Backwaters and Wildlife
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Arrival in Periyar
This morning, you’ll leave Cochin and head for Thekkady which will be your base whilst you explore the Periyar National Park. You will be staying in a cosy guesthouse and the rest of today is free to spend as you wish. Your accommodation is within walking distance of small shops (mainly selling spices) and places to eat. If you would like to do something more active, we can arrange bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake. Spot wildlife on the shore as you paddle through the water.
Day 2 – Trekking in Periyar National Park & Keralan cooking class
Today you will head on a trekking tour in Periyar National Park. This expansive protected park is home to several species of deer, Indian bison, wild boar, langur monkeys and an abundance of birds and reptiles. But it’s best known for its wild elephants. Periyar is also an important tiger habitat and the population is gradually growing here, although you’ll be very lucky to spot one. You’ll spend a morning in the park, trekking through the forest with one of the park’s patrolmen who is an expert on the flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for tiger pug marks and wild elephants grazing in the tall grass.
In the evening, you will be introduced to the spicy cuisine of Kerala during a cooking workshop at a local Thekkady restaurant. The restaurant’s experienced chef demonstrates how to prepare a traditional Keralan dish, explains the important spices and local ingredients he uses and shares his tips. We guarantee the delicious aroma will make your stomach growl! And once the dishes are prepared, it’s time to sit down and enjoy dinner.
Days 3-4 – Overnight on a Keralan houseboat
This morning, leave for Alleppey where you’ll board a traditional Keralan houseboat and you’ll set sail into the backwaters. The labyrinth of tiny canals is fringed by palms on all sides and along the way, you’ll pass villages, hidden temples, churches and other traditional houseboats. Tonight you’ll sleep aboard your boat, moored on the banks of the scenic Lake Vattakayal. The next day your trip will end in Alleppey.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Backwaters and Wildlife - In Style accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our In Style version is something a bit more special or unique but still with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-sized trip, select our In Style option below.
A Special Stay in Thekkady
If you’re looking for a special stay in Thekkady, we have just the place! Spacious thatched-roof cottages are dotted throughout 12 acres of gardens, trees and spice plants. There’s a real sense of place: the restaurants serve regional cuisine and the in-house activities showcase the best of the local area. There’s a large swimming pool that’s perfect for a refreshing dip after trekking through Periyar National Park. One night stay is not enough!
