Beautiful Kerala

We begin our journey in the colonial part of Cochin (known as Fort Cochin) facing out into the Arabian sea. This will give you a taste of old Kerala: with its spice trade, Chinese fishing nets along a rustic beach and colonial architecture. We then drive upwards, into the Cardomom Hills and to the British tea plantation enclave of Munnar, exploring this stunningly beautiful area, partly by jeeps.

Next we leave Kerala and drive to one of the oldest cities in India, Madurai in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It’s here we’ll see an ancient (and gigantic) underground temple complex, seen as one of the wonders of India, as well as visiting the markets of the city.

From here we head southwest and back into Kerala and the spice plantations of Thekkady. Your stay here will be comfortable and exotic and you’ll learn all about the spices. You may also like to take part in an optional visit to Periyar National Park. Next it’s peaceful Kumarakom, to relax overlooking the largest freshwater lake in Asia. You might also want to visit the nearby bird sanctuary and enjoy sunset (free) by boat on the lake.

The following day, you’ll embark on an overnight cruise by traditional converted rice barges through the backwaters. You’ll have your own chef on board, where you and your travel companions can decide when to eat, and take the exotic spectacle all in.

Finally, it’s Varkala, epically placed along a clifftop with a beach below. This location has a ‘hippy vibe’ where you’ll stay in basic but comfortable accommodation that’s in the centre of things, from rustic cafes to yoga, to bars overlooking the sea. We then drive back to Cochin for our farewell dinner and home.

• 19th – 31st Jan, 2026 Sold out £99 deposit required.
• 9th – 24th January, 20272 places available Please contact us via How to book page