Backwaters, Tea Hills, and Tigers
From spice-scented backwaters to mist-wrapped tea hills and tiger forest, experience Kerala at its most beautiful
This journey moves through Kerala with the care and curiosity it deserves, tracing a path from the colonial charm of Fort Cochin to the rolling tea estates of Munnar, the wildlife-rich forests of Periyar, the shimmering backwaters of Kumarakom, and finally the unhurried beauty of Marari’s coastal shores. Each destination is distinct in character, yet together they reveal the full breadth of a state that is simultaneously ancient and deeply alive.
You travel between places of genuine beauty, staying in accommodation chosen for its sense of place as much as its comfort, from a heritage hotel in the heart of Fort Cochin to a tented retreat beside a spice garden and a beachfront resort where the pace of life slows to something approaching stillness. The experiences along the way are equally considered, whether trekking through tea gardens at dawn, drifting silently through the backwaters on a private houseboat, or learning about Kerala’s remarkable spice traditions from those who know them best. This is southern India at its most rewarding.
Itinerary highlights
Arrive in Fort Cochin and settle into the historic Brunton Boatyard, exploring Chinese fishing nets, centuries-old churches, and the spice markets of Jew Town with an expert local guide.
Journey into the Kumbalangi backwaters, a model village where traditional coir-making, net fishing, and farm-fresh Kerala cooking offer an authentic and quietly moving window into local life.
Drive into the hills to Munnar, where rolling tea plantations stretch to the horizon and a guided trek through the Letchmi Hills rewards the effort with views across mist-wrapped valleys.
Explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve from the intimate Spice Village, joining guided nature walks and bamboo rafting through one of Kerala's most wildlife-rich sanctuaries.
Board a private houseboat on Vembanad Lake and drift through the backwaters of Kumarakom, where coconut groves line the banks and the pace of life moves at the rhythm of the water.
Spend three days at Marari, where an unspoilt beach, naturalist-led walks, Ayurvedic therapies, and sunset kayaking along the backwaters bring the journey to a beautifully unhurried close.
From spice-scented backwaters to mist-wrapped tea hills and tiger forest, experience Kerala at its most beautiful
This journey moves through Kerala with the care and curiosity it deserves, tracing a path from the colonial charm of Fort Cochin to the rolling tea estates of Munnar, the wildlife-rich forests of Periyar, the shimmering backwaters of Kumarakom, and finally the unhurried beauty of Marari’s coastal shores. Each destination is distinct in character, yet together they reveal the full breadth of a state that is simultaneously ancient and deeply alive.
You travel between places of genuine beauty, staying in accommodation chosen for its sense of place as much as its comfort, from a heritage hotel in the heart of Fort Cochin to a tented retreat beside a spice garden and a beachfront resort where the pace of life slows to something approaching stillness. The experiences along the way are equally considered, whether trekking through tea gardens at dawn, drifting silently through the backwaters on a private houseboat, or learning about Kerala’s remarkable spice traditions from those who know them best. This is southern India at its most rewarding.
Itinerary highlights
Arrive in Fort Cochin and settle into the historic Brunton Boatyard, exploring Chinese fishing nets, centuries-old churches, and the spice markets of Jew Town with an expert local guide.
Journey into the Kumbalangi backwaters, a model village where traditional coir-making, net fishing, and farm-fresh Kerala cooking offer an authentic and quietly moving window into local life.
Drive into the hills to Munnar, where rolling tea plantations stretch to the horizon and a guided trek through the Letchmi Hills rewards the effort with views across mist-wrapped valleys.
Explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve from the intimate Spice Village, joining guided nature walks and bamboo rafting through one of Kerala's most wildlife-rich sanctuaries.
Board a private houseboat on Vembanad Lake and drift through the backwaters of Kumarakom, where coconut groves line the banks and the pace of life moves at the rhythm of the water.
Spend three days at Marari, where an unspoilt beach, naturalist-led walks, Ayurvedic therapies, and sunset kayaking along the backwaters bring the journey to a beautifully unhurried close.
What's Included
- International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
- Seamless ground transfers throughout
- Handpicked accommodations throughout
- Meals as indicated
- Curated tours and experiences, including entrance fees
- Expert English-speaking local guides throughout
What's Included
- International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
- Seamless ground transfers throughout
- Handpicked accommodations throughout
- Meals as indicated
- Curated tours and experiences, including entrance fees
- Expert English-speaking local guides throughout
Thank you
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Every journey I plan starts with a conversation. Tell me what excites you, what you've always dreamed of experiencing, and I'll craft something extraordinary. The best expeditions begin with a single question: What would make this unforgettable for you?
Ashley | Expedition Planner