Educational tour to INDIA for American Universities

11 Days Tour Of Kerala & North India

A fascinating journey through India & tropical southern State of
Kerala, do experience the diversity in scenery, architecture, culture
and most importantly the people.
Kerala is a tropical bliss with an idyllic coastline and lush tropical
hills. Despite its relative riches, the majority of the population in
Kerala life continue with agriculture, tea, coffee and spice plantations
and the coir industry, which still provides the basic economic structure
of the region.
We at Muziris Heritage Experiences believes in offering the distinctive
experience of ‘learning through travelling’. All our itineraries, be it our
packages or custom designed tours, are planned with this in mind. It’s all
about being there and connecting with the place, the people and their
culture – in a more intense and real way. That will perhaps be a bit
different from what we usually see in the glamorised tourist guides,
magazines and brochures. We features tours and detours in the right mix,
to make your journey to Kerala, India a really rewarding experience,
where you get to feel the real pulse and essence of this incredible country !

Itinerary

5th January – NSCBI Airport Pickup at 2 AM
On Arrival NSCBI airport  transfer to Eljin Kolkata. Night stay at
Kolkata. (At Hotel Elgin Kolkata )
Possible tour in the afternoon your own
The Kolkata walk tour begins from General Post Office – the site of
the erstwhile Old Fort William with the story of 1756 conquest of
Calcutta by Siraj-ud-daulah and fabricated myth of “Black Hole”. We
continue with the story of the Zamindars of Kolkata, Opium
Exchange, the first star hotel of Kolkata that finds mention in Jules
Verne’s novel and the journey of the city of Kolkata from being three
tiny hamlets to a leading cultural melting pot of the 20th century.
The couple of square kilometres area in current Dalhousie Square
holds remnants of the entire length of time when Kolkata used to be
the capital of British India. The colonial period seems to be
mummified in the structural edifice and memorials that have
withstood the ravages of time. From memorials of conquests to ruins
of defeat our colonial past dot the entire area.
The sites covered in this trip, gives our guests a good idea of the entire
canvas of history beginning with the initial stage of the British in India
to the time when the East India Company, a business outfit was
virtually ruling India. The stories narrated (by the story teller) in the
walk takes us to the days when British were trying to gain a foothold
in Bengal amidst stiff competition from other colonial powers and
adversity of the ruling Nawabs of Bengal.

6th January –  NSCBI Airport Drop
This morning check out from the hotel and  transfer to NSCBI
Airport for your onward journey.

20 January 2025 : On Arrival transfer from Cochin Airport to hotel in
Cochin. Overnight at hotel in Cochin.
21 January 2025 : Morning sightseeing tour of Cochin . Evening
lecture on the topic of Philosophy by MG university professor,
Overnight at hotel in Kochi
Explore the old towns of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, which is a
perfect combination of history and lively experiences. Half of the
tour is dedicated to the historical sites of Fort Cochin on foot,
followed by a tuk-tuk ride to Mattancherry to experience its lively
narrow lanes. Fort Cochin has more of Colonial and Christian
architecture, whereas Mattancherry offers a lively environment and
a completely different experience. An excellent walk to propose, it
starts at Shantilal’s Sweet Center, then the Fruit Market, visit a Jain
Family who are experts in temporary Herbal Tattoos, visit a
Brahmin’s house to see Kollam making and lastly the Jew street
with its numerous antique shops.

22 January 2025 : Morning Muziris tour along with Kudumbasree
program & evening Kathakali dance. Overnight at hotel in Kochi We
have a lecture scheduled for Political science by MG University
Professor at 4 pm to 5.30 PM
Kudumbasree Program : After your breakfast, proceed with your
day with a Kudumbasree’s visit program (women empowerment
program by government of kerala) in Chendamangalam village. The
journey is conducted by Kudumbasree family, a women’s self-help
group empowered to promoting, gender equity and communal
harmony through self-sustainability. Started in 1998, their mission is
to eradicate poverty in rural areas through teaching women skills like
organic farming, weaving and handicrafts. You will be welcomed to
the village with traditional Tharavadu (family house) hospitality,
jasmine garland and sandalwood Chutti (jewelry), and tender coconut
water to drink. Artisans from the Kudumbasree unit of this village will
perform for you folk dances of Kerala. Then you will have a cooking

demonstration where you can participate if you choose before feasting
on Sadya, a vegetarian meal served on banana leaves. After lunch,
watch handloom weaving by skilled villagers; weaving is a primary
source of income for many of the families in the village. Explore the
winding roads of the village and spend time interacting with the
villagers.

Then we proceeds to Paliyam Nalukettu , Kottakav
Church & Paravur Jewish Synagogue

Paliam Nalukettu&s are the traditional homesteads (tharavads) where
several generations of a matrilineal joint family lived together.
Nalukettu consists of a main house along with a few satellite houses.
Portico, Inner Hall, Kitchen and four blocks – Northern, Southern,
Eastern and Western – constitute the different parts of a traditional
Nalukettu. The design and construction pattern are closely linked to
the life cycle of women in the family, their rituals, beliefs and
celebrations. Nalukettu was occupied by the women of Paliam Noble
family who followed matrilineal system. This structure is also an
epitome of the traditional housing architecture of Kerala.

