Southern India Highlights - Kerala, Goa Beaches & Beyond

Depart for your holiday to Cochin where we uncover some of the highlights and jewels of Southern India.

We have arrived! Let’s meet our local representative and transfer to our hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Relax or explore the local surrounding area. 

Enjoy a welcome gathering with our expert guide, where we will learn about the history and culture of Kerala. Join us for dinner! After our informative information we get together for dinner in our hotel.

Dinner is included every night (13 nights) in India.

This morning, we set off from our hotel for a Heritage Walk through Fort Kochi, exploring the rich history and hidden treasures of this picturesque coastal town. Discover the iconic Chinese fishing nets still in use, visit the historic St. Francis Church, and admire the breathtaking Santa Cruz Basilica – perfect for capturing memorable photos. Later, take a short drive to Mattancherry to delve into the cultural wonders of the Dutch Palace and the Jewish Synagogue.

The rest of our day is free to relax and soak up the atmosphere or for those who want to see more, our expert guide will be happy to tell you of places to see.

After dinner we join our guide for an enchanting evening of Kathakali, a traditional Indian dance drama. Marvel at the vibrant costumes, intricate makeup, emotive facial expressions, and captivating music that come together to create an unforgettable cultural experience.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and journey into the picturesque hills of Munnar approximately five hours drive (125km). Sit back and relax as we transfer by coach, soak up the sights of daily life unfolding around you. Along the way we’ll take a break at the scenic Mundackal Plantation, where we can stretch our legs and enjoy the incredible views of endless tea plantations rolling across the hills.

Time permitting there maybe the opportunity to visit Munnar’s local markets where we find food stalls, fresh produce and the hustle and bustle of daily life.

We have arrived in Munnar! The rest of the day is yours to relax and take it easy. The cooler mountain air is a welcome change – perfect for unwinding and soaking up the peaceful beauty of Kerala’s hills.

Start your morning with a fascinating tour of Munnar, packed with memorable sights and experiences. Visit a lush tea plantation and the renowned Munnar Tea Museum (closed on Mondays) to learn about the region’s rich tea heritage.

We also visit the inspiring Srishti Welfare Centre, where you’ll see eco-friendly techniques in action. The talented women of Munnar use plants, bark, and roots to create natural dyes, transforming them into beautiful fabrics, paper bags, envelopes, and bookmarks. It’s a perfect blend of creativity, sustainability, and local culture!

Enjoy an afternoon to spend at your leisure. You might like to shop for local tea or locally grown spices or explore one of the nearby waterfalls. Your local guide will be on hand to offer some suggestions to suit your taste.

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to our hotel in Thekkady, with the journey taking around four and a half to five hours (80km). Along the way, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of emerald-green hills and have the chance to witness the harvesting of cardamom, rubber, and other local spices. It’s a scenic drive that offers a true taste of Kerala’s vibrant countryside.

Later we’ll embark on a guided tour of the Periyar Spice Garden, where we’ll discover a variety of spices growing in their natural habitat. We’ll also have the chance to savour and taste some of the spices, truly embracing the essence of the Spice Route. It’s a sensory journey through one of Kerala’s most aromatic experiences. Return to our hotel and unwind for the rest of our evening.

This morning, we’ll set off on an excursion into the vast Periyar National Park, a wildlife sanctuary home to the elusive tigers, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, leopards, and the beautiful Periyar Lake. We’ll enjoy a relaxed boat ride across the lake, with our local guide pointing out exotic birds and some wildlife along the way. Let’s keep our eyes peeled for the elusive tiger, however rarely spotted on this cruise – you never know what we might spot!

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, take in the mountain air and relax in the surroundings of your hotel.

Today, we’ll transfer to Kumarakom, a charming destination beside Vembanad Lake, with the journey taking around four and a half hours (120km). Once we arrive, we’ll board our thatch-roofed ‘Kettuvallum’ (houseboat) for an overnight stay in the peaceful backwaters of Kerala. Sit back, relax, and soak in the tranquil surroundings as we glide through scenic waterways lined with coconut groves and rice fields, all while watching daily life unfold at the water’s edge. It’s the perfect time to savour the moment. 

In the afternoon, we’ll experience more with a visit to a traditional Keralan village before returning to our unique floating accommodation in time for dinner.

Lunch is included on our houseboat today.

We say farewell to our houseboat and transfer by coach to Alleppey.

On arrival in Alleppey we have the remainder of the day at leisure. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and enjoy the time to relax more.

Today is yours to relax and fully enjoy our surroundings. If you’d like, our expert guide will be happy to share recommendations for places to visit and things to experience, ensuring you make the most of your time here.

In the evening, we’ll attend a cooking class hosted by the hotel chef. Kerala is famous for its high-quality spices, and you’ll see how these flavours come to life in the region’s cuisine. Coconut, in all its forms – pulp, milk, and oil – plays a key role in many dishes here. During the class, we’ll learn how to prepare 2-3 popular local dishes, and later, we’ll savour our creations for dinner.

We say farewell to Kerala and transfer to Kochi airport for your internal flights to Goa (via Bangalore or Mumbai (or similar) depending on your chosen date). The transfer to Kochi airport will take approximately two and a half hours (65km). We depart for the beach destination of North Goa.

We’ve arrived in Goa! After meeting our guide, we’ll transfer by coach to our hotel, where we’ll be staying for the next four nights. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and settle into your new surroundings.

Today, we’ll explore the historic sights of Old Goa, the ancient capital of Goa, famous for its beautiful churches. Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa’s most iconic church, completed in 1605, which houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa’s Christian community. We’ll also discover the Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia, with its eight chapels, six side altars, and a main altar dedicated to Saint Catherine. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and vibrant flavours of Old Goa.

Return to our hotel and enjoy the rest of our day soaking up the atmosphere.

Spend two days relaxing in Goa. You’ll have plenty of time to unwind and explore, whether that means lounging on one of Goa’s beaches, shopping at the vibrant flea markets, discovering more of Goa, or simply soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. The choice is yours!

Today we say farewell to Goa and transfer to Goa airport and board our internal flight to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai airport, you will connect with your overnight flights back home after discovering the highlights of Southern India.