Kerala with Family

An exciting adventure in the lush, green, tropical land of Kerala.

A trip to a fishing village, scrubbing an elephant as it is given its daily bath, seeing toddy tapping and paddy cultivation in the countryside, a jeep trip to the highest organic tea factory in the world, bamboo rafting through a forest… and much more, in God’s Own Country.

Recommended Itinerary

DAY 01 – FLIGHT

Fly to Kochi (all flights are indirect with a change of plane en route)

DAY2 - KOCHI (COCHIN)

Arrive Kochi in the morning and transfer to the Poovath Heritage for three nights. After a relaxed afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise on the harbour in the evening.

DAY3 - KOCHI

Visit the sites of Kochi on bicycles in the morning (the Pardesi Synagogue, the Dutch Place and St Francis Church). In the afternoon a tuk tuk ride of the spice markets is arranged.

DAY4 - KOCHI

Get up early in the morning to visit a fishing village, seeing the fishermen returning with their catch. See the lifestyle in the village and enjoy a traditional lunch there. In the evening witness a Kathakali dance performance.

DAYS 5 & 6 – PALAKKAD

Drive to the paddy country of Palakkad for a couple of days staying in a traditional Kerala family home. On the way visit the Elephant Stables of the Guruvayoor Temple, with over a hundred elephants – you can see them being fed and bathed. Spend the time in Palakkad exploring rural life, with you host. You can also visit Kalamandalam, where young students learn classical dancing as well as music.

DAYS 7 & 8 - MUNNAR

Take a four-hour drive up the hills to the tea country of Munnar, stay at The Leaf; visit the Eravikulam Sanctuary (if open), home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr; see the Tata Tea Museum. Enjoy a jeep excursion to Kolukkumalai, to see the highest tea factory in the world, in picturesque surroundings. You can enjoy a day hike here; a picnic lunch has been arranged.

DAYS 9 & 10 - PERIYAR

Drive to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spread around a lake and home to wild elephants, Indian gaur (bison), dhole, spotted deer, the protected lion-tailed macaque and a rich birdlife. Stay a couple of nights at Cardamom County. Take a boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot animals on the banks. An exciting day awaits you with a nature walk, spice gardens visit and bamboo rafting with lunch in the wilderness.

DAY 11 - RICEBOAT

Board a private rice boat today for the night; cruise along the Vembanad Lake to admire the bird and village life along the banks, as fresh food is cooked on board. The backwaters of Kerala are a unique feature with their own eco system.