Calm Kerala

DAY 1: DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Cochin.

DAYS 2 & 3: COCHIN

Your chauffeur-guide will meet you on arrival and whisk you straight to your first homestay, Secret Garden in Fort Cochin (around a 90-minute drive).

By day, explore the Old Town with its Portuguese churches, Chinese fishing nets, colourful Hindu temples and more, and by night, wander to the harbour to watch the sunset and retire to the Brunton Boatyard for an evening tipple.

You’ll also visit Ernakulam, which used to be the seat of the erstwhile Royal family of Cochin and is now the business hub of modern-day Cochin. Take a look at the Broadway Market too, one of the oldest markets in Kerala, before being driven back to Fort Cochin via the textile and jewellery shops of MG road.

DAYS 4 & 5: ALLEPPEY

And breathe… the backwaters are the perfect place to slow, right, down and relax (The Ameya is in a particularly peaceful spot). Here, you’ll take boat rides down scenic small canals and get a glimpse of backwater village life. You can also visit the local Varanad Temple, Cherthala market, and a local coir (coconut fibre) workshop, all within striking distance from your hotel.

DAY 6 & 7: MUNNAR

Today, it’s on to the high hills of Munnar, which sit at 2,695m above sea level. Up here, cascading coffee and cardamom plantations roll out as far as the eye can see. Your retreat, Fragrant Nature Munnar, has mighty views over the mist-clad mountains and an Ayurveda spa. During your stay, our guide can take you on exciting, immersive excursions like visiting the Srishti Trust to see fabric and paper being handmade and dyed and roaming around Munnar's markets brimming with fresh herbs, spices, and teas.

DAY 8 & 9: THATTEKAD

On your last morning in Munnar, enjoy a private tour of a tea estate and learn first-hand about the processes involved in producing tea, from crop to cup.

Then, it’s time to go to Thattekad – one of India's most important bird sanctuaries – to get your wildlife fix (around a three-hour drive away).

Home to over 270 bird species, this location is blissfully free from tourist crowds and surrounded by evergreen lowland forest. Take advantage of your eco-friendly camp’s kayaks or bamboo rafts and explore the dreamy river, catching glimpses of fluttering birds and even spotting elephants on the banks of the river (if you’re lucky), before refuelling with a cup of coffee at a local co-operative.

DAY 10, 11 & 12: CHERAI

Next, your chauffeur-guide will take you to the coastal beach town of Cherai (around a two-hour drive away), where you will be for 3 nights. You’ll stay at Vala house, a lovely, unpretentious retreat staffed by locals that offers genuine experiences and connection to Cherai's rich culture.

As well as exploring this village, our guide will also take you to Chendamangulam nearby – a special spot with one of the oldest markets in Kerala. You'll discover the wonders of this town by foot and tuk tuk and visit one of the oldest religious monuments and palaces in India, far from the maddening crowds found in Cochin.

DAY 13: FLY HOME

Today you can spend the day relaxing and enjoying your hotel before heading off to the airport, saying goodbye to your driver and taking the connecting flight home.