest form. This beautiful resort is nestled on the banks of the legendary Chaliyar River, and inspired by the Nallukettu style of architecture. Indeed, the Kadavu resort is ideal for leisure travellers wanting to spend some wonderful time in God’s own country. Also, one can indulge in variety of activities whilst your stay at Kadavu including kayaking and canoeing on the river, nature walks, as well as Ayurveda & Spa sessions.
Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight at The Raviz Kadavu (Deluxe River View Room – Upgraded) (B)
Day 07: Kadavu
Day is at leisure for your independent activities
Overnight at The Raviz Kadavu (Deluxe River View Room – Upgraded) (B)
Day 08: Kadavu / Cochin (163 Kms) (05 Hrs Drive)
At 07:30 am, we will drive to Cochin.
Upon arrival, we will check in to hotel, Koder House.
At 1:30 pm, 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) (B)
Day 09: Cochin / Alleppey / Houseboat (60 Kms) (02 Hrs Drive)
At 9:30 am, we will drive to Alleppey boat jetty to board the houseboat.
At 9:30 am, we will drive to Alleppey boat jetty to board the houseboat.
This voyage through the backwaters of Alleppey will soothe your senses with its meandering canals (thodu), rivers (puzha / aaru) and the backwaters (kayal). Succumb to the rhythm of the boat on the peaceful waters while being caressed by the breeze.
12:00 PM - Board the Marvel Cruise Houseboat. The crew will welcome you, and, assist you in getting settled, and offer you a welcome drink.
12:30 PM - Cruise starts after introduction of crew members, familiarization of your houseboat and briefing about the itinerary.
Cruise towards Kanjipadam through the Pookaitha aar, a branch of the River Pamba, the third longest river of Kerala. Passing by paddy fields and villages on the river side, one can see coconut palms with nests of the weaver birds bordering the paddy fields and spot many species of residential and migratory birds during this cruise.
Local birds like waterfowl, koel, owl, egret, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter, and brahminy kite, as well as the migratory gull, teal, tern, flycatcher, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons.
01:30 PM - The houseboat stops for lunch. Traditional Kerala lunch that is cooked on the boat will be served.
Rice along with Fried Green Chromide (Non Vegetarian) or Paneer (Vegetarian) are the main dish and Sambar, Avial and Thoran as accompaniments are served.
02:00 PM - The houseboat resumes cruising after the lunch break of the crew members.
Cruise towards Champakulam via Padaharam and Pullangady a village with rice fields, little houses and constant gaggle of ducks. This scenic part of the backwaters is less crowded compared to other popular houseboat cruise routes. You pass by laid back villages along the backwaters that provide you the glimpse of the life around the bakwaters, multiple temples and churches.
03:00 PM - Kalloorkad St. Mary's Basilica, Champakulam
The houseboat will stop at the Basilica of St. Mary, on the banks of the river Pamba. Also called Champakulam Valia Palli this is one of the oldest Christian churches in India. Established in AD 427, the church was rebuilt many times. The old church was a simple structure as a traditional Kerala house with a simple altar.
The church was further renovated & rebuilt in the form today by the Europeans like the Portuguese & Dutch who designed the church in Gothic style. The high curved roof is decorated with some of the most beautiful mural paintings depicting the life of Christ. The use of timber is quite elaborate and the altar is a work of exemplary craftsmanship.
03:15 PM - Resume cruising towards Meenapally Kayal
Cruise past the Nedumudy Kottaram Sree Bhagavathi Temple towards Meenapally Kayal. The houseboat will cruise towards Moonnatiinmugham where the rivers Pamba, Achankovil, and Meenachilar join together. Cruise past the island village of Chennamkary and the St. Joseph's Church, the first church in Asia dedicated to Saint Joseph towards another island village, Kainakary.
Near the Gomentha Church, the houseboat will turn towards Muttethodu, a smaller canal that leads towards Meenapally Kayal. The houseboat will cruise closer to the houses on either banks of the canals.
The houseboat will stop at Meenapally Kayal for the Canoe ride.
05:15 PM - Country Canoe ride
Take a ride on a country canoe through narrow canals near Meenapally Kayal that are inaccessible by houseboat. This c anoe journey brings you closer to the backwater villages, offering a firsthand experience of local life. Wave back to children greeting you from their front yards as you pass by. Answer their curious questions and observe the daily routines of villagers who rely on the backwaters for their livelihood.
Depends on the climatic conditions
06:00 PM - Resume cruising
Cruise across the Meenapally Kayal towards a smaller canal Irumpanthodu with houses and paddy fields on both sides. Cruise towards Pallathuruthy for docking at night at our private dock.
Houseboats have to dock by 06:30 pm as the local fishermen start casting their nets after sunset.
You can stroll along the village road near the dock and interact with the villagers to learn more about their lifestyle. Alternatively, you can try your luck fishing with traditional rods available on the boat or spend your time playing the board games provided on the houseboat.
08:00 PM - Dinner will be served onboard.
Air conditioning within rooms will be available from 07:00 PM to 07:00 AM
NOTE:
The above mentioned itinerary will be followed during the cruise. Changes in the itinerary may be made due to adverse climatic conditions and tide level.
In case of late arrival and the cruise starting late, the itinerary will be trimmed to ensure that the boat docks by 06:30 PM.
Overnight aboard Marvel Cruise (One Bedroom Houseboat) (B, L & D)
Day 10: Houseboat / Alleppey / Cochin (84 Kms) (02 ½ Hrs Drive) Cochin / Departure
08:00 AM - Cruise resumes
Wake up to the smell of fresh-brewed tea emanating from our well-equipped kitchenette; stop by and watch your personal chef work up your breakfast he will also share his smile and his insights.
Begin your last day on board with an early cruise through the backwaters.
Breakfast will be served onboard.
After breakfast, we will disembark the houseboat at Alleppey boat jetty and drive to the Cochin airport to board your onward flight back home.
NO HOTEL QUOTED FOR THIS DAY (B)
We do hope the flavor of India will remain on your taste buds for all times to come and hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you for being our guest, and as we say in India
‘Please come back soon”
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
Tour Cost for 02 People travelling together on Twin Sharing / Double Occupancy Basis :
NOTE: - Hotel Upgrades available upon request
*Quotes based on accommodation listed in the above itinerary – (Subject To Availability)
* Please be advised that nothing is held or booked at this stage and the quote is subject to change and availability at the time of booking.
COST INCLUDES:
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
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