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 at the Mangalore airport as our representative welcome you and from here, we will drive to The Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate in Coorg nestled among acres of lush greenery; this luxury eco-friendly resort has been thoughtfully handcrafted over the years. All the rooms of this wonderful resort come with a breathtaking view of the gardens, hills and valleys. 

Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.

Overnight at Evolve Back, Coorg (Lily Pool Cottage) (D)

ECO WALK: A short guided tour of the estate that introduces you to our various Responsible Tourism Initiatives. These sincere efforts seek to lessen our ecological footprints and strengthen our ties with local communities.

COFFEEOLOGY: A daily live session on the art and science of gourmet coffee held at the Sidapur Coffee & Culture Museum. At Coffee logy, visitors can observe and experience the making of an assortment of coffee preparations from around the world. 

GUIDED PLANTATION TOUR: Take a guided tour of our 300-acre coffee and spice plantation. Learn how coffee and spices are cultivated and the journey from seed to bean. 

CULTURAL SHOW (Available on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) - Get a feel of local culture through colourful art forms. This performance, held every evening by the local artists, would complete your Coorg experience. 

CORACLE RIDE (Forty-five minutes ride) (Not Available in June, July, August and September) - A coracle ride on the Cauvery River not only helps you to gauge the myriad moods of the river, but also gives you a fish-eye view of the surrounding forest and the habitation. (Not included) 

PLANTATION 4X4 (Two-hour tour) - A guided tour of the 300-acre coffee & spice plantation in a specially designed jeep. Experience the fabulous Chikkana Halli Estate and learn about the nitty gritty of coffee and spice cultivation. (Not included) 

ELECTRIC TRAILS (One hour trail) - Explore the quaint villages adjacent to the resort on an ecofriendly electric cycle accompanied by an experienced Naturalist. One can choose between two different trails curated based on differing levels of difficulty. (Not included)

Overnight at Evolve Back, Coorg (Lily Pool Cottage) (B & D)

At 7:00 am, we will proceed for Bird Watching Trails, and discover the unexplored gems of the region. The area is considered as one of the best venue to spot several species of birds - migratory as well as resident. Some of the major birds seen here are Malabar Trogons, Nilgiri Laughing-Thrushes, Great Black Woodpeckers, and Malabar Whistling-Thrushes to just name a few. Rest of the day at Leisure or you can enjoy the spa treatment available at the resort (own arrangements) Later in the Afternoon, we will indulge ourselves in Yoga, and meditation sessions available in the resort. You may choose to take your Yoga practice a step beyond the physical exercise. The resident yoga master is highly experienced in the monastic traditions of yoga. He will take you through the journey of yoga, meditation, and, Pranayama in order to discover the true potential of your body and mind. You can then include these in your daily life. Imbibing the simple philosophies helps make life so much more peaceful.

STORY CORNER (Available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday): An evening storytelling session where our guides tell stories of Coorg’s History, Culture & tradition.

Overnight at The Evolve Back, Coorg (Lily Pool Cottage) (B & D)

At 8:00 am we will drive to Nagarhole Arrive at Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge (Kabini), where you are drawn into the vibrant social tapestry of the local KaduKuruba tribe. While you discover a vernacular dimension to luxury that’s truly liberating, the resort gives you a wildlife experience like no other. Inspired in design by the Hadisor tribal villages, this picturesque resort of sweeping panoramic vistas, is bordered on two sides by the Kabini River. 

Afternoon, jungle excursion in jeep. The park derives its name from the combination of two Kannada words—'Nagar,' meaning snake, and 'hole,' meaning streams. True to its name, quite a few serpentine streams fork through the rich tropical forests of the park. The original forest was once an exclusive hunting ground for the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore. Nagarhole Park is counted among India’s best wildlife parks. It has a large elephant and bison population besides other game and birds. The topography is undulating with several permanent and seasonal streams and tanks. The forest cover generally consists of a moist deciduous thick jungle with a thirty-meter high top. The rich tropical forests, flourishing green swamps and numerous water resources make Nagarhole National Park an ideal habitat for wildlife. The forest is home to animals like the four-horned antelope, sloth bear, jungle cat, civet, spotted deer, elephant, wild dog, flying fox, tiger, panther, gaur (Indian bison), sambhar, wild boar, black-naped hare, bonnet macaque, and pangolin. Cobras, crocodiles, kraits, pythons, vipers, and several species of lizards are also found here. Among the 250 bird species found here, the prominent ones are the common babbler, beeeater, bulbul, dove, crested serpent, hornbill, Malabar pied, alexandrine, peacock, woodpecker, warbler, great Indian reed, eagle, crested hawk, golden-back parakeet, and the southern tree pie. Nagarhole is worth visiting at the height of the dry season, when wild animals can be spotted in large numbers near sources of water. 
Evening, we have option (not included) of exploring a night trail organize by the resort. r naturalists will skillfully escort you around the areas just outside the resort and by the Kabini's waterline that harbor a small universe of creatures that do most of their living at night. Recommended for all nature lovers but particularly for the adventurous and the curious. 

Every alternate evening, the resort organizes a documentary on the wildlife. Here, films on Indian Wildlife by eminent filmmakers will be shown every alternate evening thus enhancing your knowledge on wild life. 

Also, every alternate evening, a cultural program will take place a troupe of Kuruba tribal dancers will perform their traditional dance to the accompaniment of two wooden drums and one wind instrument. It is an invocation to the gods to join them and bless the occasion. It is performed by the light of a campfire near the main swimming pool.

Overnight at The Evolve Back, Nagarhole (Safari Hut) (B & D)
 

Morning, we will proceed for jungle excursion in jeep. 

Afternoon is at leisure for independent activities. The resort offers a variety of options (not included) to visitors. We suggest that you indulge and involve yourself in activities depending upon your interests. We could suggest some of the possible activities as below: 

The Bullock Cart Ride –Take a joyride on a bullock cart on the banks of the river Kabini. Experience firsthand the only means of mass transport used by our ancestors, grace and expertise of the carts’ driver Shivalinga, who hails from the village of Beeramballi nearby, sings traditional Kannada folksongs as he rides his cart. A ride lasts for an hour and can carry up to five persons. (Timings: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM) 

Coracle Ride – The Coracle ride is part of the package and they may opt for it at the resort subject to weather conditions. (Timings: 05:00 PM – 06:00 PM) 

Sunset Cruise – Cruise by twilight on the glistening River Kabini, and watch a magnificent sunset. Experience nature first hand: relax and feel the ebb and flow of River Kabini. Watch how a typical day in Kabini draws to a close. (Timing: 05.45 PM - 06.15 PM)

Overnight at The Evolve Back, Nagarhole (Safari Hut) (B & D)

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 is at leisure for your independent activities

Overnight at The Raviz Kadavu (Deluxe River View Room – Upgraded) (B)
 

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)
 

At 9:30 am, 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.

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)