Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Namaste & welcome to incredible Republic of India - one of the friendliest countries on earth, combining glorious architecture with a warm-hearted welcome.

With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture & landscapes, your memories of India will blaze bright long after you have left its shores.

Arrive in Cochin popularly known as the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, located in Kerala, on the south west coast of India & has been drawing traders, explorers & travellers to its shores for over 600 years.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Cochin International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer the Group to the hotel. Assistance will be provided during Check-in & there will be a short briefing to discuss the program for the next few days.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

In India we say “Atthi Devo Bhava” which means “the guest is equivalent to God'. You will be greeted by flower garlanding. Flower garlanding is generally offered as a mark of respect & honour to welcome visitors & also or in honour to the Gods &Goddesses.

Now known as Kochi It has been a port since 1341, when a flood carved out its harbor & traditionally a potpourri of various Indian & international communities. It was highly influenced by historical trading partners, Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, Chinese & Japanese & was controlled by many empires over the centuries.

Cochin’s history is a bright tapestry - many coloured threads woven through centuries together present the fabric of the present.  Ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch & British and this resulted in a unique mix & match of traditional as well Western architecture & lifestyle. An unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland & an English village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast. But despite being ruled by so many different domains, it still maintains its cultural identity & is fiercely proud of it.

Mainland Ernakulam is the hectic transport & cosmopolitan hub of Kochi, while the historical towns of Fort Cochin & Mattancherry, though popular with tourists, remain wonderfully atmospheric - thick with the smell of the past. Other adjacent islands, including Willingdon & Vypeen, are linked by a network of ferries & bridges.

Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east & the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea & the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate.

Kochi is arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity & beauty of Kerala, rated in the top 3 tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'. It is the seat of the Latin church of Kerala and has many Catholic churches & followers.

Nowhere else in India could you find such an intriguing mix: giant Chinese fishing nets, a 450 year old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese & Dutch era houses and the crumbling remains of the British Raj. Kochi is the seat of the Latin church of Kerala & has many Catholic churches & followers.

Modern day Kochi may be a busy port & shipping centre but it has many attractions for ordinary tourists. A delightful place to explore, laze in arty cafes & relax at some of India’s finest homestays & heritage hotels. It is also an important centre for Keralan arts (traditional & contemporary) & a standout place to see Kathakali & kalarippayat.

Balance of the day at leisure for independent explorations or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestion and make arrangements). 

Overnight. 

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of this historic city.

You will walk & drive across the Cochin Harbour to Fort Cochin, stopping by at the Dutch Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese and known for its murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana & the Mahabharata, and portraits of Cochin's erstwhile rulers and the dresses & palanquins used by them.

Proceed to visit the oldest active Jewish Synagogue in India & Commonwealth of Nations, built in 1568; it was destroyed by the Portuguese & rebuilt by the Dutch a century later with Chinese willow-patterned tiles & gold crowns and with ancient scrolls & a large number of copper plates inscribed in the Hebrew script. This Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations.

Visit St Francis Church in Fort Kochi, the oldest one to be constructed by Europeans as a testament to European colonization.in India, dating back to 1503 with its Santa Cruz Basilica boasting beautifully painted frescoes on the ceiling.

But the unofficial emblems of Kerala’s backwaters, & perhaps the most photographed, are the half-dozen giant cantilevered symbolic Chinese Fishing Nets on Fort Cochin's northeastern shore, known locally as cheena vala, near the harbour's entrance.

The famous Chinese Fishing Nets are a legacy of traders from the AD 1400 court of Kublai Khan. These spiderlike nets for fishing are 10 metre tall & 20 metre wide contraptions fixed on land, resting on teak or bamboo poles & requiring five or six people to operate their counterweights at high tide.

Modern fishing techniques are making these labour-intensive methods less & less profitable, with nets like these slowly disappearing from Kerala's coastline. Smaller fishing nets are dotted around the shores of Vembanad & Ashtamudi lakes; some of the best are just east of Cherai Beach on Vypeen Island.

The sightseeing ends & you can return to the hotel or continue exploring on your own.

Evening at 04.30 pm, accompanied by a Journeys Rep, proceed to the Cochin Cultural Centre to enjoy a 90 minute performance of traditional Kathakali Dance form of Kerala and the impressive facial expressions, hand gestures & dance moves will leave one spellbound.

