The Kerala Chronicles

Chinesische Fischernetze

• Explore Fort Kochi's colonial heritage at the iconic St. Francis Church, India's oldest European church where Vasco da Gama was originally entombed.

• Marvel at the magnificent Santa Cruz Basilica, a stunning example of Indo-European architecture with beautiful frescoes and paintings.

• Delve into royal history at the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), featuring exquisite Kerala murals depicting Hindu epics and royal portraits.

• Step into centuries of Jewish heritage at the Paradesi Synagogue, adorned with hand-painted Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers in the heart of Jew Town.

• Immerse yourself in aromatic spice markets of Mattancherry, where cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon create a sensory journey through Kerala's spice trade legacy.

• Witness the legendary Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset, these 14th-century cantilevered fishing nets create a mesmerizing silhouette against the Arabian Sea.

• Experience the classical art of Kathakali - an evening performance showcasing Kerala's traditional dance-drama with elaborate costumes and mesmerizing expressions.

Optional Add Ons:

• Take a serene backwater cruise through the tranquil canals on a traditional houseboat

• Discover the Kerala Folklore Museum to witness the state's rich cultural tapestry through ancient artifacts and architectural marvels

• Enjoy a serene houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest and most scenic backwater stretch, where you can drift past lush paddy fields, traditional villages, and flocks of migratory birds.

Accommodations:

• Premium: Dutch Bungalow or similar

• Luxury: Fragrant Nature or similar

Athirapally-Wasserfälle

• Drive from Kochi to Athirapally via car.(2.5 to 3 hours)

• Marvel at the breathtaking Athirapally Falls, Kerala's most majestic waterfall cascading 80 feet through lush tropical forests, often called the "Niagara of India."

• Experience the pristine beauty of Vazhachal Falls, a serene cascade flowing through rocky terrain surrounded by dense Western Ghats vegetation.

Optional Add Ons:

• Explore the rich biodiversity of the Sholayar Forest ranges, home to exotic bird species, butterflies, and diverse flora including rare medicinal plants.  

• Witness stunning sunset views from the viewpoints overlooking the Chalakudy River valley, where golden light dances on the water below.

• Experience bamboo rafting through calm backwaters surrounded by tropical greenery

Accommodations:

• Premium: Casa Rio Resorts or similar

• Luxury: Niraamaya Retreats Samroha or similar

Teegärten in Munnar

• Drive from Athirapally to Munnar via car(4 to 5 hours).

• Wander through endless emerald tea plantations that carpet the rolling hills, with guided tours of working tea factories where you can witness the art of tea processing from leaf to cup.

• Delve into tea heritage at the Tea Museum, showcasing vintage machinery, photographs, and the colonial history of Munnar's tea industry.

• Stroll through the vibrant Blossom Garden, a colorful paradise featuring exotic flowers, manicured landscapes, and peaceful walking paths amidst the hills.

• Encounter panoramic vistas at Pothamedu View Point, offering spectacular views of rolling tea gardens, valleys, and distant mountain ranges.

• Experience Echo Point, where your voice reverberates across the hills, creating a magical acoustic phenomenon amidst pristine natural beauty.

• Visit the enchanting Mattupetty Dam surrounded by lush green hills, perfect for boating while soaking in the serene mountain atmosphere..

Optional Add Ons:

•   Visit the Rose Garden with its collection of rare and exotic rose varieties blooming in the cool mountain climate  

•   Visit a local spice plantation to discover cardamom, pepper, and vanilla cultivation in their natural mountain habitat

•  Ascend to Anamudi Peak, South India's highest point at 8,842 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats and surrounding valleys.

•  Embark on a visit to Eravikulam National Park, where you’ll trek through rolling hills, spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Munnar’s mist-covered landscapes.

Accommodations:

• Premium: Leaf Resort or similar

• Luxury: Spice Tree Resort or similar

Periyar-Nationalpark

• Drive from Munnar to Thekkady.(2.5 to 3 hours)

• Explore aromatic spice plantations where cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and vanilla grow in their natural habitat, with guided walks through fragrant groves explaining traditional cultivation methods.

• Embark on a tranquil boat ride across the pristine Periyar Lake, where you can spot wild elephants, sambar deer, and exotic birds drinking at the water's edge amidst the stunning backdrop of the Western Ghats.

• Take peaceful jungle walks through dense forests, guided by local naturalists who share insights about medicinal plants, wildlife behavior, and forest conservation.

