Day 01: Feb 25, 2025: Arrive Cochin (INDIA)

Namaste! Welcome to Cochin. We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After clearing Immigration, baggage collection and customs, we are met and warmly welcomed by Bestway Tours ground staff and transferred to our hotel. Irrespective of your time of arrival, we will be there with our Bestway Tours Welcome banner. Hotel check-in time is 1400hrs.

Cochin arrival should not be later than 2 P.M as you’d not like to miss the cocktail hour and Welcome dinner especially curated by Chef Joe for you.

Evening we enjoy a memorable mouth-watering Welcome Dinner at the Brunton Boatyard put together jointly by Chef Joe and the local chef of Brunton Boatyard. This will be the first of many tastes of Kerala and Sri Lankan cuisines.

Overnight: Grand Hyatt Kochi Belgatty, Cochin (2 Nights) (D)

Day 02: Feb 26, 2025: Cochin

The city of Cochin is distinguished by considerable European influences especially in the architecture of this charming town. It is picturesquely located on several islands between the Arabian Sea and the Kerala backwaters. Reflecting the maritime history of Kochi, the old buildings are a blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture.

Early in the morning, we venture out for heritage walk of the Fort Kochi, and visit St. Francis Church - the oldest European church in India as the original burial site of the renowned Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama. We explore the majestically decorated Santa Cruz Basilica followed by the harbor where we see the famous Chinese fishing nets in action. Chef Joe displays us with his extraordinary bargaining skills to buy the best catch of the day which he will be served during dinner. We also visit some local eateries that offer the best of traditional local breakfast, and try some local delicacies before heading to our hotel.

We then wander through the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Kochi where we see various European influences, merchant houses and old warehouses, the beautiful waterfront and narrow streets. Allow time to admire the colourful murals, including depictions of the Ramayana, in the 16th century Dutch Palace and visit the Pardesi Synagogue in Jewish Town. Next, we visit Ernakulam city where we enjoy lunch at the famous sea food restaurant Grand Pavilion located at the Grand Hotel, known for its best seafood dishes in the entire city.

After breakfast, we wander through the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Kochi where we see various European influences, merchant houses and old warehouses, the beautiful waterfront and narrow streets. Allow time to admire the colourful murals, including depictions of the Ramayana, in the 16th century Dutch Palace and visit the Pardesi Synagogue in the Jewish Town. At Ernakulam city we enjoy lunch at the famous sea food restaurant, The Grand Pavilion.

Afternoon we cruise on a chartered boat to Bolghatty Palace, now a heritage hotel and observe the fascinating Chinese fishing nets in action, a sight most coveted by photographers internationally.

Evening, we attend a Kathakali show where the epic Ramayana comes to life. Classical dancers use larger than life gestures, wear outstanding and unique costumes with elaborate make up.  Dinner at hotel. (B, L, D)

◆ Tour Fort Kochi
◆ Seafood lunch at the famous Grand Hotel
◆ Harbor Cruise
◆ Kathakali dance performance

Day 03: Feb 27, 2025: Cochin/Kumarakom (Drive)

After breakfast we have the morning free before we head for the home of the local culinary icon, Mrs. Nimmy Paul, (http://www.nimmypaul.com). Nimmy is internationally recognized for her authentic recipes promoting healthy lifestyle as well as of her knowledge in the medicinal properties of spices and herbs used in everyday cooking. She has been widely featured in many international Journals and will demonstrate to us the nuances of traditional Kerala recipes. Four popular Kerala dishes cooked in front of us and at that follows will be served on a “Sadhya”-traditional banana leaf consisting of vegetarian and payasam (sweets) along with the favorite Kerala condiments. Chef Joe will teach us eating the traditional Indian way - with our fingers, that is, if you have not yet done, so far.

Balance of the day is free. After the cooking class, we drive to Kumarakom and check in our hotel. The remainder of the day is free and enjoy the amenities the bungalows have to offer. We have a 2nights stay at the Bungalows.

