God's Own Country : The Kerala Experience

Arrive in Kochi and check into Brunton Boatyard, a heritage hotel by CGH Earth. Located on the site of a colonial shipyard, the hotel offers sea-facing rooms with views of the Arabian Sea and Cochin Harbour. Explore the historic Fort Kochi area, visiting the Chinese Fishing Nets and the 16th-century Mattancherry Palace. Enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance in the evening.

Dive into Kochi’s rich history with visits to Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, and the Paradesi Synagogue. Wander through spice markets and galleries, then enjoy a backwater sunset cruise or an evening Kathakali performance. Brunton Boatyard’s candle-lit dining by the harbor adds the perfect finish to a culturally rich day.

Explore the modern face of Kochi today — visit the David Hall Art Café, stroll through Princess Street, and stop by Kashi Art Gallery. Choose an optional Ayurvedic therapy or cooking session at the hotel. For lunch, dine on coastal cuisine at The Rice Boat or enjoy a traditional Kerala Sadhya served on a banana leaf.

Travel inland to the lush forests of Thekkady, a serene village bordering the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Check into Spice Village, a rustic-chic CGH Earth resort that mirrors the lifestyle of local hill tribes. Your cottage, built with elephant grass and mud, blends seamlessly into the natural landscape. Enjoy a spice plantation walk or a quiet afternoon birdwatching.

Begin your day with a boat safari across Periyar Lake, where elephants and wild boars often come to drink. Back at the resort, enjoy a traditional lunch and spend the afternoon learning about Kerala’s ancient martial art, Kalaripayattu. End the day with an optional tribal village visit or organic garden tour within the resort.

Depart Thekkady for Alleppey, where your private deluxe houseboat awaits. Cruise the tranquil backwaters lined with palm groves, paddy fields, and fishing villages. Enjoy freshly cooked meals on board prepared by a private chef and take in the unforgettable stillness of life on the water. Sunset and stars over Vembanad Lake round off a magical day.

Disembark and drive to Kumarakom Lake Resort, where luxury meets authenticity. Check into your Heritage Villa, complete with canals and lush gardens. Spend your afternoon at leisure — unwind in the infinity pool, stroll through coconut groves, or take an optional canoe ride at dusk.

Today is dedicated to rejuvenation and exploration. Start with yoga, followed by a guided visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Later, enjoy a signature Ayurvedic therapy or join a cooking class featuring traditional Syrian Christian recipes. Celebrate your final night with a candle-lit dinner at Ettukettu, the resort’s 300-year-old restaurant.

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Cochin International Airport. As you leave, you’ll carry with you the sights, sounds, and soul of Kerala — where every sunset lingers and every journey tells a story.