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 (By Road) (6 Km/ 15 min)
Arrive Cochin and check-in at the Brunton Boatyard. A special welcome brunch has been laid out, consisting of a spread of South Indian and Keralan specialties. Relax by the poolside to let everything settle in. Later, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant where you’re served a selection of fresh local seafood. Walk back to the Brunton Boatyard for well-earned sleep. Overnight in Fort Cochin
Day 02 Fort Cochin
After breakfast, you’re ready for another day of ambling down the by lanes of Fort Cochin.
The morning’s walk will take you way back in time, through the historical Mattancherry Palace, David Hall and the old Moslem quarter. Lunch is at one of the Cochin’s oldest eat-outs, “Kai-Ikka”, a popular Moslem eatery famous for its biryanis. In the evening, relax by the poolside, or take a sunset cruise followed by dinner, a gala event with a choice of Indian wines and a selection from the “History Menu” – a collection of old recipes put together from Fort Kochi homes. Overnight in Fort Cochin
Day 03 Backwater
Proceed to Puthenangadi on the banks of the Lake Vembanad. Enjoy a freshly-plucked tender coconut before boarding a traditional Kettuvallam.
As you glide gently along the the backwaters, two meals are prepared on board just for you, freshly caught scampi grilled in curry sauce, karimeen, backwater duck roast, tapioca and steamed red rice.
There’s plenty of chilled beer and wine on board too. Drop anchor for the night. Overnight in Backwater.
Day 04 Kumarakom
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before arriving at Coconut Lagoon, a very special “Curry Lunch” has been prepared for you, a feast served on a banana leaf. In the evening, explore up-river on canoe or simply watch the sun go down from your deck. Round up the day with an interactive cooking demo, followed by dinner with the chefs. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 05 Kumarakom – Periyar (By Road) (112 Kms / 3 hrs 10 min appx.)
Take a short boat transfer and then drive to Periyar. On the way, stop by at Planters Residence where your host lays out traditional lunch at the bungalow along with the family.
Located 2000 metres above sea level, built as a tribal village, the Spice Village is a perfect example of living in harmony with nature.
Dinner at the 50 Mile restaurant, everything served here is grown within a fifty-mile radius. You’ll be surprised at what wonders this can achieve for both the planet and your palate. Overnight in Periyar.
Day 06 Periyar
Start your day with a walk through the jungle in the company of a naturalist and a guide from the local tribal community.
On your return, indulge in a brunch prepared with spices and herbs. Visit one of the spice farms where you learn about the history of these spices and the riches they brought to Kerala and the country.
Later in the evening, go for a walk in Kumily town with its quaint shops selling fresh spices grown in the neighborhood. Attend an interactive cooking demo with our chefs, followed by dinner. Overnight in Periyar.
Day 07 Periyar – Madurai – Chettinad (By Road) (237 Kms / 5 hrs 30 min)
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, famous for its colorful Meenakshi Temple. After which, there’s lunch in a typical Tamil Nadu restaurant in Madurai before you continue to Visalam. It’s been a long day, spend the evening by pool before dinner. A classical music concert has been arranged as an accompaniment to your meal.
Overnight in Chettinad.
Day 08 Chettinad
After breakfast, visit the weekly market called Vaara Sabdhai with the chef where greengrocers, fisherfolk and fruit vendors display their wares under colorful canopies.
Back at the hotel, join our kitchen staff in preparing your lunch which, as per tradition, is served in the kitchen. After lunch, a visit to the handloom weavers of Chettinad is in order. Overnight in Chettinad.
Day 09 Chettinad – Thanjavur – Pondicherry (By Road) (265 Km/6 hrs 30 min)
Today’s drive will take you to the east coast and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
On leaving Visalam, you visit Thanjavur, a town known for its great Chola temples, the most impressive amongst which is the Brihadeshwara temple located in the center of the city.
After a pit-stop for a typical South Indian vegetarian lunch, you come to the next high-point of your journey: the great Chidambaram temple. Said to be the birthplace of Shiva as the dancer (Nataraja), this temple is located upon Earth’s magnetic equator and thus considered by some to be the center of the world.
Reach Pondicherry and check in to your luxurious room at the Palais de Mahe. Once you’re settled, take a walk down old Pondy to one of the popular local restaurants for dinner. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 10 Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a wonderful town with a long and interesting history of trade and war. You can explore this history by foot or bicycle. Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, the French, Christian, Hindu and Muslim quarters, the incredible colorful main market, the beach promenade and the Ganesha Temple. Drop in at the Aurobindo paper factory, and the Auroville Store.
En route, have a cup of coffee at the Kafe Express, or some French food at La Maison Rose, a treat that’ll transport you to old Europe.
Lunch is served at Maison Perumal, our boutique hotel in the Tamil Quarter, and a gala farewell dinner awaits you at Palais de Mahe to put a fine finishing touch to your culinary tour of the south. Overnight in Pondicherry
Day 11 Depart Cochin
Breakfast and transfer to the airport, on your journey back home.
***********TOUR ENDS********
| City | Night (s) | 5 Star Deluxe | Room Category |
| Cochin | 02 | Bruto Boatyard | Deluxe Room |
| House Boat | 01 | Spice Coast Cruises | Premier Room |
| Kumarakom | 01 | Coconut Lagoon | Premier Room |
| Periyar | 02 | Spice Village | Premier Room |
| Chettinad | 02 | Visalam | Premier Room |
| Pondicherry | 02 | Maison Perumul | Premier Room |
- Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
- Meet assist at the hotels and airport.
- 09 nights hotel accommodation as per the program.
- 01 Overnight stay in Houseboat
- Daily breakfast, Lunch and dinners.
- Cruising in Lake vedambna
- Cooking Demonstration.
- Cultural performance kathakali dance
- Spice garden visit
- Boating in periyar
- 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
- 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.