Mid morning arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Bangalore & transfer to the airport to connect your flight to Cochin
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 Brunton Boatyard
Day 02: Cochin
After a leisurely breakfast, 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 there 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.
Kathakali Dance:
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 Brunton Boatyard
Day 03: Cochin / Alleppey / Houseboat
After breakfast we ride to Alleppey for a houseboat experience through the narrow canals and channels of the backwaters of Kerala.
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 flavour along with the local Specialities - delicious fish and prawns.
We spend the day Cruising on our boat through remote tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala is a superb experience. Sensational in its own silent way, the cruise takes you along snake boat docks, friendly cheering villagers, coir (Jute) making communities, toddy (local spirit) shops, fishing nets pitched for the day's catch, bunded paddy fields and manual canoes of different sizes criss-crossing each other. The experience enables you to reach beautiful untouched areas.
Overnight aboard Deluxe Air-Conditioned Houseboat
Day 04: Houseboat / Kumarakom
Following a leisurely breakfast, the houseboat traverses through narrow channels and canals and reaches Coconut Lagoon, this has rightly carved its place among the top 10 heritage resorts of the world. The resort is on a small island and can be reached only by boat. The accommodation consists of individual cottages built in the traditional Kerala style, relying heavily on wood and some with private pools.
Overnight at Coconut Lagoon
Day 05: Kumarakom
Day is free for independent activities. You can also 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.
Overnight at Coconut Lagoon
Day 06: Kumarakom / Purnagram - The Holistic Health Village
Following breakfast, a short ride brings us to Purunagram, Holistic Village, where we check into a River Facing Cottage. Situated on the banks of Kerala's most sacred river Purna (Periyar), Purnagram provides an Ashram atmosphere, which is enhanced by a natural healing enviornment. Purnagram is a Complete Holistic Health Village where authentic and tradional Ayurveda and Yoga are offered.
While Ayurveda remains it's prime speciality, Purnagram also offers Complementary Therapies like Yoga & Meditation, Reiki and Pranic Healing.
Yoga and Meditation are fundamental to the Indian System of Holistic Healing. The activities at Purnagram have been conceived as a way of life and extend far beyond the conventional concepts of Yoga and Meditation.
In Purnagram, there are learned and experienced instructors offering Yoga and Spiritual classes in an Asram atmosphere. There is exclusive facility for practicing Yoga in eco - friendly Classes. The rooms and Cottages incorporate traditional Kerala Architecture that blend with nature.
The presence of Lord Dhanwanthary Temple in the campus of Purnagram is yet another attraction to all visiting Purnagram.
Apart from the Yoga Lessons, the guests can also expect classes on Meditation, Healing etc... during their stay in Purnagram. The place has received a GREEN LEAF CERTIFICATE from Govt of Kerala for providing high quality Ayurvedic Treatments and accommodation.
Overnight At Purnagram
Day 07 - 11: Purnagram - The Holistic Health Village
Days at leisure to undertake Ayurvedic treatment, Yoga & Meditation
Overnight At Purnagram
Day 12: Purnagram / Cochin / Departure
Transfer to the Cochin airport to connect your onward flight back home.
