100% customisable travel idea
Kerala and Maldives Romance from the Backwaters to the Lagoons
South India - Kerala - Kochi - Periyar - Backwaters - Maldives - Velassaru
Living on love and water
Your trip
More than any other trip, a honeymoon must be flawless. Nothing should upset the newlyweds, and nothing should be denied to them either. Starting with a private driver to transport the newlyweds between Kochi and the Backwaters. To add to the charm, the selected accommodation is situated around spice gardens and at the water’s edge. Secluded havens away from the world, perfect for an intimate getaway. To help you avoid any unpleasant surprises or setbacks, our on-site concierge is available at all times. Upon request, they will adjust your itinerary, which already includes several private tours: the city of Kochi, a spice plantation, a demonstration of the local martial art. Without forgetting the Backwaters by boat and the countryside by tuk-tuk. Each environment has its own charms. And if you would also like to cook or cycle with your partner, just let us know. The same seamless logistics apply to the Maldives chapter of the adventure. To reach the archipelago and your tiny island, everything is arranged: an international flight, followed by a speedboat (because there’s not a minute to lose in paradise). As for accommodation, with villas set right on the sand and others directly over the water, there really is no bad choice. Once there, your schedule is currently empty - just as untouched as the sand. It is entirely up to you to fill it: meet dolphins, enjoy a private dinner on the beach. All of this is possible, and even likely, provided you take away memories to last a lifetime.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Night on board the aircraft, arrival the following day.
Private transfer to the Mattancheri peninsula and overnight stay in the beautiful Fort Kochi area. At your accommodation you'll find some twenty rooms set around the pool. They're simply decorated in tasteful international style, ideal for a gentle introduction to the country. And yours will be available for you as soon as you arrive. Once you've unpacked, you'll meet your private driver, who'll be accompanying you over the next few days as you explore Kerala.
In your itinerary - a private tour of Kochi. Sitting at the water’s edge, the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” has in turn welcomed the Portuguese, the English, the Dutch and the French. This colonial heritage has given rise to an eclectic style that is reflected in the very atmosphere of the city. Accompanied by a private guide, you'll be transported back in time and through different neighbourhoods, from the origins of the Church of Saint Francis to the Dutch Palace, taking in the Jewish quarter where the country’s oldest synagogue stands alongside warehouses. A rich history indeed.
Optional - introduction to dance theatre; Indian cooking class followed by a tasting.
A change of scene. A winding road leads to the distinctive landscapes of the Periyar region. Between two hills, rice fields turning from green to yellow, labourers busy at work in the fields and a jungle echoing with the roar of wild elephants. Two-night stay in the heart of the plantations, in a haven of tranquillity. As you step inside, all your senses are awakened. First, there are the scents that surround the you: pepper, honey, and the queen of them all - cardamom. And then there's the view: from the terrace you'll be able to admire the lush gardens. The rooms are spacious and well appointed, so you'll be able to relax and make the most of it all. Away from the city, go for a swim, sample Keralan cuisine, and indulge yourself with expert spa treatments.
In your itinerary - Private visit to a spice plantation. Your hotel was just an introduction to the region’s many treasures; the real olfactory journey begins now. Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cloves: nature is generous in the south of India. Guided by a member of staff, you'll be introduced to these fragrant ambassadors for local tourism before enjoying an informative lunch with the plantation owner.
Also scheduled - a kalaripayattu demonstration. Balance, flexibility, reflexes: these are the key concepts in kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial arts in the world, which originated in Kerala. Governed by strict rules, the aim of the discipline is to achieve complete harmony between body and mind. Inspiring!
Optional -explore the region by bike with a guide.
Depart for Alappuzha, on the coast. The cool air of the mountains gradually gives way to the warmth of the lush green tropical landscape of the backwaters. Two-night stay in a pretty colonial house surrounded by palm trees on the shores of Lake Vembanad. The interior combines local inspiration with colourful modern touches, particularly the main room, which is a blend of contemporary art, representations of Indian deities and sculptures arranged around colourful sofas. With a beautiful pool overlooking the lake and a spa, there are lots of opportunities to relax.
