RV Vaikundam

Kerala Cruise North to South

Day 1: Arrive Kochi (Cochin)

You arrive at Kochi airport and transfer to your chosen hotel.

Day 2: Kochi (Cochin)

We have a walking tour of Mattancherry, the bustling part of Old Fort Cochin and the epicentre of the spice trade for centuries. It remains a densely populated place housing people from different ethnic groups and faiths in very close quarters. Mattancherry is home to a small Jewish community whose origin dates back nearly 2000 years, during the period of King Solomon, when large scale trade took place between the Middle East and the Malabar Coast. Our touring today reveals Kochi’s multi-layered past, a rich brew of Arab, Portuguese, British, and Dutch influences.  We begin with the Dutch Palace, actually built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in 1555.  The Dutch renovated and expanded it a century later, earning it its name. The palace also contains some of India’s finest mythological murals; the walls depict scenes from the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (please note:  the Dutch Palace closes on Fridays and Saturdays.  Then we see St. Francis, India’s first European church (ca. 1510), famed as the original burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524 while on his third visit to India.  Not immune to the turbulence of the colonial era, the originally Catholic St. Francis changed hands – and denominations – with each new power that took control of Kochi, becoming a Protestant Dutch Reformed church under the Dutch in 1663 then Anglican under the English in 1804. 

Next we pay a visit to the picturesque Chinese fishing nets unique to Kochi.  These iconic land-based nets combine elegance and ingenuity, their massive frames balanced by counterweights manipulated by teams of up to six men.  Long believed to have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14^th century or possibly travelers from Kublai Khan’s court, these nets actually trace their origin to Portuguese settlers from Macau.

Day 3: Kochi / RV Vaikundam

After breakfast, check-out and proceed to witness the Kalaripayattu performance, Regarded as the oldest and most scientific in the world, kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala, is an integral of the Malayali culture. Bodhidharama, a Buddist monk, who visited China during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Ling dynasty, is believed to have presented the world with a self-defense system; from which evolved almost all the present day martial are forms. Scholars believe that his philosophy was influenced by the ancient martial culture of malabar - kalaripayattu the mother of all martial arts.

Thereafter, we arrive at Maradu jetty in Ernakulam (the urban area of Cochin) to embark on the River Cruise Boat RV Vaikundam.

After having the tradional lunch on- board, we set sail to explore that magnificent network of waterways formed along the coastal belt by the rivers from the Western Ghats before draining into the Arabian Sea. . Amidst the rapid development in the city, the Backwaters of Cochin remains placid, giving life to many island villages. The serene and scenic sights are heartening. By evening we arrive at an old town Vaikom, in Kottayam–the land of natural rubber latex and spices.

Witnessing civil rights’ movement against discrimination for socially and financially under-privileged entering the temple or even   using the public spaces around the temple, Vaikom got prominence in the history of Kerala during Indian independence movement when unity was of utmost importance.

We take a tour around the temple to get to know about its history and architecture. The architecture of temples in Kerala is unique. It is based on ancient science of construction and geographical features of the land. As per the traditional architecture, the each element   of temple represents an element of human body, and, a temple is not only the space for spiritual enlightenment but also the venue for harmonious social networking.                                   

Day 4: Cruise to Vaikom

After having breakfast on the boat, we visit the cultural centre in Vaikom to watch traditional dance performance Kathakali. Cruise to Chenganda village. We visit a rustic village Chenganda, along the Backwaters, where people are having a laid-back and peaceful life, occupied with coir making and fishing.    Meet the people, the coir weavers, and coconut harvesters and mussel and prawns farmers and discus about riparian life over a drink of tender coconut water. Watch various indigenous techniques of fishing: using shore-based ‘Chinese nets’, by drifting nets and or by hand.  Return to the boat for lunch.

Cruise through Thanneermukkom barrage. The barrage divides the lake into two– one half with perennial salty water and the other with fresh water enriched by the rivers.   Arrive in Vechoor village. You may take a walk or relax on board.

Proceed to the farm house by evening.  This house is located on an island which was made by the men of the house, by reclaiming land from Backwaters. A walk in the farm will be educative. Experience the cordial living of a mother and her daughter-in-law. The hostess will demonstrate the preparation of traditional Syrian Christian cuisine. You may also try your hand at cooking and also ask for their story of family of three generations of hard working men, and equally strong women who supported their pioneering spirit.

