South India Updated Banner.jpg Logo Southindia
Back to Listing

Kerala

The deep southern state of Kerala stretches along the tropical Malabar Coast with almost 600km of Arabian Sea coastline. It is famed for palm-fringed golden sand beaches, the cool and languid network of backwaters and the spice, tea and coffee plantations of the Western Ghats. Kerala is also home to ayurvedic treatments, tantalising cuisine and abundant native wildlife and birdlife.

The backwaters draw travellers in precisely because there is so little to do; after the rigours of Indian travel, this is a moment to lie back, sip a drink, read a book, watch the birds or simply doze as the lush, sleepy jungle slips by. The labyrinth of canals and lakes stretch for 75 kilometres between Cochin and Quilon along the coast. In the smaller canals, fishermen stand up to their necks in water, digging for fish with their toes, women thump clothes clean by the water's edge and traditional barges pass, heavily laden with coconuts and rice. Some of the waterways are tiny, barely wide enough for a canoe, whilst others are major trading and transport routes.

Kerala is a world away from the frenzy of the rest of India and is altogether a more liberal and laid-back place.

Backwaters South India Backwaters South India
Backwaters Luxury Holiday In South India With Ampersand Travel Backwaters Luxury Holiday In South India With Ampersand Travel
Kerala, South India (3).jpg Kerala, South India (3).jpg
Kerala, South India (2).jpg Kerala, South India (2).jpg
Kerala, South India.jpg Kerala, South India.jpg
My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus

Client Testimonials

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
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

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences