Tailor made from £2750 per person
10 days
Cochin, Munnar, Madurai, Thekkady, Alleppey, Marari
Trip Itinerary
Please select any day below to view that destination
- Day 1 - Arrival in Cochin
- Day 2 - Historic Tour of Cochin
- Day 3 - Leisure in Munnar
- Day 4 - Journey in Letchmi Hills
- Day 5 - Explore Madurai
- Day 6 - Journey to Thekkady
- Day 7 - Periyar National Park Tour
- Day 8 - Boating Journey on the Alleppey Backwaters
- Day 9 - Visit to Alleppey
- Day 10 - Tour of Marari
- Day 12 - Departure Home
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This magnificent 11-day holiday takes you on a journey to India's beating heart, showcasing the best of the country's cultural and natural treasures.
Step into India's world of rich culture and tranquil landscapes on this unforgettable journey through Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Begin in Cochin, where colonial charm meets the rhythmic pulse of Kathakali dancers. Wander Fort Cochin's spice-laden streets before unwinding at the Brunton Boatyard. In Munnar, misty hills cradle endless tea plantations. Trek through the Letchmi Hills and savour freshly brewed tea in a British-era factory. In Madurai, the grand Meenakshi Temple towers above vibrant markets.
Thekkady's verdant wilderness invites you on a guided jungle walk in Periyar National Park. Drift peacefully through the Alleppey backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat, where the waters whisper serenity. End your journey in Marari, a coastal haven of sandy shores and swaying palms. This voyage blends cultural wonders, natural beauty, and moments of stillness—one that will linger in your memory long after your return home.
What's Included:
- Meals & drinks as mentioned in full itinerary
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- Entry fee to monuments in each city
- Your choice of accommodation styles
- All meet-and-greet services
- Local English-speaking guide
Trip Itinerary
Days 1-2: Cochin
Day 1 - Arrival in Cochin
Your arrival into Cochin is met by a friendly Wayfairer representative who will lead you on a scenic transfer to your first stay. More modernly known as Kochi, this city offers a warm welcome to the Indian state of Kerala. The vibrant port city is a historical crossroads, a trading hub since the 14th century with a rich colonial heritage.
Your luxury India hotel, Brunton Boatyard, invites you for a cosy stay in a sea-view room. A celebration of Cochin's unique past and its present-day beauty, this harbour side gem is your gateway to the city's best landmarks and a blissful retreat after days of exploration.
Day 2 - Historic Tour of Cochin
This morning is a bright one, beginning with a privately guided tour of Fort Cochin, the city's most famous neighbourhood. A peer into a complex past, Fort Cochin (Fort Kochi) is built of a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architectural influences, a captivating stop for history buffs and art lovers. Along with its beautiful synagogue and iconic Chinese fishing nets, one of your most interesting stops at lunch at Kashi Art Cafe. Along with delicious coffee, this is a place for open conversation about art, a symbol of the city's status as a true cultural melting pot.
The evening offers more adventure for those with an appreciation for the Arts, as you watch a Kathakali dance drama, a tradition famous for its elaborate makeup and divine themes.
Days 3-4: Munnar
Day 3 - Leisure in Munnar
Today begins with a 4-hour transfer to Munnar, the luscious tea country of India. This drive is an especially picturesque one, as you transition from the detailed architectural facades of Cochin to sweeping valleys of Munnar. There is no better introduction to the soul-stirring contrasts of southern Indian landscapes.
Following check in at the wonderful Windermere Estate, another spectacle of Kerala's colonial influences, you have an afternoon at leisure among the plantations. It takes a while for the emerald hills of Munnar to sink in, especially for those unfamiliar with the distinctive geometric patterns of South-Asian tea valleys. So, take your time and explore this afternoon.
Day 4 - Journey in Letchmi Hills
Following a restful night in your estate room, a morning Jeep excursion takes you to one of Munnar's most magnificent spots, Letchmi Hills. For those who love the great outdoors, your 2-hour hike along these grassy pathways is more than inspiring. Of course, this journey can be tailored to your abilities.
Next, you visit a nearby British-era tea factory, a living testament to Munnar's colonial past. Wander through its neatly manicured plantations and learn about tea production inside the factory, before concluding the tour with a tea tasting session.