Day 5: Birding                        

Having an early and light breakfast, set out for escorted canoe ride to watch the migratory as well as endemic birds of Kumarakom-which is a cluster of lagoons of Vembanad lake at the backdrop of mangroves, paddy fields and coconut groves. 

Waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck are some of the endemic species seen here. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons.

Return to the boat, refresh and while cruising elaborate breakfast will be served. We cruise to the interiors of Kuttanad-the expanses of land reclaimed from the lake for paddy cultivation, when the region was severely hit by famine during the colonial period. These paddy fields are lying below sea level and protected by building dykes around them. The barrages in the region control the flow of Sea water during tides.

Watch a folk dance performance (Kaikotti kali) by the girls of the village. Return to the boat and cruise till dusk, to further interior, to Veliyanad village. Relax onboard overnight.            

Day 6:  Cruise to Kainakari.

The village in Kuttakari is of vast stretches of paddy fields, dykes and narrow canals

We cruise  to another interior yet vibrant village. En route we visit a traditional Ayurveda centre. Interact with doctor and get to know about this ancient knowledge on holistic way of life. You may try any of the wellness massages, as per the recommendation of the doctor. A short cruise ahead we arrive at Chavara Bhavan, the ancestral home of Saint Kuriakose Chavara, the first canonized Catholic male saint of Indian origin.

Saint Chavara was an Indian Catholic priest and social reformer. He was the co-founder of the first congregation for men, the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (C.M.I.), and of a similar one for women, the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (C.M.C.) . The ancestral home of the Saint has now been preserved as a museum.   

After having lunch, cruise to Pulinkunnu village. Get closer to the laid-back, yet harmonious, life, paddling   along   narrow canal by country boat, interacting with the villagers.

Day 7: Excursion to the village of artisans of Kuttanad. Cruise to Nedumudy.

After having breakfast, we drive through the scenic expanses of greenery and water ways, to the village Mannar (1.30hrs).The village is famous for the traditional ornate locks, and lamps and vessels of different sizes and designs.   These items are being used in temples and also in the houses for ritualistic practices. Inspire the craftsmen, interacting with them while they indulge in indigenous method of casting of lamps, vessels and locks.            

Refresh, have lunch on-board and relax. We cruise to Champakkulam village. Kerala’s old spice trade used to pass through this town en route to Cochin and other ports on the west coast. Settled more than 1000 years ago by Syrian Christian traders, who later converted to Roman Catholicism under the Portuguese, the people chose to keep their syncretic cultural heritage. This can be seen in the monumental St Mary’s Church on the riverside. Built in 1550, the foundations are said to be as old as 8th century AD. Architecturally, it is a mélange of several European styles, from the Levantine altar and structure to the Dutch arches that tower overhead.

You may visit an old church, a school, the local artisans (open on week days) who skillfully and passionately craft biblical heroes. We come across the Snake boat (Chundan Vallom) of the villagers, gracefully docked on the shore. These types of boats which are being used for races today in modern days were once maritime war boats and their structure and design reflect the prowess of ancient Kerala architecture and are one of the icons of Kerala culture. Life in the village comes to  a state of exuberance and enthusiasm during the annual Snake boat race, despite being celebrated at the peak of monsoon rains.

Cruise through canals and arrive Changankari   till dusk, passing through the serene canals. You may relax on board or take a visit around a temple, watching the evening rituals. You may interact with the devotees.

Day 8: Excursion to the midland

After having early breakfast, drive to Konni to spend time with elephants at a shelter at the backdrop of forest.  Elephants have significance in Hindu mythology and culture. The trip leader will share interesting facts about role of elephants in temple festivals in Kerala.

Proceed to Aranmula village which is home to a family of craftsmen who are skilled at making mirror out of a special combination of certain metals. The secret of the trade has been passed down through generations. Visit the mirror makers; see the ancient temple of Krishna, see the mural art of the local artists and meet a snake boat builder.

Lunch will be arranged at a local house of beautiful architecture and located on the bank of Pampa, the holy river of natives. The host will talk about the ritualistic annual regatta.

