Kerala Unveiled – A Fusion of Tradition & Nature

Upon arrival in Trivandrum, a Marvel Tours representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. Take some time to relax and settle in. Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, serves as Kerala’s capital and is often seen by travelers as a starting point for visits to nearby beaches such as Kovalam and Varkala. However, the city itself boasts significant landmarks, including the Sri Padmanabha Temple, the Kuthiramalika Palace, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, and the Legislative Assembly building. In the evening, stroll through the bustling Chalai market, a vibrant hub established in the late 18th century by Diwan Raja Kesava Das of Travancore. The market’s name traces back to the “chaliyas” trading community, whose influence shaped the city’s culture and language. The lively street stretches for two kilometers from the East Gate to Killipalam. Overnight stay at your hotel.

Spend the day exploring the sights of Trivandrum. Begin with the Padmanabhaswamy temple complex; while entry to the temple itself is restricted, the area surrounding it is well worth a visit. Nearby, discover Kuthiramalika, also known as the “palace of horses,” an outstanding example of Kerala architecture crafted from teak, rosewood, marble, and granite. The palace, built in the 1840s by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, features 122 intricately carved wooden horses and offers a glimpse into the royal heritage of Travancore.

Continue to the museum complex, which houses the Sri Chitra Art Gallery. Here, you can view notable works by Raja Ravi Varma, one of India’s most celebrated painters. The evening is yours to relax; you might choose to enjoy the sunset at Shankhumugham Beach, a popular spot for locals, though only a few venture into the sea. Stay overnight at your hotel.

A morning journey takes you to Aranmula, a heritage village in India set along the banks of the Pamba River. At its heart stands the Sri Krishna temple, which is central to village life. Aranmula is especially renowned for its unique metal mirrors, crafted by hand using a secret alloy and polished to a high shine, making them a prized memento from Kerala. The village is also celebrated for the annual Snake Boat Race held in August or September, an event deeply woven into local tradition, with the boats proudly housed in shelters throughout the area. Visitors can also explore a mural art gallery, showcasing Kerala’s distinctive mural painting style, which differs from northern Indian techniques and contributes to the state having the second largest collection of murals in the country. Unlike more commercial destinations, Aranmula remains largely untouched by mass tourism, offering an authentic glimpse into village life. Beyond its main attractions, you can wander quiet paths away from the center and interact with local residents. Overnight at hotel.

You have days available to discover the local attractions and experience village life nearby. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, but you can still enter the temple grounds, which is worth visiting, particularly during the morning and evening. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Set out in the morning for Periyar, a region famed for its rolling hills, spice estates, and frequent elephant encounters. Periyar valley in Thekkady, the oldest of India’s 27 tiger reserves, is renowned for its rich biodiversity. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the evening, take a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake, a unique way to observe wildlife safely from the water. The park is regarded as one of the top places in India to see wild elephants. Spend the night at your hotel.

Spend half your day on an adventurous hike and bamboo rafting trip through the lush forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Traverse a patchwork of habitats, alternating between walking trails and serene bamboo rafts. From the raft, take in sweeping views of the forested hills, and keep an eye out for wildlife such as elephants, gaur, and sambar that often linger near the lake’s edge. Later, join a guided tour of a spice plantation, where the enticing scents of cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and nutmeg await. Discover how these spices are cultivated, harvested, and processed before reaching store shelves. Stay overnight at your hotel.

Set out early for Alleppey, the center of Kerala’s renowned backwaters. By bypassing the main town, you’ll head straight into the lush Kuttanad region, known locally as the ‘rice bowl’ of Kerala and responsible for a significant share of the state’s rice harvest. This area is a breathtaking patchwork of lakes, canals, inlets, and expansive paddy fields. The scenery is remarkable, and life here revolves around the water—most residents make their living as farmers, fishermen, or both. While backwaters are found throughout Kerala’s coastline, the lifestyle in this region is truly unique. Once you arrive, check in at your homestay. In the afternoon, take a charming boat ride to the village of Pullengadi and return, ideally starting around 4:30 PM to catch the sunset from the water. Spend the night at your hotel.

