Day 01: Cochin
Arrive at Cochin. Transfer to a tropical island, check into a five-star
hotel on the edge of the Arabian Sea. Watch the dolphins at play - and they
are regular guests - as the sun sets around the glass panels of a restaurant
shaped in the architectural form of a traditional Kerala riceboat. Taste the
fruits of the Arabian sea at dinner Grilled Masala prawns or pearlspot,
vegetables simmered in coconut milk.
Day 02: Cochin
At leisure with room service, scented Ayurvedic oil bath followed by
Rejuvenation massage, swimming pool, privacy and the sound of silence. By
evening enjoy the traditional dance form of Kerala, Kathakali, a stage drama
which has its origins in the 2nd century.
Day 03: Alleppey
Travel by private car to Alleppey, the 'Venice of the East' and check into
a Heritage Home overlooking the beach. Stroll along the eternal stretch of
pure white sands, loll around the market area that has forty gold shops in
one street. Choose some dazzling gold jewellery at really affordable prices.
In the early evening get decorated with jasmine garlands and hoist yourself
gently on to an elephant for the perfect photo before you go for a leisurely
short trip on the back of the Great Tusker. Dinner in an open-air restaurant
under a moonlit sky midst the fragrance of jasmine and bougainvillea in the
Heritage home.
Day 04: Houseboat
After a late morning, it's a taxi ride through the lush green landscape of God's
Own Country to board a private houseboat, originally a rice boat or
kettuvallom used to carry spices and even families from coast to coast. Here
your own personal crew of three will serve you tender coconut water,
sumptuous fresh fish and Kerala-style spicy curries. Sunbathe on deck and
let the world punt past you. Watch typical Indian village life as you
meander through the palm-fringed lakes and shady cashew nut groves. Talk
about love under a traditional Kerala lantern as the waters relax you, mind,
body and soul.
Day 05: Kumarakom
Disembark mid-morning and travel to an island resort where you will be
marooned in coconut groves and accommodated in a tasteful re-creation of a
traditional Kerala village. Get pampered with Ayurvedic hand and foot
massage in your own private villa which has a separate sitting area and your
very own private swimming pool. Even the bathroom is unique - as well as
state-of-the-art facilities it has an open courtyard where you can shower
and look up at the blue skies!
Day 06: Kumarakom
At leisure in your island retreat with more oil baths, Indian head massage
and Rejuvenation massage.
Day 07: Trivandrum
Travel to Trivandrum and stay in a cliff top Heritage Hotel with private swimming
pool if desired. Visit the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the Puthen Maliga,
a 200 year old palace of the maharaja of Travancore which took 5000 workers
four years to build. Dinner in a rooftop restaurant under the stars.
Day 08: Trivandrum
A comfy private taxi makes it way through scenic villages to the land's end
of India, Cape Comorin where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay
of Bengal converge with one of the most dramatic backdrops India has to
offer. It can be a sunrise or a sunset, a moonrise or moon set but the
tranquil beauty will stay in your memory forever. The waters here are sacred
and it's must to dip your toes in them to get a blessing from the gods for
your future. Return to Trivandrum.
Day 09: Trivandrum
Shopping in the busy capital city for your special mementoes - Indian silk,
spices, rare gems, jasmine, orchids. A thali lunch, that's up to a dozen
small Kerala dishes, at a famous vegetarian restaurant run by the Brahmins.
Dinner at your hotel.
Day 10: Departure
Transfer to airport.
