Kerala in Style – Timeless Travel through God’s Own Country

Arrive at Cochin International Airport and transfer to Fort Cochin, a historic coastal quarter full of character. Settle into a boutique hotel blending heritage style with modern comfort.

Over two days, explore Fort Cochin and Mattancherry with a private guide. Wander spice-scented alleys, watch the Chinese fishing nets, and visit St. Francis Church, the Dutch Palace, and the Paradesi Synagogue—the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.

Browse Jew Street’s antiques and artisan crafts, then relax on a private sunset cruise as the harbour glows golden. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance with a chance to see the performers’ makeup rituals beforehand.

For a deeper connection, join a private cooking class and dinner with a local family, tasting Kerala’s rich flavours firsthand.

Accommodation: The Brunton Boatyard – A period hotel on the Cochin waterfront, blending colonial elegance with modern luxury.

Travel to the peaceful highlands of Munnar, a stunning region in the Western Ghats known for its rolling hills and lush tea plantations. Here, you’ll dive into the rich history of tea growing.

Follow the Lockhart Tea Trail with guided walks from 30 minutes to 4 hours through green estates. You might meet the women picking tea leaves and visit the Lockhart Tea Factory to see how tea goes from leaf to cup.

Spend time at Shristi, a local NGO supporting people with disabilities through craft and training, a meaningful and inspiring stop on your journey.

Nature lovers can visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered wild goat. You will enjoy stunning views and a chance to spot this unique mountain species in the wild.

Accommodation: Lockhart Bungalow – A beautifully restored planter’s residence with sweeping views over tea-covered hills.

Journey to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected tiger reserve set in the misty hills of the Western Ghats. Known for its rich wildlife and scenic beauty, Periyar offers a unique chance to explore one of India’s most treasured natural habitats.

Start with a spice plantation tour led by a local expert. Discover how pepper, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and coffee are grown in this fragrant landscape.

For the adventurous, take a half-day bamboo rafting and trekking trip through the forest trails of Periyar Tiger Reserve. This eco-adventure combines a 3 to 4-hour forest hike with an hour of bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake, where you might spot elephants, Sambar deer, Indian bison, and a variety of birds along the shore.

Accommodation: Spice Village – An eco-retreat inspired by traditional tribal dwellings, featuring thatched-roof cottages and a strong sustainability ethos.

Travel from the hills to Kumarakom, passing through tea and rubber plantations. Along the way, enjoy an authentic Syrian Christian lunch at a traditional plantation bungalow in Kanjirappally.

Once in Kumarakom, settle into a peaceful waterfront retreat and soak up the gentle rhythm of Kerala’s backwaters. Glide through calm waterways in canoes guided by local villagers and explore the area on foot. Drift past paddy fields, coconut groves, and village scenes where traditional crafts continue, like screw pine weaving, which turns palm leaves into mats and baskets, and toddy tapping, where fresh palm sap is collected for local palm wine.

Spend your free time relaxing in serene surroundings or indulge in a soothing Ayurvedic therapy at the resort spa.

Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon – A heritage backwater resort on Vembanad Lake, offering rustic charm, cultural immersion, and tranquil waterside serenity.

Board your private air-conditioned houseboat around midday for a magical overnight cruise through Kerala’s iconic backwaters.

Sail across Lake Vembanad and into a maze of canals lined with swaying palms, temples, churches, and glimpses of everyday life. Your personal crew will serve a freshly prepared lunch, evening tea, and dinner made with local ingredients.

As the sun sets, the boat anchors in a peaceful stretch of water. Later, watch as the night sky fills with stars while the boat drifts gently on the water, creating a calm and memorable end to the day.

Accommodation: A private one-bedroom, air-conditioned houseboat, combining traditional design with modern comfort.

After breakfast, disembark from your houseboat and travel to the coastal village of Mararikulam, north of Allepey. This laid-back fishing village is the perfect place to unwind at the end of your journey.

Check in for three nights of relaxation at your seaside retreat. Here, life moves at a gentle pace, guided by the sound of the sea. Spend your days lounging by the beach or pool, enjoying morning yoga, or indulging in authentic Ayurvedic treatments at the resort spa.

Optional excursions include a visit to the local fishing harbour, or a cultural tour of nearby temples, markets, and the surrounding villages of Alleppey and Mararikulam.

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort – An eco-conscious seaside retreat set amid coconut grove, offering a deep connection to Kerala’s natural rhythms

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport to board your return flight—carrying with you, memories of Kerala’s lush landscapes, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality.

Pricing & Inclusions

From £3,190 per person (October to April)
From £2,390 per person (May to September)

Prices are based on two guests sharing and exclude international flights. These are guideline rates and may vary depending on travel dates, room category, exchange rate fluctuations, and peak holiday periods such as Christmas, New Year, or regional festivals.

This itinerary is just the beginning — we specialise in creating tailor-made journeys across the Indian Subcontinent. Whether your interests lie in history, art, nature, wildlife, wellness, cuisine, festivals, architecture, or something uniquely your own, we can customise every detail to suit your travel style.

With private guides, curated experiences, and a handpicked selection of boutique accommodations, your holiday will be as individual as you are. This program offers an inspiring introduction to Kerala and can be tweaked or completely transformed to create your perfect journey.

Prices vary depending on your choice of accommodation and travel dates.

To start planning your bespoke Indian holiday,
Email: info@authenticindiatours.com
Call: 01792 315499 to speak with one of our India Travel Specialists.

ABTA and ATOL Protected Tour Package

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.