8-Day CGH Earth Heritage Trail: From Colonial Highlands to Marari Sands

7 Nights 8 Days
  

Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Marari Beach

Tour Itinerary

 

Day 1

Cochin
  • The Historical Pulse of Cochin
  • Your journey begins at the Cochin International Airport, where the transition from the modern world to the ancient starts immediately.
  • You are whisked away to Fort Kochi or the historic Willingdon Island.
    • The Heritage Walk: Explore the ancient harbor and the spice markets of Mattancherry. Visit the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets.
    • The Stay: Whether at Brunton Boatyard (built on a former shipyard) or Casino Hotel, you will experience the colonial grandeur of a bygone era.
    • Evening: Enjoy a private Harbour Cruise at sunset, watching the city's silhouette from the water.
    • Overnight at Cochin.

Day 2

Munnar
  • The Ascent to the Planter’s Legacy (Cochin – Munnar)
  • Leave the coastal heat behind and travel through winding roads lined with rubber and tea plantations to reach the Munnar Bungalows.
    • The Experience: These bungalows, some over 200 years old, offer a glimpse into the colonial tea-planting era. Located far from the tourist-heavy town center, they provide a pristine, untouched mountain experience. 
    • Atmosphere: Relax in a setting where the only sounds are the rustle of tea leaves and the calls of mountain birds.
    • Overnight at Munnar Bungalows

Day 3

Munnar
  • High-Altitude Immersion
  • Wake up to the mist rolling over the tea estates.
  • Today is for rejuvenation and exploration.
    • Activities: Embark on a Guided Trek through the Western Ghats' unique ecosystem. Later, visit the Tea Museum to understand how the humble leaf shaped the history of this region.
    • Wellness: Enjoy the crisp mountain air, known for its therapeutic qualities.
    • Overnight at Munnar Bungalows.

Day 4

Thekkady
  • Spice Village – The Tribal Heartland (Munnar – Thekkady)
  • Travel to Thekkady, where you check into Spice Village.
  • Modeled after the dwellings of the local Manan tribe, this resort is an eco-wonder featuring elephant-grass thatched roofs.
    • Lunch: Enjoy an organic meal at the restaurant.
    • Engagement: Participate in a Cooking Demonstration to learn the secrets of Kerala spices and enjoy a traditional cultural program in the evening.
    • Overnight at Spice Village.

Day 5

Kumarakom
  • Coconut Lagoon – The Backwater Heritage (Thekkady – Kumarakom)
  • Descend back to the coast to the village of Kumarakom.
  • You reach Coconut Lagoon via boat, a resort made of restored heritage homes (Tharavadu) set amidst a web of canals.
    • The Setting: Located on the banks of Lake Vembanad, this resort is a sanctuary for local flora and fauna.
    • Sunset Cruise: Enjoy a traditional rice boat cruise accompanied by the soothing melodies of a flute.
    • Overnight at Coconut Lagoon.

Day 6

Kumarakom
  • The Rhythms of the Backwater (Houseboat)
  • Check into a CGH Earth Houseboat for an overnight journey through the unique backwaters of Kerala.
    • The Voyage: Your private floating villa glides through narrow canals, past coconut groves and emerald paddy fields. Observe the timeless lifestyle of the village folk from your private deck
    • Overnight on the Houseboat.

Day 7

Marari Beach
  • Marari Beach – The Art of Stillness (Kumarakom – Marari)
  • After a morning Yoga session and breakfast, transfer to Marari Beach.
  • This is not a typical raucous beach destination; it is a "living environment."
    • The Villa: Stay in an independent villa at Marari Beach Resort. There are no noisy water scooters or parties here—only the rustle of the coconut grove and the sound of the Arabian Sea.
    • Evening: Engage in a cooking class with the Chef or relax in the organic garden.
    • Overnight at Marari Beach.

Day 8

Cochin Departure
  • Departure After a leisurely breakfast at Marari, take one last walk through the organic farm before your transfer back to Cochin International Airport for your journey home.

Note

We offer a variety of tour packages including Standard, Deluxe, Premium, and Luxury options, with customizable hotel and vehicle classifications to suit every preference and budget. Whether you prefer boutique heritage stays or five-star luxury resorts, we can tailor this 10-day itinerary to meet your specific requirements.

Terms & Inclusions

Important Notes:

  • Seasonal Rates: A peak season hike applies to bookings from October 1st onwards.
  • Holiday Supplements: Mandatory supplementary charges apply for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
  • Flexibility: Slight itinerary alterations may be necessary during peak season to ensure guest comfort, but the category of accommodation will remain as promised
  • Availability: Rooms are subject to availability at the time of booking.

The Package Includes:

  • Accommodation for a couple in your chosen category (Standard/Deluxe/Premium/Luxury).
  • Daily Breakfast (CP Plan); Houseboat stay includes all meals (AP Plan).
  • Private A/C vehicle for airport/railway station pickups, all transfers, and sightseeing.
  • Toll fees, parking charges, and driver’s bata.
  • Complimentary stay for children below 5 years (sharing bed).

The Package Excludes:

  • Extra person charges and additional bedding.
  • Entry tickets to monuments, national parks, and museums.
  • Personal expenses (Laundry, tips, etc.) and optional activities.

More Tour Packages

Frequently Asked Questions8-Day CGH Earth Heritage Trail: From Colonial Highlands to Marari Sands

What is the focus of the 8-Day CGH Earth Heritage Trail?

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The 8-Day CGH Earth Heritage Trail is a curated luxury journey that connects Kerala’s colonial history with its natural landscapes. It features stays in authentic heritage properties across Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, and Kumarakom, concluding with a serene wellness experience at Marari Beach.

How do the Munnar Bungalows differ from standard hotels?

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Instead of modern resorts, this itinerary features historic tea-planting bungalows that are over 200 years old. Located away from the busy town center, these properties offer an untouched mountain atmosphere where guests can immerse themselves in the "Planter’s Legacy" through guided treks and tea museum visits.

What kind of accommodation is provided at Spice Village?

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In Thekkady, guests stay at Spice Village, an eco-resort modeled after the dwellings of the local Manan tribe. The villas feature traditional elephant-grass thatched roofs and offer unique cultural engagements like organic cooking demonstrations and tribal performances.

What makes the Coconut Lagoon experience in Kumarakom special?

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Accessible only by boat, Coconut Lagoon consists of meticulously restored heritage homes known as Tharavadus. Situated on the banks of Lake Vembanad, it serves as a sanctuary for local wildlife and offers guests traditional flute-accompanied sunset cruises on ancient rice boats.

Are all meals included during the Kerala houseboat cruise?

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Yes. While hotel stays typically follow the CP Plan (Breakfast only), the overnight journey on the CGH Earth Houseboat follows an AP Plan (Full Board). A private chef prepares all meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—as you glide through the backwater canals.

How does Marari Beach Resort promote a "stillness" environment?

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The Marari Beach segment is designed as a "living environment" rather than a commercial tourist spot. There are no noisy water sports; instead, guests enjoy morning yoga sessions, walks through organic farms, and cooking classes with the chef in a quiet coconut grove setting.