The Matriarchal Legacy
Matrilineal system followed an inheritance system through mothers.
Like Kochi royal family, Paliam family too followed matrilineal
system. The Karanavar [head of the family) was called Valiyachan.
The inheritance rights went to the nephew (sister&s son). Valiyachan
held the status of being the manager of the family. Unlike other
Nalukettus’ where male were in charge of household administration, in
Paliam the control of the Nalukettu rested with valiyamma.

Paravur Jewish Synagogue

The Jewish communities who came here in different periods settled in
and around Kodungallur were involved in trade. Synagogues are
Jewish places of worship. They received special rights and privileges
from the kings to build these Synagogues. Innumerous aspects of
Kerala culture were absorbed by them. Repeated attacks by
Portuguese, Dutch and Mysore inflicted damages on the Synagogues.
When Israel came into being, many Jews returned in groups. The
Synagogues were left unattended, and worship there stopped.
One of the oldest such Synagogues is the Paravur Synagogue. The
Paravur Jewish Synagogue Museum presents the history of Jews and
their Synagogues along the Kerala coast, their modes of worship and
so on from the point of view of the Jews.
The Paravur Synagogue is the most expansive and complete among
synagogues in Kerala. It is a construction that has several parts that
are linked to each other in specific ways. It consists of a porch with
two rooms, very spacious front yard, long corridor, huge doors and
stairs made of wood, whitewashed walls built with laterite blocks and
a mixture of lime, and the wooden chamber with intricate carvings.
The influence of Kerala style is evident in the special seats designed
for females in the second floor, the hanging lamps that decorate the
prayer room etc. The shape of the fan on the front wall of the prayer
hall resembles Portuguese style.
Found on the erstwhile Jewish street in Paravur, this Synagogue was
built in 1615. It is one among the largest surviving synagogues in
Kerala. The building is located in the former Jewish Street of the
Paravur region. It served as the place of worship for the Jewish
community that settled very close to the Paravur Market. Though the
users of the synagogue have all but faded away, both the market and
the synagogue still exist. The Paravur market opening to the river
Periyar still functions twice a week, a boat jetty has been constructed
there, and the Jew street still goes by that name, though one of its two
pillars at the entrance has been knocked down. With the opening of
the Paravur visitor centre, the synagogue will be within walking
distance from there.

Kottakavu Church situated in the heart of Paravur town in Kerala is
a significant place of religious importance as one of the seven
churches or Christian settlements established by St. Thomas, one of
the apostles of Christ. It is believed that the Persian Cross, which is
preserved in the chapel in front of the church, might have been
engraved in rock in 880 AD. A wooden cross which the saint had
planted was kept in the church till the 18th century. But during the
siege of Tipu Sultan, various churches were demolished, and this cross
too was destroyed. The church ransacked at that time was the third
one built after the saint’s time. The church of 1308 was rebuilt and
blessed on 15th August 2002.
The old church, the elephantine wall on the adjacent western side and
the pilgrim pond where the Apostle baptized the devotees are all still
preserved well. It is known that about 2 acres of land were
provisionally allocated by the church for the construction of the
Paravur market. It was the Cross that stood in this place from age old
days that was converted into the market chapel.

23 January 2025 : Morning visit Women & Child Hospital and
Biennale, after that drive to Munnar. Overnight at hotel in Munnar
Breakfast and check-out at the hotel, We will have 2 hours to see The
Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an international exhibition of contemporary art
held in the city of Kochi followed by transfer to Munnar, South India’s
largest tea-growing region, passing through the rolling hills and sculpted
tea gardens arrive at your next accommodation and check-in at your hotel .
Return back to your hotel for your overnight stay. (Bed and Breakfast)

24 January 2025 : Today we have some new experiences at Munnar ,
You get the first hand experience of life in one of the tea plantation
village around Munnar. You get to see the tea plantations, vegetable
farms and houses built since the time of British. You will be taken to

see the life of the villagers, who are mostly tea plantation workers,
who have been residing in the Line houses provided by the company.
Most of the present day workers have been a part of the family legacy
as tea pickers, with the job handed down to 2nd or 3rd generations
from the time of British. You get an insight into their working
conditions and lifestyle by interacting with them with the help of our
guide, over a cup of tea. Often you may even get to see them at work
in the plantations.
Program:
Our local guide will meet you in Munnar town and accompany you to
the village. On reaching the location, you can go on a walk around the
village, and experience the rural beauty with cattle grazing in the
meadows and the houses amidst the hills covered with tea plantations.
Enjoy a cup of tea in a local tea shop or in a house around. Overnight
at Hotel

LOCKHART TEA PROGRAM
One of the well maintained tea factories from the British era,
where you get to see the Orthodox tea processing (leaf tea
processing). The old machines still in use, packaging of the
various grades of tea and the ambience itself becomes a
fascinating experience to learn more about tea. Also get an
essence of the past in the museum that has antiques and history
preserved. Learn more about the plantations and enjoy the
landscape through a guided hike to the tea plantations.

