CGH Earth conceives and organizes truly remarkable travel experiences over multiple destinations in southern India. A family owned enterprise, the group began its operations in 1954 with their flagship property, the Casino Hotel, in Willingdon Island, Kochi.
The small hotel that started out to cater to port visitors in Willingdon Island, Kochi, in the 1950s has evolved into an unusual experiment in tourism. It has become widely known today for its respect for nature and local cultures around which its singular travel experiences are spun.
Over time this small seed has spawned a cluster of fine hotels in southern India that are a toast to the land and its people, as much as to the creative spirit of its visionaries. Together, they celebrate a soaring imagination and a refined aesthetic that gives all these properties their distinctive character.
Day 01 Arrive Cochin (By Flight) / Cochin – Fort Cohin (06 Km/ 15 min)
On your arrival at the Cochin International Airport, drive to Fort Kochi. You will be welcomed traditionally at Brunton Boatyard – an elegant boutique hotel that is a mélange of Portuguese, Dutch and British influences, overlooking the historic harbour. Enjoy your time at leisure, by the pool or take a stroll through the green courtyards of Brunton Boatyard. Explore the destination with many stories, tour the old spice markets, Jew street and synagogue, the Dutch Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets and David Hall. Return to Brunton Boatyard for the night.
Day 02 Fort – Cochin – Thekkady (160 Km/ 04 hrs 30 min appx)
Wake up for your 5-hour drive to Thekkady. Drive through rice fields and rubber plantations. See coffee, cardamom, pepper and tea estates. Arrive 2000 ft. up at Spice Village, a reimagined tribal village very close to the Periyar forest. Get an authentic eco-living experience, complete with a spice garden, in your very own elephant grass thatched cottage. End the evening with a demonstration by the Chef on cooking with spices followed by a cultural performance kathakali dance show. Retire for the night in Spice Village.
Day 03 Thekkady
Enjoy a delicious breakfast to kick start the day with a trek through the Periyar wilderness, a protected elephant and tiger reserve with the park rangers. Join our resident naturalist on a tour of the spice garden. Learn about the abundant flora and fauna of Periyar in the evening, before settling down for dinner. Participate in a cooking demo with spices. Experience a tribal cultural performance kathakali dance show. Retire for the night in the Village.
Day 04 Thekkady – Kumarakom (By Road) (130 Kms / 03 hrs 30 min)
After breakfast, enjoy a morning drive to Kumarakom where you’ll switch to a boat and arrive on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Disembark straight onto the reception of Coconut Lagoon, a little piece of untouched Kerala – created from restored heritage homes, set in a web of canals on the banks of the Kavanar river. Learn to cook authentic Keralan cuisine organized by the Chef, so you can take more than memories home. Relax in the evening and watch a traditional cultural performance kathakali dance show., before calling it a night.
Day 05 Kumarakom
Practice yoga and meditation in the morning, followed by breakfast. Go bird watching with our resident naturalist and learn about our conservation methods. Experience village life with a local, and learn all about a different world. Enjoy a lazy afternoon by the pool. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on the lake in a converted rice boat, accompanied by a flute performance. Return to Coconut Lagoon for the night.
Day 06 Kumarakom – Mararikulam (By Road) (28 Kms / 45 min)
Begin your onward journey to Mararikulam, where you arrive to a traditional welcome at Marari Beach Resort – An eco-extension of a fisherman’s village, Marari Beach offers complete relaxation in natural settings. Unwind by the beach and retire for the night.
Day 07 Mararikulum
The community surrounding Marari Beach Resort teaches you the art of indulging in the moment. Explore the region on a bicycle or take a dip in the sea. Watch fishermen reel in the catch of the day, stroll through the nearby village and harvest organic produce at Marari Beach’s four-acre organic garden. As you accompany these unique experiences with Ayurveda treatments, feel yourself unwind holistically- body, mind and soul.
Day 08 Mararikulum – Cochin (72 Kms / 04 hrs) / Depart Cochin
Begin your journey home with a drive to Cochin International Airport. As you take off, don’t forget to enjoy a bird’s-eye- view of the vast area you have just travelled and begin to plan your next holiday with us.
********TOUR ENDS*******
| City | Night (s) | 5 Star Deluxe | Room Category |
| Cochin | 01 | Brunton Boatyard | Deluxe Room |
| Thekkady | 02 | Spice Village | Premier Room |
| Kumarakom | 02 | Coconut Lagoon | Premier Room |
| Marari Kulum | 02 | Marari Beach Resort | Premier Room |
- Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
- Meet assist at the hotels and airport.
- 07 nights hotel accommodation as per the program.
- Daily breakfast and dinners.
- Cruising in Lake vedambna
- Cooking Demonstration in Thekkady
- Cultural performance kathakali dance in Cochin / Periyar & Kumarakom
- Spice garden visit
- Boat ride in Periyar National Park
- Entrance fees to the monuments.
- Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian speaking guide.
- All transfers, sightseeing, excursions by private AC vehicle.
- All taxes.
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Camera / Video Camera Fees
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.