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Houseboat on Kerala's backwaters

Kerala & the Maldives

13 days from £4,490pp
Houseboat on Kerala's backwaters
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Tour highlights

  • Fort Cochin's colonial atmosphere and architecture.

  • Tea tasting in the high hills of Munnar.

  • Boat safari in Periyar National Park.

  • Stay overnight on a traditional rice barge.

  • Snorkel, scuba and swim in the Maldives.

Price includes:

  • Scheduled international flights
  • Private driver throughout your trip
  • Activities and excursions as detailed
  • All accommodation
  • 24-hour support while you travel
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Itinerary idea in detail

Includes international flights from a choice of UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

  • Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Cochin.

  • Arrive in Cochin and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure or exploring the local area. Your hotel is a short walk from some interesting local restaurants and shops.

    • Fishing nets, Cochin
      Fishing nets, Cochin
    • Fishermen, Cochin
      Fishermen, Cochin
    • Chinese fishing nets and boats, Cochin, Kerala
      Chinese fishing nets and boats, Cochin, Kerala

  • Explore Cochin today with your local guide. Fort Cochin is the home to some of the oldest European architecture in India and has been a significant settlement ever since Cochin Harbour was discovered. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. We can arrange a traditional dance show for this evening if you'd like.

    • Traditional fishing nets, Cochin
      Traditional fishing nets, Cochin
    • Chinese fishing net, Cochin
      Chinese fishing net, Cochin
    • Local homes, Cochin
      Local homes, Cochin

  • Drive onward to Munnar through changing landscapes as you leave the coastal area and head up to the hill plantations, passing on route rubber, pineapple and coconut plantations. Check in to your hotel — you might have time to wander through the hotel's gardens.

    • Munnar, India
      Munnar, India
    • Rolling tea plantations, Munnar
      Rolling tea plantations, Munnar
    • Munnar, India
      Munnar, India

  • The walk through the tea plantations is very flexible and can be tailor-made to suit your fitness level and plans for the day. Taste some tea this afternoon at a local factory where you can learn about the tea-picking process.

    • Sunset over the hills, Munnar, India
      Sunset over the hills, Munnar, India
    • Munnar, India
      Munnar, India
    • Munnar, India
      Munnar, India

  • Continue south to Periyar National Park today. After the drive, you'll be able to relax before an early start tomorrow.

    • Macaque, Periyar National Park
      Macaque, Periyar National Park
    • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, India
      Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, India
    • Lake at Periyar National Park
      Lake at Periyar National Park

  • This morning will be an early start as you head into Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for your early morning walk. If you are lucky, you may spot some elusive wildlife which can sometimes be seen here. Later today you will visit a spice plantation, which is an interesting educational experience.

    • Flower, The Spice Gardens, Thekkady
      Flower, The Spice Gardens, Thekkady
    • View of Periyar Lake
      View of Periyar Lake
    • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, India
      Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, India

  • Head back toward the coast and spend your afternoon and evening cruising along the backwaters on a traditional rice barge. A private chef on board will provide you with a freshly cooked dinner made from local ingredients.

    • Blue tiger butterfly, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, India
      Blue tiger butterfly, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, India
    • Nesting cormorant, Periyar National Park
      Nesting cormorant, Periyar National Park
    • Periyar National Park
      Periyar National Park

  • After breakfast on board your houseboat, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to Cochin Airport for your flight to Malé. On arrival you will be transferred to Velassaru for the next four nights at your leisure.

    • Backwaters of Kerala
      Backwaters of Kerala
    • Cruise on the backwaters, Kerala
      Cruise on the backwaters, Kerala
    • Alleppey, India
      Alleppey, India

  • Day free to enjoy the Maldives. You might like to try the resort's spa, which offers a huge range of treatments as well as private yoga tuition. Treatments can also be arranged in your bungalow.

  • You may like to book a boat trip today to visit some nearby reefs. Bring your snorkelling equipment and enjoy the opportunity to spot a variety of vibrant fish and, hopefully, a few manta rays.

  • Make your last day in the Maldives special by booking a private dining experience. You can enjoy a picnic on a nearby private sandbar, or a candlelit dinner on the beach.

  • You will be transferred by speedboat back to Malé in time for your flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

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The specialist who designs your trip to India will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

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When to go

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Place Daily max temperature (°C) Monthly rainfall (mm)
Cochin
 
Munnar
 
Thekkady & Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
 

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