= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
Southern India | Backwaters of Kerala
 Santa Cruz Baslica, Fort Kochi, built in 1505 |
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Click to download PDF itinerary:
7 days / 6 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Kochi | 3 |
| Backwaters House Boat Cruise | 1 |
| Kumarakom | 2 |
Day 1 Arrive Kochi
Arrive in the gateway to the backwaters, Kochi, where you are welcomed privately by A&K and transferred to your boutique heritage hotel.
The Malabar House Residency (Deluxe Room)
Day 2 Kochi
Kochi (formerly Cochin) situated on the ancient trade route between Europe and China has one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast. The city has been a port of call for foreign traders from very early times and its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the many buildings and structures which bear testimony to the different influences that the city has acquired from the world over. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is the commercial hub of Kerala and a fascinating synthesis of old and new.
At the entrance of Kochi harbour, the Chinese fishing nets add a wistful aura to the surroundings. These nets are the only remaining evidence of the Chinese habitation.
Discover the ancient fort town of Kochi with your private guide. Trading port for centuries, the colonial influences are strong and your private guide will acquaint you with aspects of the old town including Fort Kochi, Raja’s Palace, Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church plus an afternoon cruise on the harbour (B).
The Malabar House Residency (Deluxe Room)
Day 3 Kochi
The day is yours to spend at leisure. Or should you wish, choose an immersion in regional culture with a visit to a local Indian family home for high tea and a sari tying demonstration or a traditional cooking class followed by dinner (B).
The Malabar House Residency (Deluxe Room)
Day 4 Kochi - Backwaters
An unforgettable experience begins as you transfer late morning to board your private house boat for a cruise soaking up rural life in Kerala’s backwaters, where daily life has changed little over the centuries. See children fishing, women washing clothes at the waterside, brightly painted houses, boats laden with coir and copra and everywhere beaming faces.
Though rustic your private vessel is comfortable with captain and crew and a real sense of place. The experienced crew of three - captain, driver, and chef - will take you through lakes, rivers & channels on a cruise full of discoveries (B,L,D).
Houseboat
Day 5 Kumarakom
Disembark this morning at the jetty of your luxury resort. The remainder of the day is yours to relax in the tropical surrounds (B).
Zuri Resort & Spa (Zuri Room)
Day 6 Kumarakom
A day at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities at your resort (B).
Zuri Resort & Spa (Zuri Room)
Day 7 Kumarakom - Kochi
Return to Kochi airport, where you bid India’s tropical south goodbye (B).
Optional Extension
Choose to combine your journey with one of A&K’s fantastic extensions. Not to be missed, these additions are specially selected by our travel specialists.
View our 'Northern India | Princes & Palaces Itinerary'
View our 'Southern India | Spices of the South Itinerary'
View our 'Eastern India | Darjeeling Extension'
Enquire Now
Kerala cooking
Shoppers Paradise
Stroll down Kochi’s cobbled Jew Street. Home to the local Jewish community, the streets are lined with arched fretwork buildings with fading blue green facades and renowned for antiques, art works and trinkets.
The Malabar House Residency
This charming boutique heritage hotel is nestled in the heart of historic Fort Cochin, opposite St. Francis Church and just minutes to the famous Chinese fishing nets. The building dates back to the 18th century and has a colourful history as home to spice traders, tea merchants and bankers. Combining tradition and contemporary design, the hotel has just 17 rooms and houses an extensive art collection. The hotel’s gourmet restaurant, Malabar Junction, is regarded as one of the south’s finest and completing the facilities is a swimming pool, wine lounge and ayurvedic spa.
