Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point, a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our India experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect holiday to match.
Northern Kerala is the perfect Indian destination if you want to escape the crowds; it's a fantastic alternative to the more classic routes through Kerala, yet retains all of the magic. You'll fly into Mangalore, instead of Cochin, which is a great access point to the northern regions. The trip begins with a relaxing break in Neeleshwar, a beautiful stretch of coastline that's home to a wonderful boutique hotel we just love. It continues south along the Malabar Coast to Tellicherry, a traditional fishing town, where you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the unique Theyyam dancing. This is the perfect opportunity to visit local markets and learn how to cook Keralan cuisine. From Tellicherry, your journey heads into the hills of Wayanad, before reaching Cochin by train. From here, you'll journey inland to the tea-growing region of Munnar, before ending on the completely idyllic and iconic backwaters. This is a peaceful, green and relaxing journey through one of India's most beautiful states.
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this India holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your trip will be tailored to suit you.
This evening your India adventure begins as you leave London on a flight to Mangalore, via Mumbai.
This morning you'll land in Mangalore where you'll be met by your private car and friendly driver and whisked off on a journey along the coast to idyllic Neeleshwar, a scenic journey that should take about 3 hours. Spend the remainder of your day at leisure, unwinding after your long journey in this wonderful beach location.
We've left the next couple of days clear for you to enjoy completely at leisure. You may wish to join in on a yoga class or treat yourself to a traditional ayurvedic treatment to really relax into your holiday in style or simply unwind on one of the nearby beaches. If you'd like a little more structure to your days, just chat to us, there are plenty of adventures we could weave into your holiday nearby.
Today you'll continue south to Tellicherry, a typical fishing town and home to Ayesha Manzil, a wonderful homestay famed for its authentic Keralan cuisine and the traditional Theyyam ritual dancing that takes place nearby.
Today, we'd recommend paying a visit to the very authentic fish market nearby, or try your hand at a cookery lesson under the expert guidance of a local chef. This region of Kerala is also famous for Theyyam, an ancient and colourful ritual performed in local temples. Ask your hosts, as they can help you track one down if you're visiting between November and March, it's an experience worth having!
You'll continue further south into Kerala today, to Sultan's Battery in Wayanad, an area lush with coffee and spice plantations. The journey en route is beautiful. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure, and with some beautiful accommodation options in the area, we'll be sure to pick the best option for you.
Today, you might like to visit the prehistoric caves, take a jeep safari in Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary or perhaps enjoy walking or bird watching in the Sultan's Battery area. There are plenty of adventures to keep you busy, we'll be sure to talk you through the best ideas for you!
Today, your driver will take you back over to the coast, where you'll hop on the train from Calicut to Cochin. The remainder of your day is for you to enjoy at leisure in Cochin, one of India's most impressive colonial cities. These days, it's a real hub of art galleries, cafes and boutiques, perfect for taking your time to explore. Enjoy wandering the streets or relaxing in your hotel when you arrive today.
Today, you'll head out on a Fort Kochi Heritage Walk, the perfect way to enjoy the crumbling colonial architecture, the synagogue, as well as the old churches and basilica. Your local guide will have plenty of local tales and insights to bring the sights to life as you go. This evening, we recommend catching a Kathakali performance, a brilliant slice of Keralan entertainment and culture.
Today, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you inland, approximately 4 hours to Munnar. This beautiful journey brings you through the undulating hills dotted with tea, cardamom and small hillside villages as you edge closer to your home for the next two nights. Munnar is one of India's most picturesque regions, carpeted in tea plantations as far as the eye can see.
Today, an active adventure awaits as you head off on the Top Station Valley Trek. This guided walk through tea plantations, dense shola forests, mountain ridges and shola grasslands takes approximately five hours and is well worth it if you've packed your walking boots. If walking isn't your cup of tea, though, pay a visit to a tea plantation and the tea museum to learn about this thriving local industry from the people who live it everyday.
This morning will be an early start for your 4-hour drive to Alleppey in the Backwaters, ready to board your overnight houseboat in time for lunch. The Backwaters are a fantastic collection of lakes, lagoons and waterways sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and Kerala's forested hills. Spend the remainder of your day in this idyllic location, home to little villages, coconut groves, fishermen and a huge variety of bird life. While away the hours cruising around the idyllic backwaters and enjoying tantalising Keralan cuisine as you go.
This morning, you'll say goodbye to your traditional houseboat after breakfast. You'll be picked up and taken to your nearby accommodation for the next two nights. We highly recommend staying in a homestay, the perfect way to enjoy the backwater area and a slice of genuine Keralan life and hospitality. The Backwaters are a wonderful place to see local life, from coconut harvesting to rubber tapping and drying. You could explore the local farm and plantation with your hosts, or dive into an authentic cookery lesson. However, this is also a fantastic place to relax, so if you just want to put your feet up, there's no judgment here.
Your adventure through Northern Kerala comes to an end this morning as you'll be whisked off in an early transfer to Cochin Airport in time for your flight home.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Clare is dedicated to all things India and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Clare’s travelled all over India and loves nothing more than planning holidays that reflect you. Whether it’s temples, tea, trains or tucked-away towns, she’s got the experience (and enthusiasm) to make it unforgettable.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
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