DAY 01 : ARRIVE COCHIN
Namaste! Welcome to India
With a civilization that is over 5,000 years, richly steeped in history; a land that is diverse and colorful, mysterious and exotic; a land that offers a bewildering mix of adventures; the land of the Himalayas, INDIA has some of the most beautiful luxurious resorts to offer to the world, rich architectural marvels to feast your eyes on, and food fit for an Emperor. A visit to India is a power-package of changing spectacles of religions, customs, festivals, sights and sounds.

On your arrival in Cochin, you will be met and transferred to Parayil Homestead
Built more than a century ago, this is an elegant, traditional country home that retains the grandeur and history of an aristocratic family. Here’s where you’ll find antique woodwork, ancient granaries, and isolated attics! Ancestral stories abound, and so does the rustic essence of traditional Kerala architecture…Now lovingly restored and unobtrusively modernized, the Parayil Homestead give you a look into the pages of its history.

Cochin is a beautiful all weather harbor and a grand seascape, one of India’s largest ports and a major naval base. At dusk you can see the dim silhouettes of huge merchant ships patiently awaiting their turn for a berth in the docks. The influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans is evident in Cochin and its people. The older parts of Fort Cochin and Mattanchery are an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast. Despite this, Cochin is an attractive city with serene backwaters, lagoons overhung with feathery coconut palms and picturesque islands.
Overnight stay at COCHIN

DAY 02 : COCHIN Sightseeing
After breakfast, proceed on a guided tour of Cochin

Visit the Portuguese St. Francis Church, considered the first European Church in India, built in 1562 by St. Francis; this is India’s oldest European-built church. The original structure was wood, but was rebuilt in stone in the mid-16th century. Continue on to Mattancherry Dutch Palace, a double-storied palace built in the classic Kerala nallukettu style, denoted an interesting blend of European and indigenous forms of architecture. The most important feature of Mattancherry Palace is the murals in the bedchambers and other rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu & Krishna, These murals are some of the most beautiful and extensive, one of the wonders of India.

Proceed to the Jewish Synagogue, which was constructed in 1568 and is the oldest in the Commonwealth. A stone slab from the Kochangadi synagogue (built in 1344, and has disappeared), inscribed in Hebrew, can be found on the inner surface of the wall. The copper plates on which have inscribed grants of privileges made by the ruler are also to be found here. At the Cochin Harbour, you can watch the fishermen using strange and ravishing Chinese fishing nets to catch fishes from a tiny waterfront area strewn with natural rocks. Enjoy a harbor cruise this afternoon.
Later this afternoon arrive early at the show venue, so that you can get a backstage view of the performers preparing for the show. Enjoy a presentation of the colorfully costumed Kathakali dance drama. Kathakali is a ritualized dance form native to Kerala; elaborate costumes and makeup, as seen here, are the norm. Male dancers portray both male and female roles.

Overnight stay at COCHIN

DAY 03 : COCHIN – MANKOBMU (ALLEPPEY)
After breakfast at Parayil Homestead, drive to Mankombu a lovely little village on the backwater land of Alleppey or so called the Venice of the east.
On arrival check in to the beautiful Nelpura Heritage Home of Chakochan & Saliamma.
The Nelpura Heritage Homestay is a renovated structure adjoining the ancestral house of Mr. Chacko and family. The building showcases the fine features of traditional Kerala architecture and woodcarving. The homestay rooms date back around 150 years and are made mostly with seasoned timber still retaining their original grandeur. What makes Nelpura Heritage Homestay special and unique is the serene dignity it gains from the proximity of a happy home.
In the evening visit the surrounding village area including a visit of the famous Mankombu Bhagavathi Temple. Also visit an old house of Brahmin Community.

Join the family for an early dinner; the family can talk on various topics like Culture, Agriculture, Marriages, Food, Ayurveda etc. depending on the interest of the guest

Overnight stay at MANKOMBU

DAY 04 : HOUSEBOAT
After breakfast at Nelpura Home Stay, proceed on a guided tour of the area by tuk tuk locally called autoriksha or on a bicycle (optional) to visit Pulincunnoo St. Mary’s Forine Church, local school, coconut processing centre etc.

Check in to Houseboat.
Welcome on board the private House boat that is waiting to take you on a tour through the backwaters of Alleppey

Overnight stay onboard Houseboat

DAY 05 : HOUSEBOAT – CONTINUE CRUISING TO ALUMKADAVU
A journey through this quiet region of the best backwater belt of Kerala, reveals the picturesque rural life of Kerala people, working their fields with water buffaloes, fishing with nets from traditional longboats, and washing their clothes at the water’s edge. One may see some school boats instead of the bus, transporting uniformed children. We can glimpse through the trees at small farms, homes, churches, and mosques that dot the canals and lakes. All meals will be on board served by the on-board chef.

Overnight stay onboard Houseboat

DAY 06 : ALUMKADAVU – KOVALAM
After breakfast onboard Houseboat; disembark at Alumkadavu and drive to reach Kovalam
On arrival in Kovalam check in to Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort
Evening meet the Ayurvedic Physician and consult with him on the Ayurveda treatment programs

Overnight stay at the Resort

DAY 07 : DEPARTURE TRANSFER TO TRIVANDRUM
Check out from the Resort and transfer to Trivandrum Airport for onward flight.
Or
Continue the Ayurvedic Treatment / Extension program for next 07, 14 or 21 days.