Rural Images of Kerala

15 days from £3325 to £5000 per person

Route: Kochi – Neriamangalam – Puthenkayal – Backwaters – Mararikulam – Kochi

This tropical state is, for many, the essence of south India. A land of swaying palms and rustic wooden villages, famous trading cities and the idyllic backwaters, this is a relaxed itinerary exploring the rural heart of Kerala. Begin your journey in two quintessential Keralan properties, the first at the Windermere River House built in the style of a traditional planter’s home and the second charming Philipkutty's Farm. At Philipkutty's experience everyday rural life on the Keralan backwaters then board your own private houseboat. End the holiday with three nights of relaxation beside the sea before ending in the historic and colourful spice-market town of Kochi.

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the Emirates flight to Dubai. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Kochi / Kochi to Neriamangalam – 50kms

Arrive into Dubai and connect onto the Emirates flight to Kochi. Once in Kochi you will be met and taken by road to Neriamangalam and the Windermere River House for a two night stay. Surrounded by two acres of lush garden on the banks of the Periyar River, the Windermere River House has five spacious rooms and echoes a traditional Keralan planter’s home. (B/D)
Accommodation in Neriamangalam: Windermere River House

Day 3 Neriamangalam

At leisure to enjoy Windermere River House and the surrounding area. The forests that border the property form part of one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world so there is plenty to explore. The property also has an outdoor swimming pool, yoga studio and welcoming dining space. (B/D)
Accommodation in Neriamangalam: Windermere River House

Day 4 Neriamangalam to Puthenkayal – 85kms

Today leave the Windermere River House and drive south to Puthenkayal. This charming, tiny village is best reached by boat and once there stay for three nights at Philipkutty's Farm, a delightful traditional style Malayali cottage on the waterfront. Comfortable and spotlessly clean, a small veranda surrounds the cottage and provides the perfect place to sit and watch river life. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Puthenkayal: Philipkutty's Farm

Days 5 & 6 Puthenkayal

Set in an idyllic location, over the next two days you will be at leisure to enjoy Philipkutty's Farm and nearby village. To this day the owners of Philipkutty's continue to farm their reclaimed land for coconut, banana, cocoa, nutmeg and pepper offering a unique insight into everyday life on the Keralan backwaters. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Puthenkayal: Philipkutty's Farm

Day 7 Puthenkayal to Backwaters – 25kms

Today leave Philipkutty’s Farm and join your private Houseboat for a two night cruise. Authentic and comfortable, all meals are cooked on board and the boat is staffed with a captain, a deck hand and a cook. Spend the remainder of day cruising the beautiful and peaceful backwaters. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Spice Coast Houseboat

Day 8 Backwaters

At leisure. The backwaters consist of a network of lakes, coconut shaded canals and estuaries—tiled and thatched cottages bright with hibiscus dot the embankments and the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets hang over the water's edge. Witness local life with children swimming and playing in the water, women attending to their daily chores and men fishing from their canoes. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Spice Coast Houseboat

Day 9 Backwaters to Mararikulam – 15kms

After breakfast leave your houseboat and travel the short distance to Mararikulam where you will stay for three nights near to Marari Beach. (B)
Accommodation in Mararikulam: Marari Beach Resort

Days 10 & 11 Mararikulam

At leisure to relax and enjoy the Marari Beach Resort. (B)
Accommodation in Mararikulam: Marari Beach Resort

Day 12 Mararikulam to Kochi – 75kms

This morning leave Mararikulam and return by car to Kochi. Founded by Vasco-da-Gama in 1502, Kochi quickly developed into a principle port and the centre of the spice trade on the Malabar Coast. A picturesque town of tumble-down buildings, vibrant bougainvillea and a languid palm-fringed harbour, Portuguese, Dutch and British settlers have all influenced this charming city. (B)
Accommodation in Kochi: Secret Garden
Upgrade option: Malabar House
Alternative upgrade option: Brunton Boatyard Hotel

Day 13 Kochi

Today explore Fort Kochi with your guide. Starting on foot, begin the day at the church of St Francis, the oldest European church in India, then walk to the town's waterfront—site of the iconic Chinese fishing nets and the many fish stalls that sell the catch. Later visit Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift to the Raja of Kochi, and the town's fine synagogue. The area here is also known for its many antique and curio shops. End the day with a sunset cruise around the bustling harbour. (B)
Accommodation in Kochi: Secret Garden
Upgrade option: Malabar House
Alternative upgrade option: Brunton Boatyard Hotel

Day 14 Kochi to the UK

Today transfer back to Kochi Airport to catch the Emirates flight to Dubai. On your arrival connect onto the onwards Emirates flight to the UK. (B)

Rural Images of Kerala

15 days from £3325 to £5000 per person

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be from £3325 to £5000 per person

Itinerary: Rural Images of Kerala

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