Kerala in Style

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart and fly to Delhi or Mumbai and connect to Kochi. 

DAY 2 & 3 KOCHI Bustiling seaside city

Arrive in Kochi, and you’ll be picked up by your driver who will remain with you till the beach part of your trip. They’ll take you to your hotel on the harbourside of this charming seaside city.

Today you will take a guided tour of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry in local style – on board an auto-rickshaw. You can explore the lesser-visited lanes and alleyways that aren’t accessible by car, and get under the skin of the city. In the afternoon, you’ll take a ferry across to Ernakulam, the business hub of modern-day Cochin. It’s fascinating exploring the contrasts between old and new.

DAY 4 & 5 MUNNAR Tea planters paradise

You’ll drive through dramatic scenery towards the lovely hill station of Munnar, established by the British and with over 30 estates. Your accommodation is a boutique hotel in the hills with incredible views.

You will spend a full day exploring around the tea country with its sloping hills and plantations stretching as far as the eye can see.

DAYS 6-8 PERIYAR Keralan wildlife

Today you will rise early and drive towards Periyar National Park and wildlife sanctuary, which houses a board range of species from elephants, bison to the ever-elusive tiger. On arrival at your planter’s bungalow, you’ll have the chance to relax after lunch, before a 4-5km afternoon walk through well-defined tracks.

You’ll get to experience a cooking class while as the bungalow, visiting the market to buy fresh ingredients and then use them for cooking a meal with your host. Afterwards, you’ll take a short walk around the spice plantation.

A day of leisure awaits to do as you please while staying in the bungalow. 

DAYS 9-11 KUMARAKOM Lakeside living

After a scenic four hour drive, you will reach Kumarakom with its small cluster of palm-fringed islands next to Vembanad Lake. It’s the perfect place to relax for a few days and take in the laid back lifestyle of the Keralans. You’ll stay in the lovely Kumarakom Lake Resort with fantastic views. Here you might like to leary about Ayurveda or cycle around local villages or meet with local chefs to learn about cuisine in this region. The next few days are yours as you wish.

DAYS 12-14 Kovalam Relaxed beach

This morning you will be picked up by your driver and taken to Kovalam which will take around 4 hours. Well worth the drive, although a more developed beach resort in this region, you’ll be staying at the stunning Niraamaya Surya Samudra for the next few days.

DAY 15 FLY HOME (OR STAY!)

Depending on your flight time, you’ll take the short 30-minute drive to Trivandrum airport for your onward journey. If you’d like to extend the beach, then just let us know. Every trip to India is tailormade, so the itinerary is entirely flexible. Get in touch today.

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK