Essence of Kerala: Wellness, Wilderness & Heritage

Hotels

  • Rockholm at The Lighthouse 
  • Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
  • The Leela Kovalam

Activities

  • Private Ayurvedic wellness treatment
  • Guided visit to Padmanabhaswamy Temple
  • Napier Museum and Sree Chitra Art Gallery collections

Concierge Services

  • VIP airport handling

  • Private chauffeurs

  • English-speaking expert guides

  • Smooth intercity transfers

  • Personal concierge support

Hotels

  • Luxury House Boat

Activities

  • Private luxury houseboat cruise
  • Glide past lush paddy fields and traditional village life
  • Visit Thrikunnappuzha’s historic coir-weaving village
  • Experience the spiritual serenity of Amritapuri Ashram

Concierge Services

  • VIP airport handling

  • Private chauffeurs

  • English-speaking expert guides

  • Smooth intercity transfers

  • Personal concierge support

Hotels

  • Shalimar Spice Garden
  • CGH earth Spice Village

Activities

  • Private wildlife cruise on misty Periyar Lake
  • Spot elephants, deer, and exotic birds in wilderness
  • Guided walk through fragrant spice plantations

Concierge Services

  • VIP airport handling

  • Private chauffeurs

  • English-speaking expert guides

  • Smooth intercity transfers

  • Personal concierge support

Hotels

  • Windermere Estate
  • Scenic, Munnar – IHCL SeleQtions

Activities

  • Scenic drive through tea estates and waterfalls
  • Visit Eravikulam National Park and Nilgiri Tahr habitat
  • Learn tea processing and sample rare estate blends

Concierge Services

  • VIP airport handling

  • Private chauffeurs

  • English-speaking expert guides

  • Smooth intercity transfers

  • Personal concierge support

Hotels

  • Old Harbour Hotel, Cochin
  • Malabar House, Cochin
  • Brunton Boatyard, Cochin

Activities

  • Heritage walking tour through historic Fort Kochi streets
  • Observe traditional Chinese fishing nets at waterfront
  • Explore aromatic spice markets and colonial landmarks

Concierge Services

  • VIP airport handling

  • Private chauffeurs

  • English-speaking expert guides

  • Smooth intercity transfers

  • Personal concierge support

Highlights

Cities Covered

Kovalam – Kanyakumari – Allepey

– Thekkady – Munnar – Cochin

Best Time To Visit

October – march

Activity Level 

Leisure

Included
  • 5-star accommodation
  • Flexible – extensions, room & flight upgrades

  • Express train travel in air conditioned executive class

  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles

  • Experienced local tour manager
Contact Us
Plan Your Escape

Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival / Kovalam

Upon arrival in Trivandrum, you are warmly welcomed and privately escorted along Kerala’s palm-fringed coastline to the serene beach enclave of Kovalam.

Settle into your elegant retreat overlooking the Arabian Sea, where golden beaches curve beneath swaying palms and the rhythmic sound of waves sets the tone for the days ahead. Kovalam is one of Kerala’s most enchanting coastal escapes, offering a seamless blend of tropical beauty, refined wellness, and laid-back luxury.

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure—perhaps unwinding beside the pool, strolling along the shoreline, or indulging in a soothing Ayurvedic treatment as the sea breeze drifts through the palms.

Hotels

Rockholm At the Lighthouse

An exclusive luxury retreat in Kovalam, perched near the iconic lighthouse, offering elegant rooms, personalized service and a stunning views of the Arabian Sea

Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra

a luxurious wellness sanctuary overlooking the Arabian Sea. It offers elegantly designed rooms, holistic spa therapies, Ayurvedic treatments, and gourmet cuisine

The Leela Kovalam

a luxury clifftop resort in Kerala, offering panoramic Arabian Sea views, opulent accommodations, exquisite dining, a world-class spa, and impeccable service

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your resort, perhaps with a refreshing swim or a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa ritual.

In the afternoon, set out on a privately guided exploration of Trivandrum, Kerala’s elegant capital. Visit the revered Padmanabhaswamy Temple, renowned for its remarkable Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance. Continue to the Napier Museum and Sree Chitra Art Gallery, home to exquisite royal collections and traditional Indian artworks. Drive through lush gardens and admire the colonial elegance of the Maharaja’s palace precincts. Conclude the day with a scenic walk along the waterfront, where the Arabian Sea stretches endlessly toward the horizon.

