Experiences

Unlocking pathways to unparalleled experiences.

A reflection of its ethereal surroundings, Granary stays invites you to indulge your adventurous spirit with exhilarating jungle expeditions, journeys to undiscovered places, and immersive organic retreats . Enter a realm of seamless convenience, opulent elegance, and enduring memories.

KOCHI CITY TOUR

Itinerary

See the large, graceful Chinese fishing nets that line the shore, first introduced by traders from the Court of Kublai Khan. It is a short and pleasant walk to the typical English village green. In one corner stands the Church of St Francis, its simple style enhanced only by the handsome floor tiles that line the main aisle. Continue on to Mattancherry – the Jewish quarters. Inside the two-story Mattancherry or Dutch Palace, view a remarkable series of murals. There is also an interesting collection of Dutch maps of old Kochi, coronation robes belonging to the maharajas, royal palanquins, weapons, and furniture. From there, it is a short walk to the Pardesi Synagogue-a tiny but delightful structure built in 1568. Its eclectic décor includes a floor paved with hand-painted blue and white Cantonese porcelain tiles, no two alike, and a glass, oil-burning chandelier from Belgium. The surrounding area is still called Jew Town and is a fascinating mix of antique shops, warehouses, and spice auction rooms.

Instructions

1.This is a half-day city tour of Kochi (Cochin) ideal for people interested in the history, culture, and heritage of the city.
2.Dress code – smart casuals. Sleeveless tops and short trousers are not permitted while visiting the synagogue.
3.Need to remove shoes while entering St Francis church and Jewish Synagogue.
4.Need to negotiate 18 steps while entering the Dutch Palace.
5.Photography is not allowed inside the Jewish Synagogue and some areas of the church and the Dutch Palace.
6.Dutch Palace will remain closed on Fridays. Synagogue will remain closed on Friday afternoons and the whole of Saturdays.

ALAPPUZHA WALKING TOUR

Itinerary

Alleppey is a small market town now but it was once the economic hub and bustling port of the erstwhile Travancore state. It has its own story to tell which can be heard and felt during this curated tour by a PAS member. The walk starts with a presentation of the history and unique features of the town and ends with light refreshments served at a member’s home. It is partly driving and walking through the Gujarati quarter, the canal banks, and an old wholesale market – all with a guide.

Instructions

1. A good walking shoe, a hat, and sun protection are recommended. 2. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and keep your valuables under safe custody at all times

CANOE RIDE

Itinerary

Board your canoes and proceed to visit a traditional village in Alappuzha. There are trees lining both sides of the canals, providing cool cover. This is a great opportunity to witness local life on the river banks. Visit coconut farms, coir villages, spices, and herbal farms. Learn about prawn fishing and paddy cultivation, see typical village activities. The guide will familiarize you with agricultural seasons, practices, local crafts and festivals, and daily life in this part of Kerala.

Instructions

This is a canoe ride through narrow canals of the backwaters of Alappuzha.

Fort Kochi Tour

Itinerary

Start with the visit of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets of Cochin. The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that droop towards the waters like oversized hammocks have become a hallmark that represents Fort Kochi on every postcard. Next stop at the Steam boilers, standing harmlessly at one end of the Kochi Beach. They were once the powerful boilers that pushed a ship across the ocean in Cochin Dry Dock for twenty years from 1956. It used coke, coal, and firewood as fuel. Head to the nearby Fort Immanuel, a bastion of the Portuguese in Kochi and build in 1503, it was a symbol of the strategic alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and the Monarch of Portugal. By 1806 the Dutch, and later the British, had destroyed most of the fort walls and its bastions. Today, remains of this once imposing structure can be seen along the beach. The next visit is to the St.Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India built in 1503, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama was originally buried. Pass by the Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the finest and imposing churches in India. Follow your local journey with a tuk-tuk ride – the most popular mode of transport among the localities, go along with your local tour and stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), established by the Dutch in 1720 for washing their army uniforms. A group of washer folk continues to toil as they have done for more than half a century. Continue through the small streets of Mattanchery, and arrive at the Fruit market on Palace road where locals get a variety of fresh and organic produces at bargained prices. Don’t miss a stop at the Spice Market too, where the exotic odor of the finest ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric, and pepper emanate from the spice warehouses lining the street. Make a pause and have one “meter tea” at one of the tea stalls. Later on, take an opportunity to interact with a Brahmin Family in their home. The Brahmin is the highest of the four Hindu castes of priests and scholars of Vedic literature, their traditional occupation is to conduct rites at marriages, births, and other auspicious occasions. While there, you will observe a Kolam demonstration and find out about this traditional custom of drawing in the entrance of the house with sparkling powders or fresh flowers, to invite the Goddess Laxmi to bring luck and prosperity. You will also be invited to a Konkan family in their house to try out some squiggly lines drawn on your hands.

