Arrival

Arrive in Cochin, also known as Kochi, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Located on the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is built on a series of islands and narrow peninsulas.  The balance of the day is free to explore the narrow streets and alleyways of this fascinating city.

After breakfast, spend the morning on a guided tour. Start with a visit to the Mattancherry Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), which was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663. In its ancient rooms are 17th century murals that relate, in vibrant color, the story of the epic Ramayana. Then visit a Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays) where historians date Jewish trade in spices with Kerala from the time of King Solomon. In the Fort Cochin area there are streets of picture-postcard houses out of another age, in both the 17th century Dutch and traditional Kerala styles.  In the afternoon drive to Kumarakom and check-in to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, depart on your boat jetty, a bamboo and coconut fiber houseboat that has all the comforts of home.  Cruise past remote tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, past coir (Jute) making communities and rice paddies. Following your backwaters experience, transfer to Cochin airport where your tour ends.

Arrival

Arrive in Cochin, also known as Kochi, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Located on the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is built on a series of islands and narrow peninsulas.  The balance of the day is free to explore the narrow streets and alleyways of this fascinating city.

After breakfast, spend the morning on a guided tour. Start with a visit to the Mattancherry Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), which was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663. In its ancient rooms are 17th century murals that relate, in vibrant color, the story of the epic Ramayana. Then visit a Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays) where historians date Jewish trade in spices with Kerala from the time of King Solomon. In the Fort Cochin area there are streets of picture-postcard houses out of another age, in both the 17th century Dutch and traditional Kerala styles.  In the afternoon drive to Kumarakom and check-in to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, depart on your boat jetty, a bamboo and coconut fiber houseboat that has all the comforts of home.  Cruise past remote tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, past coir (Jute) making communities and rice paddies. Following your backwaters experience, transfer to Cochin airport where your tour ends.

Arrival

Arrive in Cochin, also known as Kochi, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Located on the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is built on a series of islands and narrow peninsulas.  The balance of the day is free to explore the narrow streets and alleyways of this fascinating city.

After breakfast, spend the morning on a guided tour. Start with a visit to the Mattancherry Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), which was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663. In its ancient rooms are 17th century murals that relate, in vibrant color, the story of the epic Ramayana. Then visit a Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays) where historians date Jewish trade in spices with Kerala from the time of King Solomon. In the Fort Cochin area there are streets of picture-postcard houses out of another age, in both the 17th century Dutch and traditional Kerala styles.  In the afternoon drive to Kumarakom and check-in to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, depart on your boat jetty, a bamboo and coconut fiber houseboat that has all the comforts of home.  Cruise past remote tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, past coir (Jute) making communities and rice paddies. Following your backwaters experience, transfer to Cochin airport where your tour ends.