A curated tea or coffee tasting at a refined café offers a perfect finale before returning to Kovalam.

Hotels

Rockholm At the Lighthouse

An exclusive luxury retreat in Kovalam, perched near the iconic lighthouse, offering elegant rooms, personalized service and a stunning views of the Arabian Sea

Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra

a luxurious wellness sanctuary overlooking the Arabian Sea. It offers elegantly designed rooms, holistic spa therapies, Ayurvedic treatments, and gourmet cuisine

The Leela Kovalam

a luxury clifftop resort in Kerala, offering panoramic Arabian Sea views, opulent accommodations, exquisite dining, a world-class spa, and impeccable service

Today embark on a private coastal journey to Kanyakumari, India’s southernmost point where three great seas converge.

Travel in comfort along scenic roads with opportunities to pause for photographs along the dramatic shoreline. On arrival, board a boat to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and admire the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue, rising above the waves. Explore the sacred Kanyakumari Temple before browsing local markets known for handcrafted souvenirs and coastal treasures. Later, witness one of India’s most spectacular natural sights as the sun sets over the meeting point of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean.

Enjoy a relaxed seaside lunch before returning to Kovalam in the evening.

Hotels

Rockholm At the Lighthouse

An exclusive luxury retreat in Kovalam, perched near the iconic lighthouse, offering elegant rooms, personalized service and a stunning views of the Arabian Sea

Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra

a luxurious wellness sanctuary overlooking the Arabian Sea. It offers elegantly designed rooms, holistic spa therapies, Ayurvedic treatments, and gourmet cuisine

The Leela Kovalam

a luxury clifftop resort in Kerala, offering panoramic Arabian Sea views, opulent accommodations, exquisite dining, a world-class spa, and impeccable service

After breakfast, travel to Kollam where your private luxury houseboat awaits.

Step aboard and begin an enchanting journey through Kerala’s famed backwaters—an intricate network of tranquil canals, lagoons, and emerald paddy fields. Glide past peaceful villages, coconut groves, and historic waterways while observing the gentle rhythms of local life. Along the way, visit the traditional Thrikunnappuzha Coir Village and experience the spiritual atmosphere of nearby Amritapuri. As the boat drifts toward the expansive waters of Vembanad Lake, enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine crafted by your onboard chef.

As evening falls, relax on the deck while the backwaters glow in the soft golden light.

Hotels

Houseboat, Allepey

Today, these 24 metre long crafts have been converted into simple, furnished houseboats. Travelling along the complex network of brackish lagoons, lakes and canals

After breakfast on board, disembark in Alleppey and begin a scenic journey into the lush hills of Kerala’s Western Ghats. Your destination is Thekkady, a region renowned for fragrant spice plantations, tropical forests, and the celebrated Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Rolling hills, mist-covered valleys, and aromatic plantations create a serene landscape as you ascend into the highlands.

Upon arrival, check into your tranquil resort surrounded by vibrant spice gardens where cardamom, pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon flourish. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps enjoying a plantation walk or simply relaxing amid the soothing sounds of nature.

Hotels

Shalimar Spice Garden

a lush, aromatic retreat where guests can wander through vibrant plantations of cardamom, pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon.

CGH earth Spice Village

an eco-luxury retreat amidst lush greenery. Guests enjoy traditional Kerala-inspired cottages, immersive spice plantation walks, authentic cuisine, and serene natural surroundings

Rise early for a serene boat safari across Periyar Lake, where the still waters mirror forested hills and wildlife gathers along the shoreline.

Accompanied by an expert naturalist, watch for elephants, deer, and an array of exotic birdlife inhabiting this pristine sanctuary. Later, visit a nearby spice plantation, where a knowledgeable guide introduces the aromas and traditions of Kerala’s famous spices—from cardamom and pepper to vanilla and cinnamon. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage or simply relax within the peaceful surroundings of your resort.

Hotels

Shalimar Spice Garden

a lush, aromatic retreat where guests can wander through vibrant plantations of cardamom, pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon.

CGH earth Spice Village

an eco-luxury retreat amidst lush greenery. Guests enjoy traditional Kerala-inspired cottages, immersive spice plantation walks, authentic cuisine, and serene natural surroundings

After breakfast, depart for the cool hill station of Munnar, one of Kerala’s most picturesque mountain retreats.

The scenic drive winds through the Western Ghats, revealing cascading waterfalls, emerald tea estates, and charming hillside villages. Pause at scenic viewpoints to admire the sweeping valleys and mist-covered hills. Munnar is famed for its endless tea plantations, gentle mountain air, and serene landscapes that create a perfect highland escape.

On arrival, check into your boutique estate set among tea and spice gardens with breathtaking views across the mountains. Spend the evening relaxing in the tranquil surroundings as the hills fade into twilight.

Hotels

Windermere Estate

a luxury boutique retreat set amid tea and spice plantations, offering elegant rooms, panoramic Western Ghats views, serene gardens, an infinity pool, nature walks, and warm

Scenic, Munnar – IHCL SeleQtions

a new luxury hillside retreat set amid the verdant hills and tea estates of Kerala’s Western Ghats. s

This morning visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr and renowned for its dramatic panoramas of rolling hills and tea valleys.

Later enjoy a private guided tour through Munnar’s sprawling tea plantations, learning the art of tea cultivation and production before sampling delicate local blends. The afternoon is yours to relax and absorb the serenity of the hills—perhaps enjoying the hotel’s gardens, a nature walk, or simply admiring the sweeping mountain views. Optional experiences include scenic trekking trails or private sunrise and sunset drives to celebrated viewpoints such as Echo Point and Top Station.

Hotels

Windermere Estate

a luxury boutique retreat set amid tea and spice plantations, offering elegant rooms, panoramic Western Ghats views, serene gardens, an infinity pool, nature walks, and warm

Scenic, Munnar – IHCL SeleQtions

a new luxury hillside retreat set amid the verdant hills and tea estates of Kerala’s Western Ghats. s

After a leisurely morning, descend from the highlands toward Kerala’s historic port city of Cochin.

The scenic drive reveals waterfalls, spice gardens, and vibrant village markets before the landscape opens toward the coastal plains. Cochin, often called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is a fascinating blend of cultures shaped by centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence. Colonial architecture, bustling spice markets, and iconic Chinese fishing nets define its unique waterfront character.

Upon arrival, check into your elegant heritage hotel in Fort Kochi, where the city’s rich maritime history comes vividly to life.

Hotels

Old Harbour Hotel

a boutique luxury property in Fort Kochi offering elegantly appointed rooms, heritage charm, personalized service, and panoramic views of the historic harbor.

Malabar House

a stylish heritage boutique hotel in Fort Kochi, blending traditional Kerala architecture with contemporary luxury. It offers elegantly designed rooms, curated art, fine dining, personalized service, and an intimate cultural experience.

Brunton Boatyard

a luxury heritage hotel set on the historic waterfront of Fort Kochi. Featuring elegant colonial-era architecture, refined rooms, exquisite dining, and stunning views of the harbor

Begin the day with a bespoke Ayurvedic spa experience, where expert therapists craft personalized treatments designed to restore balance and vitality.

Later, enjoy a guided exploration of Cochin’s historic quarters. Discover vibrant spice markets, stroll along the waterfront lined with iconic Chinese fishing nets, and explore the city’s remarkable architectural heritage including colonial churches and historic synagogues. Cochin’s unique cultural tapestry reflects centuries of global trade and cultural exchange, creating one of India’s most fascinating coastal cities.

Return to your hotel in the evening for a relaxing night in Fort Kochi.

Hotels

Old Harbour Hotel

a boutique luxury property in Fort Kochi offering elegantly appointed rooms, heritage charm, personalized service, and panoramic views of the historic harbor.

Malabar House

a stylish heritage boutique hotel in Fort Kochi, blending traditional Kerala architecture with contemporary luxury. It offers elegantly designed rooms, curated art, fine dining, personalized service, and an intimate cultural experience.

Brunton Boatyard

a luxury heritage hotel set on the historic waterfront of Fort Kochi. Featuring elegant colonial-era architecture, refined rooms, exquisite dining, and stunning views of the harbor

Today enjoy a leisurely guided walk through Fort Kochi, wandering past colonial mansions, art galleries, and atmospheric lanes rich with history. Watch local fishermen operating the iconic Chinese fishing nets before visiting artisan shops and spice merchants that reflect the city’s vibrant trading heritage.

