On The Lap Of Nature

Arrive Cochin Airport. Met on arrival at the airport and immediate transfer to your boutique water front villa in the outskirts of Ernakulam (Popularly known as Cochin or Kochi) Cochin is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port, which became the principal harbour for Malabar Coast’s spice trade. Cochin was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built places of worship and their own communities. Baymaas Lake House: a luxury boutique water front abode located in the outskirts of Ernakulam city offers panoramic view of backwaters and guarantees the privacy at its best. The 04 room lake house extends the best of hospitality in terms of quality and service. Out of 04 room , 02 rooms are pool villas and 02 are luxury featured rooms having access to common pool. The menu of Baymaas Lakehouse showcases the best in local Kerala cuisine and gives you a chance to indulge your gluttonous side. Tantalise and surprise your taste buds by sampling our signature dishes that are inspired by Baymaa’s wholesome culinary recipes, and are tastefully created using fresh, local produce. Overnight at Cochin. You are absolutely free to indulge in various activities from kayaking, angling, sunset cruise, shikara rides, cycling etc Check in and overnight at Baymaas Lake House.

After breakfast, opportunity to explore Old part of Cochin – Fort Kochi and Mattanchery. Meet your guide at Fort Kochi and he will further take you to various historical attractions in the region which includes, The St Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India, where Vasco de Gama the first European traveller to India was originally buried here. Also visit the Chinese fishing nets believed to be brought to Kochi by the Chinese Traders... Later proceed to Mattancherry. Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue (Friday and Saturday closed) at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. A walk through the Jew Street is a pleasing experience. Back to your lake villa and rest of the day is free to explore by your own. Or can take a drive to the city centre for shopping or for surf around. Overnight at Baymaas Lake House

After breakfast proceed to Thattekadu. Thattekkad (Salim Ali's) Bird sanctuary (7 km from Hornbill Camp) is the home for 270 species of birds including the migratory ones. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 25 square kilometers and is located between the tributaries of the Periyar River. Check into your boutique property at Thattekadu – Periyar River Lodge Periyar River Lodge is a boutique natural/luxury abode on the banks of Periyar River. This dreamy waterfront resort is located in a sprawling one-acre property. Its two bedrooms offer views of riverside banks, calm lush forests, and nearby hills. The lodge weaves a timeless experience with elegant interiors and a luxurious pool deck. Rest of the day at leisure and enjoy the stay and the cuisine Overnight at Periyar River Lodge

After breakfast, take a drive to natural walk the famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary or the nearest natural zone to explore the world of birds, flora and fauna. The fascinating birds that are found here are Blue Bearded Bee-eater, Malabar Trogon, Grey Jungle Fowl, Black Winged Kite, Brown Shrike, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Ceylon Frogmouth, Small Sunbird, Night Heron, Blue winged parakeet, White-bellied Tree pie, Indian Roller, Malabar Grey Hornbill, etc. The thick tropical deciduous and evergreen cover is a safe haven for these winged creatures... Rest of the day is at leisure enjoying the boutique property where you are in. Overnight at Periyar River Lodge.

After breakfast proceed to Munnar Check into your luxury abode in the midst of Cardamom plantation - Elakai 'Elakai' is the Malayalam and Tamil word for 'cardamom' - and our mountain villa is literally named for where it is situated. This enchanting two-bedroom property sits pretty in a vast cardamom plantation. Surrounded by green with spectacular panoramic views all around, Elakai is all about switching off and letting time catch up with you. Optional – a half day excursion to Munnar Munnar is a beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats at about 1600 metres above sea level. There are lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates in Munnar. Famous Tata Tea estate and factory is in Munnar. There is a wildlife sanctuary in the Eravikulam –Rajamala area in the Munnar forest division. Munnar was the summer resort of the British Government in the South. Rajamala is the right place to spot Nilgiri Thar (a rare breed of Mountain Goats in the world). (The property is located around 25 Km from Munnar Town) Else you can enjoy the walk through the plantations and try you hands on regional cuisine with your chef. Overnight at Munnar

The day is at leisure or optional tour to Kulukkumalai Tea Factory. Kolukkumalai Tea Factory Visit (Approx. 22 Km / 01 Hr. from Elakkai) After breakfast drive to Munnar and take a Jeep (Mahindra 4x4) to Kolukkumalai tea Factory. At Kolukkumalai, tea is grown at an altitude of around 8000ft. This is world's highest grown tea. And the best part, the processing it done at the top of the hill at around 7500ft, in factory built in the 1930s. Once inside, visitors can get a glimpse into the process of tea making. It must be noted that Kolukkumalai follows the older and slower orthodox method of tea processing instead of the newer Crush-Tear-Curl method so one can get the traditional feel of how tea used to be made in the days of the East India Company. After the guided tour through the factory, you can walk into the tea-tasting centre of the factory and be treated to a variety of teas on offer. Buy packets of tea, sold as per the grade, such as Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP), Flowery Orange Pekoe (FOP). The assistants at the shop will also gladly describe the best way to make each of the teas, including iced-tea. Packed Lunch will be served. Later return to Munnar. Overnight at Munnar

After breakfast, drive to Cherthala backwaters (175 km, 05 hrs.). Check in at Vismaya Lake Heritage This 400+ year old heritage lakeside retreat with just 2 bedrooms, in traditional wood architecture, is ideal for guests to relax, unwind and soak in the surrounding natural beauty that is a treat to your every sense. It has a private pool that will make you feel pampered and rejuvenated. The building, passed into our hands from the descendants of the original chieftain, and is presented.... We have renamed it; Vismaya (translated 'a magical place'). Two rooms with luxury bath garden (washing table , open air rain shower , toilet and private garden) , Large lobby with sitting corners , game table ,library ,veranda for relaxation and dining , Swimming pool (13 x 5 m) with sun deck , vantage point on the lake for sunrise & set. Overnight at Cherthala backwaters.

Morning at leisure. At 1100 hrs, travel to Kumarakom (45 mts) to board a House boat for day cruise in the backwaters. HOUSEBOATS, popularly known as “Kettuvalam” is converted from a traditional rice barge. While cruising to Alleppey you will see the glimpses of village life of the people living around the backwater area. You may watch palm-lined bank and narrow strips of land that separate the waterways and the constant quiet traffic of valam (small boats) are typical. At 1600, disembark from House boat and drive back to the resort. Overnight at Cherthala backwaters

In time transfer to Cochin Airport (90 km, 2.5 hrs.) to connect your onward flight