• Witness the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu, Kerala's traditional combat form featuring graceful movements, weapons training, and incredible displays of physical prowess.

Optional Add Ons:

• Visit the Spice Market in Kumily town to purchase authentic Kerala spices and aromatic oils

• Take a bullock cart ride through rural villages to experience local life and traditional farming methods

• Participate in feeding and bathing elephants at the Periyar Elephant Camp.

Accommodations:

• Premium: Greenwoods Resort or similar

• Luxury: Hills & Huesor similar

Backwaters

• Drive from Thekkady to Kumarakom, Kerala's mesmerizing backwater region (3 to 4 hours)

• Immerse yourself in authentic village life with visits to local homes where you can witness traditional coir making from coconut husks, observe skilled toddy tapping from palm trees, and learn the ancient art of coconut palm weaving.

• Explore lush paddy fields during different seasons, understanding rice cultivation methods passed down through generations while walking along narrow bunds surrounded by verdant greenery.

• Experience traditional net fishing with local fishermen, learning age-old techniques used in the backwaters while enjoying the peaceful morning atmosphere on the lake.

Optional Add Ons:  

• Cruise through serene canals on traditional houseboats, gliding past emerald paddy fields, coconut groves, and quaint villages while experiencing the tranquil rhythm of backwater life.

• Discover the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to migratory birds including Siberian cranes, herons, and kingfishers in their natural mangrove habitat.

• Visit a local cooking class to learn authentic Kuttanadan cuisine using fresh ingredients from the backwaters

Accommodations:

• Premium: Abad Whispering Palms or similar

• Luxury: Gokulam Grand Resort or similar

Hausboot

• Drive from Kumarakom to Alleppey. (about 1 hour)

• Embark on a luxurious houseboat cruise through the intricate network of backwaters, gliding past emerald paddy fields, coconut groves, and traditional villages while enjoying the gentle rhythm of Kerala's waterways.

• Savor authentic Kerala cuisine prepared fresh on board by skilled chefs, featuring local specialties like fish curry, appam, and coconut-based delicacies while cruising through scenic canals.

• Witness rural backwater life from your floating vantage point - observe farmers working in paddy fields, children playing by the water's edge, and fishermen casting nets in the traditional style.

Optional Add Ons:

• Take a brief village walk during a houseboat stop to interact with locals and explore traditional homes

• Experience fishing activities from the houseboat deck with traditional equipment

Accommodations:

• Premium: Premium Houseboat

• Luxury: Luxury Houseboat

Leuchtturm in Kovalam

• Drive from Alleppy to Kovalam, in the heart of Kerala's capital (about 4 hours)

• Relax on the pristine golden sands of Kovalam's three crescent beaches - Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach - each offering unique charm with swaying palms and azure Arabian Sea waters.

• Climb the iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline, rocky promontories, and endless ocean stretching to the horizon.

• Explore the magnificent Kuthira Malika Palace (Puthen Malika), showcasing exquisite traditional Kerala architecture with intricate wood carvings and a unique collection of Travancore royal artifacts.

• Discover the Napier Museum's eclectic collection of archaeological artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, and ivory carvings housed in a stunning Indo-Saracenic building.

• Discover artistic treasures at the Sri Chitra Art Gallery , housing an impressive collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Mughal and Rajput miniatures, and contemporary Indian art in a beautifully maintained gallery space.

• Take a enchanting day trip to Poovar Island, cruising through the unique confluence where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea, exploring untouched golden beaches accessible only by boat and navigating tranquil backwater canals lined with mangrove forests.

• Experience authentic Ayurvedic treatments at world-renowned wellness centers, enjoying traditional therapies with ocean views and sea breeze.

Optional Add Ons:

• Discover the Kerala State Arts & Crafts Village showcasing traditional handicrafts and local artisan work

• Visit the Vizhinjam Fishing Harbor to witness the bustling early morning fish market and traditional fishing boats

• Take a sunset catamaran cruise along the coast for spectacular views and chances of dolphin spotting

• Take a day trip to Kanyakumari to witness the confluence of three seas, visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and enjoy spectacular sunrise views from India's southernmost tip

Accommodations:

• Premium: Uday Samudra Resort or similar

• Luxury: The Leela or similar

• Private transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Optional Add Ons:

• Enjoy a relaxing coffee break at a traditional Kerala café with fresh filter coffee and local snacks

• Browse antique shops and art galleries in the museum area for unique Kerala collectibles