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This two-week tour will be a fortnight you’ll never forget. The Indian state of Kerala runs up the south western coast of the country and is undoubtedly one of the most naturally beautiful places we’ve ever been.
Your journey begins in the commercial and financial hub of Kochi, set on India’s largest natural harbour, and offering heaps of attractions and activities, many of which are concentrated in the seaside area of Fort Kochi.
What's Included
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International flights
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Private drivers and expert guides
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Stay on a luxury houseboat in the backwaters
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Private nature safari in Periyar
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Luxury & characterful accommodation
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Dedicated Yonder support 24/7
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Insider's tour in Fort Cochin
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R&R on a stunning beach
Sample itinerary in full
Remember: Every Yonder itinerary is uniquely created to suit our individual clients. Destinations, hotels, lengths of stay and even modes of transport are all decided by you, with the help of our local knowledge and expert guidance.
DAYS 1-3 | Cochin
Highlights: Explore Fort Cochin by bike; Visit the Chinese fishing nets; Discover Kochi by tuk tuk
This two-week tour starts in Kochi, where you’ll be collected from the airport and transferred to the boutique, five star Brunton Boatyard hotel, a maritime themed, colonial styled abode that exudes vintage luxury. On your second day in Kochi, you’ll explore the Muzuri’s Trail, visiting India’s oldest church, mosque and synagogue.
Highlights
Kochi city tour
(Included full-day tour)
Embark on a full day adventure setting off to discover the Ancient Landscape of the Muziris, the first communities to settle in this corner of India as far back as 1000BC. Amazingly, Kochi was the cradle of religion in India with the first Jewish, Christian and Muslim settlements springing up here. The afternoon will bring an altogether different experience setting off by tuk-tuk to discover the old fort area which passed through the hands of various European powers until independence. Today, the legacy of European influence is still evident through architectural landmarks which your expert guide will explore with you along the way.
Your included hotel
Brunton Boatyard
Your alternative hotel choices
Eight Bastion
DAYS 3-5 | Thodakayam
Highlights: Explore the wild Malayatoor forest; Star gazing free of light pollution; sunset canoeing
The drive to Thodakayam gives you an opportunity to take in some of Kerala’s amazing countryside, and upon arrival at the Quiet by the River hotel you’ll be able to unwind and explore the surrounding forest at your leisure. If you desire, activities such as guided nature walks and sunset canoe rides are on offer to give you a helping hand.
DAYS 5-7 | Munnar
Highlights: Visit a tea factory; Go for walks on plantation paths
Your next stop is the beautiful hilltop town of Munnar, sitting deep in tea country. Enjoy a cup of cardamom as you take in the views from The Windermere Estate, which is the perfect place to relax and listen to the birds sing. While here you’ll be taken for the Vattavada Experience. Meaning ‘enclosed by the mountains’ this will allow you to experience close up the amazing local culture and lifestyles of the area.
Highlights
Tea factory visit
(Included half-day tour)
Visit a tea factory to learn about the processes behind the nation’s favourite drink and, of course, have an opportunity to sample the golden nectar.
Tea plantation hike
(Included half-day tour)
Venture into the plantation: a morning stroll in the crisp mountain air is invigorating, and it is all the more interesting, when you get the opportunity to try your hand at tea plucking (subject to the growth of the leaves) and interact with the workers who do this as their daily work.
Your included hotel
Windermere Estate
DAYS 7-9 | Periyar National Park
Highlights: Private safari; Visit working spice plantations
The journey continues into Periyar National Park, bursting with wildlife and beauty. You’ll stay in traditional, but comfortable, tribal-style accommodation at Spice Village in Thekkady. It really does feel like a village here and activities such as outdoor nature interpretations, handmade paper making and sari demonstrations give you an insight into local traditional lifestyles.
Highlights
Nature walk
(Included full-day tour)
In the morning you’ll venture out on foot for a nature walk into the Periyar tiger reserve. The walking trail will last about 2.5hrs and you’ll encounter an exotic array of flora and fauna along the way. In the afternoon, your senses will be awakened as you discover the rich, and delicate, spices native to this part of India on a plantation visit. Nutmeg, pepper, cloves and cinnamon grow in abundance and the aromas perfume the air of Kumily.
