malabar holidays

14 Days  •  South India  •  €815

Malabar, the northern region of Kerala in Southern India was once a British Principality of India. Malabar has no geographical boundaries, no presence on a map of India, yet it still exists as a state of mind: laid-back, tranquil and forgiving. This the spirit captured on this journey that begins in Cochin, drifts along the backwaters and River Nila, up to the mountains of Wayanad to conclude at the virgin beaches of Kannur.

itinerary:

Day 1  Arrive Kochi (Cochin)

Amble around the heritage area of Fort Kochi. Once a thriving centre of the spice trade, Fort Kochi is a melting pot of different cultures and influences. Visit the key historic monuments of the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town.

Day 2  Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Transfer to Alleppey, the popular launchpad for Kerala's backwaters. Board a houseboat and cruise through Kuttanad; the rice bowl of Kerala. Drift by vast stretches of paddy fields, fishing nets, coconut groves and local villages. Anchor at dusk and watch the sunset colours float on still waters.

Day 3  Karimbavalavu

A tranquil morning cruise after sunrise with breakfast aboard eases into the day. Transfer to a peaceful retreat on a secluded island on the backwaters. Birdlife abounds on the island which is perfect for relaxation, cycling, village visits and canoe rides.

Days 4 - 6  River Nila

Drop into local handicraft and pottery centres on your way to River Nila. Spend twilight in the courtyard of a local household being entertained by young performers showcasing rich folk heritage. Soak up various rhythms of music and dance.

Spend a day with classical arts masters at Kerala Kalamandalam and the evening unwinding in a 400 year old heritage house. The traditional farm stay is part of a responsible tourism initiative to encourage sustainable lifestyles.

Meet a family of musicians whoes demonstration of numerous percussion instruments never ceases to astound. Board a country boat cruise to charter the smaller canals, rivers and backwaters of Tirur. Navigate through islands home to communities of toddy tapers, coir rope workers and fishing communities.

Days 7 - 8  Nilambur

Set amidst two acres of sacred grove, the farm strikes a perfect balance between the age old traditions of a Kerala Brahmin family and modern living. Explore the farm, surrounding villages and nearby bathing ghats.

Days 9 - 10  Wayanad

Drive up to the hills of Wayanad. Discover locally grown spices and hear from planters about life in a spice garden. Go wild at a Wildlife Sanctuary and visit a local bamboocraft workshop.

Days 11 - 13  Kannur

Descend the hills for the coastline and discover the most idyllic beaches in the Malabar region. Far from the maddening crowds, the beachfront is refreshingly quiet. Visit St. Angelo Fort, Arakkal museum and the Cannanore Lighthouse. You have the opportunity to explore nearby towns by boat or observe traditional folk art forms in nearby villages.

Day 14  Depart Calicut

Transfer to Calicut Airport or Train Station for onward journeys or stay on and enjoy the relaxed ambience. We can book Additional Accommodation for you, please let us know at the time of booking.

fast facts:

Support: Passionate Local Leader throughout
Activities: Fort Kochi Orientation, Jungle Safari, Spice Tour, Boat Cruise, Kolkata City Orientation, Bhitarkanika National Park Entry & Activities, Buddhist Site Entry, Bhubaneshwar Temple Entry, Puri Old City by Cycle Rickshaw, UNESCO World Heritage Konark Sun Temple Entry, Heritage Painting (Raghurajpur) & Temple Dancing (Gotipua) Village Visit, Chilika Lake Camping, Tribal Village & weekly market visits (Kondh, Bonda, Gaddava and Paroja), Visakhapatnam City Orientation.
Accommodation: Hotel/guesthouse (11 nights), Forest/Tourist Rest House (2 nights), Tent Camp (1 night).
Transport: Private transport, train, local ferry, bullock cart, pole boat, cycle rickshaws and foot
Meals: 14 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners. Please allow approx. €10 per day for additional meals.
Arrival/Departure: Kolkata has an International Airpport and Visakhapatnam (Vizag) is well connected to the rest of India by domestic airlines. Both are accessible by the Indian Railway network. See the Travel Essentials for more information.
Tipping: An essential way of life in India, we will provide you appropriate guidelines.

Grass Routes  | Orissa Tour  | Tribal Tour  |  Puri | Responsible Travel  |  Sustainable Travel