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

Late night arrival, meeting and assistance upon arrival at the airport, as our representative 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. 

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

At 9:30 am, we will 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.

We will also visit the ‘Jew Town’ – 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. 

We would return to our hotel by 1:30 pm. Afternoon is at leisure for your independent activities.

A special treat awaits us this evening as we proceed to witness the strength and vigor of Kathakali dance drama, as it enacts episodes from great Indian epics. The extremely stylized gestures, the elaborate make- up, the masks and the splendid costumes of these all-male dancers, recreates an incomparable sense of pageantry

Overnight at Koder House, Cochin (Junior Suite) (B)

At 8:30 am, we will drive to Kumbalanghi. The latter is a lush green village located west of Cochin. It is declared as the first model fisheries and tourism village of India which has its own tradition and culture. Most of the villagers are engaged in agriculture and fishing. The village is 16 Sq. Km in area and surrounded by backwaters and paddy fields.
 
You can experience a variety of village activities in Kallanchery which is a satellite island of Kumbalanghi. Some of the activities going around here are:
 
Coir Yarn Processing
Coir yarn is made with coir fibres separated from coconut husks. Coir yarn is used to make carpets .Coir fibre can also be made into carpets directly.
 
Copra processing
The coconut is cut into two pieces and sun dried to extract coconut oil. The entire process will take three days before extracting coconut oil. Seperating the copra (dried coconut) from the coconut shell is a very skilful act
 
Crab Farming
Crabs usually found in the brackish water of Kerala are 
 
Mud crab/Green crab 
Red crab
 
In these, Green crabs are less attacking. Green crabs have a very good market in the Far East especially in  Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. Crabs are exported live. In this village, there is  a well-maintained crab farm where the fattening of  the crabs are naturally done.
Visitors can experience themselves the catching of the crabs weighing 500gms to 3 kgs from the farm.
 
Clam meat processing
Clams are shellfish found in the brackish waters. Many of the inhabitants of  Kallanchery Island find clam meat processing for their livelihood. Usually the entire Family members are taking part in this job. Men collect the clam fish from back water. Ladies steam the clamshell to seperate the meat from the shell. Both men and women go to the market to sell the meat. Shells are used for making white cement,  Cement based paints and fertilizers.
 
Chinese Net operation
Chinese nets were introduced by Chinese during 15th century . Here, Chinese nets are operated usually during the night. Electrical lighting is used to attract the fishes and prawns. Usually two persons are operating one net. Cost of constructing a new net may vary from Rs.40,000 to Rs. 60,000.
 
Net making
As many of the villagers find their livelihood from fishing, knitting the net is also identified as a profession. Many of the villagers are engaged in making the net and their repairing.
 
 
Weaving Coconut Leaves
Coconut leaves are weaved by Ladies. Weaved coconut leaves are used for thatching the roof and for fencing . For this, green coconut leaves are first seasoned in brackish water which will increase the life of the weaved leaves.
 

Country Boating
Country boats are made up of wood like Wild jack tree, Teak etc.  Wood is first split into planks of thickness ¾ to 2 inches. These planks are then joined with coir yarn with a coir fibre filling. Oil extracted from sardine fish or Neem or cashew nut shell etc are used to make a protective coating. Big boats are used for transporting goods and travel. Small boats are used for fishing. During boating, visitors can have a close watch of different fishing methods.
 
Casting of Nets
This is a traditional method of fishing. Here, the conical shaped nets fitted with lead weight at the bottom are spread into the water with one yarn in the hand. The weight fitted at the bottom will keep the fishes inside the net.
 
Groping of Fish
This is a   skillful method of fishing done by ladies using fingers. Here, a group of ladies move in a line and grope fishes from the backwaters.

Following the experience, we will drive to Kumarakom.

Upon arrival, we will check in to hotel, Lake Song Resort.

Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities. You can enjoy the optional Ayurvedic body massage at the resort. You could also choose to explore the surrounding tribal villages, visit the nearby water bird sanctuary or ride through the narrow backwater channels through back of beyond Kerala. No car and driver quoted

Overnight at Lake Song Resort, Kumarakom (Punnamada) (B)

Following a leisurely breakfast, we will drive to Alleppey boat jetty to board the houseboat.

Alleppey (Alappuzha) is known as ‘the Venice of the East’ is known for its network of canals and lagoons with beautiful backwaters and the houseboats.

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)

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.

At 09:30 am, we will disembark the houseboat at Alleppey boat jetty and drive to the Cochin international airport to board your onward flight back home.

NO HOTEL QUOTED FOR THIS DAY (B)