Kerala: Chamayavilakku Festival Tour with Munnar & Alleppey

Kochi , India

Kerala: Chamayavilakku Festival Tour with Munnar & Alleppey

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Chamayavilakku Festival at the Kottankulangara Sri Bhagavathy Temple in Chavara, Kollam, Kerala. This unique two-day event involves men dressing in female attire to carry traditional lamps in a procession as an offering to the goddess.

Join hundreds of men dressed as women lining up before the deity. As part of the main ritual, cross-dressed men carry traditional five-wick lamps to seek blessings from the Goddess. They line up in a ceremonial procession, with rituals continuing until midnight on both days.

Begin the festival at 3 a.m. with the deity’s procession from Kunjalummoodu while devotees stand in long lines from the temple gate with the lamp for the ceremonial arrival. After the ritualistic bath (aarattu) in the temple pond, the deity rests in a canopy made of coconut palm leaves (kurutholapanthal) erected in the temple courtyard. With this, the ritual ends and the festival is conducted with equal importance on both days.

Available options

Kerala: Chamayavilakku Festival Tour with Munnar & Alleppey

Pickup included

What's included

Houseboat Exclusively booked with Lunch,Dinner and next day breakfast.

Entraces fee at National Parks, Museums, Monuments and attractions.

Air-conditioned vehicle

Accomodation with break fast in a 3 star hotel/resort/homestay. And private house boat in Alleppey.

Detailed itinerary

Recieve you at Kochi. After relax to wipe of jetlag and previous travel go for seeing all attractions in Kochi

Alappuzha, the secnd destination is for an overnight houseboat cruise in the backwaters.

Experience the Chamayavilakku Festival in Kerala, where men dress as women to offer prayers. Explore Munnar's tea gardens and Alleppey's backwaters on this guided tour.
Highlights
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Chamayavilakku Festival in Kerala
Witness the unique ritual of men dressed as women offering prayers.
This unique two-day event involves men dressing in female attire to carry traditional lamps in a procession as an offering to the goddess. Join hundreds of men dressed as women lining up before the deity. As part of the main ritual, cross-dressed men carry traditional five-wick lamps to seek blessings from the Goddess. They line up in a ceremonial procession, with rituals continuing until midnight on both days.

Proceed to Munnar from Kollam ( the Chamayavilakku Festival)

On reaching Munnar, after fresh-up proceed for a tour of Munnar to visit attractions like Tea Garden, Tea Museum, and Tea Factory etc., the checkin at a hotel for overnight

This second Day of Munnar is used for visiting the Wildlife of Munnar at National Park.

Next Day return to Kochi to conecct to your flight for your onward journey.

What's not included

Optional

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Lunch

Dinner

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Dress code is smart casual

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

A minimum 01 person per booking.

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual
• If you have not already specified, you MUST advise supplier as soon as possible your Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and departure time so that appropriate arrangements can be made
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler

About Kochi

Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is a vibrant port city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It's a captivating blend of historical architecture, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique experience.

Top Attractions

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is a historic area known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Historical Half day to full day Free to visit most attractions

Mattancherry Palace

Also known as the Dutch Palace, this 16th-century palace is a fine example of colonial architecture and houses a museum with artifacts from the era.

Historical 1-2 hours INR 5 (USD 0.07) for Indians, INR 100 (USD 1.30) for foreigners

Jew Town

A historic area known for its Jewish heritage, vibrant markets, and antique shops. It's a great place to explore the city's multicultural past.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, shopping expenses vary

Marine Drive

A picturesque promenade along the backwaters, offering stunning views of the sunset and the city's skyline. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

A small but beautiful bird sanctuary located in the heart of the city. It's a peaceful retreat for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Appam with Stew

Appam is a soft, lacy pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, served with a mild and creamy vegetable or meat stew.

Breakfast Vegetarian (if stew is vegetarian), Vegan (if stew is vegan)

Karimeen Pollichathu

A popular Kerala dish made with pearl spot fish, marinated in spices, and fried to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish

Kerala Parippu Curry

A comforting dal made with yellow lentils, coconut, and spices, served with rice or appam.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian, Vegan

Thalassery Biryani

A fragrant and flavorful biryani made with basmati rice, meat (chicken, mutton, or fish), and a blend of spices.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat (chicken, mutton, or fish)

Popular Activities

Backwater cruises Kayaking Trekking in Munnar Beach relaxation in Kovalam Ayurvedic massages Houseboat stays in Alleppey Exploring Fort Kochi Visiting Mattancherry Palace

Best Time to Visit

October to February

This is the best time to visit Kochi, with pleasant weather and lower humidity. It's ideal for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities.

25°C to 32°C 77°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Malayalam
Widely spoken: English, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kochi is generally safe for travelers, but it's always important to stay vigilant and take common-sense precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Use trusted transportation services, such as app-based cabs or reputable taxi companies.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Cochin International Airport • 29 km (18 miles) from city center

By train

Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town

By bus

KSRTC Bus Station, Private Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable mode of transport in Kochi. They cover most parts of the city and its suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fort Kochi Mattancherry Ernakulam Vypeen Island

Day trips

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

55 km (34 miles) • Full day

Alleppey is famous for its backwaters, houseboat stays, and serene landscapes. It's a perfect day trip for those looking to experience the tranquility of Kerala's waterways.

Munnar

130 km (81 miles) • Full day or overnight

Munnar is a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Kovalam

16 km (10 miles) • Full day

Kovalam is a popular beach destination known for its beautiful beaches, lighthouse, and Ayurvedic treatment centers. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand.

Festivals

Onam • August-September (dates vary based on the Malayalam calendar) Kochi-Muziris Biennale • December to March (biennial, next edition in 2023) Easter Celebrations • March-April (dates vary based on the Christian calendar)

Pro tips

Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi early in the morning to see the fishermen at work.
Try local street food, such as banana chips and Kathi rolls, for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the backwaters of Kochi by taking a ferry or a houseboat tour for a unique and scenic experience.
Learn a few basic phrases in Malayalam to connect with locals and enhance your cultural experience.
Attend a Kathakali performance or a Kalaripayattu demonstration to immerse yourself in Kerala's rich cultural heritage.