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Undiscovered Northern Kerala

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Undiscovered Northern Kerala
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Experience Travel Group

Undiscovered Northern Kerala

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This holiday suggestion would allow you to explore beautiful Kerala uniquely. This itinerary focuses on the northern part of the state rather than the more touristy south, taking you away from the crowds to discover Kerala's distinct charms. There is just as much to see and enjoy up there, if not more: but far fewer tourists.

Highlights Include

  • Cruise through the backwaters for two nights and three days on a lovely converted rice barge (much quieter and less touristy than the busy backwaters in the South)
  • Explore eclectic Cochin with its culturally diverse mix of architecture, cuisine and history
  • Glamp in a beautiful region, home to some of India's best birdlife
  • A few nights R&R at a gorgeous and remote sandy beach before you fly home

The city hotels included are just suggestions, and we can adjust according to your preferences, travel style and budget. The hotels in rural areas are generally destinations in their own right where there are fewer alternatives.

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Cochin.

DAY 2 COCHIN

Upon arrival in Cochin, your guide will meet you and transport you to your hotel by private vehicle. 

Cochin (Kochi) is a charming seaside city where you'll find modern development and a cosmopolitan buzz mixed with crumbling colonial buildings, Portuguese mansions, and ancient mosques. After you've checked in at your charming boutique hotel, you'll head to the harbour for a sunset cruise. From your vantage point on board witness spectacular views of the famous Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Bolgatty Island, Willington Island and Cochin Harbour.

DAY 3 COCHIN

Today you'll enjoy a full-day tour of Cochin. As the oldest European settlement in India, Kochi (Cochin) features a fascinating blend of architectural styles. There are Portuguese churches, colourful Hindu temples and even a synagogue, built in the 1560s in the old Jewish Quarter. Most sights of interest are found in Fort Kochi, including the Dutch-built Mattancherry Palace, spice markets and dilapidated colonial buildings. You will also see St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica and the massive cantilevered nets that were brought to the city by Chinese traders and have become an iconic symbol of the city.

DAYS 4 COCHIN

This morning you’ll take a tuk-tuk around the backstreets of Fort Cochin, exploring the side often not seen by tourists. You’ll then take a local ferry across the harbour to Ernakulam which is the business hub of modern-day Cochin. Lunch will be at a local restaurant where you can have a traditional banana leaf meal.

DAYS 5 & 6 THATTEKAD (HORNBILL CAMP)

Travel with your chauffeur guide from Cochin towards the Thattekad bird sanctuary, nicknamed 'cuckoo paradise', this is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in India. Home to over 270 bird species, including the rare mottled wood owl, the Malayan night heron, the Sri Lankan frogmouth and, of course, various cuckoos. Accommodation is in simple tented cottages with en suite, electricity and hot water.

Here you'll have a chance to explore the beautiful local area with village walks, bird-watching, bicycle trips and kayaking all organised locally.

DAYS 7- 9 Wayanad

This morning drive to Alwaye railway station, which takes approximately two hours. Once there, you will start the three-hour train journey to Calicut. When you arrive in Calicut, you will be picked up by your chauffeur driver and taken to Wayanad. Here you will spend the next three days exploring this beautiful area of the western ghats. Your bungalow style accommodation sits among lovely coffee, spice and pepper plantations. Activities we recommend taking part are the cooking demonstration at the herb garden, an Ayurveda massage in the private pavilion and a coracle ride on the reservoir.

DAYS 10 -11 Thalassery

A three-hour journey will take you to Thalassery, a bustling little commercial town on the Malabar coast. The city has a rich cultural heritage and (once called 'the Paris of Malabar'); its importance as a spice port in bygone days has left a fascinating legacy. Here you'll stay in a colonial mansion overlooking the Arabian Sea, and you'll enjoy exploring the local market and fort. If you're lucky, your trip might coincide with a mesmeric local ritual - the Theyyam temple dance - when the priest goes into a trance to perform an eerie dance. You can also learn about Mopalla cuisine, the speciality of the Malabar coast, at a cooking class.

DAYS 12 -14 HOUSEBOAT IN NORTHERN KERALA

 A road journey a few hours upstates will take you to your houseboat which you'll board for a three day/two-night exploration of the Northern Keralan backwaters (which are a lot less touristy than the well-trodden waters further south in Alleppey). Your boat is designed in the traditional style, with comfortable bedrooms with a wicker canopy to protect you from the sun. Spend your time stopping to explore ashore and meet local villagers, discovering picturesque churches or lounging on the boat reading your favourite novel watching the world.

DAYS 14-16 Remote BEACH TIME

After your houseboat experience comes to an end, you'll take a short 30-minute transfer to the beach where you'll have three days to relax and enjoy swimming, exploring and the Arabian Sea.

DAY 17 FLY HOME

Today you'll travel to Calicut airport for your flight home.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

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 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Ayisha Manzil

Ayisha Manzil, Thalassery

An authentic and remote homestay with nostalgic touches, passionate hosts and loads of charm in beautiful Thalassery.

Brunton Boatyard

Brunton Boatyard, Cochin

This relatively new hotel is a painstaking reconstruction of 19th century Colonial life on Cochin Harbour. Great value and fantastic seafood.

Hornbill Camp

Hornbill Camp, Thattekad

Hornbill Camp offers upmarket glamping in the birding paradise Thattekad.

Lotus Houseboat

Lotus Houseboat, Neeleshwar

Lotus Houseboat is a high-end houseboat experience on the northern Kerala backwaters.

Neeleshwar Hermitage

Neeleshwar Hermitage, Neeleshwar

Neeleshwar is a challenge to reach, but this private fisherman's hut experience is more than worth the trip.

Pepper Trail

Pepper Trail, Wayanad

A charming and beautiful renovated bungalow amidst scenic coffee, spice and pepper plantations.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Cochin Tour and Performance

Cochin Tour and Performance, Cochin

As the oldest European settlement in India Kochi (Cochin) features a fascinating blend of architectural styles.

Explore Thalassery Town

Explore Thalassery Town, Thalassery

Head into Thalassery to explore the local market and fort. If you''re lucky, you're visit will coincide with a Theyyam temple dance.

Tuk Tuk Tour of Fort Cochin

Tuk Tuk Tour of Fort Cochin, Cochin

Take an alternative view of Fort Cochin by Tuk-Tuk and explore rarely visited Ernakulam.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Undiscovered Northern Kerala'

More Holiday Suggestions

Explore Tamil Nadu with Keralan Beach

Explore Tamil Nadu with Keralan Beach

Take a journey through rural Tamil Nadu and visit some of the oldest cities in India. Finish on a remote beach in Kerala.

India & The Maldives Holiday

India & The Maldives Holiday

Highlights of India & The Maldives Holiday: The Golden Triangle, Udaipur and The Maldives in one holiday!

Relaxed Kerala & undiscovered Maldives

Relaxed Kerala & undiscovered Maldives

An insightful holiday through South India and The Maldives. Explore quiet Kerala and experience true Maldivian culture.


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