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Immersive Journey through South India

8 days from £3,410 for 2023 per person

This tailor-made tour starts in the rural idyll of Munnar where one can truly switch off and withdraw from the fervour of modern day life. Windermere Estate is the perfect place to unwind with a good book or spend an afternoon exploring its expansive 55 acre estate. Next, travel on to the aptly named Serenity in Kanam where you can explore the local countryside by ox-cart or even on their resident elephant! Then continue on to “Gods own country”, Kerala’s Backwaters, where you can be as active or relaxed as you like, but certainly never short of things to do. Indulge yourself with a choice of Ayurvedic treatments or take a yoga class at your hotel.

Having immersed yourselves in the paradise of rural southern India, continue to the harbour city of Cochin where you will have plenty of opportunities to learn about the history and culture of this fascinating metropolis. From here catch a train to Neeleshwar which, for anyone wanting to experience “real” India, will prove to be a fascinating experience: from the families travelling in their droves, to witnessing the on-board chai and street food sellers. Upon arrival in Neeleshwar you can embark upon all number of activities like boat trips to rural villages, or with its huge pool, you might find yourself unable to leave the Neeleshwar Hermitage eco-lodge. Enjoy a couple of nights here before spending your final night on board a houseboat for an authentic and unforgettable ending to your South Indian experience.

This tour allows you to appreciate just what a feast for the senses India can be. As it is purely a suggested itinerary, it can be booked as it is or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own perfect holiday. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our Family Holiday and Honeymoon collections, as well as our favourite Active and Boating itineraries.


Itinerary details

8 days from £3,410 for 2023 per person

  • Day 1 - Windermere Estate - Munnar
    Arrive in Cochin and transfer to Munnar by car. Spend the evening at your leisure.
  • Day 2 - Windermere Estate - Munnar
    Spend the day at your leisure with your choice of local activities.
  • Day 3 - Serenity - Vazhoor
    Journey to Vazhoor by car and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
  • Day 4 - Malabar House Residency - Cochin
    Journey on to Cochin and spend the rest of they day exploring it's sights.
  • Day 5 -
    Catch a train from Cochin to Neeleshwar. This will provide a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday rural life.
  • Day 6 -
    Spend the day at your leisure with your choice of sightseeing and excursions.
  • Day 7 - The Lotus - Neeleshwar
    Transfer to the jetty and spend your day and night cruising along Kerala's Backwaters.
  • Day 8 - In transit.
    Transfer to the airport for you return flight home.
Munnar South India 2 Munnar South India 2
Windermere Estate Munnar South India 2 Windermere Estate Munnar South India 2
Windermere Estate Munnar South India 1 Windermere Estate Munnar South India 1
Mysore South India 2 Mysore South India 2
Serenity Vazhoor South India 2 Serenity Vazhoor South India 2
Serenity Vazhoor South India Serenity Vazhoor South India
Alleppey South India Alleppey South India
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Malabar House Residency Cochin South India 1 Malabar House Residency Cochin South India 1
Malabar House Residency Cochin South India Malabar House Residency Cochin South India
Neeleshwar Hermitage Neeleshwar South India Neeleshwar Hermitage Neeleshwar South India
Neeleshwar Hermitage Neeleshwar South India 3 Neeleshwar Hermitage Neeleshwar South India 3
Neeleshwar South India Neeleshwar South India
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I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.
George Bernard Shaw

Client Testimonials

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

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