Green, verdant, and blessed with waterways and palm-fringed beaches, Kerala in the south west is not quite what you might expect from India. With a rich cultural heritage, plenty of international influence and a slow-paced and relaxed way of life that defies 21st century influence, Kerala is both striking and fascinating.
The cultural portrait of Kerala is made up of several foreign influences: Arabic, Dutch, European, and Chinese. Known for its delicious aromatic spices, Kerala is a region that uses coconut generously in its cuisine. Health and wellness enthusiasts travel here for the Ayurvedic spas and detox programs based on a holistic system dating back 5,000 years.
To the south, the popular backwaters are best explored by kettuvallam (Keralan houseboat) although, particularly on a 1 night houseboat, it can be crowded and far from idyllic. Talk to us about ways to avoid the crowds. For a pristine beach experience without the throngs of tourists, try Neeleshwar in the north instead. The ancient port and fishing village of Cochin has a charming Jewish, Portuguese, and Hindu flair. In the rolling Cardamom Hills, Munnar features lush tea plantations and thriving national parklands. Marari is a quiet fishing village where you can enjoy the simple pleasure of Keralan hospitality and gorgeous beaches. For an unspoilt northern experience, venture into Wayanad where misty mountains are home to spices and flora in abundance.
The people in Kerala are perhaps the greatest pleasure of all: warm, hospitable and kind to visitors. All these attributes make this Indian state a well-known and loved holiday destination. Whilst Experience Travel Group focus on Kerala, many excellent itineraries in the region would take in the neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka too and we would be thrilled to share our expert knowledge on the entire region with you. Talk to a travel consultant today to plan your trip to Kerala in great and exciting detail and remember that the state has so much more to offer than just Cochin, Munnar, Periyar, the backwaters and beach.
Explore Full Itinerary
India
Kerala Encompassed
Gain a great insight into the variety Kerala has to offer as you travel south to north over three weeks. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in different types and styles of accommodation, ranging from tea bungalows to a plantation mansion, houseboat, treehouse and tents, to name a few.
Spend your days among tea and spice plantations, relaxing in rural settings, spotting wildlife, cruising along the Alleppey backwaters, visiting local markets and getting to know the towns that make Kerala tick. Relax on a remote beach to round off your holiday through ‘God’s Own Country’.
Highlights
Cruise the backwaters
Explore the canals on a houseboat for two nights, watching local life pass by
Birdwatching
Wake up on the banks of the Periyar River, where you’ll have the chance to spot over 120 species of birds
Safaris
Track elephants and tigers in Nagarhole National Park
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
India
Birds of South India
Discover lesser-visited but beautiful areas of Southern India during this two week holiday. There is a particular focus on the region’s abundant birdlife, exceptional for casual and serious aficionados. Visit several sanctuaries and travel through the lush western ghats, known as a treasure house of endemic species, as well as the strictly protected wildlife of Bandipur National Park.
Highlights
Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary
End your journey with a visit to the Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary, home to some 170 exquisite bird species
Valparai
Explore Valparai’s remote landscapes through forest treks in an area full of wildlife, including some of the most endangered varieties of hornbills
Bandipur National Park
Spot elusive big game on sunrise and sunset safaris in Bandipur National Park
Gallery
