This thoughtfully designed itinerary reveals a different side of the state, focusing on Northern Kerala rather than the more familiar southern hotspots. It steers you away from the crowds and into a region where Kerala’s character feels more intact, more personal, and often more surprising.
There is just as much to experience here, from culture to landscapes, with the added luxury of space and a sense that you’re seeing something few others do.
Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Cochin, a historic port city on Kerala’s Malabar Coast. Known for its blend of colonial heritage, spice-scented streets and lively waterfront, Cochin is a gentle and atmospheric introduction to southern India.
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.
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.
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.
Travel with your chauffeur guide from Cochin towards the Thattekad bird sanctuary, nicknamed ‘cuckoo paradise’, which 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.
This morning, drive to Alwaye railway station, a journey of around two hours. From here, board a train for a scenic three-hour ride north to Calicut. On arrival, your chauffeur will meet you and transfer you onwards to Wayanad.
Over the next three days, settle into this beautiful corner of the Western Ghats, where your bungalow-style accommodation sits amid coffee, spice and pepper plantations. While here, you might enjoy a cooking demonstration in the herb garden, an Ayurveda massage in a private pavilion, or a gentle coracle ride across the reservoir.
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.
A gentle road journey north brings you to your houseboat, where you’ll board for a relaxed three-day, two-night exploration of the Northern Keralan backwaters. Far less visited than the busier waterways of Alleppey, this region offers a quieter, more intimate experience.
Your boat follows a traditional design, with comfortable bedrooms and wicker canopies providing shade from the sun. Along the way, you can step ashore to meet local villagers and visit tucked-away churches or, simply, stay on board with a book in hand, watching daily life drift by at an unhurried pace.
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.
Today you’ll travel to Calicut airport for your flight home.
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With ETG, what’s included is shaped around ease. We take care of the practical details that can distract from the experience itself, so you’re free to relax into the journey and enjoy it as it unfolds.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
Each journey is shaped around you, so costs vary depending on season, flight choices, accommodation and how much is built in.
As a guide, most of our two-week trips fall between £5,000 and £10,000 per person.
Some fall below that, particularly for families or travel outside peak periods. Others go beyond it when the brief includes business-class flights, longer stays, or more ambitious hotel choices.
We discuss budget early, so everything is clear from the start.
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.
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.
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 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.
More exceptional journeys in India to explore
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.
Discover astounding wildlife, immersive culture and exciting adventure, all in one handy guide.
