CULTURE OF KERALA

Arrive at Mangalore airport. Meet and Greet with our representative and transfer to Udupi. An ancient temple city in the Karnataka state notable for its age-old Krishna Mutt and serene beaches. Day at leisure. Overnight stay at Udupi.

Udupi cuisine forms an important part of the cuisine of Karnataka which adheres strictly to the Satvik tradition of Indian vegetarian cuisine, using no onions or garlic. The ubiquitous Indian dish masala dosa has its origins in Udupi. Saaru, a spicy pepper water, is another essential part of the menu, and so are jackfruit, colocasia leaves, raw green bananas, mango pickle, red chillies, and salt.

After breakfast proceed for Bekal, part of the Kasargod district, renowned as the land of Gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. Evening visit to the historical Bekal fort, the largest fort in Kerala. Overnight stay at Bekal.

After breakfast proceed to Kannur, formerly known as Cannanore and popularly known as the land of Loom and Lore, because of the loom industries functioning in the district and ritualistic folk arts held in temples. In the evening we will watch 'Theyyam'. Overnight stay at Kannur. Theyyam also known as Kaliyattam, is a ritual dance popular in North Kerala. Theyyam incorporates dance, mime and music and enshrines the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures which attached great importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits of ancestors. Theyyam is performed in front of shrines, sans stage or curtains, by persons belonging to the Vannan, Malayan and other related castes. The headgear and other ornamental decorations are spectacular in sheer size and appearance.

After breakfast proceed to Kozhikode (Calicut), earlier known as the "City of Spices". Vasco da Gama landed on its shores in 1498, catapulting the region to global fame. Later we will go for a sightseeing tour of Kozhikode covering the beaches and the popular snacks of the Mappila cuisine. Overnight stay at Kozhikode.

Malabar cuisine or Mappila cuisine is a reminder of the Mughal-Arab cultural influence in North Kerala and is an ample insignia of the Islamic cultural influence in the region. The popular dish "Thalassery Biriyani", a rice-based dish blended with spices and chicken, "Kozhikode Halwa", a famous Kerala style wheat halwa and the traditional evening snacks are all part of the Mappila cuisine. The snacks include Chatti Pathiri, Irachi Pathiri, Unnakkaya, Kallummakkay, Samosa, Poricha pathiri, Cutlet, Mutta mala and Pinjanathappam, Mutta surka and Pazham nirachathu.

After breakfast drive to Cheruthuruthy to visit the Kerala Kalamandalam, a major centre for Kathakali training and other performing art forms like Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Ottamthullal and Nangiarkoothu. Then we will proceed to the the temple town of Guruvayur and visit the Elephant Camps at Anakotta or Punathurkotta. Later you will be transferred to resort at Thrissur, the 'Cultural capital of Kerala'. Overnight stay at Thrissur.

After breakfast drive to Cherai, a picturesque beach located on the north end of Vypeen Island. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Cherai.

After breakfast drive to Fort Kochi, half day sightseeing tour of the island of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry covering the historic sites and the exquisite cuisines. In the evening we will watch Kathakali performance in the theatre. Overnight stay at Kochi. Kathakali, the classical art form of Kerala is a spectacular blend of dance, drama, mime and song and is over 300-year-old. One of the most exotic of the India's performing arts, Kathakali demands years of rigorous training and lays great emphasis on complex body movements and facial expressions. Therefore, oil massages and a separate folio of exercises for the eyes, lips, cheeks, neck and the body form an integral part of the training, aiming at making the body supple.

After breakfast drive to Athirappilly, the largest waterfall in Kerala and nicknamed "the Niagara of India". The scenic beauty of the Athirappilly falls has been used as a location for several films. Transfer to resort. Day at leisure. Evening visit to Athirappilly and Vazhachal falls. Overnight stay at Athirappilly.

After breakfast drive to Valparai in the Annamalai hills of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu where you can enjoy the presence of many streams, tea gardens, valleys, waterfalls, high mountains, grass lands, flora and fauna. There is a high chance of spotting wild animals crossing the road in this scenic route. Transfer to resort. Overnight stay at Valparai.

After breakfast drive to Munnar, on the way crossing the wildlife sanctuary of Chinnar and the sandalwood forests of Marayoor which is also known for its vast sugarcane farms. We will arrive at our resort in Munnar, a popular hill station of Kerala filled with manicured tea plantations. Overnight stay at Munnar.

After breakfast drive to visit Tea Museum, Mattupetty Lake and Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Blossom Garden and Rajamalai known for the endangered species Nilgiri Tahr. Overnight stay at Munnar.

After breakfast drive to the wildlife reserve of Thekkady through the scenic spice trails in the Western Ghats. Enroute we will visit Spice Garden where you can see various spices and herbs growing. Afternoon proceed for boating at the Periyar Lake to see the wild animals. Rest of the day at leisure. In the evening we will watch Kalaripayattu in the theatre. Overnight stay at Thekkady. Kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala is regarded as the oldest and most scientific of its kind in the world. The word kalari first appears in Sangam literature to describe both a battlefield and combat arena. The word kalari tatt denoted a martial feat, while kalari kozhai meant a coward in war. Training in combat is given at the Kalari (training school) which aims at the ultimate co-ordination of the mind and body.

After breakfast drive to Houseboat at Alappuzha where you can enjoy the scenic backwaters and Kerala rural life from close corners, while relishing on the most delightful cuisine from the Kuttanad region. The specialities are Kuttanadu duck roast and Karimeen. Overnight stay in Houseboat. Houseboat Cuisine: The traditional food is served in Banana Leaf in the Houseboat. The Banana Leaf experience has been redefined by the traditional 'Sadya' or banquet in Kerala. All the food items are part of the local cuisine of Kuttanad region and carry a lot of significance.

After breakfast drive to Kollam (earlier name "Quilon") through the coastal road. Kollam, one of the leading trade capitals of the old world, is also the centre of India's cashew trading and processing industry. If you love seafood, Kollam is just the right place for you. Transfer to resort. Evening food tour at Kollam. Overnight stay at Kollam.

After breakfast drive to Varkala, a popular destination in Kerala with a beautiful beach surrounded by red laterite cliffs, mineral water springs and the 2000-year-old Janardanaswamy temple. Day at leisure to relax at the resort. Overnight stay at Varkala.

After breakfast free for leisure at beach. Overnight stay at Varkala.

After breakfast proceed for Trivandrum airport drop.