Surrounded by relaxing tropical landscapes, spectacular backwaters enveloped by palm trees and the rich flavours of Kerala, this is the Malabar Experience. A seven-day journey filled with exciting activities, culinary experiences, and some of the most luxurious stays Kerala has to offer.
DAY WISE ITINERARY
COIMBATORE – KOCHI: Feb 19-25, 2023
Day 1 – Coimbatore
Welcome to what is often referred to as the ‘Manchester of South India’. Once you arrive and are transferred to the hotel, feel free to spend the day in one of Tamil Nadu’s most significant cities.
After your day of leisure, we’ll help ensure that your documentation is in order for the journey ahead.
Spend the evening meeting your fellow travellers over a pre-drive briefing and dinner.
Day 2 – Coimbatore to Munnar
156 Km | 4 hrs
We eat a sumptuous breakfast together and begin the first leg of our journey. We stop en-route to enjoy the picturesque break as we sip our hot cuppa.
After checking in and a marvellous hill-station lunch later, we are all ready for the evening goings-on. We spend our time visiting the Shristi Trust, dedicated to the rehabilitation & generation of sustainable livelihoods for differently-abled children & young adults of the plantation community or tour a local tea plantation and factory to understand tea cultivation and production.
We meet again for an evening of dinner and merriment and end the day in anticipation of what tomorrow has in store for us.
Day 3 – Munnar
With its virgin forests, savannah, rolling hills, scenic valleys, numerous streams, gigantic waterfalls, sprawling tea plantations and winding walkways, this ‘Switzerland of South India’ is one of the most beautiful, breathtaking and enthralling hill stations in India.
After breakfast, we head out for a day of exploring ‘off the beaten path’, negotiating unmatched topographies as our Defenders easily drive over the astonishing landscapes of this part of the country.
We re-live the charm of a bygone era at the century-old colonial ambience of The High Range Club.
The rest of the evening is spent driving in and around Munnar and revelling in its rolling hills and verdant greenery.
After returning to the hotel, we meet again for an evening of feasting and entertainment and end the day eager about tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 4 – Munnar to Thekkady
92 Km | 3 hrs
We leave Munnar after our morning repast and make our way to our next destination, which is a relatively short distance away.
Thekkady is a plantation town on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and is famous for the Periyar lake, its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grasslands.
We spend the rest of the day going on a nature walk, visiting a spice plantation or boating on Lake Periyar, followed by an interactive cooking session and cultural programme.
We end our day after an evening of entertainment and dinner.
Day 5 – Thekkady to Kumarakom
125 km | 3.5 hrs
With our morning breakfast complete, we set out for what may be considered one of this Journey’s highlights – The Safari at Periyar Tiger reserve. Try and spot a variety of fauna, including sambar, gaur, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs and the reserve’s famous residents, its tigers and elephants.
We begin the next leg of our Journey to Kumarakom, a popular destination famous for its backwater tourism. Set against the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake (the largest lake in the state of Kerala), this is an archetype of everything Kerala is known for and then some.
We spend the evening cruising the lake and imbibing the vibes of ‘God’s Own Country’; with an interactive Malayali cooking session.
We end the day on a high with full stomachs, minds at peace, and unquenchable spirits of adventure.
Day 6 – Kumarakom to Kochi
54 km | 1.5 hrs
After breakfast, we spend the next few hours exploring Kumarakom further. A nature walk with a naturalist, a houseboat cruise, and canoe rides help us get an apt dose of these magnificent backwaters of Kerala.
We return to begin the last leg of our journey to the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, the city with one of the finest natural harbours in the world and the centre of spice trade for many centuries.
We spend the evening exploring the city including a heritage walk through Fort Kochi, visiting Muziris archaeological sites and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, shopping in the renowned Jew Street or a harbour cruise.
We spend the rest of our time relaxing and unwinding before we meet again for our last feast together.
Day 7 – Kochi
We say goodbye over breakfast and look forward to our next journey together before the prearranged airport transfers whisk you away to your next destination!
KOCHI – COIMBATORE: Feb 26-Mar 4, 2023
Day 1 – Kochi
Welcome to the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, the city with one of the finest natural harbours in the world and the centre of spice trade for many centuries.
Once you arrive and are transferred to the hotel, feel free to spend the day exploring one of the most picturesque destinations on the southwest coastline.
After your day of leisure, we’ll help ensure that your documentation is in order for the Journey ahead.
Spend the evening meeting your fellow travellers over a pre-drive briefing and dinner by the pier.