Drive to Thottappalli and relax on the boat. En route, visit temple worshipping serpents. Arrive in Thottappalli and board the boat. Refresh and have tea/coffee with snacks during a short cruise to a tiny settlement. Take a walk to the beach. On the way you may visit a toddy shop. Toddy is a local alcoholic beverage made from the sap of tender flower of coconut palm and had accompanied by tapioca.

Day 9: Cruise to Kanjippadom

We plant a coconut sampling for the village. Arrive in Karumadi village. Here 11^th century statue of Buddha preserved in a small shrine. After taking a walk through this quiet and rustic village, cruise to Kanjippadom village to visit a dock where on week days you can watch building or repair of wooden boats.  You might be able to see the art of traditional Kettuvallum or, coir rope lashed wooden plank boat building techniques.

After lunch, cruise through Pallathuruthy village and arrive at a small lake (Vattakkayal) amidst paddy fields. Take a relaxing walk, watch toddy tapping. Return to boat after beautiful sunset. Toddy will be served during the farewell theme dinner.

Day 10: Cruise to   Alleppey / Drive to Kochi & Departure

The ancient Port town, criss-crossed by rivers, lakes, canals, lagoons and paddy fields, named as the Venice of the East, as per the visualization of the British. Check-out and take a guided tour of Heritage part of the town. Visit the old markets, temples, churches and mosques and the beach.

Transfer to Kochi airport to connect with flight to onward destination.

Kochi & the Kerala Backwaters South to North

Kerala has an extensive network of water-ways that lace the interior coastline, almost along the entire stretch of around 600kms. Being a land with copious rainfall, has a profuse overflow of fresh water that runs into canals and streams where the running waters tumbles in an effusive surge through hills and mountain passes, to join 40 odd rivers in the State. This labyrinthine network of rivers, canals, streams and lagoons formed by the inimitable craftsmanship of nature is the Backwaters and these water bodies give life to its unique eco system.

The destination called by National Geographic as the Green Venice of the East due to the green coconut trees making the backwaters into a shade of emerald, with splashes of red setting sun offers a very serene tropical destination. The water-ways are teaming with a lot of life as most villages are connected only through wooden boats. Villages, temples, churches, coir handloom, cultural centres, paddy fields, market places, wooden boat building yards, long regatta snake boats, traditional toddy tapping, home hosted meals, beaches, homes of Catholic Saint Chavara, festivals, makes this experiencing a very living cultures destination.

Our experiential cruise from the modern port city Cochin (Kochi) to the ancient port town Alleppey (Alappuzha), passing through Kottayam, the land of latex and spices, will be enlightening as well as relaxing holidaying.

Day 1: Arrive Kochi (Cochin)

You arrive at Kochi (Cochin) airport. Our guide will meet you and transfer to your hotel, as well as giving you a short introduction to your surroundings.

Day 2: Cochin

We have a walking tour of Mattancherry, the bustling part of Old Fort Cochin and the epicenter of the spice trade for centuries. It remains a densely populated place housing people from different ethnic groups and faiths in very close quarters. Mattancherry is home to a small Jewish community whose origin dates back nearly 2000 years, during the period of King Solomon, when large scale trade took place between the Middle East and the Malabar Coast. Our touring today reveals Kochi’s multi-layered past, a rich brew of Arab, Portuguese, British, and Dutch influences.  We begin with the Dutch Palace, actually built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in 1555.  The Dutch renovated and expanded it a century later, earning it its name. The palace also contains some of India’s finest mythological murals; the walls depict scenes from the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (please note:  the Dutch Palace closes on Fridays and Saturdays.  Then we see St. Francis, India’s first European church (ca. 1510), famed as the original burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524 while on his third visit to India.  Not immune to the turbulence of the colonial era, the originally Catholic St. Francis changed hands – and denominations – with each new power that took control of Kochi, becoming a Protestant Dutch Reformed church under the Dutch in 1663 then Anglican under the English in 1804. 

Next we pay a visit to the picturesque Chinese fishing nets unique to Kochi.  These iconic land-based nets combine elegance and ingenuity, their massive frames balanced by counterweights manipulated by teams of up to six men.  Long believed to have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14^th century or possibly travelers from Kublai Khan’s court, these nets actually trace their origin to Portuguese settlers from Macau.