Instructions

1. A local tour to feel the rhythm of old Kochi.

HOUSEBOAT CRUISE

Itinerary

Arrive in Alleppey by train, bus, or car. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (about 83 km away). Reach the houseboat jetty. Check-in and be welcomed with a refreshing drink. Settle into your cabin. The houseboat starts cruising through the backwaters. Enjoy the serene views of paddy fields, coconut groves, and traditional villages. Relish a traditional Kerala lunch featuring local delicacies such as Karimeen (pearl spot fish), sambar, avial, Rasam. Stop at a village to explore the local culture. Witness a stunning sunset over the backwaters. The boat will anchor for the night by around 5:00 PM, typically in a quiet, scenic spot. Retire to your cozy cabin for the night and then arrive back at the houseboat jetty and disembark. This itinerary offers a mix of relaxation and exploration, ensuring you experience the best of Alleppey’s backwaters.

Kathakali

Itinerary

In the beginning, you can indulge yourself in watching the make-up application on the artists. Of all classical Indian dances, Kathakali has the most elaborate costuming consisting of headdresses, face masks, and vividly painted faces. It typically takes an hour to prepare a Kathakali troupe to get ready for a play. Then experience the magic of storytelling as the artists perform in a classical way. A Kathakali performance synthesizes music, vocal performers, choreography, and hand and facial gestures together to express ideas. It also incorporates movements from ancient Indian martial arts and athletic traditions of South India.

Instructions

KALARIPAYATTU PERFORMANCE

Itinerary

Reach the KADATHANDAN KALARI & NAVARASA KATHAKALI at 6pm.Kalaripayattu-the oldest of martial arts-is a gift to the modern world and known as the mother of all martial arts. legend traces the 3000-year old art form to sage Parasurama-the master of all martial art forms and credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the arabian sea. At Kadathanadan Kalari Centre ,Thekkady,this martial art is performed in kuzhikalari.A highly designed gallery has been built in such a way that the viewers will get a clear vision from a safer distance. Kalaripayattu is a traditional psycho-physiological discipline emanating from Kerala’s uniqe mytho-historical heritage as well as a scientific system of physical culture training..

NATURE WALK

Itinerary

Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally 4 to 5 km. in length. This is an interpretive programme offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The Nature walk is the right programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.

Instructions

This trekking program inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve is of 2.5 hours duration covering a distance of 4-5 kms. It is offered only in groups, accompanied by a trained tribal guide. A maximum of 6 persons are allowed on each group and the participants have to be at least 12 years or older. Nature-friendly costumes, a binocular, a cap and a pair of good walking shoes are recommended.

Agraharam visit

Overview

An agraharam (Brahmin Street) welcomes you to similar-looking houses lining both sides of a road that leads to a temple, all following the traditional style of architecture. The Kalpathy Agraharam in Palakkad is one such place situated on the banks of River Kalpathy. The settlers here mainly belong to the Brahmin community, who fled from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu during the 1790s fearing attack by Tipu Sultan. It is said that they were on their way to Kozhikode when en route the Raja of Palakkad provided them with a settlement at Kalpathy. The Brahmins set up an agraharam which is, today, a combination of four agraharams ” Chathapuram, Govindarajapuram, Old Kalpathy and New Kalpathy

SPICE PLANTATION WALK

Itinerary

This is a Spice Plantation Tour offered inside various private plantations in the area, which is of maximum one hour duration. In this guided tour, visitors will get a chance to understand various spices grown in the area and its culinary significance.

ART PERFORMANCE

Overview

The performing arts of God’s Own Country have a special pull and connection amongst all audiences. On stage or by the road, the setting is never the primary attraction but rather, what steals the spotlight. It is the artists on stage with their movements, make-up and story telling. For centuries, they have colourfully presented great epics and acted as a mirror on the state of the society with their ever so subtle social criticism. They are important pillars of our heritage. Below we have listed some of the finest performing arts prevalent in Kerala

PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Overview

The wildlife sanctuary, which had an area of 285 square kilometres (110 sq mi) was established in 1973. It is in the Sungam range of hills between the Anaimalai Hills and Nelliampathy Hills.[3][4][5] Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as part of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve on 19 February 2010.[6][7][8] Including the buffer zone, the tiger reserve has a span of 643.66 km2. The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.[9] The sanctuary is the home of four different tribes of indigenous peoples including the Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar and Mala Malasar settled in six colonies. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve implements the Participatory Forest Management Scheme (PFMS). People from tribal colonies inside the reserve are engaged as guides for treks and safaris, and are provided employment through various eco-tourism initiatives.[10][11] The tiger reserve hosts many capacity building training programmes conducted by Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundation in association with various organisations.

SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Instructions

Silent Valley National Park is a national park in Kerala, India. It is located in the Nilgiri hills, has a core area of 89.52 km2 (34.56 sq mi), which is surrounded by a buffer zone of 148 km2 (57 sq mi). This national park has some rare species of flora and fauna. This area was explored in 1847 by the botanist Robert Wight.[2] It is located in the border of Mannarkkad Taluk of Palakkad district, Nilambur Taluk of Malappuram district, Kerala, and Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.

Tea Plantation Walk

Itinerary

Stroll through the lush, green tea fields, often located on rolling hills or terraced landscapes. A tea plantation walk is a tour through a tea plantation, where visitors can experience the beauty of the tea fields, learn about tea cultivation, and gain insights into the tea-making process. This type of tour often includes a combination of educational and hands-on activities, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the world of tea production.

Instructions

We tend to them carefully, picking our leaves in shorter cycles in order to get the ideal tender leaf primed for manufacture. We have our best people on the field, who have an eye for the leaf, people who have invested their lives in producing great tea.

Tales from the loom

Overview

Handloom weaving was a common economic activity in this region until as recently as the beginning of the millennium. Like most social vocations this was practiced only by certain communities. The ones settled here originated from other parts of present-day Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh whose ancestors moved to this region in search of work. Many of these original families were directly employed by the royal court and nobility of the time.

Beyond Kovalam

Overview

Kovalam, located along the coast of the Arabian Sea in the southern Indian state of Kerala, is renowned for its picturesque beaches, tranquil atmosphere, and vibrant local culture. A day trip to Kovalam offers the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion. Spend the late morning indulging in various beach activities at Kovalam Beach. Explore the iconic Lighthouse Beach. Take a short drive to Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour, located near Kovalam. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a beachside restaurant, accompanied by live traditional Kerala music and dance performances.

Kingdom of Trails

Overview

A visit to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum is an enriching experience that offers insights into Kerala’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Explore the expansive temple complex. Marvel at the intricate carvings, sculptures, and murals that adorn the walls and pillars of the temple. You can visit nearby attractions such as the Napier Museum and Zoo. The Napier Museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, including bronze idols, ancient ornaments, and traditional Kerala paintings. The Trivandrum Zoo, located adjacent to the museum, is home to a variety of exotic animals and birds.

Kerala Kalamandalam

Overview

Kerala, a land with a culture and tradition that have many interesting facets, has over the years become a fascination for visitors from around the world. Its cultural fabric is woven by the captivating threads of traditional practices and beliefs. Kerala Kalamandalam was founded in 1930 by eminent poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon. Located along the banks of the river Nila in the Cheruthuruthy village of Thrissur District, Kalamandalam is an immortal name in the cultural map of the world. It is strictly a residential centre of learning. Veteran teachers and talented students are its inestimable wealth. For art recitals, demonstrations, and workshops held in Kalamandalam and outside, both teachers and students participate. A Day with the Masters of Kalamandalam is a pilgrimage to the sacred temple of arts, offering visitors an introduction to Kerala Art Forms and glimpses of the learning classes held in the institution.

Muziris Heritage tour

Overview

Set on a magnificent estuary, serene Kochi has been drawing traders, explorers, and travelers to its shores for over 600 years. A Kayaking adventure through the historic spice route of Kerala – the Muziris would be exciting. Experience the backwaters, fishing farms, Pokkali paddy fields, and Chinese fishing nets on Kayaks. After an early breakfast, proceed to Kadamakudy. Meet your experienced Kayaker who will give a short introduction to the area and train you to Kayak very safely. Paddle through the backwaters of Edavanakkad and Kadamakudy and expereince the stunning waterways lined with Coconut trees and palms. Clear skies and fishing nets follows along the way. There will be an opportunity to visit local tea shops or toddy shops on the banks of the Backwaters.

Shikara Ride

Overview

A shikara boat ride in Alleppey is a serene and picturesque experience that allows visitors to explore the scenic backwaters of Kerala in southern India. Shikaras are traditional wooden boats that are elegantly designed with comfortable seating arrangements.

As you embark on a shikara ride, you’ll glide through a network of interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes that make up the mesmerizing backwaters of Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha. The lush greenery of the surrounding landscape, with swaying palm trees and vibrant aquatic vegetation, creates a tranquil atmosphere that instantly soothes the senses.

Guruvayur Temple Visit

Overview

Guruvayur is home to the historic Sree Krishna Temple, called the Dwaraka of the South. It is among the most revered and popular pilgrimage destinations in Kerala and the entire country. The central shrine is believed to have been rebuilt in 1638 C.E. The architectural style and individual elements inside the shrine are beautiful representations of the history of the place.

A trip to Guruvayur offers a deeply enriching and spiritually uplifting experience, allowing you to connect with ancient traditions, witness devotion in its purest form, and find solace in the divine presence of Lord Krishna.