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)
Arrive in Cochin, meet assist and transfer to your hotel. Cochin, the financial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala. By evening witness the world famous Kathakali dance at a local theatre, a traditional art form of Kerala and one among the national dances of India. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Cochin (B–D)
After Breakfast Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Cochin covering – The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese trade.Venture into the busy markets of Cochin for a shopping experience, an ideal place to find curios, souveniers, spices, textiles etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Cochin – Kumarakom (B–D) (By Road) (48 Kms / 01 hrs 16 min appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed to Kumarakom the land of lakes and lagoons. Optional – ayurveda massages / sunset cruise / bird sanctuary visit. Overnight stay at the resort in kumarakom. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Kumarakom (B–D)
After Breakfast Proceed Full day free to relax at Kumarakom and enjoy the magical world of lakes and lagoons. Optional – Visit to nearby town of Kottayam 18 km to see the 2 famous churches Valiya Palli & cheriya palli. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Kumarakom – Alleppey (B–L–D) (By Cruise)
After Breakfast Proceed to a Kettuvallam, a backwater houseboat, to proceed for an unforgettable overnight cruise to Alleppey through the mesmerizing backwaters of Kerala, something unique to Kerala. You will have a private, one room houseboat in Kerala that travels until sunset when it then anchors for the night, at Alleppey. Your houseboat has a private balcony with comfortable chairs. The rooms of the houseboat are well furnished with attached bathrooms and air conditioning which functions during sleeping hours. The boat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialties and fresh vegetables. This is your chance to pick up some fabulous cooking tips The waterways of Kerala play a major role in the economy of the state as they link remote villages and islands with the mainland. It is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country houseboats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala’s villages. Kerala backwater houseboats, also known as Kettuvallam or rice boats, are today one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala, but these houseboats were used to carry rice bags in their earlier days. These backwater houseboats are uniquely designed using local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. and are a fabulous way to enjoy exploring the fascinating beauties of backwaters. With their languid grace and quaint design adding another dimension to your cruise in the shimmering blue waters. Lunch, evening tea with snacks and dinner served on board. Overnight in the houseboat.
Day 06 Alleppey – Mararikulam (B–D) (By Road) (28 Kms / 52 hrs appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed to the chatter of the water birds. A traditional kerala breakfast prepared by the boat crew awaits you. Disembark the boat after an unforgettable life time experience and drive to Mararikulam, the calm and serene beach of central kerala located in Alleppey district. A unique beach with coconut palm fringed shore line with fisher men village near by. An ideal choice for tourists seeking calm and serene settings. Check in to your resort at mararikulam and explore the wonders of nature. Optional – try out a traditional ayurveda massage which will take away all the fatigue of travel and keeps you rejuvenated. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Mararikulam (B–D)
After Breakfast Proceed Day free to relax at the resort or venture into the nearby fishermen village and interact with the locals. Tickle your taste buds with the local sea food specialities which comes fresh from the fishermens nets around. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 Mararikulam – Cochin (By Road) (42 Kms / 01 hrs) / Depart Cochin
In time departure transfer to the Cochin Airport. Departure transfer to onwards destination.
City | Night (s) | 5 Star Deluxe | Room Category |
Cochin | 02 | Brunton Boatyard | Deluxe Room |
Kumarakom | 02 | Coconut Lagoon | Premier Room |
Alleppey | 01 | House Boat | Premier Room |
MarariKulum | 02 | Marari Beach Resort | Premier Room |
- Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
- Meet assist at the airport and hotels.
- 06 nights hotel accommodation as per the program.
- 01 Overnight stay in Houseboat
- Meals as per the program.
- Entrance fees to the monuments.
- Cruise for Kumarakom – Alleppey.
- Famous Kathakali dance and Kerala beaches.
- The Dutch Palace.
- Famous Churches Valiya Palli & Cheriya Palli.
- 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.
- Optional:- Ayurveda Massages, Sunset Cruise And Bird Sanctuary.
– 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.