Kerala Cruise (North to South)

Detailed Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrive Cochin / Embarkation at Marad

   Alappuzha

   You arrive at Cochin airport. step into the receiving area where you will be met by our representative. Drive to the nearby village Nettoor to a Kalari center – the authentic training center of Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala said to have been the origin of all martial arts including Karate. Drive to the nearby village Marad and embark on our boat by noon. The team on-board welcomes you in the boat and help’s you with smooth check-in. Gather at the lounge for a safety briefing about the boat and about the cruise. We set sail, gently cruising by the islands interspersed along rivers, lake, coastal estuaries and lagoons, leaving the skyscraper lined horizon of the city of Cochin behind. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch and relax on-board. Our expert will talk about Cochin, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, and its geographical, cultural and social significance.

   By evening we arrive in the ancient village, Vaikom. By tuk-tuk or by foot we proceed to the ancient temple of Shiva. We take a tour around the temple to get to know about its history and architecture. The architecture of temples in Kerala 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. Return to boat and relax.

   Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

   Accomodation

   

   RV Vaikundam

2. Day 2 Vaikom-Chenganda-Kumarakom

   Kumarakom

   After breakfast on the boat, by tuk-tuk or by foot we proceed to the cultural centre in the locality to watch Kathakali, the traditional dramatic and mimetic dance form, which plays stories from epics. It is a unique blend of dance, music, action, literature and make-up.

   Commence the cruise to Chenganda village. The people of this rustic village are having a laid-back and peaceful life. Spend time with the coir weavers, the shell harvesters and farmers, engaging in conversation about the riparian life and watching various indigenous techniques of fishing. Return to the boat for lunch.

   Cruise through Thanneermukkom barrage. The barrage at Thanneermukkom built across Vembanad, the largest lake of Kerala, divides the lake into two, one half with perennial salty water and the other with fresh water enriched by 5 rivers flowing from the hills. We talk about indigenous practices of paddy cultivation in Kuttanad.

   Cruise through the expanses of lake Vembanad experiencing its wetland ecosystem. 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 the Backwaters. A walk in the farm will be educative. The hostess will demonstrate the preparation of traditional Syrian Christian cuisine. You may also try your hand at cooking and listen to the story of her family, of three generations laborious men of the soil, and equally strong women who supported their pioneering spirit. We will have lunch at this house. Return to the boat and cruise till evening.

   Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

   

   Kathakali performance closeup by Appaiah / CC BY

   Watch a Kathakali performance

   Accomodation

   

   RV Vaikundam

3. Day 3 Kumarakom - Kavalam

   Kavalam

   Having an early and light breakfast, we set out by country boat to watch the migratory and endemic birds of the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is a cluster of lagoons of lake Vembanad, with 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 a more elaborate breakfast will be served.

   While cruising the lake we pass by expanses of the oldest paddy cultivating regions reclaimed from the bed of the Lake - Vembanad. These paddy fields are below sea level. Lunch will be served while cruising. We arrive in Kavalam where river Pampa reverses its course and drain into Lake Vembanad. You may take the ferry to explore the region, walk along the dykes surrounding the expanses of paddy fields and interact with the farmers and women’s collective.

   As cruise, along the way we interact with toddy tappers, who collect the sap of the stem of blossoming coconut flower and make the alcoholic beverage - Toddy. We can learn from him the process of making toddy and may take a sip from his pot! Cruise through the narrow canal, watching the life at close quarters.

   Return to the boat and cruise till dusk, further interior to Veliyanad village.

   After dinner retire for the night.

   Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

   

   Go bird watching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

   Accomodation

   

   RV Vaikundam

4. Day 4 Kavalam-Kainakari-Mankompu

   Mankombu

   After breakfast cruise to Kainakari. We visit Chavara Bhavan, the ancestral home of the Catholic Saint Kuriakose Chavara which is now preserved as a museum. Saint Chavara, the first canonized Catholic male saint of Indian origin, 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, Congregation of the Mother of Carmel-C.M.C. Get closer to the laid-back, yet harmonious, life along the way, paddling along narrow canal by country boat, interacting with the villagers. Return to boat. After having lunch on-board, cruise to Mankompu village. Enjoy a cultural performance. Relax on-board.

   Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

   Accomodation

   

   RV Vaikundam

5. Day 5 Mankompu-Champakkulam-Changankari Excursion to Aranmula

   Changankari

   Excursion to Aranmula

   After have breakfast drive to an ancient village, Aranmula, of families of craftsmen who still preserve their skill in making mirror out of a special combination of metals. The secret of the trade has been passed down through generations. These mirrors have the distinctive feature of 100% reflection unlike the common mirror. Local people consider it as auspicious to keep it at home to attract prosperity and luck.

   Take a walk in the village, interact with the mirror makers engaged in different stages of their work, visit the ancient temple of Krishna. We will have a traditional lunch at a house along the bank of river Pampa. Explore the garden of flowers, fruits and spices. ‘Palliyodom’- legendary divine vessel, the mural art, the school of traditional architecture explain the cultural heritage of Kerala.

   The ritualistic regatta of the divine vessels-Palliyodom-of Aranmula and its neighbouring villages, on the Pampa River is a visual delight during the harvest festival season of August-September. Return to Changankari and cruise to Thotapally.

   We have relaxing cruise watching the laid-back village of farmers. We cruise to Champakkulam village. Kerala’s old spice trade used to pass through this town enroute 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 5th century AD. Architecturally, it is a mélange of several European styles, from the Levantine altar and structure to the Dutch arches that tower overhead.

   We visit the old church, a school, the local artisans (open on weekdays) who skilfully and passionately craft biblical heroes. Take a look at the narrow and long 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. Over one hundred oarsmen power these boats in races where they sail at speed generated to the beats of drums at the aft.

   Cruise to the remote village - Changankari, till dusk passing through the serene canal. 

   Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

   Accomodation

   

   RV Vaikundam

6. Day 6 Changankari-Thotapally

   Alappuzha

   Enjoy a walk in the village. Have breakfast on board.

   Honouring your cruise with us, we plant a sapling of coconut. Coconut tree is considered as the ‘Kalpavriksha ‘or the Divine tree of Kerala. All parts of coconut tree are useful in one way or the other: the water inside is a healthy drink; the fresh kernel and the oil extract from dried kernel are inevitable components of every cuisine; fiber from the coconut husk is used to make coir, mats and geotextile; the palm fronds are used for thatching roof; the wood suitable for making furniture and all the dried parts of coconut make good firewood. Last but not the least, the toddy - the boost for the labourers toiling in the fields.

   Take a leisurely walk to the beach to see the life along the coast.

   Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

   Accomodation

   

   RV Vaikundam

7. Day 7 Thotapally-Karumadi-Kanjippadom

   Alappuzha

   After breakfast take a drive (30minutes) to visit an ancient sacred grove where serpents are worshipped. This is the only temple in Kerala having female priests. You can take a walk inside and see the rituals going on.

   We proceed to Mannar village (45minutes) to meet the metal smiths engaged in making traditional lamps, ornate locks, bells and various types of vessels being used in temples. (The workplace remains closed on Sundays and religious holidays). You may also choose to visit one of the 7 and half churches built by St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ, who arrived in Kerala during AD50. (Washroom facility is available only at this place). Return to the boat.

   The spillway at the river mouth at Thotapally prevents the saline water from flooding the low-lying paddy fields. We get to know about indigenous practices of paddy cultivation on reclaimed land at lower altitude that the Sea.

   Honouring your cruise with us, we plant a coconut sapling for the village. Coconut tree is considered as the ‘Kalpavriksha ‘or Divine tree of Kerala. All parts of coconut tree are useful in one way or the other: the water inside is a healthy drink; the fresh kernel and the oil extract from dried kernel are inevitable components of every cuisine; fibre from the coconut husk is used to make coir, mats and geotextile; the palm fronds are used for thatching roof; the wood suitable for making furniture and all the dried parts of coconut make good firewood. Last but not the least, the toddy - the local alcoholic beverage that boost for the laborers after toiling in the fields.

   After a leisurely sail we arrive in a quaint village - Karumadi village. We take a walk around a small shrine preserving the ruin of a sculpture of Buddha that belongs to the early centuries of current era. Along the way we interact with toddy tappers, who collect the sap of the stem of blossoming coconut flower and make the alcoholic beverage - Toddy. We learn from him the process of making toddy and may take a sip from his pot.

   We visit the village Kanjippadom for a leisurely walk. We meet the carpenters at the boat building yard and talk about the traditional method of building wooden boats (Kettuvallom), joining wooden planks using coir, cotton and natural resin. Tonight, we celebrate our sojourn over farewell dinner on board RV Vaikundam.

   Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

   Accomodation

   

   RV Vaikundam

8. Day 8 Kanjippadom-Punnamada & Disembark at Alleppey

   Alappuzha

   After breakfast we cruise to Punnamada Lake. This lake is the venue of the annual spectacular race of Snake boats of different villages of Alleppey and its neighbouring places on 2nd Saturday of the month of August. We disembark by 9.30 AM. After taking a walk through the market place of Alleppey, depart for Cochin.

   (B)

   Accomodation

   

   RV Vaikundam