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Classic Kerala... Beautiful Beaches & Balmy Backwaters in South India

14 days from £5,915 for 2024 per person

Our Classic Kerala Holiday is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Family-friendly Itineraries.

A relaxed introduction to the charming and diverse state of Kerala which is famed for its welcoming people, lush, tropical scenery, delicious food and fascinating Portuguese, Dutch, Arabic and British history. Venturing from the spice plantations and wildlife sanctuaries to palm-fringed beaches and tranquil backwaters, this tailor-made holiday to Kerala is truly a feast for the senses.

Begin your journey in the colonial city of Cochin, home to Portuguese, Dutch, Arabic and British traders at various times in its long history, and famed for its spices and ancient trading routes. Then journey up into the tea plantations of Munnar for an authentic slice of South Indian rural life in the verdant Cardamom Hills. On to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary next, where you will be truly submersed by the South Indian jungle. Elephant, samba, bison, wild boar, and occasionally tigers and leopards can be seen in this vast reserve.

The next phase of your journey will take you to the peaceful shores of Lake Vembanad with a relaxing stay at Purity, and then on to the serene backwaters where you will cruise through and see village life that has remained unchanged for decades. Spend the last few days by the beach on the Malabar Coast staying on an old coconut plantation.

Keralan cuisine makes great use of the locally grown produce; spices, coconut and seafood and you may enjoy the delicious delicacies served off banana leaves. This tour allows you to appreciate just what a feast for all the senses Kerala can be.

This is purely a suggested itinerary, it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made holiday to India. If you'd like to see similar tours, take a look at our favourite Epic Journeys, Honeymoons and Family Holidays, as well as our Boat, Beach and Spa & Wellness collections.

Itinerary details

14 days from £5,915 for 2024 per person

Day 1 - Old Harbour Hotel - Cochin
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 2 - Old Harbour Hotel - Cochin
Full day sightseeing tour of Cochin
Day 3 - Windermere Estate - Munnar
Morning drive to Munnar. Afternoon visit the tea plantation and tea factory.
Day 4 - Windermere Estate - Munnar
Spend the day at leisure to explore the local area.
Day 5 - Spice Village - Periyar
Morning drive to Periyar. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 6 - Spice Village - Periyar
Full day sightseeing in Periyar.
Day 7 - Purity - Vembanad Lake
Morning drive to Vembanad Lake. Spend the rest of day at leisure.
Day 8 - Purity - Vembanad Lake
Day at leisure.
Day 9 - Spice Coast Cruises - Vembanad Lake
Transfer to your houseboat on the Keralan backwaters.
Day 10 - Spice Coast Cruises - Vembanad Lake
Full day sailing on the backwaters.
Day 11 - Marari Beach Resort - Mararikulam
Morning transfer to Mararikulam. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 12 - Marari Beach Resort - Mararikulam
Spend the day at leisure.
Day 13 - Marari Beach Resort - Mararikulam
Spend the day at leisure.
Day 14 - In transit.
Return to the airport for your onward flight home.

Key

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson

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Client Testimonials

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket

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

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines

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

We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma

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

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 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 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

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

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 barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India

Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland

Classic Kerala... Beautiful Beaches & Balmy Backwaters in South India

14 days from £5,915 for 2024 per person

Itinerary details

14 days from £5,915 for 2024 per person

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Client Testimonials

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