Overview:

Kerala in Style tour with CGH Hotels focuses on a relaxed yet enthralling private Kerala tour with car and driver, while staying at some of the most stunning CGH Earth hotels. The staff are amongst the most cordial, the food- divine, hotels - surreal and the experience- an achievement that is impossible to forget! So, when you come across a CGH Earth Experience, rest assured, you are in the safest haven with pure food and encountering a natural way of life. Your private tour of Kerala commences with stay at Quiet by the River, a riverside lodge on an island enveloped by the Malayattoor forest range. A short drive from the Cochin International Airport, this place is an ideal place to start your holiday after a long flight and let go of the noise in your head an enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. From the sights and sounds of the Periyar River and the forest ranges you will proceed to the beautiful Brunton Boatyard in Fort Cochin. Explore the historic Fort Cochin and Jew Town to see influences left by the Chinese, English, Dutch and Portuguese Settlers. From the colonial port town to the amazing wilderness, a stay at the Spice Village will take you to another world of experience. Visit Periyar National Park, South India’s best kept Tiger Reserve. Travel onward to the myriad of complex waterways that make up the backwaters of Kerala to stay at Coconut Lagoon, an architectural splendour which was built by dismantling various antiquated near-to-ruin ancestral homes from all around Kerala and set up in Kumarakom as heritage bungalows and mansions to revive the lost architecture, craftsmanship and culture. A short drive from Kumarakom will take you to the fishing village of Mararikulam. Stay at the Marari Beach Resort and soak in a fête of sunshine, seamless service, relaxing vibe and a daily dosage of exquisite food. You may be ending your holiday here, but you take back with you the wonderful memories.

Day 01

Arrive Cochin – Paniyeli Poru

On arrival in Cochin, you will be met by our representative and transferred to Paniyeli Poru . Once you reach the forest check post, board your 4x4 vehicle for a 30-minute drive down a narrow, rugged road through the forest, to an embarkation point for a short ride across the river in a country canoe, to reach the lodge. Stay for two nights at Quiet by the River, a boutique riverside lodge on an island enveloped by the Malayattoor forest range. With the gurgling waters of the Periyar River on both sides, life here offers opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness and its flora and fauna, as well as time to relax and enjoy the river.

Day 02

Paniyeli Poru

Day at leisure to explore the surroundings. Choose from a range of in-house activities like forest trekking, bird watching, night trekking, exploring the Periyar river on a country boat or take a dip in the natural pools in the stream near the lodge.

Day 03

Paniyeli Poru – Cochin

After breakfast return to the forest check post where you will meet your car and driver, and proceed to the colonial port town of Cochin. Stay at Brunton Boatyard, a first-class period hotel overlooking the harbour for 02 nights. In the evening, witness Kathakali dance performance, the traditional dance drama of Kerala based on stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Accompanied by a gong, drums and cymbals, Kathakali performers combine dance and theatre in a ritualistic portrayal of gods and demons.

Day 04

Cochin

Morning, you will be picked from your hotel, board the Auto Rickshaws or also popularly known as TukTuk ‘s to enjoy a heritage tour of Fort Cochin & Mattanchery. Proceed to the home of a traditional Syrian Christian family for a lunch with family. Today, you will get an opportunity to participate in and learn the intricacies of typical Syrian Christian cooking. In the evening enjoy a sunset cruise along the harbour.

Day 04

Cochin

Morning, you will be picked from your hotel, board the Auto Rickshaws or also popularly known as TukTuk ‘s to enjoy a heritage tour of Fort Cochin & Mattanchery. Proceed to the home of a traditional Syrian Christian family for a lunch with family. Today, you will get an opportunity to participate in and learn the intricacies of typical Syrian Christian cooking. In the evening enjoy a sunset cruise along the harbour.

Day 05

Cochin - Periyar

After breakfast, drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Enroute visit the Plantation Bungalow at Kanjirapally. A half way drive from Cochin, winding up hills, nestled among the rolling plantations of Kanjirapally, lies the Manjappally Plantation Bungalow, and is a perfect stop over on the Cochin - Periyar journeys. Sample the best of authentic Kerala cooking, as made in traditional Syrian Christian homes. After your lunch proceed to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Stay at Spice Village, a first-class resort set in tribal village settings for 02 nights.

Day 06

Periyar

Early morning you will be transferred to the boat landing point of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Enjoy a half day bamboo rafting and trekking through some of the richest forest paths of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Try your hand at navigating a raft across the famous Periyar Lake, followed by a visit to Periyar Tiger Reserve where you may spot wildlife including elephants, Sambar deers and Indian bisons.

Day 07

Periyar – Kumarakom

This morning, you’ll drive down the hills visiting the tea and rubber plantations enroute to Kumarakom, famous for its tranquil backwaters. On arrival check-in to Coconut Lagoon, a heritage backwater resort overlooking the Vembanad Lake for 02 night. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the famous Vembanad Lake.

Day 08

Kumarakom

In the morning, proceed for a Village Life Experience at Kumarakom a half-day program to give you an authentic experience of the village and community in this area. It is also a fine example of an itinerary linking the community-based tourism products and services, as envisaged by the Responsible Tourism programme. Afternoon at leisure to relax by the backwaters or to experience some authentic ayurvedic therapies at the Ayurveda spa.

Day 09

Kumarakom - Alleppey

Morning at leisure. Afternoon, board your private houseboat (Kettuvallom) for two nights cruise through the famous Vembanad Lake. Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the tranquil backwaters and narrow canals enjoying the village life. Your lunch, evening tea and dinner will be served on board the houseboat. Overnight on board the houseboat.

Day 10

Backwaters

Start your day with breakfast on board the houseboat. Explore the unique ecosystem of Kerala's backwaters in a traditional houseboat with an experienced crew, who double ups as cooks and navigators. Enjoy authentic meals on board as you cruise the Vembanad Lake. Stay overnight onboard the houseboat.

Day 11

Alleppey - Mararikulam

After a leisurely breakfast, you disembark from the houseboat at Alleppey, where you’ll be met by the driver and transferred to Mararikulam Beach. Stay at Marari Beach Resort, a first-class beach resort set in fisherman dwellings style for 02 nights. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 12

Mararikulam

Day at leisure to relax by the beach or to experience some authentic ayurvedic therapies at the Ayurveda Spa.

Day 13

Mararikulam

Day at leisure to relax by the beach or to experience some authentic ayurvedic therapies at the Ayurveda Spa.

Day 14

Transfer To Cochin Airport

Like all good things, your tour in India comes to an end but you will always carry with you, memories of this unique and unforgettable holiday experience. In goodtime you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport to connect your flight home.