Enchanting Kerala

From the spice-laced hills of the Western Ghats to the coconut-fringed beaches of the Arabian Sea, slow-and-sleepy Kerala enchants with its history, culture and landscapes. Explore Kochi’s colonial-era architecture, hike amid the hill stations, meet local farming families and sail the legendary backwaters as you discover Kerala beyond the surface and get to know the people that call its enchanting landscapes home.

Itinerary
8 nights
8 nights round trip from Kochi (Cochin) Kochi: 2 nights Munnar: 1 night Thekkady: 2 nights Alleppey: 1 night Kumarakom: 2 nights

£2,695 - £3,075pp including international flights

Itinerary overview

Day 1

Arrival in Kochi

On arrival in Kochi, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. The r...

Day 2

Kochi

Continue your explorations in Kochi today. Explore independently, strike out on an optional guide...

Day 3

Kochi & Munnar

Head for the mountains this morning to explore the town of Munnar, a famous hill station in the W...

Day 4

Munnar

Get off the beaten track in Munnar this morning with an included tuk-tuk tour visiting some of th...

Day 5

Munnar & Thekkady

Go deeper into the hills today as you head towards Thekkady, famous for its spice plantations and...

Day 6

Thekkady

Today you’ll explore local village life on the Periyar Bouquet Trail. You’ll travel around the Ku...

Day 7

Thekkady & Kumarakom

Travel to Kumarakom this morning to explore Kerala’s famous backwaters, set amid rolling rice pad...

Day 8

Kumarakom & Alleppey

Climb aboard a traditional houseboat this morning for a signature Keralan experience: a cruise al...

Day 9

Alleppey & Mararikulam

After disembarking the houseboat this morning, you’ll have the option of a walking tour in the ne...

Day 10

Mararikulam

Your final full day is free to enjoy in Mararikulam. Wander the village, watch fishermen bring in...

Day 11

Mararikulam & Departure

The tour ends today. You’ll be transferred to Kochi airport for your flight home or onward travel.

Day 1

Arrival in Kochi

On arrival in Kochi, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this quaint harbourside city. Once a key stop on the Spice Route, Kochi is now a hotspot for visitors with colonial-era architecture, Raj residences and a beach area famous for its Chinese fishing nets. Wander its postcard-pretty streets at leisure or choose an optional workshop learning Kerala’s traditional Kathalaki dance, known for its elaborate costumes. Overnight at Fragrant Nature.

Day 2

Kochi

Continue your explorations in Kochi today. Explore independently, strike out on an optional guided walking tour or opt for an Anglo-Indian cooking lesson. If you’re looking to go beyond the city, the ‘village rubble’ experience will take you to meet a local family in a nearby village for a memorable fishing experience and hosted lunch. Overnight at Fragrant Nature.

Day 3

Kochi & Munnar

Head for the mountains this morning to explore the town of Munnar, a famous hill station in the Western Ghat range. Set at the confluence of three mountain streams, this was the South Indian summer resort for the British government and is set amid rolling tea, coffee and spice plantations. Relax amid these peaceful surroundings, head out on a hike or visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn more about agriculture in the area. Overnight at Windermere Estate.

Day 4

Munnar

Get off the beaten track in Munnar this morning with an included tuk-tuk tour visiting some of the area’s many tea plantations on this traditional, three-wheeled rickshaw. You’ll get the chance to interact with local people as you delve deep into the region’s rural surroundings, with rolling fields and scenic mountain slopes for a backdrop. Alternatively, if you’re looking to get extra-active then take on an optional Letchmi Hills trek – a scenic amble exploring the region’s landscapes on foot. Overnight at Windermere Estate.

Day 5

Munnar & Thekkady

Go deeper into the hills today as you head towards Thekkady, famous for its spice plantations and the gateway to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Set in the heart of the jungle, this protected park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, from tigers to elephants, leopards to lion-tailed macaques and sambar deer to bison. After checking in to your hotel you’ll have the rest of the day to relax. Overnight at Spice Village.

Day 6

Thekkady

Today you’ll explore local village life on the Periyar Bouquet Trail. You’ll travel around the Kumily region by Jeep, visiting a family to learn about the importance of spice-growing in the region. Interact with local farmers along the way as you hear more about sustainable farming practices in the area. The evening is free to enjoy. Overnight at Spice Village.

Periyar Bouquet - Spices & Other Stories

Thekkady

Thekkady is a special place and famous for its spices. You will start at a viewpoint for a lovely view of Thekkady’s town below. Those who can handle the rolling terrain can also do this by bicycle. Here, your guide will explain about the importance of the land. You’re in the Western Ghats, one of the biodiversity hot spots of the world, packed with a huge number of different species, plants and birds. The government now employs natural fertilisers and traditional methods to cultivate the land rather than products such as pesticides. Descending into the village you will meet a couple who grow spices in the surrounds of their family home. The farmer will take you around the plantation to show you all the different plants and spices they grow such as coffee, jackfruit and black tamarind. You will be welcomed as a friend and may offer you some tapioca or home-made chocolate from their cocoa plantation.

Day 7

Thekkady & Kumarakom

Travel to Kumarakom this morning to explore Kerala’s famous backwaters, set amid rolling rice paddy fields and verdant coconut palms. Located on the edge of the Vembanad Lake, the village is dotted with canals where houseboats plough the waters, with excellent birdwatching on the surrounding islets and at the nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Coconut Lagoon.

Day 8

Kumarakom & Alleppey

Climb aboard a traditional houseboat this morning for a signature Keralan experience: a cruise along the region’s glimmering backwaters for a full day and night. You’ll learn all about life on the water as you pass local villages, markets and fishermen, before staying overnight on board. All food is included; expect fish fresh from the lake, served with local ingredients such as chilli and ginger. Overnight on Spice Coast Houseboat.

Day 9

Alleppey & Mararikulam

After disembarking the houseboat this morning, you’ll have the option of a walking tour in the nearby town of Allepey, coined the ‘Venice of the East’ for its picturesque canals. Visit the town’s elaborate mosques and temples before stopping at a coir weaving workshop to learn how coconut husk is used as a material. In the afternoon you’ll transfer towards Mararikulam. This sleepy seaside fishing village is home to the little-known Marari Beach – a palm-studded stretch of sand lapped by the Indian Ocean. Your stay for tonight is a characterful cottage overlooking the water with coconut groves, lily ponds and fruit trees for company. Overnight at Marari Beach Resort.

Day 10

Mararikulam

Your final full day is free to enjoy in Mararikulam. Wander the village, watch fishermen bring in their haul from the harbour or enjoy a well-earned rest on the beach ahead of your departure tomorrow. Overnight at Marari Beach Resort.

Day 11

Mararikulam & Departure

The tour ends today. You’ll be transferred to Kochi airport for your flight home or onward travel.

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Guide price information

Low Season

01 Apr - 30 Sep

£2,695pp

Mid Season

01 Jan - 31 Jan, 01 Mar - 31 Mar, 01 Oct - 31 Dec

£2,950pp

High Season

01 Feb - 28 Feb

£3,075pp

Guide price information is based on the included flights from London, accommodation, transport and experiences detailed in the itinerary above. Guide prices do not include optional things to do. Call us for up to date prices – the cost of your holiday depends upon the time of year you travel, how long you go for, preferred departure airport, airlines, hotels and things to do. Based on 2 people sharing.