Day 3: Cochin / Alleppey & board RV Vaikundam

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), a prominent ancient trade centre visited by the Greek, Arabs and Romans.

Alappuzha (Alleppey) or Venice of the East as visualized by the British, or the present-day Rice bowl of the State, Alappuzha is blessed with natural bounties. This coastal town is built on strips of land along a magical network of rivers, lakes and lagoons. Seafood, coir, rice and metals & minerals are the major resources of Alleppey(Alappuzha).

Upon arrival in the town, we take a walk along the old part of the town and the market.

Proceed to the jetty and embark on RV Vaikundam. Check-in and set sail to experience the serene and green world of meandering waters and expanses of paddy fields and coconut plantations. This spectacular   water world, of fertile land, tropical greenery and rich avian & aquatic species, at the Southern most corner of Indian peninsula is disconnected from the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan life.

Passing by low-lying paddy fields and tiny hamlets, you may see country boats loaded with paddy or local produces or duck farmers herding schools of ducks, or local people criss-crossing by canoes.

We arrive in Kanjippadom village by evening. Take a leisurely   walk, visit a dock for building or repairing of traditional wooden boats. It will be enjoyable to see how the coir rope tying process is used to lash the wooden planks of the boats together. Explore the birds of the region. Return to boat and cruise till the fishermen lay their nets.                                                                        

Day 4: Cruise

After breakfast, we sail to a quaint village. Here a statue of Buddha of 11^th century is preserved in a tiny shrine.  Take a relaxing walk in the village indulging in the serenity of the surroundings. We cruise to Thrikkunnappuzha village till evening. The lunch will be served while cruising. The Enjoying calmness, soothing and refreshing, arrive in Thottappalli village close to the sea coast. Take a short walk to the beach to enjoy the sunset. Return and short cruise to Naluchira village.

Day 5: Excursion

After breakfast, drive to a temple inside a sacred grove where snakes are revered and worshipped   with much piety. The cult of worshipping serpents is still prevailing in Kerala.

We continue the journey through the midland to Konni to spend time with elephants at a shelter at the backdrop of forest.  Elephants have significance in Hindu mythology and culture. The trip leader will share interesting facts about role of elephants in temple festivals in Kerala.

Proceed to Aranmula village which is home to a family of craftsmen who are skilled at making mirror out of a special combination of certain metals. The secret of the trade has been passed down through generations. Visit the mirror makers. 

Listen to the story of the ritualistic Snake boat regatta of the village.  Have lunch at a beautiful house of the village, located on the bank of the Holy River Pampa. Return to Thottappalli village to board the boat and cruise to Thakazhi village, interior village of Kuttanad- the expanses of land reclaimed from the shallow waters of lake and peripheries of rivers for cultivating paddy, during a period of famine in the beginning of last century. These paddy fields are at lower level than the sea and are protected from flooding by building dykes around them. It is very picturesque to sail in canals 10-15 feet above the surrounding paddy fields.

Day 6: Arrive in Changankari village to take a leisurely walk. Stop by to watch toddy tapping.

Kerala’s old spice trade used to pass through this town en route to Cochin and other ports on the west coast. Settled more than 1000 years ago by Syrian Christian traders, who later converted to Roman Catholicism under the Portuguese, the people chose to keep their syncretic cultural heritage. This can be seen in the monumental St Mary’s Church on the riverside. Built in 1550, the foundations are said to be as old as 8th century AD. Architecturally, it is a mélange of several European styles, from the Levantine altar and structure to the Dutch arches that tower overhead.

You may visit an old church, a school, the local artisans (open on week days) who, skillfully and passionately craft biblical heroes.

On a dock on the shore you will find the Snake boat (Chundan Vallom) which is the pride of the villagers.   These types of boats being used for races today in modern days were, once maritime war boats and their structure and design reflect the prowess of ancient Kerala architecture. Life in the village comes to  a state of exuberance and enthusiasm during the annual Snake boat race, despite being celebrated at the peak of monsoon rains.  Return to the boat and cruise to Nedumudi. Lunch will be served while cruising.