A Kathakali performance, like all classical dance arts of India, is a blend of music, vocals, choreography, hand and facial gestures to tell familiar stories in Indian culture. Kathakali performances tell stories in an artistic manner. It is one of the most complex and highly stylized Indian art forms.

The story in ‘Kathakali’ is communicated to the audience through amazing footwork & impressive gestures of face and hands complimented with music and vocal performance

It is basically a dance drama, noted for its heavy & attractive larger-than-life make up, elaborate costumes, detailed body movements synchronized movements, synchronized eye-hand movements & thematic presentation of stories.

Traditionally performed by male dancers, the art developed in courts & palace dance halls of Nair noble households & temple festivals, contrary to other Indian classical dances which predominantly developed in Hindu temples & monastic schools.

The dancers wear intricate & vivid makeup, unique face masks & costumes that reflect the age-old martial arts and athletic conventions prevalent in Kerala and surrounding regions.

Before the performance (if we are able to reach there early enough by 4.30 pm) you will have the opportunity to see the preparation & dressing of the artists, which is an experience in itself. You can watch the elaborate make-up session for an hour (usually these sessions can take up to 3 hours!) followed by an introductory lesson (15 minutes) when each facial & hand movement is explained (welcome, anger, love, envy, joy).

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day at leisure for independent explorations or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestion and make arrangements). 

Early morning, depart for Periyar, crossing the border into Kerala nick-named “Gods Own Country”. Savour the scenic uphill drive, passing through a panorama of cardamom, coffee & pepper plantations.

Arrive by early afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

South India’s most popular wildlife reserve, Periyar, encompasses 777 sq km, including a 26 sq km artificial lake created by the British. This vast expanse - which became Kerala's first Tiger Reserve in 1978 (though founded as a Sanctuary in 1934) - shelters 2000 elephants & 35 to 40 hard-to-spot tigers.

Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park & Tiger Reserve, has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though it is a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian elephants in the act of ablution & playfulness by the Periyar lake.

Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. There are, now, an estimated 40 tigers here. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur & Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen.

The birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill & racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian population boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be spotted basking in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore. You may also see a few Pythons & many King Cobras.

Periyar is firmly established tourist circuit & known for its scenic lake cruise. But if you dig deeper, perhaps on a trek with a tribal villager or an ex-poacher, Periyar's hilly jungle scenery takes on a really wild, magical feel.

Later in the afternoon, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed to the Park for an afternoon of wildlife viewing.

On arrival at the Entrance, you will meet a Naturalist who will talk more comprehensively about the Park & the animals within. Enjoy a ‘nature’ walk on the Trail amidst picturesque scenery, towards the loading dock. Here, you will board a bamboo raft (or a Launch) & embark on 2 hour cruise through the scenic Periyar Lake passing through many delights of the Sanctuary.

Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, it still provides a unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural surroundings. You will surely spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boars & Sambar Deer by the water's edge.

Come back to the shore & disembark.

On the way back to the hotel (depending on the time & sunlight), you can avail the opportunity to visit a neighbouring Pepper Plantation to see traditional plantation techniques, walking amidst the rows of vines creeping upwards. Also, a Spice market (it still open).

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax.

Morning, depart on a drive downhill towards the backwaters of Kumarakom, en-route stopping at a working rubber estate to see rubber tapping technique.

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel.

Situated in the Kottayam district of Kerala, Kumarakom, or the 'Venice of the East' is a veritable paradise in the lush backwaters of the vast, beautiful Vembanad Lake, laced with canals, where Houseboats & traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) ply the waters. It is an unhurried backwater village with a smattering of dazzling top-end resorts & a renowned bird sanctuary.

The name Kumarakom was derived from the deity of its oldest temple Kumaran. Kumaran's Akam or place became Kumarakom. It was part of Vadakkancore kingdom. But in 1750 Marthanda Varma the King of Travacore conquered & annexed it to Travancore. The first Christian Church was built here in the year 1769 in the land granted by the King of Travancore.

You are greeted by lush mangrove forests, paddy fields & massive coconut trees lining up on the shores with the wind dictating their course - a perfect tropical touch to the landscape. National Geographic listed it among the select destinations in the world that one must visit at least once in their lifetime.

The landscape basically consists of a cluster of island villages in & around the large "Vembanad Kayal", Kerala’s heartland of lagoons, palm fringed lakes, inter-linked with hundreds of narrow canals, with the typical low slung country boats that carry everything from people to fish, rice & coconuts to the milkman & newspaper boy, local politicians & priests to wedding parties, winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields & the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals.