Overnight: Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom. Heritage Bungalow (2 Nights) (B, L, D)

◆ Cooking session with Mrs. Nimmy Paul followed by lunch

Day 04: Feb 28, 2025: Kumarakom (Backwaters)

Morning we are free for personal activities. There is a lot to do here with the forests, lakes, enchanting waterways, walking trails, etc. Afternoon, we board our private houseboat and take a four-hour cruise along the famous backwaters of Kerala from Kumarakom to Alleppey. Lunch is on board our houseboat. Our journey begins through the picturesque backwaters and small lakes relaxing in the tranquility of Kerala's beautiful scenery. As we cruise, we come across many boats, canoes and other water crafts and also observe the traditional way of life and activities of the local people on the mainland. Families here, live on the banks of the river and earn their livelihood from it too. Dinner will be at our hotel. (B, L, D)

◆ Backwater cruise followed by lunch

Day 05: Mar 01, 2025: Kumarakom/Thekkady (Drive 140 Kms/4 Hrs)

Our day will start with a scenic drive to Periyar, known also as Thekkady, where we visit the 1895 British-built dam. Periyar is a wildlife reserve, providing an ideal environment to track wild elephants, bison, deer, and various bird species. The tropical landscape surrounding us is adorned with tea, coffee, and other spices, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Afternoon, we enjoy a boat cruise on the lake in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. From the tranquil setting of the lake, we will be impressed with the lush scenery while keeping an eye out for animals that come to the water's edge. It is common to spot herds of elephants, wild boars, or the magnificent Sambar Deer, enhancing our boating experience.

In the evening, we participate in a cooking session at Spice Village, followed by dinner. Chef Joe and a team of master chefs, representing various regions of the country, prepare a selection of dishes showcasing authentic flavors and aromas. Specializing in popular regional cuisines, each chef's expertise adds to the exquisite dining experience, allowing us to indulge in the exotic preparations.

Periyar offers us a blend of wildlife exploration, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. We have a 2-nights stay here.

Overnight: Spice Village. Thekkady. Spice Garden Cottages (2 Nights) (B, D)

◆ Afternoon boat ride on Lake Periyar
◆ Evening cooking session followed by dinner

Day 06: Mar 02, 2025: Thekkady

Take a guided Jungle walk through the Periyar Tiger Reserve/National Park, offering us a chance to see wildlife up close. The three hours walk is an easy to moderate level. Periyar is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers and leopards. We then enjoy breakfast at our hotel.

Later in the afternoon, we visit a family home belonging to a native tribe, where we explore a spice plantation. This organic plantation employs natural pest control methods and showcases a range of spices and herbs used for culinary and medicinal purposes. The residents possess extensive knowledge about their produce, and guide us through the plantation and encourage us to engage our senses by smelling and tasting various clippings. We witness a demonstration of a home-cooked meal using the locally grown organic spices, and stay for lunch with the family.

In the evening, we attend a Kalaripayattu show, an ancient martial art form considered the mother of all martial arts. The art form is believed to have originated 3000 years ago with sage Parasurama, who is credited with reclaiming Kerala from the Arabian Sea. The show highlights the skill, agility, and cultural significance of Kalaripayattu, with its influences on martial arts around the world.

Throughout the day, we engage in immersive experiences that connect us with nature, culture, and traditions. From the jungle walk to the spice plantation and the Kalaripayattu show, we will experience the beauty and significance of Periyar. (B, L, D)

◆ Morning guided Jungle walk
◆ Visit native family home and spice plantation
◆ Demonstration of home cooked meal followed by lunch

Day 07: Mar 03, 2025: Thekkady/Kothamanglam (Drive 110 Kms/3 Hrs) & Kothamanglam/Thrissur (Drive 80 Kms/2 Hrs)

After breakfast, we drive to Kothamanagalam to visit rubber and coconut plantations. Our “guides”, Peter & Pushpamma Jose give us a very personal touch. The couple is Chef Joe's parent’s in-law. They like to show off their plantations, providing insights into their work with nature. We will see the cultivation of rubber and coconut and learn about their significance.

Following Kothamanagalam, we proceed to Thrissur and check in at our hotel. Thrissur, a beautiful city in Kerala, is also known for its sacred sites and colorful festivals. In the center is Vadakkumnathan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is adorned with murals. The ornate, Indo-Gothic Our Lady of Dolours Basilica is also close by. To the north, Thiruvambady Temple is home to several elephants. Sakthan Thampuran Palace houses an archaeology museum with bronze statues and ancient coins. So much to see and enjoy.

Dinner at hotel. Enjoy a 2-nights stay at the deluxe Hyatt Regency.

Overnight: Hyatt Regency, Thrissur. Standard Rooms (2 Nights) (B, D)

◆ Private visit to the Kothamanagalam rubber and coconut plantations
◆ Home visits to Peter and Pushpamma Jose, Chef Joe’s in-laws

Day 08: Mar 04, 2025: Thrissur

Another day of personal and family touch today. Today, we are the personal guests of Joseph and Mary Thottungal – any relation with our chef? We will see. We visit Joe's ancestral home and get a glimpse into Kerala's family life and learn about Joe's culinary journey. We are warmly welcomed by Joe's extended family, giving us the chance to experience local customs and engage in discussions about Indian culture, rituals, family life and religion. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared either by Mama Joe or her son, the Indo-Canadian chef.

