100% customisable travel idea
Kerala and Maldives Romance from the Backwaters to the Lagoons
South India - Kerala - Kochi - Periyar - Backwaters - Maldives - Velassaru
100% customisable travel idea
South India - Kerala - Kochi - Periyar - Backwaters - Maldives - Velassaru
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.
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.
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 trip
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 trip
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