Depart your home country on your flight to Kochi (Cochin), South India.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December - May
This journey through ‘God’s Own Country’ takes in Kerala’s best bits while steering you beyond the typical tourist trail to quieter, tucked-away corners.
You’ll wander the historic streets of Fort Cochin, drift through the backwaters to hidden canals, and spend time in places many visitors miss, from Thattekad Bird Sanctuary to the laid-back coastal village of Cherai.
Along the way, you stay in welcoming homestays set in startlingly scenic locations, with the freedom to balance cultural discoveries and active adventures as you go. There’s also plenty of space to slow down, switch off, and properly unwind.
Calm Kerala
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
Cochin
Your driver and guide will meet you on arrival and whisk you straight to your first homestay 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
From Cochin, travel south to the backwaters near Alleppey. Your hotel sits in a particularly peaceful spot, making it an ideal base for slowing the pace. Boat rides along narrow canals give you a close-up view of backwater village life.
You’ll also visit the local Varanad Temple, Cherthala market and a coir workshop, where coconut fibre is still prepared by hand. Between outings, there’s time to relax and soak in the stillness of the waterways.
Days 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 has cinematic views over the mist-clad mountains and an Ayurveda spa. During your stay, our guide will 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.
Days 8 - 9
Thattekad
On your last morning in Munnar, set off on 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. Hop into your eco-friendly camp’s kayaks or bamboo rafts and explore the flowing 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.
Days 10 - 12
Cherai
Next, your driver 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
Spend the final day relaxing and making the most of your hotel before heading off to the airport with your driver to catch your connecting flight back home.
ETG look outside the box
They always come up with things that no one else seems to, that's why they are so good. They are original and trying their best to show you the real country and people and not the facade. Great listeners, always a smile and a good banter... exceptional service and insight.
Susan
25 July 2025Excellent
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What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
“This itinerary shows you the very best of Kerala, including her hidden magic that most travellers skip over.”
Sara
India Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to India
Discover astounding wildlife, immersive culture and exciting adventure, all in one handy guide.
