Hills and Backwaters of Kerala

Day 1 & 2 London to Cochin
You’ll board your flight for an overnight journey to the state of Kerala via Mumbai.

Day 3 Cochin
You’ll tour the diverse, charming city of Cochin (Kochi), including the Dutch Fort, the oldest church in India and the iconic fishing nets, a symbol of the Keralan coastline. We can also arrange for you to enjoy a traditional dance performance or to visit a local cookery teacher who will welcome you to their home and teach you to prepare delicious Keralan dishes.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Cochin to Munnar
After breakfast, you will be driven to Munnar, a journey of 4 and a half hours through villages and small towns, passed rubber and spice plantations and waterfalls, until you wind your way upwards to the mountains, and their welcome cool breeze. After check in you’re at leisure to visit Mattupetty Dam or Eravikulum National Park.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Munnar
Today you’ll take a half day sightseeing tour of Munnar which includes an easy trek to the local Tea Plantations and a visit to the Tea Museum.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Kumarakom
Another day’s scenic drive brings you to Kumarakom, on the Keralan backwaters, a unique ecosystem where freshwater rivers meet the Arabian Sea. After check-in you have the option to take an evening sunset motor boat cruise or a village walk.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Overnight Keralan Houseboat
Today you’ll board a traditional Kettuvallom, or converted rice barge to cruise the backwaters. Relax as you pass lush paddy fields, villages, temples and coconut groves, before tonight’s anchoring, with dinner served onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 8 & 9 Mararikulam
After breakfast on board, you’ll transfer from Alleppey to the coast to relax and unwind on the beautiful sandy beaches among pristine shoreline, thatched cottages and stunning sunsets. We can recommend a property that meets your needs whether you prefer to while away the hours in a luxury coastal hideaway or relax in a hammock by the sea.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Return to London
Return to Cochin for your return flight via Mumbai. Extra nights in Mumbai can be arranged on booking.

Tour includes:

All flights specified
Private transfers
Private guide
Inspirational sightseeing programme
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”