Calm Kerala

On this journey through ‘God’s own country’ you’ll experience the highlights of Kerala – like wandering around Fort Cochin and winding through the picturesque backwaters – and go beyond the typical tourist trail to treasures like Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and the coastal village of Cherai. Throughout the trip, you’ll stay at welcoming homestays in startingly beautiful locations and take your pick between cultural excursions and active adventures en route (with plenty of time for R&R, too).

Highlights include:

Exploring the evergreen Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, nicknamed 'cuckoo paradise'
Floating down the mellow, mesmerising canals of Kumarakom and taking in life on the backwaters
Wandering around Chendamangulam and visiting one of the oldest markets in Kerala, well away from the Cochin crowds

What’s more, this holiday has been designed with price in mind so it offers seriously good value.

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can adapt this holiday to your tastes, your terms, and your timescale. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

International flights (if required)
Guides, drivers & their tips
Accommodation
Specified meals & snacks
Your immersive experiences
Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

DAY 1: DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Cochin.

DAYS 2 & 3: COCHIN

Your chauffeur-guide will meet you on arrival and whisk you straight to your first homestay, Secret Garden in Fort Cochin (around a 90-minute drive).

By day, explore the Old Town with its Portuguese churches, Chinese fishing nets, colourful Hindu temples and more, and by night, wander to the harbour to watch the sunset and retire to the Brunton Boatyard for an evening tipple.

You’ll also visit Ernakulam, which used to be the seat of the erstwhile Royal family of Cochin and is now the business hub of modern-day Cochin. Take a look at the Broadway Market too, one of the oldest markets in Kerala, before being driven back to Fort Cochin via the textile and jewellery shops of MG road.

DAYS 4 & 5: ALLEPPEY

And breathe… the backwaters are the perfect place to slow, right, down and relax (The Ameya is in a particularly peaceful spot). Here, you’ll take boat rides down scenic small canals and get a glimpse of backwater village life. You can also visit the local Varanad Temple, Cherthala market, and a local coir (coconut fibre) workshop, all within striking distance from your hotel.

DAY 6 & 7: MUNNAR

Today, it’s on to the high hills of Munnar, which sit at 2,695m above sea level. Up here, cascading coffee and cardamom plantations roll out as far as the eye can see. Your retreat, Fragrant Nature Munnar, has mighty views over the mist-clad mountains and an Ayurveda spa. During your stay, our guide can take you on exciting, immersive excursions like visiting the Srishti Trust to see fabric and paper being handmade and dyed and roaming around Munnar's markets brimming with fresh herbs, spices, and teas.

DAY 8 & 9: THATTEKAD

On your last morning in Munnar, enjoy a private tour of a tea estate and learn first-hand about the processes involved in producing tea, from crop to cup.

Then, it’s time to go to Thattekad – one of India's most important bird sanctuaries – to get your wildlife fix (around a three-hour drive away).

Home to over 270 bird species, this location is blissfully free from tourist crowds and surrounded by evergreen lowland forest. Take advantage of your eco-friendly camp’s kayaks or bamboo rafts and explore the dreamy river, catching glimpses of fluttering birds and even spotting elephants on the banks of the river (if you’re lucky), before refuelling with a cup of coffee at a local co-operative.

DAY 10, 11 & 12: CHERAI

Next, your chauffeur-guide will take you to the coastal beach town of Cherai (around a two-hour drive away), where you will be for 3 nights. You’ll stay at Vala house, a lovely, unpretentious retreat staffed by locals that offers genuine experiences and connection to Cherai's rich culture.

As well as exploring this village, our guide will also take you to Chendamangulam nearby – a special spot with one of the oldest markets in Kerala. You'll discover the wonders of this town by foot and tuk tuk and visit one of the oldest religious monuments and palaces in India, far from the maddening crowds found in Cochin.

DAY 13: FLY HOME

Today you can spend the day relaxing and enjoying your hotel before heading off to the airport, saying goodbye to your driver and taking the connecting flight home.

Speak to an expert 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Get in touch

Every holiday we create is unique. One of our team can talk you through your options...

Hotels & Villas
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Ameya, Alleppey

Small, quiet and private this characterful property is a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the Vembanad backwaters.

Birds Murmur Camp, Thattekad

Unspoilt, understated, and utterly quiet (save for the call of the birds), this eco-friendly camp is a very atmospheric place to stay.

Fragrant Nature, Munnar

High in the hills of Munnar, this modern hotel has phenomenal views over the mist-clad mountains.

Secret Garden, Cochin

A charming hotel in the heart of Fort Cochin, this lovely hotel has a relaxed intimate atmosphere with a pool.

Vala House, Cherai

Homely and humble, Vala House is one of the loveliest places to stay in Cherai.

Experiences & Activities
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A Day in the Tea Lands, Munnar

Explore the picture-perfect tea plantations that swathe the sloping hills of the Western Ghats.

Early Morning Backwaters Village Visit, Kumarakom

As day breaks, explore the narrow channels of Kumarakom as you float through hamlets and villages.

Exploring the Surroundings At Birds Murmur, Thattekad

Explore your surroundings at the Birds Murmur Camp with an early morning birdwatching trip or cycling, kayaking, or rafting at the camp.

Expore Cherai, Cherai

Rise early to see the coastal village of Cherai come to life and get swept up in the action along the harbour.

Morning Tour of Chendamangalam, Cherai

Enjoy a memorable morning in the small town of Chendamangalam - chatting with curious locals, admiring traditional Keralan architecture and exploring an ancient market.