Laid-back Kerala is a far-cry from the hectic north of India, and this itinerary is ideal for those looking for a slow-paced, culturally rich family adventure.
- Sleep on board an Indian houseboat
- Learn to cook a yummy curry
- Meet the Kathakali dancers
- Experience an authentic homestay
- Spot wildlife in Periyar National Park
- See how tea is made on a tea plantation
With hundreds of miles of pristine coastline, an extensive network of waterways and lagoons, plus the mountainous Western Ghats, it's no wonder Kerala is often considered India's most beautiful state.
Enjoy vibrant traditions, beautiful temples and immerse yourself in local life by staying in a houseboat and farm-stay. Search for wild elephants and exotic bird life, enjoy a cookery course and learn all about tea at a hill station.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Depart UK
Depart London on an overnight flight to Kochi (Cochin).
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Day 2: Arrive Kochi
On arrival in Kochi, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore your surroundings, and in the evening there is an optional sunset cruise.
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Day 3: Explore Kochi: Kathakali show
Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the city and in the evening have the chance to see a Kathakali dance performance, the traditional dance-form of Kerala.
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Day 4: Transfer to Alleppey, board houseboat
Witness the tradional Keralan way of life as you cruise past rice paddies, rubber plantations, markets and villages.
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Days 5-6 : Stay on a farm
Transfer to a beautiful sustainable working farm on the banks of the Kannadipuzha River. The farm has an abundance of spices fruits and herbs and traditional Keralan food is served here. Spend time relaxing in the hammocks or pool or joining optional activities such as a cookery class, market or village visits, bird and butterfly watching or cycling and walking in the nearby forests.
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Day 7: Visit a tea plantation & factory
Visit a tea plantation and see the process for making tea - from withering and curling through to enjoying a tasting at the end of the process.
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Day 8: Walking & boat safaris in Periyar
This morning there will be a gentle walk with a local guide to look for mammals, reptiles, insects and plants. This afternoon, join a gentle boat cruise on Periyar Lake in search of herds of wild elephants.
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Day 9: Transfer to Madurai
Enjoy a slow and scenic drive past tea plantations and villages over the Western Ghats to the town of Madurai.
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Day 10: Madurai sightseeing tour
Take a tour of the city visiting one of southern India's most famous temples - Sree Meenakshi Amman - as well as the Ghandi Museum, cave temple and palace.
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Day 11: Take the train to the beach
Board the train and travel to Kovalam, Kerala's best known beach resort.
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Days 12-13 : Free time at the beach
Two days are kept free for you to relax on the beach. Alternatively, take a tour to nearby Trivandrum or explore the area.
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Day 14: Fly to UK
Transfer to the airport and fly back to the UK.
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Days 14-18 : OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Ranthambore National Park
After experiencing the delights of Kerala in southern India, we highly recommend visiting the north of India and going on safari in the famous Ranthambore National Park. Here you can go in search of India's Bengal tigers and a range of other beautiful wildlife. Contact us to find out more.
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 8+
- Itinerary Type: Small Group Holiday Tailor-made can be arranged
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Easter
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Xmas
What’s Included
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Activities
- Boat trip
- City tour
- Cookery class
- Nature walk
- Safari
- Swimming
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Accommodation
Hotel x 9 nights, houseboat x 1 night, farmstay x 2 nights -
Meals
12 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners
Tailored for You
A private departure or tailor-made holiday can also be arranged to suit your requirements. Contact our experts today.
Next Steps
Departures
Choose your preferred departure date from the 1 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
Our small group holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate. Most of our holidays are also available on a private basis or can be tailored to meet your requirements.
| Itinerary Dates | Prices Per Person From (Exc. Flights) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Starts | Ends | Adult price, excluding flights, from | Child price, excluding flights, from | Holiday Status | Options |
| * Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and has reached a minimum number of participants, so is guaranteed to run. ** On Request: we may be able to offer places on this holiday, please contact us for further information. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details. | ||||||
| 2024 | 22 Dec | 3 Jan | £2,195 | £2,075 | Available | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to tailor a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
