Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival / Cochin
Secret Garden
A well appointed and an eco-friendly Homestay. As you negotiate the winding bylanes of Fort Kochi to reach Secret Garden, it strikes you how apt the name is. The small lane gives no indication of the oasis of charm that lies at the end. The original house is 100 years old with two floors typical of the 19th century style, where, many windows were built to allow cross-ventilation. A small pool shimmers blue in front of the house. At the back, the serene garden has a circular yoga area around an old mango tree. You will also enjoy the wholesome breakfast with homemade bread, organic jams from the mountains, along with strong hot coffee. For the weary minds and bodies rejuvenation is to be had at Secret Garden where you could attend morning Yoga sessions, and, undertake Ayurvedic massage treatments at the healing center close by. A place big enough to ensure privacy, but, small enough to feel at home. This is what would make your stay at Secret Garden a truly memorable experience.
Evening arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
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!
Overnight at Secret Garden (Standard Room)
Day 2 : Cochin / Kumbalangi (6.8 km)
guided tour of Cochin
A cluster of islands and peninsulas where ancient Phoenician, Arab, Jewish, Chinese, and European traders came from afar in search of prized spices, tea, and hardwoods. Here these influences merged with the traditional culture to create a Hindu Renaissance reflected in the town’s fine architecture and its perfection of art and dance forms that are a focus of your stay in Cochin. Visit the ancient Jewish Town, the historic Mattanchery “Dutch Palace” and Fort Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India. Photograph the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and other indelible marks of early traders.
Aquatic Resort
A floating resort in Kumbalanghi - this place is specially designed to give the holidayer an experience of a lifetime. A resort that literally floats on water! Yes, it has been made possible, just a few meters from the great Arabian Sea, on the famed backwaters of Kerala. Built in the form of floating boat-like cottages anchored to a common floating jetty, the Aquatic Resort is surrounded by 30 acres of pristine greenery. Whether it is a dive into the blue hued floating pool, or angling for fish by the green tinged backwaters, or even better, watching the setting orange flamed Sun from the comfort of your private deck while the migratory birds flutter by. A day of pampering can also include massages and Ayurvedic treatments, and if you are game for some outdoor leisure, pick a bicycle and ride into the nearby villages for a taste of rural Kerala.
After breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of Cochin.
Later, we will drive to Kumbalangi.
Upon arrival check into Aquatic Resort.
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy your spectacular stay at the resort.
Overnight at Aquatic – The Floating Resort (Luxury Room)
Day 3 : Kumbalnghi Village Tour
traditional lifestyles and occupations
As the Central Government have been taking various initiatives to promote rural tourism in India, Kumbalangni has been selected as the ideal destination to represent India's village tourism. This coastal hamlet provides an enthralling glimpse of the simple and prosperous living of the villagers, and also unravels the age-old, magnificent cultural heritage of the place. Once you enter into the village, you have many activities awaiting for you.
At The Top Of A Coconut Tree
You are now hopefully ready to immerse yourself in the traditional richness of this beautiful village. Learn how the times changed, as the local farmers will show you two ways of climbing a coconut tree - the painstaking old way with a thalappu, and the modern way using the latest instruments. At the end of this enriching session, treat yourself to fresh tender coconut.
Taste of Tender Coconut
Now, get a chance to take a glimpse into the life of these simple villagers of Kerala. Take pleasure in the beauty of green paddy fields in a house of a local villager. Also, taste some sweet coconut water and tender coconut while here.
Toddy Tapping
Continue with your delightful journey and reach the next stopover, a coconut grove. Learn how toddy being tapped from a coconut tree. Besides, if you feel like you can even taste this famed Kerala beverage, fresh out of the pot.
Coconut Weaving
At this time, learn the art of waving coconut leaves as well as you can also try your hand at it.
Net Fishing
Accompany the villagers as they take you in the local pond to provide you with some tried and true fishing tips. Watch in wonder as one of the villagers casts a net and catch a few with ease.
Following breakfast proceed on a village tour where we witness traditional lifestyles and occupations.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for independent activities
Overnight at Aquatic – The Floating Resort (Luxury Room)
Day 4 : Kumbalangi /Alleppey / Houseboat
houseboat
The materials that go into the making of houseboat are all local and Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats carpets etc. The main wood used is "Anjali ". The Houseboat provides all comforts - Beds, a kitchen, western toilets and an upper deck. Traditional lanterns are used as lights. The cuisine is of traditional Kerala flavor along with the local Specialties - delicious fish and prawns.
After breakfast we ride to Alleppey for a houseboat experience through the narrow canals and channels of the backwaters of Kerala.
Overnight Aboard air-conditioned Muthoot River Escape Houseboat
Day 5 : Houseboat /Alleppy/ Mararikulam
Marari Beach Resort
Talking of beaches and beach resorts it does not get better than this. Also, there are a variety of activities that you can undertake here. You could hire cycles and bike along nearby tribal villages of the fishing community. While on the beach you could play Beach Volleyball or in the resort there are options of Tennis and badminton too.
After breakfast, disembark at Alleppy and drive to Mararikulam.
Upon arrival in Mararikulam, check into the exquisite Marari Beach Resort.
The rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities
Overnight at Marari Beach Resort (Garden Villa)
