Kerala: Temples, Traditions and Beach

Discover the art and culture of Kerala. Spend an evening at the Greenix Village in Cochin where you can enjoy a special performance of some of Kerala’s most celebrated dance forms. Learn the complex rhythm and artistic skills of popular classical dance forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam, performed by trained dancers over a period of two hours. The most famous and popular of these is Kathakali – a harmonious blend of dance, drama, music, literature and painting. Observe the detailed make up, grand costumes and intricate gestures which characterize this art form. (Evening Activity ; Duration: 2.5 hours including make up session , from 1700 hrs to 1930 hrs including observing performer’s makeup session, If you are not interested in make up session for artist please do discuss with your trip coordinator)

Cochin is an engaging city to explore, from the absorbing views of Fort Kochi harbor with its huge Chinese fishing nets, to ancient mosques, Portuguese architecture, and the crumbling remnants of the British Raj. Explore Mattancherry, where you can observe murals and antiquities at the Dutch Palace and Cemetery. Indulge your senses browsing traditional spice and antique markets. Encounter the fascinating 400 year old, fully-functioning Paradesi Synagogue in the Jewish quarter. Visit the original grave of Vasco da Gama in St. Francis Church, used before his remains were returned to Portugal. Discover Hill Palace, the state’s largest archaeological museum, which is located in the regal and artistic suburbs of Tripunithura. (Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Please note that the Dutch Palace is closed on Fridays, the Jewish Synagogue is closed on Friday afternoons and Saturdays and the Hill Palace Musuem is closed on Mondays.Dutch Palace has 14 steep stairs).

Explore the popular hill station of Munnar and its picturesque surroundings, accompanied by an expert local guide. Enjoy your drive on winding roads flanked by tea and spice plantations and grasslands. Your first stop is Mattupetty Dam and its adjacent lake area, perfect for picnics. Next, visit Echo Point, which is famed for its natural echo phenomenon. Take in panoramic vistas of the lush, mist-laden valleys of the Western Ghats, and the reserve forests below. Ahead, make a pitstop at Kundala Dam. You can unwind with a leisurely boat ride on the adjoining Lake Kundala. Continue to Top Station, Munnar’s highest point (1700 m), and a historic upper terminus that was used to transport tea using an aerial ropeway. Before returning to the town, stroll on a paved path amid this beautiful setting. Keep an eye out for the rare Neelakurunji flowers that bloom across this region every twelve years! (Duration: Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy)

Explore the Lockhart Tea Museum situated at Devikulam, a scenic hill station and national park on the outskirts of Munnar in southern India. Drive along meandering country roads flanked by lush tea plantations and wooded hills. In a while you will reach the expansive Lockhart Estate established in the late 1800s as one of High Range’s earliest tea plantations. Accompanied by an in-house expert, tour the working tea factory, following the staff in action at every stage. Learn about orthodox tea, and its entire production process from tea leaf picking to your teacup. Understand the various health benefits of tea and its many uses. Visit the tea museum to know more about the history of tea in the region. Discover a collection of vintage equipment related to tea manufacture, and browse old photographs that trace the evolution of the town itself. Visit the adjoining nursery and garden where you can observe life behind the scenes. Finally, enjoy a tea tasting session while appreciating the fantastic scenery around! (Half Day; Duration: 1 hr; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy, tea tasting possible during Nov -Mar)

Experience the fascinating ‘resting’ ceremony at the ornate and colorful Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai. Accompanied by your local guide, traverse the lively town to enter the grand temple complex. Under the sunset glow, marvel at the twelve brilliantly decorated towering structures, each featuring an assortment of figurines – deities, demons, and mythical animals. As night falls, witness the centuries-old ritual that is religiously performed every single night – but only for the deities! Following a final worship session for the day, watch as the head priests and a train of devotees carry an image of Shiva (aka Sundareshwara) in a silver palanquin to his consort, Parvati’s (aka Meenakshi) shrine, to be kept together until the morning. Join the chorus of voices, while chants, music, dance, and purifying smoke fill the air. The divine beings are believed to rest together for the night, a tradition that is expected to maintain balance in the world. ( Timings between 2030 hrs-2230 hrs ; Duration: 30 minutes; Shared Activity & Private Transfer; Notes: Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple’s main sanctum, but can witness the ceremony from a gallery outside,mobile phones and photography not allowed inside Meenakshi temple)

Discover the the magic of Madurai! Begin your full day tour at the heart of the ancient yet bustling city, where the awe-inspiring thousand pillared Meenakshi Amman Temple stands tall. Continue onwards to the grand Koodal Alagar Temple – a stellar example of 17th century architecture dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Located nearby is the Thirumalai Nayak Mahal that once served as the royal residence of the famous Nayaka dynasty. Madurai’s busy flower and vegetable markets provide rich insight into everyday life of Tamilians. Afterwards, direct your steps towards the Gandhi Museum, which was established after famous leader of Indian Independence, Mahatma Gandhi, was assassinated. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy.Mobile phones and photography not allowed inside Meenakshi temple)

Discover Kerala’s ancient martial art culture at a Kalaripayattu demonstration. You will be picked up from your hotel in a private vehicle and driven to the performance venue. Kalaripayattu is believed to date back 3,000 years and derives its name from the Malayalam word ‘kalari’ meaning ‘battlefield’ and ‘payattu’ meaning ‘training’. Make yourself comfortable in the gallery, designed to offer unobstructed views of the arena from all angles. During the demonstration, learn about the different styles of Kalaripayattu and how agility, strong reflexes and stamina are necessary to master this martial art form. Watch as the performers use props such as swords, shields, and fire sticks to display their prowess. After the performance, you can interact with Kalarippayattu experts before heading back. (Duration: 1 hr; Show time :1800 hrs; Shared activity; Private transfers; Fitness level: easy)

Enjoy a leisurely hike through a lush green tea plantation. You will be picked up from your hotel in a private vehicle and driven to the plantation, a short distance away. Accompanied by a naturalist, walk at an easy pace across the undulating terrain. Learn how the tea plant is cultivated, the correct technique to pluck the leaves and what makes a good tea. Along the way, you will see tea pluckers, primarily women, busy removing the leaves from the tea plant. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy scenic views of the area as you walk. Having explored the region to your heart’s content, head back to your hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: 0700/1600 hrs; Shared activity & transfers; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Min age: 12; Best time to travel: Oct – Mar)

Cruise Kerala’s backwaters and stay overnight in a traditional kettuvallom, a boat made from coconut rope and wooden planks. This unique and exotic barge experience provides all the comforts of a hotel, with furnished bedrooms, a modern shower and toilet room, a living area and a shaded balcony for relaxing on as you enjoy uninterrupted views of rural Kerala. There is also a kitchen where the boat’s crew will rustle you up deliciously fresh meals and snacks, served traditionally on banana leaves. The skipper (captain), might moor up and take you to visit a backwater village, where you can meet local people and observe ancestral homes and places of worship. After a relaxing day, drop anchor and rest your head to the gentle sounds of the swishing lake waters.​