Day 2 – Kochi to Kumarakom
118 km | 2.5 hrs
We meet again for breakfast and spend the rest of the morning discovering the city, including a heritage walk through Fort Kochi, visiting Muziris archaeological sites and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, shopping in the renowned Jew Street or a harbour cruise.
We return for lunch and begin the first leg of our Journey to Kumarakom, a popular destination famous for its backwater tourism. Set against the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake (the largest lake in the state of Kerala), this is an archetype of everything Kerala is known for and then some.
We spend the evening cruising the lake and imbibing the vibes of ‘God’s Own Country’ with an interactive Malayali cooking session.
We end the day on a high with full stomachs, minds at peace, and unquenchable spirits of adventure.
Day 3 – Kumarakom to Thekkady
125 km | 3.5 hrs
After breakfast, we spend the next few hours exploring Kumarakom further. A nature walk with a naturalist, a houseboat cruise, and canoe rides help us get an apt dose of these magnificent backwaters of Kerala.
We return for lunch and a magnificent drive later; we are at our next destination. Thekkady is a plantation town on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and is famous for the Periyar lake, its dense evergreen, semi- evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grasslands.
We spend the rest of the day going on a nature walk, visiting a spice plantation or boating on Lake Periyar, followed by an interactive cooking session and cultural programme.
We end our day after an evening of entertainment and dinner.
Day 4 – Thekkady to Munnar
92 Km | 3 hrs
With our morning breakfast complete, we set out for what may be considered one of this Journey’s highlights – The Safari at Periyar Tiger reserve.
Try and spot a variety of fauna, including sambar, gaur, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs and the reserve’s famous residents, its tigers and elephants.
We return for lunch and begin the next leg of our journey to what is arguably one of India’s most stunning hill stations. We meet again for dinner after relaxing and unwinding.
Day 5 – Munnar
With its virgin forests, savannah, rolling hills, scenic valleys, numerous streams, gigantic waterfalls, sprawling tea plantations and winding walkways, this ‘Switzerland of South India’, is one of the most beautiful, breathtaking and enthralling hill stations in India.
After breakfast, we head out for a day of exploring ‘off the beaten path’, negotiating unmatched topographies as our Defenders easily drive over the astonishing landscapes of this part of the country.
We re-live the charm of a bygone era at the century-old colonial ambience of The High Range Club.
The rest of the evening is spent driving in and around Munnar and revelling in its rolling hills and verdant greenery.
After returning to the hotel, we meet again for an evening of feasting and entertainment and end the day eager about tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 6 – Munnar to Coimbatore
156 Km | 4 hrs
We eat a sumptuous breakfast together and set about exploring the town. We spend our time visiting the Shristi Trust, dedicated to the rehabilitation & generation of sustainable livelihoods for differently-abled children & young adults of the plantation community or tour a local tea plantation and factory to understand tea cultivation and production.
We return for lunch and start the last leg of our journey and stop en-route to enjoy a picturesque break as we sip our hot cuppa.
We reach our next destination, the ‘Manchester of South India’, one of Tamil Nadu’s most significant cities We spend our time relaxing and unwinding before we meet again for our last feast together.
Day 7 – Coimbatore
We say goodbye over breakfast and look forward to our next journey together before the prearranged airport transfers whisk you away to your next destination!
ACCOMMODATION
The Vivanta Coimbatore, located close to the airport, is a contemporary 5-star hotel with world-class amenities and serves as an ideal base for travellers to Tamil Nadu’s second largest city and entrepreneurial powerhouse.
The Ama Stays and Trails Kanniamallay and Sholamallay Bungalows in Munnar, both over 90 years old, are lovingly restored and exude the charm of old-world heritage. Erstwhile homes of the managers of the tea estates that they are located in, the bungalows boast of breathtaking views of pristine nature and allow you to immerse in tranquillity.
The Spice Village is set in a spice garden in the cool highlands of Periyar in Thekkady and is modelled on the dwellings of the native Manan tribe of this region. This CGH Earth destination is a seamless extension of the verdant landscape around and celebrates all things spice.
The Coconut Lagoon is located in a sheltered and enchanting cove in Kumarakom and reflects the diversity and magnificence of Vemband Lake, one of India’s largest inland lakes. A CGH Earth destination with guest cottages built from the remnants of old mansions – tharavads, that were once the family homes of the nobility of the land.
The Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi enchants you with its lovely old-world charm combined with world class luxury services. Perched at the tip of Willingdon Island with open views of the harbour and Chinese Fishing nets in the distance, make you feel welcomed.