Hidden Gems of Kerala
Discover beautiful northern Kerala with its spice estates, coffee plantations and wildlife-rich forests while staying at intimate boutique hideaways. Explore the colonial buildings of old Kochi, take a backwater cruise, go game-viewing at Nagarhole National Park and watch Olive Ridley turtles nesting on white sand beaches (seasonal).
12 days/11 nights
Hotels/Houseboat
Departs daily ex Kochi
Highlights:
- Tour exotic Kochi, with its diverse historic and cultural heritage
- Take a traditional houseboat through the iconic backwaters of Alleppey
- Travel through lush tea plantations and fragrant orange groves
- Go on safari in Nagarhole National Park and visit Dubare Elephant Camp
- Visit Bekal Fort and Thaikadappuram Beach, where Olive Ridley turtles seasonally nest
Hidden Gems of Kerala
Sample Itinerary
12 days/11 nights
Hotels/Houseboat
Days 1/2
Kochi
Arrive Kochi and transfer to your hotel. A magnificent natural harbour, Kochi has been at the centre of the spice trade for centuries. On day 2 enjoy a morning city tour visiting the Jewish area in Mattancherry, the synagogue (closed Sat) and the Dutch Palace with its famous Kerala murals (closed Fri). See the Chinese fishing nets and St Francis Church. Evening Kathakali performance. B
Day 3
Houseboat
After breakfast drive to Alleppey (2 hrs) and board your houseboat to begin a cruise through the sleepy backwaters. Overnight on board. BLD
Days 4/5
Wayanad
Disembark your houseboat and transfer by train to Calicut. Arrive and drive through hills cloaked in tea and spice plantations to Wayanad. Day 5 at leisure to take a private estate tour or trek to the famous Edakkal Caves. BLD
Days 6/7
Nagarhole
Pass lush tea plantations en route to Nagarhole National Park (2 hrs) with its abundant birdlife and wildlife including elephant, antelope and tiger. Game viewing is done by boat, vehicle, or on foot. BLD
Days 8/9
Coorg
Enjoy wonderful scenery as you travel to the orange groves and tea plantations of Coorg, which you explore by guided tour. Next morning visit the Dubare Elephant Camp. Afternoon is free for optional activities. BLD
Days 10/11
Bekal
Drive to Bekal on the Arabian Sea. On Day 11 visit the magnificent Bekal Fort and Thaikadappuram Beach, renowned for rare Olive Ridley turtles that nest during the rainy season (Sep-Jan). B
Day 12
Tour ends Mangalore
This morning transfer to Mangalore airport (1.5 hrs). Tour ends. B.
Featured
Itineraries
Backwater Cruise
This relaxed cruise explores Kerala in south India, a tranquil region characterised by spice plantations, beautiful beaches and languid backwaters.
Hidden Gems of Kerala
Discover beautiful northern Kerala with its spice estates, coffee plantations and wildlife-rich forests while staying at intimate boutique hideaways.
Wonders of the South
Journey through southern India, a land of stunning beaches, fragrant spices, flamboyant temples and a rich cultural heritage.
South India and Kerala Overview
Why visit South India & Kerala? This beautiful part of India is a wonderful complement to any north India holiday, offering a more tropical climate, gentle landscapes, colonial cities and very flamboyant temple architecture.
When is the best time to visit South India & Kerala? It is never cold in most of southern India; however in the hill stations it can drop to 5°C in the “winter” months. For the best weather, visit during the relatively cooler and less humid season, between Oct- Feb. This is also a good time to see some of the more interesting festivals. Mar, Apr, and May are hot and humid whilst the mid-year monsoon period sees heavy rains.
What can I combine Kerala with? North India’s Golden Triangle and Rajasthan, or the little island of Sri Lanka, just off the coast of south India.
How do I get to South India & Kerala? Fly into Bangalore, Chennai or Kochi.