Information about
Kerala Nature with Marari Beach
The state of Kerala in the south of India is a natural paradise and very different from the classical north of the country. Kerala is known for its tropical landscape with palm trees, lush hills, fascinating backwaters and Ayurveda treatments. Nature, wellness and sustainability have always been its hallmarks.
Throughout this trip to India, you will discover some of the most incredible and beautiful places in Kerala: starting from the financial capital Cochin with the ancient fort and Chinese fishing nets, through the endless tea, coffee and spice plantations to the wildlife sanctuary in Periyar where we will take a boat safari and a houseboat cruise through the palm-fringed backwaters and rice paddies in Alleppey.
The experience also includes a Kathakali dance-drama show, with beautiful costumes, eye-catching make-up and many facial expressions, which helps us to understand the customs and traditions of Kerala.
To round off the trip, you will spend 3 nights in a nature-immersed resort next to the mile-long beach of Marari.
Throughout this trip to India, you will discover some of the most incredible and beautiful places in Kerala: starting from the financial capital Cochin with the ancient fort and Chinese fishing nets, through the endless tea, coffee and spice plantations to the wildlife sanctuary in Periyar where we will take a boat safari and a houseboat cruise through the palm-fringed backwaters and rice paddies in Alleppey.
The experience also includes a Kathakali dance-drama show, with beautiful costumes, eye-catching make-up and many facial expressions, which helps us to understand the customs and traditions of Kerala.
To round off the trip, you will spend 3 nights in a nature-immersed resort next to the mile-long beach of Marari.
The trip includes
8 nights’ accommodation in 4*/5* hotels on half board basis.
All transfers and excursions as per itinerary in private air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi.
English speaking guide depending on availability during the tour.
Traditional Kerala lunch during the backwater cruise.
Entrance to all the visits on the programme.
Mineral water throughout the tour.
Arenatours cap and shoe covers for visiting temples and mosques.
Itinerary
1
Cochin (arrival)
Arrival at Cochin International Airport. Welcome and transfer to the hotel in Cochin.
Start sightseeing of Cochin which was the first European colonial settlement in India.
The Jewish synagogue was built in 1668 AD when Kochi was under Dutch influence.
St. Francis Church was built in wood by the Portuguese in 1503. Being the oldest European church in India, it has great historical significance as a silent witness to the European colonial struggle in the Indian subcontinent.
Chinese Fishing nets are a famous landmark of the city. As the name suggests, these nets owe their origin to Chinese influence.
In the evening, we enjoy a Kathakali dance show at the theatre performed by local artists in full make-up and beautiful costumes.
Overnight and dinner at the hotel.
Day 1
2
Day 2
Cochin - Munnar
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Munnar.
Munnar: situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, at an altitude of over 1500 meters, the cool climate and beautiful scenery with endless tea plantations make Munnar a popular colonial retreat.
Arrival and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the surroundings.
Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.
3
Day 3
Munnar
After breakfast at the hotel, start the sightseeing tour of the hill station and its surroundings, visiting the tea plantations, factory and museum (closed on Mondays).
The Mattupetty Dam (Madupetty Dam), is a dam built in the mountains of Kerala that conserves water for hydroelectricity. It has been a vital source of power production along with other similar dams. The large amount of water available allows wild animals and birds in the area to thrive.
Kundala Lake is a picturesque spot, about 20 km from Munnar on the way to the upper station. It lies at an altitude of 1700 metres above sea level and is breathtaking to look at. Cherry blossoms bloom here twice a year.
Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the surroundings.
Overnight and dinner at the hotel.
4
Day 4
Munnar - Periyar
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Periyar.
Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Pathanamthithi, Kerala. The sanctuary is a famous elephant and tiger reserve. We will explore the wildlife during a boat ride. It is a unique experience to observe the flora and fauna. Although we do not expect to see tigers, we are likely to see a herd of elephants, Sambhar deer, wild boar, etc.
After the boat safari, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight and dinner at the hotel.
5
Day 5
Periyar - Kumarakom / Alleppey
After breakfast at the hotel, we proceed to explore the spice plantation at Periyar. Kerala is one of the main centres of spice production and export in the world. Some of the spices are cardamom, black pepper and cinnamon.
Continue by road to Kumarakom.
Kumarakom / Alleppey is one of the popular backwaters of Kerala located on the shores of Lake Vembanad. The tranquil surroundings, scenery and exotic location make it an extremely relaxing destination.
Arrival and check in at the hotel.
Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.
6
Day 6
Kumarakom / Alleppey - Mararikulam
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Alleppey to embark on a houseboat cruise. We enjoy the cruise through the backwaters, a natural aquatic paradise and an emblem of the place. We also enjoy a delicious lunch served on board.
Later we continue by road to Mararikulam, a small and peaceful fishing village.
Arrival and check in at the hotel.
Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.
7
Day 7
Mararikulam (Playa de Marari) 1
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day to enjoy the magnificent facilities and activities offered by the resort. It will be the best time to experience the Ayurveda treatments that are traditionally offered here.
Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.
8
Day 8
Mararikulam (Playa de Marari) 2
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day.
Accommodation and dinner at the hotel.
9
Day 9
Mararikulam - Cochin (depart)
Breakfast at the hotel.
At the agreed time, transfer to the airport for your return flight.