From Mountain Infinity Pools to Golden Goa Sands. 

Meet the group at the airport and board our flight to Kerala.

Upon our arrival in Kochi we will transfer to the hotel the Sea Coast Inn, Fort Kochi where we will be spending our first 2 nights. Breakfast is included each morning. Set in the perfect location close to all of the main “ Must See sights” this tiny family owned hotel has been booked just for us.

Throughout the tour we will be staying in twin rooms but there is an option to have a room to yourself for the trip. If you wish to have a room to yourself for the trip the supplement will be £240. The supplement will be payable at the same time as the balance.      

The Travel Buddies trips work on the basis that as long as you are having a good time then that is what matters, if you don’t feel like coming on one of the excursions or joining the rest of the group for dinner one evening then that is absolutely fine. This is an adventure for everyone and there is nothing worse than having to go somewhere/do something that you don’t really fancy!

Feel free to do as much or as little research as you like, some members will know what they would like to visit as soon as they book the trip, Others will just turn up at the airport and have not researched at all. Either is absolutely fine. We all have different ideas as to what constitutes a great time away! 

After some time to settle in we will enjoy a delicious dinner locally before enjoying a traditional Kathkali show. Kathakali is one of the major classical dance forms of India, originating from Kerala in the 17th century. It is a spectacular “story play” that combines dance, drama, music, and mime to depict epic tales from Hindu mythology.

Today we will explore Kochi and all of its highlights on a full day tour in an air conditioned vehicle. 

Highlights include the  Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace,  the spice market and antique shops as well as observing local traditions and daily life. 

All entrance fees and lunch are included. 

Dinner locally at a traditional restaurant

Today we check out and take the road to Munnar high in the hills, known for its lush green scenery and vast tea plantations. We will stay at the Viceroy luxury Mountain Resort and Spa for 2 nights. Here we will all  have rooms or our own and breakfast and dinner are included each day. 

The Viceroy Luxury Mountain Resort and Spa in Munnar is a 5-star experience with mountain views, and modern amenities. There is free WiFi, a fitness centre, and a sun terrace.

The resort features an infinity swimming pool, spa facilities, and a fitness centre. Additional amenities include a steam room, hot tub, and outdoor fireplace.

Breakfast includes continental and buffet options with cheese and fruits. 

Free Morning to enjoy breakfast and the luxurious surroundings. This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour to learn all about Munnar’s tea production and the origins of tea straight from the source. Walk through a tea plantation and meet local tea farmers. In addition to the fresh air and lush greenery, we’ll visit a working factory to see local manufacturing techniques and refine your palate with a tea tasting.

This evening we welcome in the new year with a delicious dinner at the hotel. The perfect location to reflect and make plans for 2027. 

This morning we depart early and embark on the next part of our journey to Thekkady and the Periyar wildlife park. 

We will enjoy time in the reserve exploring stunning landscapes, lush rainforests, and a peaceful, immersive nature experience, 

A 1.5-hour boat safari on Periyar Lake is the best way to see the park’s wildlife (elephants, deer, and exotic birds).

Boat ride and park fees are included. 

 After our day exploring we will check in to our accommodation in Thekkady for 1 night in the midst of Nature.

Kalpavanam Heritage Resort in Thekkady offers rooms with private bathrooms and garden views.  Each room includes a seating area, TV, and free toiletries.

The restaurant serves Indian and local cuisines with vegetarian options.

The resort features a garden, terrace, and outdoor fireplace. 

Dinner at the hotel

This morning we depart Thekkady and take our transfer to the shores of Alleppey  where we will board our houseboat which we will call home for the next 2 nights. We have the luxury of our own staff and a chef that prepares all of our meals across the 2 days. 

There will be options to kayak or enjoy taking smaller boat trips deeper into the backwaters for those that would like to do so. (small charge applies)

After boarding we will enjoy a delicious freshly prepared lunch as we set sail down the backwaters 

We have the afternoon to relax onboard and enjoy the tranquility of being completely surrounded in nature. 

Dinner on board. 

Our day starts with a freshly prepared breakfast on board

Look out for;

Water Commuters: Children taking wooden “school boats” instead of buses and families waiting at the banks for water taxis.

Artisans at Work: Women sitting along the banks weaving mats or spinning coir ropes from raw coconut husks.

Toddy Tappers: Workers scaling towering palm trees to collect and ferment sweet coconut sap into a local alcoholic drink called toddy.

Riverbank Chores: Locals bathing, washing vibrant clothing, and cleaning kitchen utensils directly on the water’s edge.

This afternoon we have the opportunity to go deeper into the backwaters on a sunset Shikara ( traditional smaller wooden boat) ride. ( small additional charge)

After waking with the world at sunrise we will enjoy breakfast and bid a fond farewell to our houseboats before taking the transfer to the airport for our flight to Goa.

Our indirect flight will see us landing in Goa in the early afternoon where we take our private transfer to our beachfront accommodation which is in a fantastic highly walkable location right on the quieter southern half of Agonda beach road. 

Agonda is famous for its thriving culinary scene featuring numerous open air beach shacks. 

Our resort has a terrace and views of the sea, and guests can enjoy a meal at the beachfront  restaurant. Simrose has a plunge pool and yoga classes that can also be booked that take place  in the hotel too. 

The gorgeous beach is just a few steps away  

Time to relax and chill. 

Dinner locally at a beachfront restaurant. 

Today we have a free day to do as we please. Additional tours are available should some of us wish to visit a spice farm or venture to explore the capital, Margao.  

The beaches with their stalls and fresh juices stretch forever… 

This evening we are off to Rahuls Cookery School,  where they believe that the best way to understand a culture is through its food. Our cookery class is  designed to give us a true taste of India, blending traditional recipes with local insights. Under the guidance of Chef Rahul, we’ll learn to prepare a variety of dishes from across India, including South Indian, North Indian, and Goan cuisines.  

We  will then enjoy the fruits of our labours with a delicious meal. 

Transfers are included. 

Free day to relax or explore as we choose

Dinner at a local traditional restaurant 

Today is our last day so after a leisurely breakfast we can check out and have some free time to top up our tans, perhaps do a spot of last minute souvenir shopping, or explore further before taking our private transfer to the beach for our flight to the UK.