India Tours
Hills and Backwaters of Kerala Tour
Visit the world-famous backwaters of Kerala and have some well-earned down-time on a tropical beach.
The Backwaters of Kerala Tour
Welcome to the backwaters of Kerala, a mesmerising destination in southern India. In fact, National Geographic Traveller ranked it among the top 50 must-see places in the world. Above all, Kerala offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures.
Our journey begins in the enchanting city of Cochin, a former trading port renowned for its timeless beauty. Then we venture into the refreshing mountain air of Munnar. This picturesque hill station sits in the Western Ghats, surrounded by vast tea plantations. After that, our trail crosses into Tamil Nadu to the ancient city of Madurai. Here we explore the magnificent Sri Meenakshi Temple, adorned with towering gopura gatehouse towers.
Returning to the hills, we arrive at Periyar for a chance to see Kerala's majestic wildlife. On a day-hike, for example, we keep an eye out for wild elephants roaming freely. As our journey nears its end, we enjoy a mesmerising cruise through the backwaters near Alleppey. Finally, we drive south to the white-sand beaches of Kovalam to bask in the warm sun.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive Kochi
You arrive by international flight, and our representative will welcome you. You then transfer to your hotel for check-in, so the rest of the day is free to explore or relax. Kochi, also known as Cochin, is the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". It is one of Kerala's finest natural harbour cities. Moreover, its cosmopolitan culture reflects centuries of trade with other nations.
Overnight in Hotel in Kochi
DAY 2
Kochi Sightseeing
Today's sightseeing tour begins at Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. The Portuguese built it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi in 1555. Then you visit the Jewish Synagogue, the oldest in the Commonwealth of Nations. After that comes St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, built in the early 16th century. Finally, you see the iconic Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi.
Overnight in Hotel in Kochi · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3
Munnar
Drive to Munnar (4-5 hours), a beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats at 1,600m above sea level. It was once the summer resort of the British Government in South India. Today, it is also popular for its vast tea plantations. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Overnight in Hotel in Munnar · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4
Explore Munnar
First, walk into the tea plantations, a carpet of emerald green spread over the hills. Then climb to the Seven Mallai hills through cardamom and coffee plantations. As a result, you enjoy magnificent views of Chittrapuram Dam, Changulam Lake and Anamudi Peak.
Overnight in Hotel in Munnar · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5
Madurai
Drive to Madurai (5-6 hours), the oldest city in Tamil Nadu. It lies on the banks of the River Vaigai. Because of its many shrines, people commonly call it the temple town of the country.
Overnight in Hotel in Madurai · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6
Madurai Sightseeing
First, visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, built between 1623 and 1655. This historic Hindu temple honours Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) and Lord Shiva. Then continue to the flower market, one of the biggest in southern India and popular for jasmine and rose. Finally, explore the Nayakar Palace, built in the 17th century with the help of an Italian architect. As a result, it is a fusion of Dravidian, Islamic and European styles.
Overnight in Hotel in Madurai · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7
Thekkady and Spice Plantation
Drive to Thekkady (4-5 hours), in the Cardamom Hills of the southern Western Ghats. These hills are popular for Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected elephant and tiger reserve declared in 1982. Later, in the afternoon, visit a spice plantation to learn about the spices grown in India.
Overnight in Hotel in Thekkady · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8
Periyar National Park – Walk and Boat Safari
The day begins with an early morning jungle walk into the national park. Afterwards, there is free time for optional activities, such as an Ayurvedic massage or a Kathakali dance show. Then, in the late afternoon, take a boat safari on Periyar Lake. Here you may see wild elephants, chital and sambar deer, wild boar and many bird species.
Overnight in Hotel in Thekkady · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9
Alleppey
Drive to Alleppey (3.5-4.5 hours), a backwater heaven interlocked with lakes and canals. People know it as the rice bowl of Kerala. In addition, coir-making and boat-building are thriving industries here. Then board a traditional houseboat for an unforgettable cruise along the palm-fringed waterways.
Overnight in Houseboat · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 10
Kovalam
Drive to Kovalam (4.5-5.5 hours), a popular beach resort known for its shallow waters and low tidal waves. It has three beaches, Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach, all fringed by coconut palms. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to relax on the beach.
Overnight in Hotel in Kovalam · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11
Full Day Free at Kovalam
Enjoy a free day on the idyllic soft sandy beaches of Kovalam, with warm clear waters and wide ocean views. Alternatively, an optional excursion to Kanyakumari is available at extra cost.
Overnight in Hotel in Kovalam · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 12
Departure to Trivandrum Airport
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Trivandrum Airport. Finally, board your international flight home, leaving with some amazing memories.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
11 nights hotel accommodation on a twin-share basis at a Standard (3-star) or Deluxe (4-star) category hotel. This includes 10 nights with breakfast and 1 night with all meals during the houseboat stay.
English-speaking local guide for the city tours mentioned in the itinerary
All monument entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Nature walk and boat safari on a sharing basis at Periyar National Park
Spice plantation visit at Thekkady
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle with driver, including fuel and road taxes for the whole trip, plus arrival and departure transfers
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Alcoholic drinks and drinks not mentioned
Any photography and video fees
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
This is a private tour, so we can arrange it for any departure date between September and March. Two hotel tiers are available: Standard (3-star) from £1,075pp, or Deluxe (4-star) from £1,275pp. Both prices assume two people sharing a twin/double room. We can also design this tour just for you. Contact us for further tour information, including flight options and pre and post-tour accommodation.
From £1075 per person
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for India.
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into India. It must also be machine-readable and have 2 blank pages for your visa. You need a visa to travel to India, unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. Therefore, apply for the right visa category for your trip, as either a regular (paper) visa or an e-visa. You can apply via the eFRRO, the Bureau of Indian Immigration or the High Commission of India in London.
Laws on alcohol vary by state, and it's an offence to drink in public places. Moreover, alcohol is banned entirely in Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Lakshadweep. Smoking is banned in most public places, and e-cigarettes are banned entirely. Drug offences carry a minimum sentence of 6 months for personal-consumption amounts, and 10 years for other amounts. Be careful with cameras and binoculars near military sites, government buildings, airports and railway stations. In addition, satellite phones require a licence.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice for India. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever occur year-round. In addition, severe air pollution is a major hazard in winter (October-February), particularly in North Indian cities.
What to Bring
Bring lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing, because cotton and natural fibres are best. It should cover the body appropriately when you are in the company of local communities. In other words, it doesn't need to be fancy, but it needs to be respectful. Walking shoes or boots plus sandals are the ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, suncream, a torch, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle and a power adapter.
While You're There
India's currency is the Rupee, which is non-convertible and cannot be taken out of the country. Therefore, exchange money at the airport, banks, large hotels or ATMs once you arrive. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. However, check with your card provider about foreign transaction fees. There may also be limits on cash withdrawals within a 24-hour period.
The best time to visit is between October and March. During these months, the weather is more likely to be warm, sunny and dry. However, Kerala and southern India are at their best from November onward, once the monsoon has ended. India uses type C, D and M plugs. Mobile data coverage is also relatively good throughout the country, and local SIM cards are widely available.
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