Honeymoon In Kerala

• Day 1: Arrive Cochin

  Your Honeymoon in Kerala begins with an arrival into Cochin, where you will be met at the airport by Trans India Holidays representative and transferred to the Hotel Malabar House and assisted with check in formalities. Cochin : Cochin means harbour and even before the building of Ancient Rome, spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood were traded here. Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage, but is also one of the most fast-paced and modern cities in India. It is also one of the finest natural harbours of the world and a major Indian port. It is its charm and a relatively good infrastructure that make it the ideal gateway to the state. This has been the case since 1341, the year nature carved out Cochin's harbor with a massive flood. As a result, Cochin became the first port of call for Arabs and came to be known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." This city offers visitors Forts, palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters, palm fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a contemporary metro. Malabar House : Located in Fort Cochin , the Malabar House is a beautifully restored heritage building, that is just a stone's throw away from the Chinese fishing nets and all the other attractions of the Fort Cochin area. The Malabar House, has a small, personal and cozy feel, and is a perfect combination of traditional art and contemporary design. The hotel has only 17 rooms including a few suites, a small swimming pool, a wine bar and a fusion restaurant. Overnight in Cochin.

• Day 2: Cochin

  After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest: Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) : The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma (1537-61), as a gesture of goodwill. It was substantially renovated by the Dutch after 1663, hence it’s other name, the 'Dutch Palace'. The most important feature of this palace, however are the astonishing murals in the bedchambers and other rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga. These murals are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful and extensive to be seen anywhere in India. The Jewish Synagogue : The synagogue, magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace. Cochin Harbor : Cochin harbor terminus where the Chinese fishing nets present a wonderful sight. The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. St Francis Church : It is the oldest church built by European in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portugese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church. Fort Kochi Beach : A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. Hill Palace : Built in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled from here. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi apart from many archaeological findings. Later in the evening you will be picked up and taken to a Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a traditional dance form, depicting Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed in very colorful and elaborate costumes. Their faces are painted to depict various characters of the se epics. This dance has a lot of facial expressions and brisk, yet articulate body movements. Overnight at Malabar House, Cochin.

• Day 3: Cochin – M V Vrinda (Houseboat)

  After leisurely breakfast you will be assisted with check-out formalities and start your drive to Alleppey, the next stop of your Honeymoon in Kerala. On your arrival in Alleppey, board the Oberoi M V Vrinda Houseboat, your floating hotel and cruiser for the next three days. Sailing in the pristine backwaters of Kerala, the Oberoi M V Vrinda is an exclusive river and backwater cruiser with only eight tastefully designed Luxury Cabins, all with large panoramic windows overlooking the lake. Once all guests are on board, The M V Vrinda sets sail from the waterways of the Vembanad Lake and enters the Alleppey canals. Your Luxury cruiser sails along the scenic waterways through the afternoon and returns to the Vembanad Lake , giving you time to enjoy the sunset views. Evening entertainment on board the M V Vrinda includes a performance of Kathakali dances, based on the ancient Hindu epics - Ramayana and Mahabarata. The M V Vrinda anchors for the night at the Vembanad Lake jetty. Overnight on board Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda.

• Day 4: On board M V Vrinda

  Early this morning, The M. V Vrinda sets sail from the Vembanad Lake jetty and heads South, towards Alleppey. Your luxury cruiser enters the waterways of the Pamba river through the Alleppey canal, and sails through scenic backwaters, where you get a chance to observe life along these "water highways" while passing through many farms and villages, which are actually below sea level. Today, you will also get a chance to board a traditional rice boat, that takes you to through the narrower sections of the backwaters. You get a chance to see some Hindu and Buddhists temples as well as traditional Kerala homes. The M V Vrinda then anchors for the night at the Vembanad Lake jetty. Overnight on board the Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda.

• Day 5: On board M V Vrinda

  Early this morning, your luxury cruiser will sail from the Vembanad Lake jetty and heads South, anchoring at Chambakulam, where you will transfer onto the traditional rice boat once again for a sightseeing excursion to St. Mary's Church and Sree Bhagavathy Kshetram –old Hindu temple to Mother Goddess, and the Chambakulam snake boat yard, which displays the traditional long snake boats used in the Kerala boat races. The evening's entertainment on board is a Mohiniattam recital on board. Mohiniattam, is a classical dance form, unique to Kerala, and it is also called the 'Dance of the Enchantress'. The performers are attired in beautiful traditional costumes and they perform with slow, graceful movements and highly emotive expressions. Overnight on board the Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda.

• Day 6: Houseboat – Kovalam (170 kms / 4 hrs)

  This morning, you will disembark the Motor Vessel Vrinda at the Vembanad lake Jetty and transfer to Kovalam, the last stop on your Kerala Honeymoon tour. On arrival in Kovalam, check into The Leela. Kovalam is Kerala's most famous beach and is a popular tourist destination. Kovalam beach was discovered by the western hippies in the 1960s. It was they who chanced upon this hidden paradise, till then a fishing village (as it still is on Chowara Beach). It has since become one of the most popular beach destinations. Kovalam has today acquired all the trappings of a beach resort. The seaside eateries serving a fusion of Indian and continental food, itinerant hawkers, fast food vendors, pubs, etc. Spend your honeymoon time in The Leela, Kovalam regarded as the best place to stay in Kovalam, and a firm favorite among guests on a honeymoon in Kerala, the Leela has a unique setting, perched on a rock-face overlooking the Arabian Sea and is a deluxe retreat with impeccable service. The Leela has 186 guest rooms spread over 44 acres overlooking two long beaches. The hotel is built on the rock-face, and most rooms have beautiful views due to the high elevation. The deluxe Club Wing, that is a hotel within a hotel, offers excellent sea view rooms, located high up with a separate club lounge, ocean rim infinity swimming pool and superbly furnished rooms. The Beach view wing offers sea-facing rooms designed in an ethnic Keralan theme with all modern amenities. The third wing, the Pavilion Wing has 42 rooms and is located on the ground level. There is a delightful swimming pool which opens out from the lobby on the top floor, offering truly exceptional views of the sea. Other activities include yoga, cycling, jogging, a gym and beach volleyball. Leela also has an excellent Spa. Overnight in Kovalam.

• Day 7: In Kovalam

  No activities are scheduled for this day. Spend rest of the day enjoying the beach and the hotel facilities Overnight in Kovalam

• Day 8: In Kovalam

  No activities are scheduled for this day. Spend rest of the day enjoying the beach and the hotel facilities Overnight in Kovalam

• Day 9: In Kovalam

  No activities are scheduled for this day. Spend rest of the day enjoying the beach and the hotel facilities Overnight in Kovalam

• Day 10: Kovalam - Trivandrum airport

  Morning at leisure. Your Kerala Honeymoon tour ends with a transfer to Trivandrum airport in time for your flight home.

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