This day offers a unique blend of family connections, cultural insights and culinary experiences. It allows us also to appreciate the cultural heritage of Kerala and being part of a joint family gathering. (B, L, D)

◆ Visit Joe’s ancestral home followed by lunch

Day 09: Mar 05, 2025: Thrissur/Cochin (Drive 60 Kms/1 Hr) Cochin/Colombo (Flight) (SRI LANKA)

Early morning, we bid farewell to Kerala and drive to the airport and board for our short haul flight to Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka. On arrival we are met by our Sri Lankan guide and transferred to Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka or as it was known during colonial times as, Ceylon. His small island is rated as the oldest one in the world closely followed by India.

Afternoon we explore Colombo which will take us through the busy commercial areas, as well as the tree-lined residential Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Sea Street, the Goldsmith's quarter in Pettah, the bazaar area, a Hindu Temple, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back from 1794, the historical 1895 Davatagaha Mosque and the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara (Buddhist Temple), believed to have been visited by Lord Buddha some 2,500 years ago.

Later we will have dinner at a secret location. Don’t ask!

Overnight: Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. Premium Room (1 Night) (packed/ Cold Breakfast, D)

Day 10: Mar 06, 2025: Colombo/Kandy (Drive 120 Kms/3 Hrs)

After breakfast we leave for Kandy, the beautiful capital of the central highlands. En route we visit a local family and join them in preparing a Kandyan lunch.  Continue our drive to Kandy where we have a 2nights stay at the Grand Kandyan a five-star hotel which boasts a blend of palatial grandeur and comforts typifying luxury in every corner, catering to all needs of a modern traveler. Located in the heart of the historical city of Kandy with a 360degree view of spectacular mountain ranges, the hotel is just minutes away from The UNESCO world heritage site, "The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic" and the city’s premier shopping area. Kandy is set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. The city's heart is the scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake), which is popular for strolling. Kandy is famed for sacred Buddhist sites, including the popular, Temple of the Tooth of Lord Buddha (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shrine which we visit later in the day.

Overnight: The Grand Kandyan, Kandy. Standard Rooms (2 Nights) (B, L, D)

Day 11: Mar 07, 2025: Kandy: Train Journey, Tea Factory and Plantation

Another interesting day as we board the morning train for a scenic journey to Nanu Oya, the nearest railway station to Nuwara Eliya. Take a brief city tour of the colonial town of Nuwara Eliya located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) and is considered to be the most important location for tea production in Sri Lanka. As we return to Kandy, we stop at tea plantation and factory to see the manufacturing process of the world famous, Ceylon Tea. Train journey from Nuawara Eliya to Kandy will take just under 4hours seeing enchanting scenery enroute. (B, D)

Day 12: Mar 08, 2025: Kandy/Matale/Habarana (Drive 95 Kms/3 Hrs)

After breakfast we leave for beautiful Habarana the hub of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. En route we stop at Matale to visit a spice garden. Surrounding the town are the Knuckles Mountain Range, the foothills were called Wiltshire by the British. It is a mainly an agricultural area, where tea, rubber, vegetable, and spice cultivation dominate. We visit a spice garden which displays the spices Sri Lanka is famous for.

At Habarana we visit a local Sinhalese family home and learn how to prepare traditional meal and later enjoy the light lunch with them.

Free time in the evening for those who want to climb to the summit of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This spectacular Rock Fortress is one of 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka and a major attraction. The Water Garden, Frescos of beautiful maidens, mirror wall with ancient graffiti, lions flat form and the remains of the summit of the rock shows us the glory period of Sigiriya.

Overnight: The Cinnamon Lodge, Habrana. Superior Rooms (1 Night) (B, L, D)

Day 13: Mar 09, 2025: Habarana/Jaffna (Drive 238 Kms/5 Hrs)

After breakfast we leave for Jaffna. Around noon time, we visit a typical market and experience the environment of a live produce market.

Later in the afternoon we join a local Tamil family living in Jaffna and learn how prepare traditional meal. You will be treated to an authentic crab curry cooked and spiced, the Jaffna style. Another hands-on cooking experience before dinner. We will have an insight to the lifestyles of Jaffna. The star-shaped Jaffna Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 17th Century and later occupied by the Dutch and British. Jaffna Public Library is a symbol of the city’s post-war regeneration. Jaffna Archaeological Museum has Dutch cannons and pre-colonial artifacts. There is a lot of history to see and we will have a 2nights stay in this at this all-suite boutique hotel.

