Relaxed Kerala & undiscovered Maldives

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Discover the ancient cultures of South India and The Maldives on a holiday that will let you experience the classic sights while getting you away from the usual tourist route.

It's perfect for travellers wanting to delve deeper into South Indian and Maldivian culture and get away from the clichéd mass-market conception of the two countries. Experience the people, landscapes, food, history, architecture and heritage authentically while indulging in straight-up luxury.

Highlights include –

Ride a tuk-tuk with an expert local guide through the colourful, bustling, colonial Cochin Fort
Cruise the idyllic waterways of Kerala on a wonderfully relaxing refurbished houseboat
Spot beautiful tropical birds in the mysterious, lush forests of Thattekad, northern Kerala
Eat traditional Maldivian food, including mouth-watering fresh fish curries with grated coconut mas huni and hedikaa
Explore the small and friendly local islands of The Maldives where few tourists ever go and learn about everyday life
Relax on a luxury island in The Maldives to experience the other side of the Maldives, well known for its top-notch service and idyllic setting

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 UK

Fly to India.

day 2 – 4 Cochin explore the colonial city

Discover colonial Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India. After settling into your hotel, enjoy an evening sunset cruise around Cochin's harbour with beautiful views over the famous Marine Drive, Bolgatty Island and Willington Island. Finish at the famous Chinese fishing nets and enjoy a sundowner before going to a converted boatyard with stunning views over the harbour.

The following day, explore with your local expert guide the various quarters of the city. It's a cultural smorgasbord and architectural delight with Portuguese, Hindu, Jewish and Chinese influences. Finish the day with a visit to the city's cultural centre for a classical Indian dance performance.

Finally explore the city like a local, by tuk tuk with an expert guide. Visit colourful markets and explore beautiful jewellery and textile shops.

day 5 & 6 Thattekad Relax in the rural countryside

Spot wildlife in Thattekad countryside. Enjoy a village walk, go bird watching or hire a kayak and explore the waterways at your leisure.

Day 6 & 7 Kerala's backwaters away from the crowds

Cruise Kerala's waterways on a houseboat day cruise. You will stay in a superb resort in the peaceful backwaters, with idyllic swimming pools and traditional style rooms.

Day 8 – 11 Maldives guesthouse local island stay

Arrival in the Maldivian capital Male and enjoy a tour of the city's highlights.

Transfer by speedboat to Guraidhoo island where you can get a sense of everyday Maldivian life. Take some time to settle into your guesthouse and swim in the warm turquoise waters before having dinner with a local family.

After breakfast, go coral reef swimming and a spot of snorkelling. With expert swimmers joining you, they'll be able to spot extraordinary marine life and let you know interesting facts about it.

After lunch, enjoy a relaxed island tour. Visit the local mosque and boatyard where locals make the iconic curved fronted Dhoni boats. Stop by a cafe to sample traditional hedikaa served with black tea or non-alcoholic beer.

As the sunsets, enjoy a performance of Boduberu drumming and join in if you're feeling brave.

day 11 – 13 luxury Maldives The classic experience

Relax at your luxury resort. There are various activities on offer, snorkel over the house reef surrounding the island, indulge in a spa treatment or tow, swim in the luxury swimming pool, dine at one of the various island restaurants and enjoy a sundowner at one of the beautiful bars.

For diving enthusiasts, enjoy excursions to find whale sharks or manta rays. There are also tennis and badminton courts available and water sports instruction.

Day 14 return to the UK

Return home to the UK.

As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary. To give you an idea, our holidays typically cost between £4,500 and £8,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year and the hotels and flights involved. Child and seasonal discounts may bring the price lower than this. 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...

Guraidhoo Palm Inn, South Male Atoll

Stay at Guraidhoo Palm Inn, a homely guesthouse with a beautiful sun terrace overlooking coconut trees and the turquoise sea.

Hornbill Camp, Thattekad

Hornbill Camp offers upmarket glamping in the birding paradise Thattekad.

Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom

Come to Kumarakom Lake Resort for the royal treatment, the finest luxury and tea on the lawn overlooking lovely Lake Vembanad.

Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, South Male Atoll

Fantastic value 4* resort offering many of the facilities of the super-luxury resorts without the accompanying costs involved.

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...

Boduberu drumming lesson, North Male Atoll

With influences from Africa, brought over by Indian Ocean sailors , Boduberu is an ancient musical form you can learn.

Breakfast at a local home, North Male Atoll

Enjoy breakfast in a local home with traditional food like Roshi and fresh tuna cooked on open ovens.

Cochin Tour and Performance, Cochin

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

Coral Reef Snorkelling, North Male Atoll

Enjoy a snorkel under the sea and try to spot turtles, clown fish and rays under the water with expert local swimmers.

Cruise the Keralan Backwaters, Kumarakom

Explore the Keralan backwaters on a smaller vessel for a day cruise, and get right out into the smaller tributaries.

Guraidhoo Island Tour, South Male Atoll

Enjoy a tour of this typical Maldivian island including visits to the Mosque and dhoni boatyard.

Male City Tour, North Male Atoll

Explore the historic city of Male, capital of the Maldives and get a sense of ordinary life for the locals.

Sampling Hedikaa, North Male Atoll

Tuck in to some absolutely delicious tapas style dishes, from samosas, to crunchy tuna balls to coconut rice pieces.

Swim with manta rays, North Male Atoll

Swim with manta rays, one of the most graceful underwater animals in the world and an unforgettable experience.

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 'Relaxed Kerala & undiscovered Maldives '

Relaxed Kerala & undiscovered Maldives

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