India
The Best of Kochi
Continue your voyage with a graceful exploration of Kochi, where Portuguese, Dutch, Jewish, and Indian traditions meet along tranquil seaside lanes. Wander through historic quarters shaped by centuries of global exchange, enjoy private cultural encounters and exceptional regional dining, and drift through Kerala’s legendary backwaters in serene comfort — an immersion into the gentle, coastal soul of South India.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Arrive in Kochi. In the arrival hall, will be met by our colleague who will escort you to
your hotel and help you to check-in.
Tonight, you will dine at Rice Boat, the iconic coastal cuisine restaurant at your hotel.
Meals: D
Tonight, you will dine at Rice Boat, the iconic coastal cuisine restaurant at your hotel.
Meals: D
Day 2
After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and together, you will explore the various religious and cultural influences that shaped Kochi.
First, you will explore the Heritage Zone. Walking through the narrow-cobbled lanes you will see various architectural styles reflecting the many cultures that existed here. Afterwards, you will visit the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace (closed on Fridays), which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights.
Next, you will visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Friday and Saturday). One of the oldest in India, it is set in the Jewish Quarter, commonly known as “Jew Town”.
You will then have lunch at Aah, the experimental fine dining restaurant at Mandalay Hall which specializes in contemporary Kerala cuisine.
After lunch, you will return to your hotel.
In the evening, you will attend a private Kathakali dance performance at a local theater. An Indian dance-drama, Kathakali is usually performed in front of a Kalivilakku (“kali” = dance, “vilakku” = lamp).
You will then return to your hotel.
Meals: B, L
First, you will explore the Heritage Zone. Walking through the narrow-cobbled lanes you will see various architectural styles reflecting the many cultures that existed here. Afterwards, you will visit the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace (closed on Fridays), which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights.
Next, you will visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Friday and Saturday). One of the oldest in India, it is set in the Jewish Quarter, commonly known as “Jew Town”.
You will then have lunch at Aah, the experimental fine dining restaurant at Mandalay Hall which specializes in contemporary Kerala cuisine.
After lunch, you will return to your hotel.
In the evening, you will attend a private Kathakali dance performance at a local theater. An Indian dance-drama, Kathakali is usually performed in front of a Kalivilakku (“kali” = dance, “vilakku” = lamp).
You will then return to your hotel.
Meals: B, L
Day 3
After breakfast, you will drive to Alappuzha boat jetty (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops). On arrival, you will board your private deluxe houseboat to journey along Kerala’s famed backwaters.
Please note: Alcohol is not served on the houseboat. If you would like a drink, we suggest that you carry it with you (perhaps from the Duty Free on your way to India). Alternatively, your guide will be able to help you purchase alcohol locally, although the selection may be limited. You may consume alcohol in your room but, not in the public areas.
After lunch, you will disembark from the houseboat and drive to your hotel in Kochi (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops).
You will then return to your hotel.
Meals: B, L
Please note: Alcohol is not served on the houseboat. If you would like a drink, we suggest that you carry it with you (perhaps from the Duty Free on your way to India). Alternatively, your guide will be able to help you purchase alcohol locally, although the selection may be limited. You may consume alcohol in your room but, not in the public areas.
After lunch, you will disembark from the houseboat and drive to your hotel in Kochi (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops).
You will then return to your hotel.
Meals: B, L
Day 4
Today, you will be met by our colleague in the hotel lobby and he will escort you to Kochi International Airport in time to connect for your flight to your Onward Destination.
Meals: B
Meals: B
Snapshots from the itinerary
