8D Backwater Ripples of Kerala,
Ayurveda, Farming, Cooking & Water Sports
Kerala is splendid with its lush green coconut trees, serene backwaters and soothing Ayurvedic massages. The unique feature of Kerala is its backwaters. In this itinerary, we present three exotic combinations of backwater destinations – Poovar, Alleppey and Kumarakom. Poovar is a small coastal fishing island at the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala. The village is embraced by an attractive beach on one side and the backwaters on the other. During high tides, an estuary links it to the sea. It is a network of lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries, deltas and rivers. Alleppey – otherwise called as ‘Venice of East’ is the land of lakes and lagoons. When Alleppey faces the Indian Ocean, Kumarakom faces the Western Ghats.
Floating cottages of Poovar Island Resort
Kerala was recently chosen by the National Geographic Traveller as one of the 10 paradises found on earth and one of the 50 ‘Must See’ places of the world.
Highlights
Enchanting backwaters • Fishing, swimming and canoeing in backwaters • Bamboo rafting and water sports in backwaters • Overnight luxury houseboat cruise • Ayurvedic treatment performed by certified practitioners
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Itinerary
Day 01 / Singapore – Kochi
Arrive at Cochin airport on Silkair flight MI468 at 10:45PM, meet/greet by our guide and transfer to Napiers House, a heritage hotel in Fort Kochi, a traditional part of colonial Kochi.
Day 02 / Kochi – Alleppey (2 hours) (B/L/D)
After a leisurely breakfast we check-out of Fort Kochi and proceed to Alleppey, famous for its serene backwaters and royal, luxury houseboats. Check in to the houseboats 12:00PM to begin one of the most exotic experiences of a life time. We would cruise through various lakes and lagoons exploring the coastal backwaters of Alleppey. The delicacies served on board are made out of some of the rare and tasty fishes available only on Alleppey coasts.
Dinner would be served within the resort.
Overnight in House Boat in Alleppey.
Day 03 / Alleppey – Poovar Island (B/L/D)
After breakfast we drive 3 hours to reach Poovar Island by lunch time. At Poovar Island we check-in to Club Mahindra’s Poovar Island Resort. Poovar Island Resort is a very special backwater destination for its rich estuaries, lakes and lagoons. The use of sloping roofs and earthy colors create an inviting ambience and a natural look, a perfect blend with the surrounding banana and coconut trees. Relish the evening, enjoying the backwaters.
Dinner would be served within the resort.
Overnight in Poovar Island Resort.
Day 04 / Poovar – Indulge in water sports, swimming, canoeing and more (B/L/D)
Poovar Island Resort offers some of the best moment for backwater specific water sports and entertainments. Also, you could take a visit to Poovar beach. It is a beautiful and unexplored beach. You can reach the Poovar Beach by water taxies only. This beach is not used for beach activities and water sports because of the fishing population. But Poovar beach can be visited for its peace and tranquility. Within the resort, there is also a complimentary stress management program – of one hour duration. An Ayurvedic rejuvenation program is offered as part of the package on Day 04, within the resort.
Day 05 / Poovar – Philipkutty’s Farm (B/L/D)
In order to get a personalized experience of Kerala vegetation farms, culture and authentic Ayurvedic treatments, we have handpicked few aspects in our vacation at Philipkutty’s Farm. Phiipkutty’s Farm is one of the premium home stays in Kerala, famous for its service levels and authentic Kerala experience. There is a working farm, which practices sustainable / organic methods of farming, is two metres below the lake level and has coconut, toddy, nutmeg, banana, cocoa and pepper cultivation and not to forget the jumbo prawn (scampi) and karimeen (pearlspot) found in some of the farm canals. Though accessible by road (up to the opposite bank), it is the ‘vallam’ (countryboat) that will finally take us across. A two day (two hours each day) long Ayurvedic treatment program is arranged in the neighborhood Ayurvedic Center, performed by certified practitioners.
Day 06 / Philipkutty’s Farm – Relax and Rejuvenate (B/L/D)
On Day 06, apart from the continuation of the Ayurvedic Treatment started on the previous day, country side cycling, fishing, swimming in backwaters etc are some of the other activities that are included in the plan. A walk into the farm and plucking out vegetables from the garden and making the own dishes in backwater ambience is one of the exotic experiences shared by many travelers. We could also try spiking scampi (a rare variety of prawn) from the farm canals and cook it at the kitchen.
Day 07 / Return to Kochi – Singapore (B/L/-)
The morning is at our own leisure. After lunch we set off for Kochi arriving at about 04:00PM.
After a brief shopping experience, we shall catch our Singapore-bound flight from Kochi airport.
Return Flight: MI 467 departing at 11:45PM
Day 08 / Arrive Singapore
Arrive Singapore at 06:50AM.
Cottage in Philipkutty’s Farm
Fixed Departure Dates
- Jan 28 – Feb 04, 2011 (Chinese New Year)
Tour Cost
Min. 06 persons to depart, max. number is 12 persons
- SGD $1,883 Twin Per Person
- SGD $800 Single Supplement
Private Departure Supplement
Min. 02 persons, and can depart anytime in season
- SGD $898 Per Person for Group of 02-03 Persons:
- SGD $250 Per Person for Group of 04-05 Persons:
- No supplement charge for Group size of 06 persons or more
validity
- Oct 01, 2010 – Sep 30, 2011
Ayurvedic treatment at Cottage in Philipkutty’s Farm
Inclusions
- Return airfare on Silkair M Class: SIN/COK/SIN
- All transfers and ground transportation
- 01 night in heritage hotel,Kochi
- 01 night in a Houseboat, Allepey
- 02 nights in Poovar Island Resort, Poovar
- 02 nights in Philipkutty’s Farm, Kumarakom
- All meals starting with Breakfast on Day 02 and ending with Lunch on Day 07; 07 Breakfasts, 06 Lunches, 05 Dinners
- Services of local English-speaking Tour Leader and local guides
Exclusions
- India Visa and visa application fee
- All airport & security taxes and fuel surcharges, currently SGD $263 per person
- Personal expenditure such as phone calls, Internet access, soft/hard beverages, laudry, etc.
- Entrance fees in museums, sanctuaries, etc., not mentioned in itinerary
- Tipping for guide(s) and drivers
validity
- Oct 01, 2010 – Sep 30, 2011