This captivating tour gives you an authentic experience of Kerala. By staying with local Keralan families in their traditional homes you can sample local fare, customs, and social activities all at the leisurely pace of pastoral Keralan life. Set in picturesque surroundings on the coast, the midlands and on tea and rubber estates, these homes offer a true understanding of Kerala and its people.
Day 1 - Allapuzha
Drive from Kochi to Allapuzha to stay in a wonderful old heritage home on Kerala's backwaters with a very hospitable young host who believes passionately in preserving his family's traditions and their lands. Emerald Isle is a beautiful old building with a high gabled roof which comes down to low eaves, giving the verandas a cool shade through the day.
Day 2 - Allapuzha
Emerald Isle offers an array of delights. Mornings can be spent watching the toddy tappers climbing the tall trees, walks along the paddy fields, rowing through the narrow canals with a country boat. Afternoons after a wonderful lunch, you may feel like a siesta before waking up for a stroll along the river at front before sitting on the thoughtfully provided benches.
Day 3 - Teekoy
Drive to Vanilla County in the village of Teekoy, an enchanting Plantation Homestay, set amidst plantations of vanilla, pepper, coffee and rubber. With rolling knolls cloaked in emerald green, evergreen tea gardens, the mist embracing exquisite trees, cascading waterfalls, mist clad hilltops, this is a place of astonishing natural beauty.
Day 4 - Teekoy
There is so much to see and do in Vanilla County that one needs at least a full day to sample the various delights. The home itself is a colonial bungalow with sloping roofs and belongs to the very warm couple Rani and a knowledgeable Baby Mathew. Rani is a gifted cook and the meals conjured up by her in her immaculate kitchen are a delight both to learn from and finally to feast on! Vanilla County gives you a true peek into the work that goes into a family run plantation.
Day 5 - Mararikulam
Drive from Teekoy to the picturesque fishing village of Mararikulam. Tucked away behind village houses and thick groves, is the ancient home of the Arakal family. The old home sits sung under thick tree cover and is separated from the beach by a lick of tidal water and sand. Each cottage has its own sit-out enclosed by carved Kerala railing in wood. The beach is a mere minute's walk!
Day 6 - Mararikulam
A full day to relax at Arakal Heritage. Abi and Mini are delightful hosts and the food served is excellent - home cooked and Mini is popular as a cookery teacher! In the village life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. It is an idyllic retreat for those who want to "get away from it all".
Day 7 - Kochi
Today your Kerala Homestay tour ends with a drive from Marari to Kochi Airport to connect with your onward travel.
