For travellers looking for a comprehensive overview of central Kerala, this itinerary has been created to showcase the highlights and tropical beauty of this region. This vacation will see you exploring historic Fort Kochi, cruising through the idyllic backwaters, tracking wild elephants in the jungles of Periyar, hiking through the tea hills of Munnar, and lazing on the beach at Mararikulam. Expect great food, stunning scenery, and warm smiles.
Your journey through Kerala begins in Cochin where you will be based at the elegant Old Harbour Hotel, in the historic Fort Kochi area. Strategically important as a port for the spice trade, Fort Kochi is a melting pot of British, Dutch and Portuguese architecture. The narrow streets are also home to old spice warehouses, a synagogue, and the Chinese cantilevered fishing nets, and are fun to explore on foot with a knowledgeable guide. Next, you will have 2 days at the Windermere River House where you can enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking, and birdwatching trips into the Thattekad Sanctuary.
You will then travel into the tea hills around Munnar and stay at the comfortable Ambady Estate. Here you will learn all about tea – visiting a working plantation for a tour and the tea museum in the town of Munnar. Periyar National Park is your next destination which also happens to be located right in the heart of the main spice-growing region of Kerala. Stay at Spice Village, a small resort with lush tropical gardens. An early morning jungle walk (with a chance of seeing wild elephants) will be followed with a visit to a spice plantation.
After leaving Periyar, you will head to the famous Keralan backwaters to board your houseboat. Cruise through the afternoon admiring the stunning scenery and watching village life unfurl on the banks. Spend the night onboard. Disembark the houseboat after breakfast and drive for around half an hour to your last port of call, the gloriously relaxing Marari Beach Resort. Located by a sweeping stretch of sand, Marari Beach and its large swimming pool, will be the perfect place for you to relax and reflect on what will have been a memorable journey through Kerala.
Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Cochin International Airport
2 nights - Old Harbour Hotel, Kerala and Karnataka, India
2 nights - Windermere River House, Kerala and Karnataka, India
2 nights - Ambady Estate, Kerala and Karnataka, India
2 nights - Spice Village, Kerala and Karnataka, India
1 night - Spice Coast Cruise, Kerala and Karnataka, India
3 nights - Marari Beach Resort, Kerala and Karnataka, India
Ends - Transfer to Cochin International Airport for your international flight home
At a glance
India
12 Nights
City
Beach
Safari
Scenic
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Guide Price
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High Season from {: 3600|toCurrency :} per person
Includes flights from JFK
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Includes
International flights as specified
Meals and accommodation as specified
Road transfers as specified
Private guiding & chauffeuring
All entrance fees and excursions as specified
Spice plantation tour in Thekkady
Jungle Trek with a Forest Guide
Tea plantation tour in Munnar
Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
Conservation donation to Shave the Rhino
Community projects contribution with Uthando
Excluded
Entry visas and fees
Gratuities
Personal travel insurance
Items of a personal nature
Optional activities/ experiences
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ACTIVITIES
This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.
Birdwatching
Boat Trip
Cultural Experience
Cycling
Hiking
Food Experiences
City Sights
Wellness/Spa
Photography
Tea Plantations
Markets
Temples
Enriching encounters
ICONIC WILDLIFE
Whether you want to tick a leopard off your bucket list or seek out specific bird species, our expert guides reveal the typical wildlife sightings to expect on this sample trip.
Leopard
Sloth Bear
Asian Elephant
Sambar Deer
Brown Fish Owl
Gaur
Tiger
Wild Pig (Indian Boar)
Sample itineraries
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, cultural melting pots and enchanting beaches, every bespoke Mahlatini journey is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favourites.
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India
12 Nights
City
Beach
Safari
Scenic
Includes flights from JFK
Birdwatching
Boat Trip
Cultural Experience
Cycling
Hiking
Food Experiences
City Sights
Wellness/Spa
Photography
Tea Plantations
Markets
Temples