Nearby, the Bay Island Driftwood Museum displays wooden sculptures. In the lake, Pathiramanal Island is a haven for rare migratory birds. Ancient Thazhathangady Mosque is east of Kumarakom.

The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna & flora. They are rich with marine life namely the exclusive 'Kumarakom Karimeen' (pearl spotted fish), Konju (tiger prawns), Njandu (crabs), Chemeen (prawns) & many more. 

There are quite a few ways to relax here - cruising on a Houseboat or one of the Rice Barges or fishing in the backwaters canals amidst panoramic coconut groves. 

The legendary Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary here, spread over 14 acres, is an Ornithologist's paradise & a favourite haunt of migratory birds. Many migratory species like the Siberian Stork & Wild Duck can be seen here along with darters, herons, egret, waterfowls & cuckoos.

The adventurous could indulge in water sports such as windsailing and waterskiing. You could even take a canoe out into the quite lakes and armed with a fishing rod, catch your own supper. Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy, the favourite fresh water food and the local wine.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Morning, Check-out & proceed to the Jetty to board a Rice Boat for a 3 hour cruise along the canals & backwaters to Alleppey.

It took great skill & meticulousness to construct these Houseboats by tying huge planks of jack wood together, without the use of a single nail. It usually has one or two bath rooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook & guide. These boats offer a panoramic view of one of the most picturesque aspects of God's Own Country.

The backwaters of Kerala form the lifeblood of beautiful Kerala & played a main role in the economy of the state. Rice Boats & small ships used to ply in these waters, carrying coconut, rubber, rice & spices to various trading centers of Kerala. Even today, these waterways link remote villages & islands with the mainland. .It is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty of the villages.

The boat cruise along the backwaters of Kumakom Alleppey gives one first-hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years. Sail along the winding network of Kerala backwaters, see the unique water world & experience its myriad charms.

Travelling through palm-fringed backwaters, you can see local villages located on the side of the canals. You may stop by & visit the village bazaars that are flooded with coir products, coconuts & other village produce.

As the boat glides along the backwaters one can see the daily life in the villages. On the narrow strips of land, fisherman fishing, children swimming & playing in the water, women doing their daily chores, mobile shops in tiny canoes, the cultivation of paddy & it's harvesting (during harvest season), huge country barges ferrying the coconuts, rice, coir etc.

You can also interact with the local population see their lifestyle. Although practically surrounded by water, they still manage to keep cows, pigs, chickens & ducks and cultivate small vegetable gardens, prawns & fish.

You will enjoy Lunch on board. Traditional Kerala food, including spiced & baked rice cakes, will be served.

Reach Alleppey & disembark.

Alleppey along with Kumarakom, is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east" (with Kumarakom). These large network of canals provide Alleppey with its lifeline & it was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the Malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries & prawn farming.

Alleppey is an ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event. It is excitement all around as snake - boats, each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike.

You will be met by the Journeys Rep who will transfer you to Mararikulam, a short drive away.

Check-in at the hotel

For many travellers, Kerala is South India's most serenely beautiful state. This slender coastal strip is defined by its layered landscape: almost 600km of glorious Arabian Sea coast & beaches; a languid network of glistening backwaters; and the spice & tea covered hills of the Western Ghats, dotted with fiercely protected wildlife reserves & cool hill stations such as Munnar.

Besides the famous backwaters, elegant houseboats, ayurvedic treatments & delicately spiced, taste-bud-tingling cuisine, Kerala is home to wild elephants, exotic birds and the odd tiger, while vibrant traditions such as Kathakali, theyyam (a trance-induced ritual), temple festivals & snake-boat races frequently bring even the smallest villages to life.

Mararikulam is a small fishing village in Alappuzha & is a perfect place to relax on the beach, while staying in one of the Home Stays, interacting with the locals. The beautiful beach is known by the name Marari or Mararikulam Beach.

The name comes from Marari (Lord Siva) who is the main deity of the place. There is a famous & important ancient temple - Mararikulam Mahadeva, dedicated to Shiva, which has a lot of special features not found in other temples. .This is also the only temple where Mahadeva & Parvathi Devi sit facing each other.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Full day at leisure to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & arrange).

Full day at leisure to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & arrange).

Finally, the experience comes to an end and it is time to say good-bye.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the hotel facilities & to  leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Cochin International Airport for your onward journey.  B

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