The delightful south! Almost untouched by invasions throughout its history, the Southern states of India, can be considered the most `Indian ` part of India .The Aryans never brought their meat eating influence to the south . The Muslims and British influence was minor. As a result Hindu forms of lifestyles and artistic & cultural expression are stronger here compared to anywhere else in India. While bringing to you the manifestations of the glorious artistic creativity of South India's incredible ancient heritage, we would not miss out on giving a human feel to your tour. We will interact with locals by visits to popular local bazaars, typical traditional work places, rides in local cycle rickshaws, visits to typical homes and stopping for walks and visits to tribal villages while driving through the countryside. We are attempting to harmonize the glorious past with the vibrating, colorful and extremely hospitable lifestyles of the present with which you could conveniently relate and see your own lives in a different perspective!
Day 01: Arrival / Trivandrum / Kollam
Mid morning arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car & drive to Kollam
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Upon arrival check into WelcomHotel Raviz Ashtamudi Resort & Ayurveda spa. The place is located on the pristine Lake Ashtamudi that connects the backwaters of Kerala to the Arabian Sea. The Glorious landscapes and grand vistas of the magnificent palm shaped ‘eight-armed’ Ashtamudi Lake will surely mesmerize you to the fullest. After a warm welcome in true Kerala style you will get to see and witness this delightful and lustrous resort. The wooden flooring, the typical architecture, the sequence balcony, and the spectacular view- water till the horizon. Besides, the resort offers several fascinating options that include, Ayurveda, Canoe Riding, and several fascinating excursions and visits that we would indulge into.
Afternoon we visit some of the fascinating sites of the region. We would witness cashew nut processing using traditional techniques such as, Cleaning, Soaking, Roasting, Shelling, Separation, Drying, Peeling, Grading, Rehumidification, and Packing. The entire process will enthrall you with a lively experience. Next, we would visit to the Police Museum, where you will trace the history and development of the police force. You also get to eye witnesses the police arms of the 18th and 19th centuries. After your educative and interactive outing, now ride on to Quilon Beach and Gandhi Park. The Beach also has a Park of international standard and widely famous in the region.
But wait, what is sightseeing without shopping!! From Handicrafts to Antiquue, from Eco friendly clothing, too, Banana chips, silk sarees, yummy Kerala sweets, we get to see and notice the crafts as well as traditional foods of Kerala.
Overnight at Raviz Ashtamudi Resort & Ayurveda Spa (Superior Room) (B
Day 02: Munroe Island Village (Morning Tour)
After a leisurely breakfast we make an excursion to Munroe Island, beautifully located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. The journey is in a country boat into the perfect typical village backwater of Kerala. The Place is named in honor of Resident Colonel John Munroe of the former Princely State of Travancore.The Island Village measuring 13.4 Sq kms in area is a fascinating destination where we can witness Coir retting processes, Coir weaving, fishing, prawn feeding, migratory birds, etc. Then there are attractions of Canal and waterways, coconut palms, mangroves, and, the beautiful tiny island of Pathupara. In other words, you are transported to a World of remoteness, natural beauty, and, ethnic lifestyles- All co-existing in unique harmony.
We enjoy a unique Canoe Ride that traverses through the meandering inland waterways and fields fringed with coconut palms. You get to see fishing using traditional nets and boats Witness rare Birds and, natural fish farm. We also notice Coir making centres.In other words, a visit to Munroe Island bestows upon you the opportunity to get yourselves soaked in the lives of Village folks engaged in different activities for their livelihood. You can also get a taste of the flavors of spicy Kerala cuisine from the Village.
Afternoon at leisure: Indulge yourself in some exhilarating cruising experience, or rejuvenate yourself with some Ayurvedic massages under the guidance of trained doctors and instructors.
You may also choose to undertake a romantic sunset cruise on the backwaters.
Overnight at Raviz Ashtamudi Resort & Ayurveda Spa (Superior Room) (B)
Day 03: Kollam / Raviz
After breakfast, board the houseboat.
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities
Overnight aboard Raviz 01 Bedroom Luxury Houseboat (L & D)
Day 04: Raviz / Kumbalangi
After breakfast, we will drive to Kumbalangi
Upon arrival check into Aquatic Resort, situated amidst acres of paddy fields and ponds meant for scientific fish rearing. This beautiful Eco-friendly resort is Asia's first fully floating resort. The entire complex and the rooms float on water with no ground support onto the water bed.
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy your spectacular stay at the resort, and, also, to indulge in the various activities that the resort offers. During your leisure time at the resort you may choose to indulge in several activities that are available here. Of special mentioned is the option of undertaking manual rowing boats to witness backwater life. Fishing and nature walk are other options that bring up close with nature.
Overnight at Aquatic – The Floating Resort (Luxury Room) (B)
Day 05: Kumbalnghi Village Tour
Following breakfast proceed on a village tour where we witness traditional lifestyles and occupations. The central Government has promoted Kumbalangi as the ideal destination to represent India's village tourism and the first and only one of its kinds in the country. This coastal hamlet without a doubt provides a fascinating glimpse of the simple and prosperous livelihood of the villagers, and also unravels the age-old, magnificent cultural heritage of the place. Once you enter into the village, you have many activities awaiting for you.
At The Top Of A Coconut Tree
You are now hopefully ready to immerse yourself in the traditional richness of this beautiful village. Learn how the times changed, as the local farmers will show you two ways of climbing a coconut tree – the painstaking old way with a thalappu, and the modern way using the latest instruments. At the end of this enriching session, treat yourself to fresh tender coconut.
Taste of Tender Coconut
Now, get a chance to take a glimpse into the life of these simple villagers of Kerala. Take pleasure in the beauty of green paddy fields in a house of a local villager. Here, you will also get to taste some sweet coconut water and tender coconut.
Toddy Tapping
Continue your journey and reach the next stopover – a coconut grove. Experience, closely as toddy being tapped from a coconut tree. Besides, if you feel like you can even taste this famed Kerala beverage, fresh out of the pot.
Coconut Weaving
At this time, learn the art of waving coconut leaves as well as you can also try your hand at it.
Net Fishing
Accompany the villagers as they take you in the local pond to provide you with some tried and true fishing tips. Watch in wonder as one of the villagers casts a net and catch a few with ease.
Also, you get to watch the fascinating process of coir making. Check out the various subtle traditional techniques involved and try your hand at coir spinning.
A Special craft that we would visit during our village tour would be to witness the traditional art of crab catching and de- shelling of octopuses.
We will also have some time to make individual contacts and, have a hot picnic lunch before we wind our way back to our resort.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for independent activities
Overnight at Aquatic – The Floating Resort (Luxury Room) (B)
Day 06: Kumbalghi / Cochin / Departure
After breakfast, we will drive to Cochin
Upon arrival in Cochin, transfer to the International airport to board your onward flight
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