A Taste of Kerala

Flights from the UK to Cochin International Airport (London Heathrow routing via Delhi)

On arrival at Cochin International Airport you'll be met and transferred privately to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to relax after your journey. Cochin is one of India's oldest trading ports, a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British heritage, colourful spice markets and charming waterfront promenades.

Overnight: Cochin · Meals: None

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of historic Fort Kochi, where centuries of European influence meet Kerala's rich cultural traditions. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and Mattancherry Palace, then wander atmospheric streets lined with colonial buildings, art galleries and spice warehouses. In the late afternoon, watch a traditional Kathakali performance – Kerala's celebrated classical dance-drama, with elaborate costumes, intricate make-up and expressive storytelling drawn from ancient Hindu epics.

Overnight: Cochin · Meals: Breakfast

Drive: approx. 130km – 4 hours

Leave the coast behind and journey into the Western Ghats, where the landscape gradually turns to rolling tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and mist-covered mountains. Arrive in Munnar, Kerala's most celebrated hill station, known for its cool climate and spectacular scenery, with the afternoon at leisure at your mountain retreat.

Overnight: Munnar · Meals: Breakfast

Discover the tea-growing region that made Munnar famous. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about Kerala's tea heritage, then continue to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and picturesque Kundala Lake, with panoramic views across emerald-green tea estates throughout the day.

Overnight: Munnar · Meals: Breakfast

Drive: approx. 95km – 4 hours

Continue south through the Cardamom Hills to Periyar National Park, one of India's most beautiful wildlife reserves. After checking in, visit a fragrant spice plantation where local experts explain how cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla are grown.

Overnight: Periyar · Meals: Breakfast

Rise early for a peaceful boat cruise across Periyar Lake, one of the best ways to see wildlife in the national park. Keep watch for wild elephants, sambar deer, wild boar, otters and many species of birds along the forested shoreline. The afternoon is free for optional activities such as an Ayurvedic massage, bamboo rafting, guided nature walks or a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance.

Overnight: Periyar · Meals: Breakfast

Drive: approx. 140km – 4 hours

Drive to Alleppey and board your traditional Kerala houseboat. Cruise gently through the famous backwaters past coconut groves, emerald rice paddies and sleepy villages where life revolves around the waterways. Freshly prepared Kerala cuisine is served on board, and as evening falls you can watch the sunset across the lagoons before the houseboat anchors for the night.

Overnight: Houseboat · Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Drive: approx. 15km – 30 minutes

After breakfast on board, disembark and continue to the peaceful fishing village of Mararikulam, known for its golden sands, swaying coconut palms and relaxed atmosphere. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the beach or your resort.

Overnight: Mararikulam · Meals: Breakfast

A day to enjoy at your own pace. Relax beside the Arabian Sea, stroll the unspoilt shoreline, or try an optional Ayurvedic wellness treatment – an ancient healing tradition that originated in Kerala. Optional cycling excursions through nearby fishing villages offer a glimpse of local coastal life.

Overnight: Mararikulam · Meals: Breakfast

Drive: approx. 75km – 2 hours

After breakfast, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your flight home, taking with you memories of Kerala's tea-covered hills, wildlife, tranquil backwaters and warm hospitality.

Overnight: – · Meals: Breakfast