£1449pp—Backwaters & beaches: private 11-nt Kerala tour

Spot elephants and tigers, cruise sleepy backwaters, and taste tea in the highlands of Kerala. You’ll be chauffeured everywhere across this serene tropical state of Southern India. This holiday saves up to £440 against similar packages we've seen elsewhere.

What's included

• Outbound flight to Kochi and return flight from Thiruvananthapuram, with 23kg checked baggage
• Private ground transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the journey, with an English-speaking chauffeur-guide
• Two nights at the 4-star Eighth Bastion—CGH Earth in Kochi
• One night at the 4-star Whispering Waters in Paniyeli Poru
• Two nights at the 4-star Ragamaya Resort & Spa in Munnar
• Two nights at the 4-star WGH Poetree in Thekkady
• One night on an air-conditioned houseboat in Alleppey
• Three nights at the 4-star The Travancore Heritage Beach Resort in Kovalam
• Half-board meals on the tour, and full-board meals on the houseboat and at the beach hotel
• A bottle of mineral water per person in the vehicle every day, and two bottles of beer on the houseboat for each guest
• Excursions throughout, with all entry fees
• A one-hour Ayurvedic massage per person during the beach stay Kovalam
• All taxes and service charges

When
Fly from London Heathrow on 7, 14, 25 May; 1, 4, 11 June; 4, 17, 24 September, 2025.

Travel on select dates January–April, or October–November, 2025, from £1549 per person.

You can depart from Birmingham, Edinburgh, or Manchester from £1599 per person; or Newcastle from £1699 per person.

For more information, see our partner's website.

Itinerary
Your private adventure will start in Kochi, a vibrant seaport. The old town is a blend of Indian, European, and Chinese cultures. Spice warehouses line narrow streets, and bustling markets invite for browsing curiosities. Visit the Dutch Palace and Santa Cruz Basilica before heading to the shore to see traditional fishing nets looming over the bay. 

Next, drive to a serene riverside retreat near Paniyeli Poru. Listen to the soothing sounds of nature on a guided walk. You might spot a variety of birds in the lush forest. Dine with views over the water and—weather permitting—a starry night sky.

Continue to Munnar in the highlands, the largest tea-growing region in southern India. Call at a plantation and factory in the Western Ghats, with tea tasting included. A cooking demonstration will showcase local culinary delights. A waterfall trek is also covered in your programme.

On the way to Thekkady, you'll visit the Periyar National Park. The reserve is home to tigers, elephants, and sambar deer. You'll go on a wildlife-spotting boat excursion. Spend time at a spice plantation, and see a Kathakali dance and martial arts performance.

It's then on to sailing the glistening backwaters on a houseboat from Alleppey. These vessels give a real insight to Keralan life. You'll pass by ancient temples, rustic villages, paddy fields, and swaying coconut trees.

The journey concludes with three deluxe nights along a palm-backed beach near Kovalam. The tile-roofed timber houses of your hotel blend seamlessly with acres of tropical gardens. Sunbathe at the pool, or see the sun set over the Indian Ocean. An hour-long Ayurvedic massage at the spa is also part of your package.

Other options

• Upgrade your 3-night beach break at a 5-star hotel, from an extra £299 per person. Stay at the high-end Marari Beach—a CGH Earth Experience. You'll get daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Morning yoga and evening meditation are also included. You'll go on a village walk, attend a cooking class, and get an Ayurvedic massage
• Add a 5-night Golden Triangle tour from an extra £669 per person. You'll stay at 4- and 5-star hotels in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, with daily breakfast. All transportation, and services of an expert guide are included. Activities cover a rickshaw food tour in Delhi, and sunrise at the Taj Mahal. You'll also visit the Amber Fort in Jaipur

Transfers & baggage
Both are included.