In your itinerary - the backwaters by private boat. Unsurprisingly, there's nothing like a boat when it comes to exploring Kerala’s famous backwaters. Fed by around forty coastal rivers tumbling down from the Ghats, the network of lagoons and lakes stretches for around 930 miles (1,500 km). The crew will handle the manoeuvres while you dedicate yourself to discovering the peaceful life of the lakeside villages.
Also scheduled - a tuk-tuk ride through the rice fields. From water to land, you'll set off with a private guide to explore Kuttanad. Located inland just south of Alappuzha, the area is nicknamed “the rice bowl of Kerala” because of its thriving community-supported agriculture. You'll ride through the impressive rice fields by tuk-tuk to discover a way of life that's completely different from the one you found on the backwaters.
Optional - private visit to the coconut factory and museum.
Up the coast to Kochi. The landscapes of India form a kind of guard of honour to bid you farewell, with the Arabian Sea and the backwaters on one side, and lush plantations on the other. Settle in for your last night in the area at a 300-year-old establishment, a real feast for the eyes. The colonial architecture gives this little white house an undeniable charm, and the lovely garden and its swimming pool, complete the dreamlike setting. On the ground floor, the spa will help you get in shape before your flight the following day.
Private transfer to the airport and flight to the Maldives. You'll be greeted on arrival and taken by speedboat to the island hotel where you'll be staying for three nights - complete with turquoise sea and a white sandy beach. The setting is intimate, romantic and relaxing. Maldivian in style, the architecture uses fine materials such as teak and stone. Some of the villas are set on the sand, while others sit on stilts right over the water, with stunning views of the lagoon. The interior décor is minimalist, while the thatched roofs add an authentic touch - a successful marriage of styles (the theme of the trip).
Just for you - A few nice surprises will be waiting for you, so you can make the most of your room and all the amenities the hotel has to offer.
Take advantage of these days away from the busy world to embrace the art of doing nothing, with the turquoise lagoon as a backdrop. Read a few pages of your book, have a heavenly massage at the spa, go snorkelling or diving to take a closer look at the colourful fish and manta rays. Go sailing on a catamaran, try a spot of windsurfing or canoeing, have a siesta in the shade of the coconut palms, or perhaps take a sunset cruise. How quickly time flies when you slow down!
Optional - private barbecue on the beach; dolphin encounter.
Speedboat transfer to Malé and return flight.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
Kochi - Cooking class for couples
Upon your arrival, all the essentials have been set out on the table. All that's left to do is put on the aprons and head to the stove. The instructions provided by your mentor are put into practice with varying degrees of skill. Of course, we go all in with the spices. Since the cook keeps a close eye on everything, the meal is bound to be a success and enjoyed with delight at the end of the class, before carefully writing everything down, so you can recreate these wonders once you are back at the house.Periyar - Cycle through the countryside
Thekkady is renowned throughout South India for its unrivalled diversity. Wildlife, particularly the illustrious tiger, quickly made its home in this lush natural environment. Accompanied by a private guide and a bicycle, you set out to discover the people who shape the area, with farmers at the top of the list. An opportunity to learn more about the spice cultivation and how they manage to combine it with the preservation of local heritage.Alleppey - Coconut museum and factory
A major element of Kerala’s industry, the number of coconuts produced each year in the region is counted in billions. By the end of this day, this fruit will hold no more secrets for you. First, a mandatory stop at the coconut museum. The traditional methods are patiently explained here. Then, a visit to a nearby factory where the local family has been working in the industry for three generations. An outing that whets the appetite.Maldives - Beach barbecue or an encounter with dolphins
Your accommodation in Velassaru offers you the opportunity to enhance your stay with a variety of activities. For food lovers, there’s the option of a private barbecue on the beach. Seated in armchairs carved directly into the sand, you savour a four-course meal under the stars. Another option: board a dhoni, the traditional Maldivian bar, and set off in search of dolphins.
Why visit India with Voyageurs du monde?
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your tripA few of the advantages of travelling with us to India
- Globally unique concierge service
- Gourmet Voyageurs
- Adjust your trip while travelling
- 24-hour assistance
- CO2 absorption
Why visit Maldives with Voyageurs du monde?
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your tripA few of the advantages of travelling with us to Maldives
- CO2 absorption