Excursion:  Drive from   Nedumudi /Mannar. Drive through the scenic expanses of greenery and waterways, to the village Mannar (1.30hrs). The village is famous for the traditional ornate locks, and lamps and vessels of different sizes and designs. These items are being used in temples and houses for ritualistic practices. The large utensils are for preparing food for feast.  Interact with the artisans; inspire them, watching the indigenous method of casting of lamps, utensils and locks. Return to Nedumudi. Cruise till dusk and arrive in Pulinkunnu village.                                                                               

Day 6: Exploring Central Kuttanad

Cruise to Kainakari. This village in Kuttanad is of vast stretches of paddy fields, dykes   criss-crossed by narrow canals.

This day as we cruise through the interior yet vibrant village, we visit a traditional Ayurveda centre. Interact with Ayurveda doctors and get to know about this ancient knowledge on holistic way of life. You may try any of the wellness massages, as per the recommendation of the doctor. A short cruise ahead we arrive at Chavara Bhavan, the ancestral home of Saint Kuriakose Chavara, the first canonized Catholic male saint of Indian origin.

Saint Chavara was an Indian Catholic priest and social reformer. He was the co-founder of the first congregation for men, the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (C.M.I.), and of a similar one for women, the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (C.M.C.). The ancestral home of the Saint has now been preserved as a museum.  

You may also visit a toddy shop and see the various local cuisines like tapioca, duck and variety of fishes, which goes along with Toddy. Cruise to Kavalam.  Here we watch local folk dance (Kai kotti kali) performance by school children. We continue the cruise till dusk.

Day 8: Cruise to Kumarakom

Arriving from Kavalam, we visit a farm house. This house is located on an island which was made by the men of the house, by reclaiming land from Backwaters. A walk in the farm will be educative. Experience the cordial living of a mother and her daughter-in-law. The hostess will demonstrate the preparation of traditional Syrian Christian cuisine. You may try your hand at cooking and also ask for their story of family of three generations of hard workingmen, and equally strong women who supported their pioneering spirit.

We set out by Canoe to watch the migratory and endemic birds of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is a cluster of lagoons of Vembanad lake at the backdrop of mangroves, paddy fields and coconut groves. 

Waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck are some of the endemic species seen here. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. Return to the boat and cruise to Thanneermukkom.                                 

Day 9: Cruise on Lake Vembanad.

Arrive in Vechoor village. You may watch the morning prayers in an old church or take a leisurely walk. Breakfast will be served while cruising to Chenganda village. The people of this village are engaged in coir making and fishing. Interact with them. The will demonstrate how to collect mussels and their indigenous methods of   fishing and farming. Return to boat for lunch. Our Chef will demonstrate the preparation of mussels. You may also try your hand at it.

By evening we arrive in an ancient village Vaikom, in Kottayam-the land of natural rubber, by early evening. Watch cultural performance at a cultural centre in Vaikom.

Visit the temple of Lord Shiva. Witnessing civil rights’ movement against discrimination for socially and financially under-privileged entering the temple or even using the public spaces around the temple, Vaikom got prominence in the history of Kerala during Indian independence movement when unity was of utmost importance. Take a tour around the temple to get to know about its history and architecture. The architecture of temples in Kerala is unique. It is based on ancient science of construction and geographical features of the land. As per the traditional architecture, each element of temple represents an element of human body, and, a temple is not only the space for spiritual enlightenment but also the venue for harmonious social networking. Vaikom temple is one of the biggest in Kerala.                                            

Day 10: Cruise to Cochin

Cruise to Cochin through the serene Backwaters, passing by green and quite islands. Disembark by 9.30pm at the jetty at Marad in Ernakulam.  . Drive to the Kalari at Nettoor to watch authentic Kalaripayattu performance, Regarded as the oldest and most scientific in the world, kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala, is an integral of the Malayali culture. Bodhidharama, a Buddist monk, who visited China during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Ling dynasty, is believed to have presented the world with a self-defense system; from which evolved almost all the present day martial are forms. Scholars believe that his philosophy was influenced by the ancient martial culture of malabar - kalaripayattu the mother of all martial arts.

Visit the Folk lore museum at Thevara.

Thereafter, transfer to Kochi (Cochin) airport to connect with flight to onward destination.