Classic Kerala

10 days

Indicative of cost incl. flights:

A typical 4* holiday costs from

£2,750 per person

(Based on two people sharing a room. February and Christmas dates or 5* hotels can be more expensive.)

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Cochin (Kerala)

Periyar National Park (Wildlife Safaris)

The Backwaters (Kerala)

Kerala Beaches (Kerala)

Day 1

Depart the UK in the afternoon or evening for your flight to Cochin, via Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Mumbai. Alternatively travel from Gatwick with Air India directly.

Day 2

This morning you will arrive in Cochin where you will be met and driven to colonial Fort Cochin. Spend the remainder of your day relaxing after your flight. Cochin’s narrow streets with their boutique shops, quirky cafes and burgeoning art scene can be explored on foot. Notice the colonial architecture: a unique blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British styles.

Day 3

Today you will enjoy our Fort Cochin Heritage Walk, a perfect historical introduction into this beautiful town influenced by years of colonial rule. In the evening you may want to watch a traditional Kathakali dance show or take learn more about the Keralan cuisines in an interactive cooking class.

Day 4

Enjoy a scenic drive to Munnar today, a journey of 3-4 hours. Munnar is a stunning region carpeted in tea and cardamom plantations.

Day 5

Take a tour of the lush tea, cardamom and coffee plantations. The area is rich in birdlife so this scenic and relaxing walk is also ideal for bird-watchers. This afternoon, visit the tea museum which tells the extraordinary story of tea growing in the region.

Day 6

Explore this lush region with a trek across mountain ridges, through lush tea plantations, dense shola forests and grasslands. Munnar is the highest tea growing area in the world and the views are fantastic.

Day 7

Enjoy a relaxed morning taking in the beautiful views. Later, take the 4 hour journey to Periyar National Park. On arrival take a boat safari to seek wildlife at the water's edge.

Day 8

Rise early this morning for a jungle walk with a local ranger in a small group tour. As the jungle wakes, you will see many species of birds and possibly langurs, sambar deer, giant Malabar squirrels and even wild boar and elephants. Your walk lasts around three hours.

Day 9

Travel to the idyllic Keralan Backwaters this morning. The journey is around 4 hours and you will arrive in time to board your traditional houseboat for lunch. Spend the afternoon and evening cruising around the majestic lakes, lagoons and waterways that are sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and Kerala's forested hills.

Day 10

Enjoy breakfast on your houseboat before disembarking. Your driver will take you on the short journey to your homestay. Your welcoming hosts can arrange activities to give you a true insight into life in the backwaters or get involved in the preparation of dinner with fresh fish, traditional spices and other local ingredients.

Where you'll go
What you'll do
Where you'll stay

Similar Holidays

Everything we do is tailor-made; our itineraries are just suggestions to give you an idea of what is possible. Please contact us so we can tailor the perfect holiday exclusively for you.

Our Classic Kerala itinerary allows you to explore the highlights of Kerala, one of India’s most friendly and stunning destinations. This is the perfect laid-back introduction to Southern India for anybody short on time. Begin your trip in colonial Cochin, before driving through lush rubber, coffee and tea plantations to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Go on foot with tribal trackers to seek elephants in Periyar. Enjoy a relaxing stay in one of the gorgeous heritage properties or homestays on the backwaters and whilst here, explore the idyllic backwaters on a traditional houseboat for the day, before ending your trip on the wide sandy beaches of Marari.

2 nights Cochin – 2 nights Periyar – 2 nights Kumarakom – Backwater Cruise – 3 nights Marari.