Your included hotel
Spice Village
DAYS 9-11 | Kerala's Backwaters
Highlights: Cruise the backwaters; Overnight on a houseboat; Stunning nature
Next, you’ll explore the Keralan backwaters in style, aboard the luxurious Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda, with king-sized, deluxe cabins, 24-hour butler service, freshly prepared international dishes and traditional performances in the evenings. There are a number of cultural activities to take part in during the day, including visiting the half-statue of Lord Buddha at Karumadi and a traditional Kerala tharavad (family residence) and seeing a Mohiniattam classical dance, also called the ‘Dance of the Enchantress’.
Highlights
Private backwaters houseboat cruise
(Included overnight cruise )
Board a private houseboat for an overnight cruise on Lake Vembanad and in the backwaters. Your personal crew will tend to your every need, and produce your meals, as they navigate this unique waterway ecosystem ensuring you can relax and savour this very special overnight experience.
Your included hotel
Kumarakom Lake Resort
Your alternative hotel choices
MS Oberoi Vrinda
DAYS 11-14 | Marikulam
Highlights: Beautiful beach; Complete R&R
Your Keralan fortnight ends with some time to unwind in the friendly seaside town of Mararikulam, with its sandy beaches, coconut groves and wildlife. Marmari Beach Resort is ideally located and offers a range of activities from Kalari demonstrations to a guided temple trail tour, or you can simply relax and enjoy a soothing Ayurveda treatment from a trained therapist.
Your included hotel
Marari Beach Resort
Tailor-Made Itineraries
THE YONDER DIFFERENCE
Off-the-shelf is off the menu at Yonder: from the moment you first get in touch you'll be in the hands of a senior executive who has spent years getting to know your destination first-hand. Other travel companies might talk a big game about expertise and customisation but, to blow our own trumpet for a minute, we're in a league of our own.
Hotels featured in this itinerary
Brunton Boatyard
Formerly the shipyard of Geo Brunton and Sons on the seafront in Fort Forth Kochi. Now beautifully restored, this period building of the British Raj is a boutique, five- star hotel with a unique charm.
View this hotelEight Bastion
Contemporary hotel with a unique conceptual style that draws inspiration from the seafaring history of Fort Kochi. Beautiful rooms and fantastic dining.
View this hotelHow to go Yonder
What you get for your money
This itinerary would typically cost from £2,990PP inclusive of international flights staying in the specified hotels and having the services of a private chauffeur and guide.
The costs vary based on season, flights, room type and board basis. All our holidays are tailor-made and can be created around your budget.
Every Yonder itinerary is uniquely created to suit our individual clients. Destinations, hotels, lengths of stay and even modes of transport are all decided by you, with the help of our local knowledge and expert guidance.
All Yonder holidays include flights, carefully curated hotels. private drivers, expert guides and local concierges alongside 24/7 support from Yonder should it ever be needed so you know you are in safe hands.We are immensely proud of our unique and in-depth expertise of the destinations we offer. Unlike some travel companies, each hotel we feature is handpicked and personally experienced by us so we can give you the inside story. We also carefully choose our guides based on their their exhaustive knowledge and professionalism to ensure you have a perfect holiday.
What’s the process?
We love to chat. Tell us about your Yonderlust, your travel tastes, your wishes and desires. The more we know the better and we will make a few suggestions based on extensive our first-hand experience.
Once we‘ve glimpsed your travel soul we will start crafting your unique itinerary. And then we will refine it until you’re as excited as we are.
When you are ready to go Yonder you can make your reservation. We usually take a 30% deposit (but this can vary depending on your holiday). The balance payable 90 days prior to departure. Best of all, booking with Yonder really is headache free. You have complete financial protection for all holidays which include flights through our ATOL licence (11237).
And once you’ve booked, you can be absolutely sure that you’ll have someone to turn to whenever you need to. We will be there for you 24/7.
Every great journey starts with one small step
Please get in touch by phone, by email or by filling in our simple enquiry form so that our travel experts can get in touch to discuss your perfect tailor-made holiday.
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As Featured By
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