Overview

Our Classic Kerala itinerary is designed to take in all the highlights of Kerala, one of India’s most stunning and friendly destinations. This is the perfect laid-back introduction to Southern India if you’re a little short on time but still want to experience as much as possible. You’ll begin your trip in colonial Cochin, before driving through lush rubber, coffee and tea plantations to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Head off on foot with tribal trackers in search of the wild elephants that call Periyar home. Enjoy a relaxing stay in one of the gorgeous heritage properties or homestays on the backwaters and whilst here, experience life on the idyllic backwaters for yourself with a day on a traditional houseboat, before ending your trip on the wide sandy beaches of Marari.

Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight flight to Cochin

Your India holiday begins today with an overnight flight to Cochin from the UK. Many flights transfer via Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Mumbai, or, if it’’s convenient for you to travel from Gatwick, Air India offers a direct route from Gatwick to Cochin. As always, chat to us and we’’ll help find the best flight option for you.

Day 2: Welcome to Cochin

After landing in Cochin, you’’ll be met at the airport by your driver and whisked straight off to your hotel. Once settled, head straight out to explore Fort Cochin’s narrow streets with their boutique shops, quirky cafes and burgeoning art scene this morning. Everything is within walking distance, and the architecture is a unique blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British styles, so there’’s plenty to look at! This evening, you’’ll enjoy a cruise around the harbour for the chance to capture an iconic glimpse of the setting sun behind the Chinese fishing nets.

Day 3: Cochin tuk tuk tour

Today, you’’ll enjoy an exhilarating tour of Fort Cochin by tuk tuk. This is one of our favourite ways to explore the culture, heritage and local life in this vibrant port. This evening, you may want to watch a traditional Kathakali dance show for an extra slice of authentic Keralan culture. 

Day 4: Boat safari, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Enjoy a scenic drive through rubber, coffee and tea plantations today as you reach Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best-managed forests in Kerala. Along the way, stop off to visit a plantation and learn all about life in rural India. This evening, we recommend taking a boat safari for a spot of wildlife viewing in the park. If you’’re lucky, elephants can often be spotted on the river banks.

Day 5: Walking with the tribal trackers

This morning, you’’ll rise early to walk with the tribal trackers to explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on foot. This is an eco-development activity that provides employment for the tribes that call these forests home. Later, you’’ll head off on a plantation tour in the Cardamom Hills. Kerala grows some of the world’’s best-quality spices, so it’’s a great spot to enjoy a cooking demo to discover how masalas are prepared and used in this part of India. 

Day 6: The backwaters of Alleppey

Today, you’’ll return to the coastal plain, home to the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom. The backwaters are a fascinating and unique ecosystem, comprising rice fields and rural villages all perched on the banks of narrow waterways and large lakes. The next two nights will be spent floating through the scenery on a traditional houseboat.

Day 7: Backwater village experience

Enjoy a relaxed backwater village experience today, giving you a real insight into what life is like on the banks of the waterways. Cruise through the narrow canals, soaking up all of the local life as it unfolds around you. You’’ll witness age-old activities, such as coir weaving, rope making and fishing, see how the "toddy" is collected and, for the adventurous, even the chance to explore by kayak.

Day 8: At leisure on the backwaters

Today, you’’ve got the day clear to enjoy unwinding on your traditional houseboat. Lunch and high tea will be served onboard, before you reach your next destination, Marari Beach, by dusk.

Day 9: R&R at Marari Beach

Today is completely clear for you to unwind, soak up your surroundings and enjoy the white sandy beaches of Marari. Of course, if you’’d like some more recommendations on how to spend your time, just chat to us!

Day 10: Fishing villages & cooking demos

For the adventurous, rise early on your last full day in India, to explore the fishing villages by e-bike. You’’ll have the chance to watch as the fresh catch of the day is frenetically bargained over, before being hurried towards the inland fish markets. Later, sit with the hotel chef for a cooking demo. If you prefer to relax on your last evening, enjoy a spot of yoga by the sea or treat yourself to an Ayurvedic treatment at the spa.

Day 11: Time to fly home

Your adventure comes to an end today as it’’s time to transfer to Cochin airport for your return flight home.

Cost of Package does not include

• Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips. Liquor, boating & joy rides.(which is not mentioned in inclusion list)
• Any other item not specified in “Cost Includes”.
• Additional sightseeing or usages of vehicle not mentioned in the itinerary.

Extra Meal Supplement (Optional)

Half Board meal supplement with 4* hotels £ 55 Per Person

Full Board meal supplement with 4* hotels £ 97 Per Person