OUR EXPERTS SAY
The best of Kerala’s backwaters, beaches and mountains, with a diversion to one of south India’s finest temples
This is just a great way to get a feel for life in the laid-back state of Kerala. On this trip you get to spend a couple of weeks traveling the region. Start off in the historic harbour town of Cochin, drive up to spend time in the lush green mountains of Kerala, head out to visit one of the region’s most spectacular Hindu temples, experience farm life on the backwaters, sleep on a houseboat and spend the last few days relaxing on the beach.
Remember, this is just a suggested itinerary - your own holiday can be tailored to your preference of budget, duration, locations and experiences.
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The itinerary…
Day 1: Take to the skies

The Fort at Cochin
Take the overnight flight from London Heathrow, or selected other UK airports, to Cochin in South India.
Day 2: Welcome to India

Kathakali dance in Cochin
On arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the charming seaside town of Cochin. Meet your driver who will be with you for your whole holiday. Then put your feet up and get ready for the adventure ahead. Your first experience of traditional Indian culture will be a good one, as in the evening we will take you out for a performance of the local dance, the Kathakali.
Day 3: Cochin by the sea

Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin
Enjoy a private guided tour of Cochin and explore this fascinating historical town with its European churches, Jewish synagogues, Indian palaces and Chinese fishing nets. This has been a cosmopolitan place for thousands of years.
Day 4: Munnar in the hills

Stroll the hills in Munnar
The day starts with a scenic 4-hour drive away from the coast and up into the lush green mountains of Kerala. Your destination is the old British hill station of Munnar, surrounded by tea plantations and stunning scenery.
Day 5: Munnar in the hills
Relax and spend the day exploring Munnar and its surroundings with your car and driver at your disposal – some options are the town and churches, Tea Museum or the nearby Eravikulam National Park to spot the Nilgiri Ibex.
Day 6: Madurai, the great temple

Shree Meenakshi Temple Complex In Madurai
This morning’s drive further east will descend from the hills of Kerala down to Madurai in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. Madurai is home to one of India’s most remarkable temples, a huge colourful complex dedicated to the fish-eyed goddess Meenakshi. Your guide will take you there for the daily evening spectacle - a ritual wedding of the goddess with the great Hindu god Shiva.
Day 7: Day trip to Chettinad

Chettinad
Visit the temple again in the early morning if you feel like it, as later on we will drive you out for a day trip (about 2 hours each way) to Chettinad to see the traders’ bungalows unique to this town, and sample the world famous Chettinad cuisine for lunch.
Days 8 & 9: Paradisa in the hills

Paradisa Plantation Retreat
Today start the return drive west to the coast of Kerala, this time crossing the hills by a different route, and stopping for a couple of nights in the Paradisa Plantation Retreat to relax and rejuvenate amidst plantations of coffee, cardamom, cloves and pepper.
Days 10 & 11: Backwaters of Kerala
Philip Kutty's farm in the backwaters
It’s about a 3-hour drive to the backwaters of Kerala for your stay at Philip Kutty’s farm, a traditional Keralan homestay on a farm island in the backwaters. Experience the slow pace of life in this unique location and explore the area.
Day 12: Houseboat on the Backwaters

Cruise The Kerela Backwaters
Board your houseboat and spend the day cruising around the waterways and lagoons of Kerala’s backwaters. The houseboat is also your accommodation for the night so relax and enjoy.
Day 13: Marari Beach

Time to Relax on Marari Beach
Hopping off your houseboat, it’s a short drive to spend the last few days of your holiday winding down on Marari Beach, one of the best beaches in Kerala, with a good variety of accommodation.
Day 14: Marari Beach

The Swimming Pool at Marari Beach
Enjoy the beach, take a dip in the sea, work on your tan, sip a fresh coconut and finish that book.
Day 15: Fly home
It’s a 2-hour drive from your hotel to the solar-powered Cochin International Airport for your flight home.
Duration: 14 nights
Location: Kerala and South India, India
Price: £2580pp
Our 'Kerala - A Tropical Paradise' itinerary includes: International flights (price based on London), accommodation, daily breakfast (also lunch and dinner while at Paradisa and on the backwaters, and lunch at Chettinad), transfers & drives in chauffeur-driven AC vehicle, and sightseeing as indicated.
Tailor this trip around your preferred dates, your budget and your ideas.
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Alistair
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