Simple living & exotic locations

From Cochin to Champakulam backwaters

Arrival at Cochin. Met on arrival and immediate transfer to the backwaters of Champakulam (95 km, 02 hours)

The Kurialacherry homestay holds a couple of rooms converted from a superb antique granary, complete with original wood architecture and fixtures intact, retaining their original grandeur with river facing verandas. With its exotic river front location, green paddy fields at the backyard, modernized rooms featuring traditional Kerala architecture and the delightful mood of a family atmosphere and delicious homemade food, Kurialacherry Homestay is an ideal retreat into the soothing lap of nature and a prefect getaway from the din and bustle of everyday life. This evening you will go on a country canoe cruise through the backwaters and witness the village life on waters edges.

Overnight at Champakulam

At Champakulam Village

This morning your host will take you for a walk along the paddy fields. You will come across village life, workers on work, and the village temple and also you will find various types of fishing in the backwaters. 

Later in the evening you will visit the local market when villagers gather to buy their household items after the day’s work. You will also visit the Mankompu Sree Bhagavathy temple. Overnight at Champakulam 

Overnight at Champakulam

From Champakulam to Fort Cochin

After breakfast, you will drive to the heritage town of Fort Cochin (65 km, 1.5 hr)

The spice trade first bought Chinese and Arabian traders to Kerala’ shores and later the Portuguese  , Dutch and British thus making Fort Cochin a cultural melting point. Wander through its old streets, the synagogue, the ancient churches, colonial houses and the picturesque Chinese fishing nets. 

You will stay at this Dutch Palace built in the 17th century now converted into a Heritage Hotel . Built with laterite, limestone, wood and tiles, This heritage building is beautifully restored, retaining every feature of the original structure.

This afternoon proceed for a guided tour of Cochin including the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry (Friday closed)is renowned  for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.The Jewish Synagogue (Saturday closed) at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town.  The St  Francis  Church,  the oldest European Church in India.  The Santa Cruz Basilica, originally built in 1557  by the Portuguese.  The Chinese fishing nets believed to be brought to Kochi by the Chinese Traders.  
Overnight at Fort Cochin

From Fort Cochin to Nilambur

After breakfast , drive to Nilambur (180 kms , 4.5 hr ) 

Nilambur Kovilakams or palaces situated at the foot of the Western Ghats along the banks of the river Chaliyar, are architectural marvels known for their beautiful frescoes and wood work. These residences of the local rajas were built according to traditional Kerala architecture and boasts of excellent skill and craftsmanship.

The Puthiyakovilakam (New Palace) and the Nilambur Kovilakam temple that enshrines the presiding deity - Vettekkoru Makan were built by the Nilambur rajas nearly 200 years ago. The royal family, whose roots can be traced back to Nediyiruppe swaroopam or Koodamanna lineage, were once the chieftains of the Zamoodiri’s. They eventually emerged as the undefeated rulers of Nilambur nearly 250 years ago.  

Lunch and dinner with the family.  This evening you will visit the Kovilakom Temple and witness the deity from outside. Temple will be lighted up with lamps in the evenings. 
Overnight at Nilambur

Nilambur

Early morning you will meet up with a Brahmin lady who will tell you the history of Kolam drawing practised by the hindu women in front of their houses. Kolam is a form of drawing that is drawn by using rice flour  A Kolam is a geometrical line drawing composed of curved loops, drawn around a grid pattern of dots. More complex Kolams are drawn and colors are often added during holiday occasions and special events. Kolams are thought to bring prosperity to homes. You may also participate in this ritual practise .

Later you can visit a Astrolger , who will read your palm and predict your  Future and makes u understand your past. 

Lunch with the family. In the evening you will visit the tribal colony to witness the pottery making. 

Dinner with the family.

Overnight at Nilambur. 

From Nilambur to Kannur Beach

After breakfast , drive to Kannur (150 km , 3.5 hr)

A small hamlet down the Malabar Coast, Silent and secluded. This beach house keeps you away from the sounds and crowd. When you have to walk down 500 meters to reach the house, you may speculate what awaits you and then when you are greeted by stunning view of the sea just 10 meters from your door, you are enchanted. You will sit and gaze and never want to retire to your room. It’s all about simplicity – the unspoilt beach , the wonderful host , the simple neat and clean rooms , the courteous staff , the malabari seafood,  the fishermen folks you will interact  - You will never want to leave. 

In the evening witness a Theyyam or Theyyattam - a popular Hindu ritual of worship in North Kerala state, predominant in the Koluthunadu area (consisting of present-day Kannur and Kasargod districts). As a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs, it embraces almost all the castes and classes of the Hindu religion in this region. The performers of Theyyam belong to the indigenous tribal community, and have an important position in a major form of worship.  

Overnight at Kannur beach

At Kannur Beach

Full day relax at the beach. 

Overnight at Kannur

Departure from Calicut

In time transfer to Calicut airport (105 km, 2.5 hr) to connect flight back home