The Slow Kerala Backwater Cruise

Travel with locals on a variety of public transportation this morning and discover Cochin through local eyes. Begin your day with a bus ride through the historic Fort Cochin, which will reveal influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial powers, as well as Arab and Chinese traders. Sightseeing will include visits to the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, as well as the Church of St Francis – the oldest church in India (built in 1503). Next, explore the bustling spice-laden lanes of Fort Cochin, before boarding a public ferry to Ernakulam and conclude your explorations with a stroll through the bustling wholesale vegetable and fruit market. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

A scenic drive through the verdant countryside brings you to the edge of the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, where you will stay at the charming Periyar River Lodge, an intimate riverside retreat nestled on the banks of the Periyar. After time to rest and relax, enjoy a tranquil canoe ride on the river and see if you can spot rare birdlife or local fishermen casting their nets.

Rise early and proceed to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, regarded as one of the best spots for birding in Kerala and home to as many as 300 species of birds, including White-bellied Treepie and Malabar Grey Hornbill (among other exotic bird species), elephants and other wildlife. On your return to your lodge, head to the colourful local market to shop for exotic spices, vegetables and produce that will form the ingredients used in your private cookery class. After sampling the fruits of your labour over lunch, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Alternatively, borrow bicycles from the lodge and explore the countryside independently.

Set off this morning to Alleppey – famed for its alluring backwaters and board a converted traditional houseboat (air-conditioned) for a three-night cruise. Fed by a network of rivers and linked by man-made and natural canals, a backwater cruise through Kerala’s Backwaters, lined with swaying palms and dotted with sleepy traditional villages, is a scenic treat; and also offers a superb opportunity to observe rural lifestyles and customs at a relaxed pace. After lunch, explore the exceptionally picturesque narrow sections of the waterways by canoe. Return to your houseboat before sunset and have dinner on board.

Begin your day with a short tuk-tuk drive to the small town of Haripad and a visit to the Mannarsala Snake Temple, where serpents are worshipped. This unique temple has the distinction of being the only one in Kerala where rituals are performed by female priests. Then return to your boat and continue sailing towards the quaint village of Karumadi. Here, enjoy a bicycle ride through the village and visit the small Karumadikuttan Buddhist shrine, believed to have been built over 1,000 years ago. Along the way, interact with toddy tappers and observe the process of making toddy.

Today, sail from Tarkazhi jetty and head north towards Chambakulam, where you will visit St. Mary’s Church, established by St. Thomas in 1721 and Sree Bhagavathy Kshetram – a 100-year-old Hindu temple to Mother Goddess – at Nedumudy. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Chambakulam snake boat yard, which displays one of the traditional long snake boats used in races.

On disembarking from your houseboat, drive through scenic Keralan countryside to the village of Mararikulam on the tranquil shores of the Indian Ocean. After checking in at your hotel, the remainder of the day will be at leisure to relax on a virtually empty beach. Alternatively, visit the village of Mararikulam to gain insight into village life and explore local temples and coir factories.

The day is at leisure.

Transfer to Cochin International Airport and check in for your onward flight.