Spirit of Kerala + Mavady Hills Homestay
Tucked away in the misty Mavady Hills and surrounded by peaceful forest, Colonel's Retreat is an exquisite homestay in the Kottayam District of Kerala. The idyllically remote and scenic location is perfect for those wishing to forget the world. You may wish to spend your time exploring the surrounding hills and forests, on the lookout for wildlife, or just relaxing.
Serene countryside
Mavady Hills, India
Chinese fishing nets, Cochin
Tea plantations, Munnar
Beautiful countryside near Munnar
A Malabar squirrel
Periyar Lake
Elephants at Periyar Lake
Alleppey beach
A typical houseboat
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Kochi.
On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for the next three nights. Situated on the Malabar Coast between the Arabian Sea and India's Western Ghats, Kochi (Cochin) is often referred to as the 'Gateway to Kerala'. For 600 years it has attracted traders and travellers alike, with British, Portuguese and Dutch influences etched throughout the city.
DAY 3: Kochi.
This morning, discover the history of Kochi on a tour of its most famous sights. See the Portuguese-built Mattancherry Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue with its intricately tiled floor, and the St Francis Church, which holds the palm-leafed title deed that the Raja handed to the occupying Portuguese in 1503. Also visit Kochi's legendary Chinese fishing nets, locally known as 'Cheenavala'. Lining beaches and coastal areas around the city, the nets are unique to this area and have been a feature since the late 1300's. This afternoon, see Kochi from a different perspective on a cruise around the harbour and surrounding islands. (B)
DAY 4: Kochi - Kumbalanghi Village - Kochi.
A rare experience awaits this morning on a half day excursion to Kumbalanghi Village. Encircled by sprawling backwaters and dotted with Chinese fishing nets, the island is home to fishermen, farmers, toddy tappers and coir spinners. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this rustic village and gain a unique insight into its tradition and culture, surrounded by typically lush Keralan countryside. This evening, enjoy a spectacular performance of traditional Kathakali dance - an ancient South Indian ritual combining dance and drama, accompanied by drummers. (B)
DAY 5: Kochi - Munnar.
Depart for Munnar, a stunning hill station nestled amongst miles of rolling hills, blanketed in neat rows of tea plantations and winding trails. Once a favourite summer retreat of the former British administration in Southern India, this mist-wreathed town is dotted with colonial bungalows, tea factories and lakes. This afternoon visit one of the area's most scenic spots, Mattupetty Dam, for striking panoramic views of Mattupetty Lake surrounded by wooded hills and verdant plantations. (B)
DAY 6: Munnar - Periyar.
Today visit the Tea Museum enroute to Periyar. Located on a tea estate, the museum is the first of its kind in India. Learn about the evolution of the Munnar tea estates, the resolve of the pioneers who transformed the area into a major plantation centre, and the various stages of the tea making process. Continue your journey to Periyar – high in Kerala’s Western Ghats and near the border of Tamil Nadu. Rich in thick, luxuriant forest and with a cool climate, this outstanding reserve is home to flourishing wildlife, including elephants, deer, boar, kingfishers and the mysterious, rarely-seen tiger. Take a boat ride on Lake Periyar and if you’re lucky, you may spot elephants roaming on the banks of the lake. (B)
DAY 7: Periyar.
Enjoy a free day to explore Periyar. You may wish to join a visit to a local organic farm and experience true village and farm life, or walk into Periyar town in search of local spices and handicrafts. Alternatively, why not take an optional ride on one of the local elephants, or a trip to a local plantation by ox-drawn cart?
DAY 8: Periyar - Alleppey.
After breakfast, pay a visit to a spice plantation before continuing to Alleppey. On arrival, board a traditional Kerala Houseboat (or 'Kettuvallam'), constructed from bamboo poles, coconut fibre ropes, bamboo mats and coir. Relax whilst cruising along the still backwaters as green, leafy forests and slender coconut palms slip by, and discover hidden Kerala as local people swim and wash their laundry on the riverbanks. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: Alleppey - Kumarakom.
After breakfast onboard the houseboat, journey to Kumarakom on the shores of Lake Vembanad. The rest of the day is free, so why not experience a traditional Keralan Ayurvedic massage, take a walk through one of the local villages, or just relax and soak up the Keralan countryside? (B)
DAY 10: Kumarakom - Kottayam - Homestay.
Depart Kumarakom this morning, and journey through the hills to your homestay via Kottayam. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the superb surroundings of Colonel's Retreat. (B, L, D)
DAY 11: Homestay.
A full day at your leisure. (B, L, D)
DAY 12: Homestay - Kottayam - Cochin.
Transfer to Cochin. (B)
DAY 13: Cochin - UK.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Colonel's Retreat
One of the bedrooms
Your private balcony
The living area
The bathroom
The surrounding countryside
Some local wildlife
A nearby waterfall
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Colonel's Retreat
A modern homestay furnished in the traditional Keralan style, Colonel's Retreat is tucked away in the misty Mavady Hills in Kerala. The private balconies seem almost suspended amongst the trees, with native birds a common sight and a view of the forest stream cascading over the rocks below. Enjoy home cooked Keralan cuisine and a friendly welcome in your Indian home from home.
Location: The Mavady Hills, in the Kottayam District of Kerala.
Facilities: Home cooked meals provided; small library; spice garden.
Price includes: All inclusive in a twin room with private facilities; balcony overlooking the forest and stream.
Options: Single room (on request).
Spirit of Kerala + Mavady Hills Homestay 11 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Spirit of Kerala + Mavady Hills Homestay 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
Spirit of Kerala + Mavady Hills Homestay
Price from £1865.00
Holiday Highlights
- Kochi City tour including Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, harbour cruise
- Munnar Mattupetty Dam, Tea Museum
- Periyar Boat ride on Lake Periyar
- Overnight Backwater Houseboat Cruise
- Kumarakom
Departures from
- London Heathrow
Departures between
01 Oct 2012 to 25 Mar 2013
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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