Onam Festival & Snake Boat Race of Aranmula
€1100
per person
This trip combines the visit of several tourist spots in Kerala (Kochi, Alleppey, Trivandrum) with the colorful festivities of the Onam festival and the fascinating snake-boat race of the village of Aranmula.
Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala, it lasts 10 days and falls during the Hindu month of Chingam, August-September of our Gregorian calendar and it symbolises the return of the legendary King Mahabali to Earth. Onam is an occasion of colourful festivities that showcase the very best of Keralan culture. Although this festival finds its origin in Hindu mythology, Onam brings together all layers of society and people of all faiths. The secular character of Onam is particular to Kerala where unity has always coexisted in diversity.
The village of Aranmula near Alleppey is a high place of pilgrimage for Hindus, its Parthasarathy temple dedicated to Lord Krishna attracts many faithful during the ‘snake-boats’ (Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali). The boats of Aranmula are called ‘snake-boats’ because the stern stands like a snake’s head. Traditionally, the boat is commanded by the Kaarnavan, the village chief, and hosts a hundred men: about 80 rowers sitting in a row of two, about fifteen singers who give rhythm, a handful of men wearing colourful umbrellas and four to five rowers who control the direction of the boat using a long 4-meter train, the Adanayampu, serving as a rudder.
Aranmula also has a unique feature in India: the ‘Kannadi’, ancestral sacred mirrors made according to a traditional method are kept secret. They are made only in this village and they are exported around the world. They are also part of the eight auspicious objects or ‘ashtamangalyam’ that make up the bride’s trousseau in Kerala.
You may also like...
ARYUVEDIC CURE
Ayurvedic cure of 7 to 21 days, on the shores of the Lake Ashtamudi, in a vast domain of 4 hectares of lush greenery. It is led by a doctor with over 30 years of experience and has descended from a family of three generations of Ayurvedic doctors.
from 7 to 21 days
HERITAGE
This 10-day journey takes you to the main places of interest of Kerala, from Kochi (Cochin) to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), via the queen mountain resort of Munnar and the romantic Alleppey, capital of the backwaters.
10 days
INTO THE WILD
Journey in the green paradises of Kerala, from Trivendrum to the Alleppey backwaters; from Munnar, the queen mountain resort to Kochi, and from Calicut to the jungle of Wayanad, one of Kerala's wildest regions.
14 days
IN DUO
Smooth journey for lovers as well as travellers wishing to have a well-being break during their trip. The tour begins on the shores of Kochi to Munroe Island's Ayurvedic centre via Munnar, Tekkady and Alleppey, the capitale of backwaters.
10 days
PHOTO / FESTIVAL
This trip combines the visit of several tourist spots in Kerala (Kochi, Alleppey, Trivandrum) with the colorful festivities of the Onam festival and the fascinating snake-boat race of the village of Aranmula.
10 days
PHOTO / FESTIVAL
Photo-tour during the performances of Theyyam, in Kannur (Kerala), one of the most spectacular art-ritual forms of India. A unique experience that leaves you with an impression of returning to the roots of ancient India.
5 days
Day 1
Arrival in Kochi (Cochin)
We welcome you warmly at the Airport of Kochi and drive you to your hotel. Depending on the time of arrival, we will go for a walk along the port to Fort Kochi famous for its 'cheenavala' orChinese fishing nets. Called 'the gateway to Kerala', Kochi (Cochin) has the eclectic atmosphere of cities that have been exposed to many external influences over time. As a merchant city, it has attracted covetousness since time immemorial: the Arabs, Chinese, British, Dutch and Portuguese have left their mark on the history and development of Kochi. It remains today the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is one of the most important port cities on the west coast of India. Overnight in Kochi.
Day 2
Kochi, an eclectic cultural city
We will begin our tour of the city with the visit of the Church of St. Francis, the oldest church built by Europeans in India (1503) where, for a time, Vasco Da Gama was buried. Then we will go to the Mattancherry Palace built in the Nalukettu style, the traditional architecture of Kerala. In the Jewish town, we will visit the Paradesi synagogue, one of seven synagogues of the 'Yehudan Mappila' or Jewish community of Kochi. The Yehudan Mappilar Jews of Kochi formed a prosperous community in Kerala, controlling most of the spice trade. We will end the day with a Kathakali dance show. Overnight in Kochi.