Day 5: Madurai
Day 5 - Explore Madurai
This morning, immerse yourself in Jaipur’s vibrant culture with a Pink City Rickshaw Ride, a unique women-led initiative supporting local female entrepreneurs. Whiz down the city’s narrow lines and busy streets, familiarising yourself with its penetrating buzz and fact-paced atmosphere in the most down-to-earth way there is.
Continue your exploration with a visit to the majestic Amber Fort, wandering through its stunning courtyards, Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), and intricately carved gateways. Next, delve into the regal history at the City Palace, an exquisite complex of palaces, museums, and courtyards. Witness the precision of ancient astronomy at Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO-listed observatory, before admiring the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), famed for its intricate façade designed for royal women to observe street festivities unseen. Conclude your day with a stroll through Jaipur’s bustling bazaars.
Days 6-7: Thekkady & Periyar National Park
Day 6 - Journey to Thekkady
This morning, an all-embracing tour of Madurai city commences, transporting you through its culture-infused streets, where its best landmarks lie. Stroll through some of India's most vibrant markets, purchasing trinkets and tasting street food, before visiting the grand Palace Museum (also named the Gandhi Memorial Museum). Before leaving, make sure to observe the incredible Meenakshi Temple as it glistens in the daylight.
Later on, head on a four-hour drive to Thekkady, your next dazzling destination. Your unique luxury hotel, Spice Village, provides a warm welcome. Settle into your elephant grass thatched cottage and explore the beautiful grounds.
Day 7 - Periyar National Park Tour
Set off from your gorgeous hotel for an early morning walk inside Periyar National Park. One of India's lesser known national parks, home to a healthy population of Bengal tigers, Periyar is a haven of luscious jungle and biodiversity. In the company of a local ranger, enjoy a jungle tour, spotting rare bird species, elephants, tigers, and more!
The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, or, if you please, you can explore the plantations surrounding the hotel. There is endless natural beauty at your fingertips in Kerala!
Day 8: Alleppey Backwaters
Day 8 - Boating Journey on the Alleppey Backwaters
Following a final breakfast at Spice Village, head on a four-hour transfer to the stunning Alleppey backwaters. You will be staying in a traditional houseboat, part of Spice Coast, a sister hotel to your previous stop. As part of the experience, embark on a backwater cruise along the palm-fringed waters, before the boat anchors at sunset. You will be surprised by how comforting a night's sleep on a boat can be!
Days 9-11: Marari
Day 9 - Visit to Alleppey
Following breakfast ahead of one of India's most majestic settings, it's time to disembark your houseboat. A short drive takes you to your next stop, Marari, but along the way, you make a stop at the heritage town of Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha). The town makes a charming neighbour to the scenic canals and backwaters of the region, offering plenty of places to shop and dine.
Following your tour of the town, continue to your luxurious stay on the golden shores of Marari, Marari Beach Resort. Dotted with traditional, thatched-roof cottages, its serene atmosphere is what makes a stay at the resort so unforgettable.
Day 10 - Tour of Marari
Today, the unfathomable beauty of Marari is yours to soak up, from its old-worldly fishing villages to its pristine beaches. Listen as your local guide brings each part of the region to life, before lapping up each sun-kissed space in your own time. Ultimately, today is all yours!
Day 12 - Departure Home
Wave goodbye to Marari's heavenly sands as you head on a final transfer to Cochin airport (a 2-hour journey). Your flight home is one filled with reminiscence, and perhaps chatter about your next trip with Wayfairer!
Why Wayfairer
We are committed to responsible, sustainable and ethical tourism in India. We’re proud to work with fantastic local suppliers, whom we carefully select on the basis that they wholeheartedly share our core values with regard to responsible tourism practices.
One of the best examples of this commitment is that we employ guides and drivers who come from within the different regions throughout India where we offer our trips. We pay fair local salaries, which far exceed government regulations, thereby removing the reliance on tipping for their livelihoods.
The hotels and camps included in this spell-binding itinerary have strong sustainability ethos', sourcing cuisine locally and employing local people. A great example of this is Jamtara Wilderness Camp's Farm-to-Table initiative, encouraging a strong and sustainable relationship with local farmers. You will also visit reserves like the inspiring Kanha Tiger Reserve, one of the first reserves in India to form a part of the now famous 'Project Tiger'.
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