You have days available to explore the nearby backwater villages and experience the local lifestyle firsthand. Overnight stays at the hotel.

Begin your day with a drive to Cochin, a city that has served as a gateway for traders and explorers for centuries. Known as the spice coast of India, Cochin’s rich past is reflected in its diverse cultural and historical landmarks. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and get ready to explore.

Later, take a stroll through the atmospheric streets of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Visit the Jewish Synagogue, the centerpiece of Jew Town, and continue to the Dutch Palace, renowned for its intricate 17th-century mural paintings. Experience local life by hopping on a tuk tuk, the favored transport of residents, and make a stop at Dhobi Khana, a traditional laundry that draws many curious visitors.

Next, see the St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India, built in 1503 and the original resting place of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Also visit the Santa Cruz Basilica, celebrated as one of India’s most impressive churches. Don’t miss the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, whose massive, hammock-like structures have become a symbol of Fort Kochi.

In the evening, attend a Kathakali performance at a local theater. This classical dance-drama, over three centuries old, combines theater, music, dance, elaborate costumes, and makeup to bring Indian mythological tales to life, captivating audiences throughout the show. Spend the night at your hotel.

In the morning, you will head north to Ottappalam and continue your journey towards your homestead, which is ideally situated in a village just outside the town. From today, you will be entering the northern region of Kerala. Although Kerala is a small state, there are noticeable differences in various aspects of life between its northern and southern parts. As you explore the nearby village, you will likely begin to observe some of these distinctions. Upon reaching your homestead, check in and spend the night at the hotel.

Day at your disposal to explore the village around. Overnight at hotel.

You will begin your day with a lengthy drive to Kannur, a city once called Cannanore. Marco Polo once described this place as a “Great Emporium of Spice Trade.” For centuries, Kannur has stood out as a prominent seaport, renowned for its global trade connections that are said to date back to the era of King Solomon and continued with the Greeks, Arabs, and Romans. The city is well-known for its beedi production—a handmade local cigarette—and its thriving handloom sector. It is also the cultural hub of Theyyam, a ritual performance deeply rooted in ancestral worship and considered one of the most original traditions of the Indian subcontinent. Upon reaching Kannur, you will check into your homestay, which is set along an unspoiled stretch of beach. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.

You have several days to both discover the region and unwind by the sea. We will arrange for you to attend one or more Theyyam festivals in Kannur, with details provided closer to your visit. You can also explore the city and see the scenic St. Angelo Fort by the water. Accommodation for the night will be at your hotel.

Begin your journey to Calicut, a city known as Kozhikode, which rose to prominence as a port in the 13th century and is often regarded as the core of the Malabar region. For centuries, Malabar has been celebrated as a major source of spices and timber. In 1498, Vasco da Gama arrived at Kappad, 16 kilometers north of Calicut, establishing the first sea route from Europe to India. However, Calicut had welcomed merchants from distant lands long before his arrival, earning a reputation across the maritime world. Arab and Chinese traders were especially prominent, drawn by the city’s efficient operations and disciplined society.

Nearby lies Beypore, a town renowned for its centuries-old tradition of crafting wooden dhows, a practice that continues today, albeit on a smaller scale. Upon reaching Calicut, check in at your homestay, which also offers Ayurvedic wellness treatments. In the evening, explore Mittai Theru, or Sweet Meat Street, the city’s bustling market road known for its vibrant atmosphere. Here, you’ll find numerous shops offering the region’s famed Kozhikodan Halva. Just a short walk from Mittai Theru is Mananchira Square and its pond, another key landmark and a popular gathering spot for locals in the evenings. Spend the night at your hotel.

Today, you will explore the historic shipbuilding yards of Beypore and meet the skilled artisans at work. You may also choose to visit the Thali temple, located in the city center. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Transport to the airport for your DEPARTURE flight.