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
- Witness the ancient Kalarippayattu martial art
- Meet the Kathakali dancers
- Experience an authentic homestay
- See how tea is made on a tea plantation
- Spot wildlife in Periyar National Park
With hundreds of kilometres 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, hike in the Western Ghat Mountains 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's 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: Drive to Munnar
Drive to the Hill Station of Munnar in the Western Ghat Mountains via the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, with more than 300 species of birds to try and spot. -
Day 5: Hike in the Western Ghats & visit a tea plantation & factory
Take a morning hike in the Western Ghat Mountains to the summit of Meesapulimala and in the afternoon enjoy a refreshing tour of the local tea plantations. Watch the tea-making process - from withering and curling through to enjoying a tasting at the end of the process.
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Day 6: Drive to Thekkady, spice garden visit & ancient martial arts show
Drive over the hills of Munnar to Thekkady and enjoy an aromatic walk around the spice gardens full of cardamom, peppercorns and chillis. In the evening, see a demonstration show of possibly the original martial art. -
Day 7: Walking & bamboo rafting safaris in Periyar
This morning there's a gentle walk with a local guide to look for mammals, reptiles, insects and plants. This afternoon, take a bamboo raft ride on Periyar Lake in search of herds of wild elephants.
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Days 8-9 : Stay on a working Indian 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 10: 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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Day 11: Drive to the beach
Today, you 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 India’s southern tip, Kanyakumari 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: 10+
- 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
- Cultural show
- Nature walk
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Accommodation
Hotel x 9 nights, houseboat x 1 night, farmstay x 2 nights -
Meals
12 breakfasts, 4 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 4 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
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Inc. Flights) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Starts | Ends | Duration | Adult price, excluding flights, from | Child price, excluding flights, from | Duration | Adult price, including flights, from | Child price, including flights, from | Holiday Status | Options |
| 2026 | 20 Dec | 1 Jan | 13 days | £2,245 | £1,795 | 14 days | £3,455 | £2,795 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 28 Mar | 9 Apr | 13 days | £1,795 | £1,395 | 14 days | £2,995 | £2,245 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 4 Apr | 16 Apr | 13 days | £1,795 | £1,395 | 14 days | £2,995 | £2,245 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 19 Dec | 31 Dec | 13 days | £2,195 | £1,795 | 14 days | £3,495 | £2,795 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| * 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. | ||||||||||
For alternative dates, 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.
Kindly note that we prepare our prices several months ahead of travel dates, and our flight-inclusive prices are provided as a general indication, based upon flight costs at the time of publication. Your quotation may vary, based upon the prices of flights (and the availability) at the time of your enquiry.