Overnight: The Thinnai Hotel, Jaffna. Vaalai One Bedroom Suite (2 Nights) (B, D)

Day 14: Mar 10, 2025: Jaffna

Jaffna was the capital of a Tamil kingdom for centuries before it was conquered by Europeans. The city still has many distinctive Tamil cultural characteristics. Jaffna fell under Portuguese rule in 1619 and was their last possession in Ceylon before its capture by the Dutch in 1658.

Nallur Kandaswamy temple is one of the most impressive religious structures in Jaffna and the most significant Hindu temple complexes in the country dedicated to God Murugan. The Kovil's 15thCentury structure was vandalized by the Portuguese in the 17th Century which was rebuilt in 1734.

After breakfast we visit some of the prominent Hindu temples of Nallur and Naguleshwaram before visiting a vegetable garden. While visiting the farm, you can pick few vegetables to add to your cooking experience. We then join a Tamil family for a meal. Amongst the popular Jaffna dishes include Spicy Jaffna-style mutton and crab curry, Sambol usually made by using a traditional grinder, Jaffanese Thali….. Balance of the day is free to enjoy the town and learn more about this august city. (B, L, D)

Day 15: Mar 11, 2025: Jaffna/Anuradhapura (Drive 196 Kms/4 Hrs)

After breakfast we visit another UNESCO World Heritage city of Anuradhapura, the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka.

Here we go on a jeep safari at Wilpattu National Park. The park gets its name from the more than 106 lakes called ‘Villus’ locally. These waterbodies come under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This is Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest park, an incredible 1,316 sq.Kms. home to the Sri Lankan Leopard, Elephant, Sloth Bear, Wild Water Buffalo, Sambhur and the Graceful Spotted Deer. It’s also home to the island's resident and migratory birds, with its Lakes hosting Sri Lanka’s wetland water birds. We overnight at a distinctive forest lodge.

Overnight:The Lake Forest Hotel, Anuradhapurna. Deluxe Rooms (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 16: Mar 12, 2025: Anuradhapura/Negombo (Drive 170 Kms/4 Hrs)

Breakfast and explore Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital, Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is a living ancient city because of its Eight Sacred Sites for Singhalese Buddhists. Anuradhapura was the first capital of the island and remained so for 1500 years. Established in the 4th Century BC, the capital evolved into one of South Asia’s Great cities with the introduction of Buddhism a hundred years later. In its heyday, its monasteries included the Abhayagiri - Buddhist universities of higher learning affiliated with the great monasteries of India.

A sampling of the Bodhi Tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment was brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd Century BC. Today, it is the oldest documented tree in the world and one can relive the deep-rooted religious beliefs of Sri Lanka’s Singhalese Buddhists. It’s also home to well preserved ruins, renovated Buddhist shrines and Dagobas, and the iconography of the Buddha image.

Continue on to the beach resort at Negombo where the balance of the day is free at leisure. Negombo, is also known for its delicious and wide variety of spiced, hot spiced and spice-free sea food. Watch the sunset reflect off the mirror-like waters of the sea. Eat, laze, wake, indulge and repeat… life in paradise and make yourself at home! We have a 2-nights stay at Negombo.

Overnight: The Heritance, Negombo. Deluxe Rooms (2 Nights) (B)

Day 17: Mar 13, 2025: Negombo

Adorned in shades of beige and off white, the rooms at the Heritance Negombo emit nothing less than the brilliant essence of Sri Lankan hospitality. Contemporary comforts such as plush furnishings and modern amenities bring to life the ultimate experience of luxury on a small island in the Indian Ocean. Views from our vibrant living spaces will take your breath away! The hotel is also located close to the railway station allowing us to further explore the country and meet the people.

Enjoy your day at this top of the line beach resort in the Indian Ocean. Evening, we are treated to a specially set farewell dinner at our hotel. It will be time now to bid good bye as we may not all be departing on the following day for the airport.  Departure transfer timings will be customised to your individual needs. (B, D)

Day 18: Mar 14, 2025: Negombo/Colombo/Home

Breakfast at our hotel. Hotel check out time is 1100AM. The incredible experience of the cuisines of Kerala & Sri Lanka, diverse cultures, meeting families, history with hands on cooking and cultural activities is now coming to an end. Each participant will be provided with a transfer to the airport irrespective of your flight timing on this day. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, Sn=Snacks, HT=High Tea, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 24 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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