Family Kerala Vacation Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

DAY 1: DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Cochin.

DAYS 2 & 3: WINDERMERE RIVER HOUSE   RURAL LIFE

You will be met at Cochin airport by your driver who will be with you by the end of the trip. You’ll transfer straight to the Windermere River House on the banks of the River Periyar, a secluded and traditionally Keralan property offering a unique insight into rural life.

This is an ideal place to completely chill out, or a great base from which to explore the remote surrounding area where locals still live a traditional way of life. Depending on your interests, during your stay you will have the opportunity to fish, swim or even canoe in the River Periyar, visit a local village school, a remote forest temple and beautiful spots to catch the sunrise or sunset. Cycling, hiking and cooking classes are also on offer, and, if you’re a twitcher, the variety of birdlife in the area is amazing, so bring your binoculars!  

DAYS 4 & 5: MUNNAR    TEA & TREKKING

Today you will journey roughly two-and-a-half hours into the lush tea plantations of Munnar where you will stay at Spice Tree for two nights. The hill station of Munnar, a major centre for tea production, sits high in the Western Ghats. Surrounded by rich flora and fauna, here you’ll also find rolling hills of coffee and cardamom.

There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied at Spice Tree. Cooking classes are available to introduce you to the variety of flavours Kerala has to offer, along with tea tasting in nearby plantations where you can learn about the different herbs and spices the region is home to. With plenty of relaxed treks around the resort, more strenuous ones further a field are available, too. As well, visits to local villages and expeditions with trained naturalists can also be arranged.

DAYS 6 & 7: PERIYAR   WILDLIFE & ADVENTURE

After a four hour drive, you will arrive in Periyar National Park, a protected area in southern Kerala that is home to a broad range of wildlife. Spend the first afternoon relaxing around your hotel

Here you’ll spend a full day hiking and rafting day through some of the richests forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Wander through forests rich in bird life and arboreal animals like giant squirrels and Nilgiri langur before rafting for about three hours. Spot gaur, sambar deer and a profusion of birdlife at the water’s edge amongst the stunning panoramic views of the forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. If you’re very lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the elephants that reside in the interior of the park!

DAYS 8 & 9: KUMARAKOM   BACKWATERS & VILLAGES

On an early morning jungle trek led by tribal trackers, you will traverse the diverse habitats of Periyar, observing birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Later, you will be transferred roughly 4 hours towards Alleppey, for your stay in Kumarakom for two nights. In the afternoon, cruise the backwaters on a houseboat towards the Thottappaly region, revealing the expanse of the waterways and village life alongside the water.

The next morning, take a short cruise on a houseboat along an expanse of Lake Vembanad before exploring the more narrow channels of Kumarakom, passing through hamlets and villages where you can witness fishing and toddy tapping in the heart of the backwaters. You’ll experience two contrasts of the same area, giving you a real insight into local life all from the comfort of a beautiful boat.

DAYS 10, 11 & 12: MARARIKULAM   RELAXATION

After just a 30 minute drive this morning, you will arrive in Mararikulam for a relaxing three-night stay. Originally a small fishing village, you’ll find in many ways, the way of life here has hardly changed. Spend the next few days at your leisure exploring the long stretch of beach dotted with fishing communities or relaxing in your hotel, by the pool

DAYS 14 & 15: COCHIN   HISTORIC & COSMOPOLITAN

Your driver will transfer you approximately 1.5 hours today to your final destination, Cochin, for a two-night stay. On a sunset cruise, you will be introduced to the city, witnessing the lovely views of the famous Marine Drive, surrounding islands and the Cochin Harbour before ending at the iconic Chinese fishing nets.

The following morning, board a local tuk-tuk with your driver to explore the backstreets and narrow lanes of Fort Cochin, experiencing a side to the city not often seen by tourists. Visit the spice bazaar and laundrette where everything is still done by hand, before taking a local ferry across the harbour to the business hub of Ernakulam. Here you’ll see the former royal offices, markets and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

DAY 16: FLY HOME OR STAY!

Depart Cochin on your flight home or continue on to your next destination.

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK

For more on our pricing policy read here.