Relaxed Kerala & undiscovered Maldives

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Cochin.

Arrive in Cochin, India’s oldest European settlement. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a sunset cruise around Cochin’s harbour with views of Marine Drive, Bolgatty Island, and Willington Island. Finish at the famous Chinese fishing nets for a sundowner.

Explore the city with your local guide the following day, delving into its Portuguese, Hindu, Jewish, and Chinese influences. End your day with a classical Indian dance performance at the cultural centre.

On the third day, experience the city like a local by tuk-tuk, visiting colourful markets and shops selling jewellery and textiles.

Head to Thattekad, where you can immerse yourself in the countryside. Take a village walk, enjoy bird watching, or hire a kayak to explore the waterways at your own pace.

Travel to Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest freshwater lake, and board a beautifully crafted houseboat for a three-night journey through the tranquil backwaters.

Glide through quiet canals, past paddy fields and villages like Kainagiri. Explore narrower waterways by canoe, visit the ancient Karumadikuttan Statue at Karumadi Temple, and stop by the charming village of Champakkulam with its traditional church.

As the day ends, your boat anchors in a peaceful spot for dinner under the stars, offering an immersive experience of Kerala’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

Arrive in Male, the Maldivian capital, to tour the city’s highlights. Then, you can transfer by speedboat to Guraidhoo Island, where you’ll experience everyday Maldivian life. Settle into your guesthouse and swim in the turquoise waters before enjoying dinner with a local family.

The next morning, enjoy a reef swim and snorkelling excursion with expert guides to spot marine life and learn about the region’s underwater wonders. After lunch, explore the island with a tour of the mosque, boatyard, and a café serving traditional hedikaa and black tea.

As the sun sets, join in a Boduberu drumming performance and feel free to participate if you’re up for it.

Relax at your luxury resort with a variety of activities to choose from. Snorkel over the house reef, indulge in a spa treatment, swim in the luxury pool, or dine at one of the island’s restaurants.

For divers, excursions to spot whale sharks or manta rays await or enjoy tennis and badminton courts and water sports instruction.

Depart the Maldives for your flight back to the UK.