Known as ‘God’s own country’, this is a relaxing exploration of Kerala’s natural highlights – from tea plantations to mist-shrouded hill stations and wildlife-rich reserves. Cruise the Kerala backwaters, soaking up local life as you go, and relax on the palm-fringed beaches of the Malabar Coast.
Enriching tailormade journeys – for you
This bespoke journey features some of our favourite spots in India. You can choose to take our destination experts’ recommendations and travel just as you see the itinerary here, or contact us to add your own special touches; maybe a private excursion with a naturalist to really understand Kerala’s nature or a luxury hotel to finish your trip in style. We’re here to design your perfect holiday. Call us on 0844 875 1897.
Details may vary depending on departure date. Please choose
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Anchor House Included meals: Breakfast
Anchor House
Set on the waterfront, Anchor House offers comfortable accommodation in Cochin. Rooms are a good size and feature traditional décor, combined with modern facilities such as a TV and telephone. There’s also an infinity swimming pool for when you’re not out exploring!
Day 3:
Cochin
Today we’ve included a guided city tour of Cochin including the main highlights of the city, including St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried, Santa Cruz Cathedral, Mattancherry Palace and the spice shops of the Jewish quarter. In the evening, see a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Anchor House Included meals: Breakfast
Anchor House
Set on the waterfront, Anchor House offers comfortable accommodation in Cochin. Rooms are a good size and feature traditional décor, combined with modern facilities such as a TV and telephone. There’s also an infinity swimming pool for when you’re not out exploring!
Day 4:
Hill station of Munnar
Transfer to the hill station of Munnar. It is the principal tea-growing area of Kerala; a mist-shrouded hill station home to exotic wild and plant life. Munnar is the most enchanting experience of nature in all its virgin beauty.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Abad Copper Castle Included meals: Breakfast
Abad Copper Castle
Abad Copper Castle is set high in Munnar’s hills, surrounded by lush forest. Rooms are en-suite with TV and telephone. The restaurant has a great view of the valley and the garden is the ideal place for a unique camp fire party.
Day 5:
Vagamon
After breakfast drive to Vagamon. Vagamon is surrounded by stunning meadows, valleys and tea gardens and is the perfect place to relax and soak up Kerala’s natural beauty.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
in Vanilla County Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Vanilla County
Vanilla County is a lovely homestay in Kerala, set close to the source of the Meenachil River amid vanilla, pepper, coffee and rubber plantations. Your hosts are the Mathew family. The lady of the house is an excellent cook and uses her own, organically-grown produce as ingredients for your dinner; your morning coffee will also be from the estate. This is a delightful homestay.
Day 6 to 7:
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Travel to Thekkady, a place for the wildlife enthusiast. Nearby is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can trek or take an elephant safari to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Boat trips are also a must while you’re here.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Abad Green Forest Included meals: Breakfast
Abad Green Forest
This is a smart hotel offering en-suite jungle rooms and cottages with TV, fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. There’s a lovely, airy dining room overlooking the outdoor pool and Ayurveda massage, too.
Day 8:
Alleppey
Transfer to Alleppey and spend the remainder of the day cruising around serene backwaters, a vast network of lakes, lagoons, rivers and canals. A houseboat cruise gives you first-hand experience Indian village lifestyles, and how people make a living from the waterways.
Overnight Houseboat (U)
in Houseboat Included meals: Breakfast
Houseboat
These wooden rice barges have been lovingly converted into houseboats with en-suite rooms and a shaded deck. You will spend your time cruising around Kerala’s serene backwaters: a vast network of rivers, canals and lagoons.
Day 9:
Mararikulam
Sadly, leave your houseboat behind and make the short road trip to Mararikulam.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Marari Fishermen Village Beach Resort Included meals: Breakfast
Marari Fishermen Village Beach Resort
Set on a palm-fringed beach near to the small fishing village of Mararikulam, the Marari Fishermen Village Beach Resort has air-conditioned cottages rustic in style. There’s also a restaurant serving Kerala cuisine.
Day 10:
Mararikulam
Mararikulam is a small village, mid-way up the Malabar Coast. Here lies a beautiful, palm-fringed beach - a perfect place to relax and unwind. Today is free for you to relax.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Marari Fishermen Village Beach Resort Included meals: Breakfast
Marari Fishermen Village Beach Resort
Set on a palm-fringed beach near to the small fishing village of Mararikulam, the Marari Fishermen Village Beach Resort has air-conditioned cottages rustic in style. There’s also a restaurant serving Kerala cuisine.
Day 11:
Cochin
After breakfast, transfer to Cochin airport for your flight to London.