Day 3
Kochi and Chennamangalam
Continuation of the visit of Kochi and its surroundings. We will first go to the Hill Palace of Tripunithura, former residence of the royal family of Kochi whose main attraction is the royal crown in gold encrusted with precious stones. We will then visit the Folklore Museum in Ernakulam, a treasure trove highlighting Kerala's rich heritage through its many forms of art. After lunch, we will leave for the peaceful village of Chennamangalam where there are a gem of a synagogue and the Dutch palace Paliam, formerly used as the residence of the 'Paliath Achans', the prime ministers of the kings of Kochi. We will end our visit of Chennamangalam by a typical factory of doti and saris. Back in the evening at Fort Kochi.
Day 4
Kochi - Alleppey
After these two days spent in the cultural capital of Kerala, we will continue our journey towards Alleppey, known as the capital of backwaters, the largest of Kerala. In the afternoon, we will board on a Kettuvallom (traditional houseboat) to sail on the lagoons and spend a romantic night. 'Kettuvalloms' (literally 'rice boats') were once used to transport goods to remote villages. With the advent of roads and ferries, the Kettuvalloms ceased their supply activity and were gradually transformed into hotels on the water. Night aboard a Kettuvallom.
Day 5
Alleppey Aranmula
We will leave the romantic backwaters and drive to the peaceful village of Aranmula about fifty kilometers from Alleppey. We will stay there for several days to attend the preparations of the fascinating Aranmula snake-boat race and the race itself. Check in at the hotel and free time to stroll through the streets of the city. Overnight in Aranmula.
Day 6
Aranmula, preparations for the snake-boat race
After breakfast, we will first visit the banks of the Pampa River to attend the training of the rowers. Then we will visit the famous Parthasarathy temple, a major pilgrimage site with a typical Kerala pagoda architecture. In the afternoon, a master craftsman will show us the different stages of the manufacture of 'kannadis', the precious mirrors of Kerala. The exact elements used in the alloy of the mirror are still nowadays kept secret by the few families of craftmen; the 'magic formula' is transmitted from generation to generation. Overnight in Aranmula.
Day 7
D-1 before the Aranmula race
This day is one of the most important with that of the race itself. The day before the race, all the teams dock their boats at the foot of the Parthasarathy temple and climb the steps of the temple. We will follow them and witness their prayers made to Lord Krishna. You will surely be enchanted by the 'vanchipattu' (the song of boatmen) sung with great fervour and devotion. We will then share together with the boatmen the succulent 'Valla Sadhya', an entirely vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf and composed of no less than 64 ingredients! Free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Aranmula.
Day 8
Aranmula Boat Race
We will go to the banks of the Pampa River to watch the race, a particularly exciting time. After a last prayer to the Lord Krishna, the boatmen compete in a friendly way. This race differs from that of the 'Nehru Snake-Boat Race' in Alleppey, which has a more competitive spirit. Even if it is just as sporty, the race at Aranmula is above all a tribute to Parthasarathy, the deity of the temple. Overnight in Aranmula.
Day 9
Aranmula - Trivandrum
We say goodbye to Aranmula, with beautiful memories, and leave for Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. Along the way we make a stop on Papanasam beach in Verkala where tourist and pilgrims gather. The Janardhanaswamy Temple, more than two thousand years old, dedicated to the god Vishnu, stands on the cliffs overlooking the beach. We will also visit the samadhi of the great reformer and philosopher Sri Narayana Guru who fought to end the caste systems in India. Arrival in the late afternoon in Trivandrum. Overnight in Trivandrum.
Day 10
Trivandrum, capital of Kerala
This day is dedicated to the visit of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), capital of Kerala. In the early morning, we will leave for the beach of Poovar where you can witness the return of the fishermen and the fish auction, a real spectacle in itself. After breakfast, we will go and see the Sri Padmanabhaswam temple (from outside only), then we will visit the Indo-Saracenic-style Napier Museum which houses a rare collection of archaeological and historical artefacts and also contains a art gallery which, exhibits works of the famous Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma and the no less famous Russian painter, Nicholas Roerich. In the afternoon, we will visit the temple of Attukal Bhagavaty dedicated to Goddess Kannaki, an avatar of Parvati. In addition to its rich and colorful Dravidian style architecture, this sanctuary is famous for its annual Attukal Pongala festival where nearly 3 million women gather. Overnight in Trivandrum.
Day 11
Kovalam
After breakfast, we will leave for the coloured harbour of Vizhinjam near Kovalam. The Portuguese and Dutch had established their trading there. In the afternoon, we will drive 50 km further south to visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace, a perfect example of Kerala architecture. Padmanabhapuram is the ancient capital of the kingdom of Travancore. Back to Trivandum.
Overnight in Trivandrum.
Day 12
Departure
We drop you off at the Trivandrum airport unless you choose to continue the adventure with us! Looking forward to meeting you again.
