Kerala is the area in the western coast of India in the stretch of land between the Western Ghats and the Arabic sea that is famous for its beaches and Ayurveda centres.
The tour starts form Kochi or Cochin – the biggest city on western coast of India. Since the 14th century it has been the portal hub for traders form entire world, the centre of trade of spices, and the colonial territory of Portugal and Great Britain. Owing this, Kochi is an extraordinary blend of cultural influences - you can see Chinese fishing nets, ancient mosques, Portuguese houses and English minors there. Explore the city in your own pace, visit to the gravestone of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, which became the first European to reach India via the Atlantic Ocean. Although his body was buried there only for 15 years (till 1539), the gravestone is still there. Explore the city and don't forget you have a planned excursion on the next morning that includes the visit to Fort Kochi, and head to Allepey. Rich in rivers, lakes, lagoons and channels, with over 1000 floating houses, it sometimes is referred the Venice of the East. Enjoy an overnight stay at a family and find out about the unusual lifestyle of locals. The labyrinth of isles, channels and rivers surrounded by palm trees the locals call the Backwaters. This system of inner water supply in Kerala was initially created to foster transportation of spices and rice among the villages.
Travel to Kollam by ferry on the next day. Take a full day boat cruise on the backwaters, observing the unique ecosystem and enjoy the city tour and the free time in the evening. Then head to Varkala – a temple town also known for its landscape. A high rocky cliff ends abruptly and a stretch of clear sand extends down to the sea. Visit to the beautiful gardens and the biggest pilgrim centres in the area, the temple of Janardhana Swamy or Varkala, that is about 2000 years old, or simply relax at the beach. Don't miss an opportunity to enjoy the Ayurveda massage or be treated by local healer. Return to Kochi to visit the Jewish Town and the 400 years old synagogue, the spice market and the Dutch Palace in the final part of the tour, and considered watching one of the oldest dance forms in India, Kathakali, that combines drama, dance, music and ritual.
NB! Please check the hotel notice board for trip information and group meeting time.