In the evening, experience the dramatic artistry of Kathakali, Kerala’s classical dance-drama renowned for its elaborate costumes and expressive storytelling. Later, enjoy a warm cultural encounter with a local family during a private cooking demonstration and dinner, discovering the flavors and traditions of Kerala’s celebrated cuisine.

Hotels

Old Harbour Hotel

a boutique luxury property in Fort Kochi offering elegantly appointed rooms, heritage charm, personalized service, and panoramic views of the historic harbor.

Malabar House

a stylish heritage boutique hotel in Fort Kochi, blending traditional Kerala architecture with contemporary luxury. It offers elegantly designed rooms, curated art, fine dining, personalized service, and an intimate cultural experience.

Brunton Boatyard

a luxury heritage hotel set on the historic waterfront of Fort Kochi. Featuring elegant colonial-era architecture, refined rooms, exquisite dining, and stunning views of the harbor

After breakfast, you are privately transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

As your Kerala experience concludes, you depart with memories of tranquil backwaters, misty tea hills, vibrant culture, and the timeless beauty of India’s tropical south.

Contact an India specialist

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

City

Temperature

Rain

Kovalam

27 °C
26 MM

Alleppey

25°C
28 MM

Thekkady

24 °C
23 MM

Munnar

21 °C
16 MM

Cochin

32 °C​
20 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Kovalam

28 °C
48 MM

Alleppey

27 °C
36 MM

Thekkady

25 °C
23 MM

Munnar

23 °C
16 MM

Cochin

32 °C
20 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Kovalam

29 °C
85 MM

Alleppey

28 °C
75 MM

Thekkady

27 °C
54 MM

Munnar

24 °C
49 MM

Cochin

32 °C
50 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Kovalam

29 °C
148 MM

Alleppey

28 °C
172 MM

Thekkady

27 °C
127 MM

Munnar

25 °C
141 MM

Cochin

33 °C
141 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Kovalam

29 °C
217 MM

Alleppey

27 °C
327 MM

Thekkady

27 °C
159 MM

Munnar

25 °C
204 MM

Cochin

32 °C
387 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Kovalam

28 °C
297 MM

Alleppey

26 °C
510 MM

Thekkady

26 °C
300 MM

Munnar

23 °C
472 MM

Cochin

29 °C
727 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Kovalam

27 °C
198 MM

Alleppey

25 °C
445 MM

Thekkady

24 °C
295 MM

Munnar

21 °C
196 MM

Cochin

29 °C
196 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Kovalam

27 °C
169 MM

Alleppey

25 °C
350 MM

Thekkady

25 °C
241 MM

Munnar

22 °C
421 MM

Cochin

29 °C
375 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Kovalam

27 °C
172 MM

Alleppey

25 °C
283 MM

Thekkady

25 °C
167 MM

Munnar

22 °C
237 MM

Cochin

29 °C
305 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Kovalam

28 °C
260 MM

Alleppey

26 °C
297 MM

Thekkady

25 °C
247 MM

Munnar

22 °C
258 MM

Cochin

30 °C
306 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Kovalam

28 °C
218 MM

Alleppey

26 °C
210 MM

Thekkady

24 °C
181 MM

Munnar

21 °C
160 MM

Cochin

31 °C
165 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Kovalam

28 °C
81 MM

Alleppey

26 °C
73 MM

Thekkady

24 °C
78 MM

Munnar

21 °C
59 MM

Cochin

32 °C
49 MM

What They're Saying

Susan Kind

United Kingdom, Tailor made Tiger Safari tour

We are home now after our wonderful tiger safari holiday. We were very pleased with all the aspects of the arrangements. The hotels, the drivers and the care you took to make sure it all went smoothly – everything was excellent.

Kim OppenHeim

Switzerland, Tailor made Kerala Group Tour

My husband and I, along with our 2 daughters and a group of 5 students from the international high-school where we teach in Switzerland, just returned from a two-week tour of Kerala organized by Newton Singh at Royal India Holidays. 

Hannah Oustroumoff

United Kingdom, Tailor made tour of North India

The itinerary as perfect, two nights in each and 1 night in Pushkar gave us enough time to see the interesting sites and places and gave us enough time to relax.