We Love —
- India is renowned for its vibrant culture...we've included a traditional Kathakali Dance to help you get a taste of it!
- Explore Kerala & discover its tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, ayurvedic health & fascinating historical monuments.
- Embark on a trip on a houseboat, a truly enchanting escape as you glide along the tranquil waters and soak up the surrounding wildlife.
Book Now, Pay Later —
Booking 35 days in advance and spending over £500 per person? No need to pay in full today! Just select the 30% deposit option on our payment page (terms & conditions apply)
Your Destination —
Without question, India is the most engaging, colourful, chaotic, spiritual and life-affirming country in the world. It is an assault on the senses – all of them, nearly all of the time.
Your Itinerary —
Day 1: Arrival in Cochin
Upon arrival in Cochin, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can unwind after a long flight (approx. travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes).
Heralded as the Queen of Arabian Sea, Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the Arabian Sea coast since the 14th century and was the site of the first European colonial settlement in India and remained until 1530.
The Gateway to God’s own country Kerala, Cochin (Kochi) is arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala; it is also the commercial and industrial capital of the state of Kerala.
Overnight at Xandari Harbour with breakfast included.
After breakfast, proceed for half-day city tour covering Mattancherry Palace – gifted to the king of Cochin, by the Portuguese in 1555, St Francis Church (the oldest European church in India) and a Jewish Synagogue which is 500 years old.
The rest of the day is free to explore the city at your leisure, we recommend that you head to the Arabian Sea & view the Chinese Fishing Nets, unique to this part of Kerala and a living testament to the centuries-old Chinese influence on the coast.
Please note that the following monuments & sites are closed to visitors on certain days:
- Jewish Synagogue in Cochin: closed every Friday afternoon, all day on Saturday & all Jewish holidays
- Mattancherry Palace: Closed on Friday & all National Holidays
Overnight at Xandari Harbour with breakfast included.
After breakfast, you will be driven to Thekkady (approx. travel time: 4 hours 15 minutes). The Periyar National Park is one of the most beautiful, protected areas of India and is the perfect spot for nature lovers to watch birds, butterflies & other wildlife.
Upon arrival proceed, check-in at your hotel & admire its picturesque location in Kerala’s highlands, a naturalist’s paradise. The renowned Periyar Tiger Reserve is renowned for its unspoiled tropical forests & its incredible wealth of both animal & plant life.
Overnight at Cardamon County with breakfast included.
After breakfast, proceed on a boat ride across Lake Periyar. This is the perfect opportunity to seek out the park's abundance of wildlife from the elusive tiger to elephants, bison and a variety of deer, from a new perspective. Afterwards, proceed on a guided walk through a spice plantation & learn about the rich spices which have influenced Kerala for thousands of years & attracting visitors from all over the world.
Overnight at Cardamon County with breakfast included.
Today you will be driven to Alleppey in a private car where you will board a traditional houseboat (approx. travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes). Enjoy your cruise on the backwaters of this stunning region - you will coast small villages along the canals and the paradisaical landscapes.
The famous Backwaters of Kerala make this region one of the most picturesque in rural India. An idyllic network of rivers and canals, on a green coast, this place is characterised utterly by its lush coconut palms and paddy fields, as far as the eye can see.
Overnight onboard with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Disembark your houseboat & proceed to Mararikulam, a peaceful fisherman's village tucked away within lush coconut groves (approx. travel time: 30 minutes).
Overnight at The Xandari Pearl with breakfast included.
Days 7-8: Beach Stay
Spend your days soaking up the tranquillity of this location, which is just steps from a stunning stretch of beach. Your stay will include paddle boating & yoga.
Overnight at The Xandari Pearl with breakfast included.
Day 9: Departure
Today, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home (approx. travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes).
Your Hotels —
You will be staying at the following hotels throughout your tour. Meals as per the itinerary.
Please note: If any of these hotels are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be found.
Alcohol will not be served at Xandari Harbour, Xandari Pearl or onboard your houseboat.
Settle into a restored waterfront property located in the heart of Fort Kochi's spice trading district, Mattanchery. Your hotel is on the historical ‘Bazaar road’ which is lined with art galleries, cafes and warehouses filled with spices, this small luxury hotel offers travellers the opportunity to experience history alongside inspiring sea views.
In a lush setting bordering the Periyar Tiger Reserve, this upscale safari lodge is a 5-minute walk from performances at the Mudra Cultural Centre & 4.4 km from spices and Ayurvedic products at Abraham's Spice Garden. Country-style rooms and suites in low-rise cottages come with complimentary Wi-Fi, desks & minibars.
Climb aboard a traditional houseboat (rice boats) converted into houseboats with bedrooms and attached toilets. Originally these boats were used as ferries to carry rice. Cruise through the backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat which appears on National Geographic Traveller magazine's list of 50 “must do” things.
This hotel is an enchanting collection of bungalows submerged in clusters of coconut, mango & cashew tress. Once inside the curved walls of your villa, lounge in a hammock outdoors with a good book, shower under the stars or simply cool off in your private plunge pool.
Your stay will include the following:
- A foot massage upon arrival
- A cooking demonstration at Cardamon County & Xandari Pearl
- 1-hour canoeing into the backwaters to experience village life
- A 15-minute foot/head couples massage at Cardamon County & Xandari Pearl
- Fish feeding at Cardamon County's in-house pond
- Peddle boating & yoga at Xandari Pearl
- Bike Rides through town & along picturesque beaches
Some services may incur additional charges, payable locally.
Your Journey —
Flights: Are included with 23kg of hold luggage per person.
Option 1: Etihad Airways
Depart London Heathrow: 15:00
Arrive in Abu Dhabi: 01:10
Depart Abu Dhabi: 02:55
Arrive in Cochin: 08:30
Depart Cochin: 10:00
Arrive in Abu Dhabi: 12:30
Depart Abu Dhabi: 13:55
Arrive in London Heathrow: 18:45
Option 2: Jet Airways
Depart London Heathrow: 17:05
Arrive in Bombay: 06:50
Depart Bombay: 10:40
Arrive in Cochin: 12:45
Depart Cochin: 05:05
Arrive in Bombay: 07:20
Depart Bombay: 09:55
Arrive in London Heathrow: 15:10
OR
Depart London Heathrow: 21:20
Arrive in Bombay: 11:00 (+1)
Depart Bombay: 13:35
Arrive in Cochin: 15:35
Depart Cochin: 09:15
Arrive in Bombay: 11:15
Depart Bombay: 12:55
Arrive in London Heathrow: 17:55
Option 3: Oman Air
Depart London Heathrow: 20:50
Arrive in Muscat: 07:50
Depart Muscat: 09:00
Arrive in Cochin: 14:00
Depart Cochin: 09:55
Arrive in Muscat: 11:55
Depart Muscat: 14:10
Arrive in London Heathrow: 19:10
All flight times are local.
Transfers: Shared transfers are included as per itinerary.
Flight details are given as a guide only and may change. We will however notify you in advance if flights are more than 2 hours outside the time range given. Flights are non changeable and non-refundable at time of booking.