Half Day:
· 3 hours hike through tea plantations– Refreshments for the trek
is in tea plantation is included.
· Guided tour of the factory and museum
· Tea tasting program

25 January 2025 : Morning drive from Munnar to Alleppey & board
the Houseboat. Overnight at Houseboat
After Breakfast proceed to the Houseboat for your Backwaters cruise.
These boats are a reworked version of kettuvallams of olden times and
made out of huge planks of Jack wood, joined with coir from Coconut
shells.These original kettuvallams were once used to carry tons of rice and
spices. They are today converted into comfortable floating accommodation
offering enchanting cruises through the backwaters. Cruise through the
palm fringed canals enjoying the beauty of rural village life. You will be
offered to accompany the Chef on a visit to the direction a local food
market to buy all the ingredients for the execution of your sumptuous
Keralan meals served on board. The trip continues through a wonderful
area of the lush green vegetation of Kerala backwaters. En route enjoy a
country canoe ride – there is no better way of taking a closer look at the
life and activities on the backwaters. Dinner & overnight on board the
Houseboat. (Full Board)

26 January 2025 : Morning check out from the houseboat. Later drive
to Kovalam. Overnight at Kovalam Beach

27 January 2025 : Morning sightseeing tour of Trivandrum &
afternoon interaction with Dr . Tharoor. Overnight at hotel in
Kovalam.
Be introduced to Trivandrum, the easygoing and energetic Kerala’s
Capital, filled with Victorian style buildings, major art museums and 200-
years-old Travancore maharajas palaces.
Exploration of this Kerala’s Capital with a visit at the Sree Chitra Art
Gallery, hosting a collection of century old and original famous paintings
of Raja Ravi Varma and exquisite works from the various schools of arts in
India.

Follow with the stunning Napier Museum, designed by the renowned
Indo-sarascenic architect Robert Chisholm and observe the eclectic display
of bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, temple carts and ivory carvings.
Keep your eyes open on The Kuthiramalika Palace built by Maharaja
Swathi Thirunal of Travancore. Inside capture its collections of the royal
family such as wood carvings, paintings and various priceless.

Visit of the Padmanabaswami temple – Trivandrum’s spiritual heart. This
260-year-old temple is located in the Fort area and display the deity
Padmanabha on the sacred serpent made out over 10,000 salagramam
(sacred stones) that were transported from Nepal by elephant.
Finally enjoy a lunch enjoy an Authentic traditional lunch at Villa Maya
restaurant, with its classical architecture, minimal style and selected art
and craft pieces.

28 January 2025 : Today we will have a Drive to the village of
Mukkola, get the feel of its typical Kerala fish and vegetable market lying
ahead. Look out for some truly vast tuna, octopus or Kerimeen, Kerala fish
specialties and observe a handful old men selling fresh mussels out of
straw baskets in the alley leading
Peep into Vizhinjum Harbour, one of the busiest fishing harbor of
Trivandrum, with the sight of hundreds of fishing boats, women
taking head loads off to local markets and fishermen gliding into the
sea. Watch the day’s catch being brought in from the Seas.

Take an oppportunity to visit the Balaramapuram Handloom village,
known as the core place for the unique production of traditional
varieties of handloom textiles meant for clothe wearing style of
Kerala, famous for its purity and simplicity. Learn about the skills of
handloom weaving using silk and fine threads of gold and silver. In
this village they produce some of the most beautiful, elegant and
exquisite sarees famous across the country.

29 January 2025 : Trivandrum visit and some beach activities
Overnight at hotel in Kovalam
30 January 2025 : Early morning Departure transfer to Trivandrum
Airport.

ABOVE PACKAGES COST INCLUDES: 
10 Nights’ accommodation on Twin sharing basis ( 7 Twin rooms ) at
the above mentioned hotels
Accommodation will be on bed & breakfast basis at all hotels &
Houseboat will be All Meal basis
All transfers, sightseeing tours and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary will be provided by an air-conditioned Mini Coach in Kerala
All road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges.
All currently applicable taxes including 5% GST.
Arrival till departure Escort cum guide service
Assistance on Arrival & Departure
1 ltr water ( 2nos 500 ml water bottle ) per person during transfers &
sightseeing
All monuments &  activities entrances Charges ( 1 time entry) as per
the itinerary
Traditional Kerala Sadhya lunch & Kudumbasree Program
Lecture class for Philosophy & Political science at Kochi (or whichever subject guest ask)
On last day at Trivandrum Dinner Hosted by Lijo Jose
CP means – Bed &  Breakfast
AP means – All board (all food included)
ABOVE PACKAGES COST EXCLUDES :
International Airfare &  Insurance fees.

Expense of a personal nature like tipping, laundry, and telephone / fax
calls, alcoholic, beverages, camera / video camera fee at monuments,
medical expenses, airport
departure tax etc.

Meals other than those specified in the itinerary.
Transportation shall be provided
as per the itinerary and will not be at disposal. Therefore,
no  transport on the days of leisure.
Any other services not mentioned under ‘Your package includes’.