Kerala: Beaches & Backwaters
7 days, Kochi to Kochi
Itinerary
Day 1Kochi
Arrive at any time and welcome to the port city of Kochi, known for its unique fishing nets, artsy cafes, and tasty seafood.
Get to know your fellow travellers in the seaside neighbourhood of Fort Kochi. Stroll along the tropical backwaters and capture a group photo in the stunning scenery. Pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Pepper Route (or similar)
Day 2Kochi/Alleppey
Take an orientation walk visiting Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, and the Jewish Quarter with curio shops and a synagogue more than 400-years-old. Then travel to Alleppey, a golden streak of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons, and canals. Enjoy an empowering lunch before checking out the island along the lagoon with a local guide and learn about the way of life here. Settle into a homestay and get to know your hosts.
Orientation Walk
Get to know the delightful city of Cochin through this guided walk. Walk through the fish market and the famous Chinese fishing net, believed to have been brought by traders from Kubla Khan's court in China.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Alleppey Guided Walk
Explore the area, known as the "Venice of the East," on foot with a local English-speaking guide and learn about the way of life here.
Your Local Living Moment: Alleppey Homestay
Enjoy a stay with a local family in Alleppey and get a real taste of the culture and what life on the islands is like. Learn how to cook some delicious Kerala dishes and dig in and enjoy the meal after your lesson.
Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project
Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch prepared by women of the Planeterra Theruvarom Empowerment Project, which provides women from rural areas an alternative source of income by honing their hospitality and culinary skills. Learn about the local cuisine and socio-economic fabric of the region as you get to know the women. All while taking in live entertainment!
Accommodation
Tranquil Heritage Homestay (or similar)
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 3Alleppey/Kollam
Explore the unique ecosystem of Alleppey backwaters on a morning ferry cruise. Afterward, travel down the coast by bus to the port city of Kollam. On arrival, choose to relax on the beach, climb Thangassery Light House, or peruse the nightlife.
Alleppey Ferry Cruise
Enjoy a morning ferry ride through the backwaters, observing the unique ecosystem with blue-green stretches of water and coconut trees.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Accommodation
Hotel Sea Pearl (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Kollam/Varkala
Visit the Kollam Harbour and experience the importance of fishing for the community. Afterward, settle into a private vehicle and see who can count the most palm trees as you cruise down the coast to tropical Varkala. Enjoy lots of free time to explore the town, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.
Note that Kollam Harbour is closed to visitors May through June.
Kollam Fishing Docks Visit
See where all of the action happens in this busy port city and walk around Kollam's bustling fishing docks.
Neendakara Fishing Harbour Visit
Visit the largest wholesale fishing market and harbour on the Arabian Sea, dating back to the sixteenth century. Take in the sights and sound of a busy fish market at work, and check out the morning's fishing haul.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Janardhana Swamy Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to this beautiful temple that gives homage to Janardana Swami, who is a form of Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Pilgrims from the south of India make the trek to visit this 2000-year-old temple and pay their respects.
Accommodation
Nikhil Residence (or similar)
Day 5Varkala
Choose your own adventure today, exploring Varkala solo or with your new friends. Spend time wandering the peaceful gardens of an ashram devoted to Kerala's most eminent spiritual and social reformer at the mystical Janardhana Swamy Temple. Or head to the beach and relax while watching the Arabian Sea with a drink in hand.
Free Time
Lots of free time to explore the town, relax with an Ayurvedic massage, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Janardhana Swamy Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to this beautiful temple that gives homage to Janardana Swami, who is a form of Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Pilgrims from the south of India make the trek to visit this 2000-year-old temple and pay their respects.
Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurvedic medicine is a system of Hindu traditional medicine, and Ayurvedic massage has been practiced in India for centuries and is viewed as a part of holistic medicine. These massage techniques provide relaxation, improve circulation, and eliminate of toxins. Lie back and enjoy!
Accommodation
Nikhil Residence (or similar)
Day 6Varkala/Kochi
Return to Kochi by train. In the late afternoon, continue to wander the streets or opt to catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance. For your big night out as a group, immerse yourself in the exciting Kochi nightlife and reminisce about the life-changing adventures you've shared.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Visit any sites skipped on the first visit to Kochi.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Kochi Nightlife
Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Kathakali Dance
500INR per personConsidered one of the oldest dance forms in India, Kathakali is a combination of drama, dance, music, and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. This dance drama is famous for amazing costumes, extensive makeup, and explosive body movements, and is performed exclusively by men.
Accommodation
Hotel Pepper Route (or similar)
Day 7Kochi
Today is departure day, but do not fear, there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange contacts, and depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.