Overview
Join Travel Buddies as we embark on this incredible journey throughout “Gods Own Country” Kerala. Cruise along the backwaters on a houseboat, stay on a spice plantation, experience ayurvedic treatments and delicious Keralan cooking, inspired by the coconuts and spices that grow here. Let’s visit this extraordinary land with almost all elements of nature.
Trip Highlights
- Sunset back waters of Kochi cruise.
- Kochi village life tuk tuk guided tour.
- Kochi guided historical walking tour.
- Kathakali show.
- Jeep safari with waterfall and tea garden walk.
- Lockhart tea factor guided tour.
- Gavi jungle jeep safari including lunch.
Itinerary
Meet the group at the airport and board our flight to Kochi.
Kochi
Upon arrival in Kerala we will take the private transfer to The SeaCoast inn Fort Kochi where we will be able to check in right away after our long flight. It is perfectly located on the coastal side of Kochi and in the heart of the historic centre. Each room is a gorgeous blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British influences with hand carved wooden furniture. Many shops and restaurants are just a few minutes walk away. This tiny hotel has only 10 rooms so it will be completely ours :)Each rooms is
We have the day to relax at the hotel or explore locally.
In the early evening we will share Tuk Tuks to the waters edge and embark upon a Sunset Cruise through the enchanting backwaters of Kochi and watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea. Welcome to Kerala!
Dinner locally, think crisp dosas loaded with potato curry, fresh seafood simmered in coconut milk, and the epic “sadhya ” meals of rice and numerous tiny, tempting portions of curry, dhal, pickles and pappadams.
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!
Kochi
This morning after breakfast we are off to experience Kochi village life in tuk tuks, (a motorised rickshaw), visiting a coconut oil factory, seeing fishing boats being made, then inhaling gorgeous spices in the local market. After lunch locally ( not included) we have free time to have a wander around Kochi or relax at the beach or at the hotel.
Kochi
Today we explore fort Kochi and Matancherry areas on a historical walking tour. We will learn about the history of the area, explore St. Francis Church, which was the original burial site of explorer Vasco da Gama, visit the Jewish synagogue and watch the fishermen with their elaborate bamboo fishing nets, a true icon of Keralan history.
An evening visit to the theatre with a difference! Kochi is the most famous place to watch the main form of classical dance in India. Kathakali. It is a unique blend of dancing and acting usually performed by men. It truly is not to be missed although nothing quite like you will have seen before!
Kochi – Munnar
After breakfast and fully refreshed, we are off to connect with Nature in Munnar, a beautiful hill station in the midst of vast tea and Cardammon plantations (approximately 3.5 hours away)
Our next 2 nights will be spent at the 5* Viceroy Luxury Mountain Resort and Spa which boasts the most beautiful infinity pool.
Viceroy Luxury Mountain Resort and Spa in Munnar offers a 5-star experience with private balconies, and mountain views. Each room features air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and modern amenities.
Enjoy an infinity swimming pool, spa facilities, fitness centre, sun terrace, and lush gardens. Additional amenities include a steam room, hot tub, and outdoor fireplace. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
We have our own rooms here and breakfast and dinner are included each day.
After time to settle in we can enjoy the resort and dinner.
Munnar
Today it’s an off-road jeep safari tour through the spice plantation to the waterfalls, with a gentle walk through the 7 hills tea garden and letchmi Hills. Please note that admission to the waterfalls is not included.
In the afternoon we have a choice of activities… cycle, walk or do a spot of yoga or bird watching. Or just relax with a book around that gorgeous infinity pool!
Munnar – Thekkady
Today we depart for Thekkady (approx 3 hours), famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands.
On the way we will enjoy a guided tour of the Lockhart Tea Factory in Munnar. Learn about the origins of tea, its history, and health benefits. Discover the traditional tea manufacturing process and taste a variety of teas.
The gorgeous mountain courtyard Hotel in Thekkady is home for the next 3 nights. There is a stunning outdoor pool, 2 onsite restaurants and all rooms have en-suite bathrooms, Free wifi and coffee making facilities. Breakfast is included each morning.
Thekkady
Its up and out early today (as the day tour is planned around when we have the best chance to view the animals) as we head off on a Gavi Jungle Jeep Safari, a full-day eco-tourism experience starting from Thekkady at 5:30 AM and ending around 3:00 PM, taking us deep into the scenic and wildlife-rich forests of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This journey includes an adventurous jeep ride, boating and trekking at Gavi Dam, visits to a cardamom plantation and the Skeleton Museum, and a delicious breakfast and lunch. With an 80% chance of spotting wildlife such as elephants, bison, sambar deer, and exotic birds, this safari promises a refreshing escape into nature.
Thekkady
Today is a free day to enjoy and explore the surroundings.
This evening, those that would like to can enjoy a martial arts show at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre and witness a 3000 year old form of martial art known as Kalaripayattu, (this is not included but costs just a few pounds).
Thekkady – Alleppey Houseboat
Morning transfer to Alleppey (approx 4 hours) to embark on an incredible houseboat tour of the stunning backwaters. Alappuzha is full of beautiful waterways and channels. Here we embark our houseboats for an overnight stay and watch life pass by in slow motion while skimming over the waters. Experience the lifestyle of the local folk and learn the tricks of fishing. A welcome drink, lunch and dinner are all served on board. (please note we all have our own rooms on the houseboats even if we have decided not to pay the supplement).
Alleppey – Mararikulam
Enjoy an early morning wander on the banks of the backwater as the day comes to life, and breakfast on the boat as the sun rises.
A short transfer takes us to our beautiful accommodation in the lap of nature to the 4* Lake Canopy Hotel where we will be spending the next 4 nights. Breakfast is included each morning. (please note that the twin rooms have one double and one single bed).
This morning we take the private transfer to the airport for our flight home.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- 4 nights in a 3 star hotel.
- 7 nights in 4 star hotels.
- 2 Nights in a 5 Star hotel.
- 1 night on a house boat cruise in your own room.
- 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners.
- All airport and hotel transfer.
- Travel Buddies Host.
- Sunset back waters of Kochi cruise.
- Kochi village life tuk tuk guided tour.
- Kochi guided historical walking tour.
- Kathakali show ticket.
- Jeep safari with waterfall and tea garden walk.
- Lockhart tea factor guided tour.
- Gavi jungle jeep safari including lunch.
Cost Excludes
- Any additional entrance fees and public transport that you may use that is not listed above.
- Meals that are not included in the itinerary.
- International Flights.
FAQs
You need to book your own flights and they are with Emirates Airlines. Please wait until we give you the go ahead to book the flights, we really hope this will be in the next 24 hours so do keep an eye on your direct messages.
Below is the flight that Kate will be going on.
Flights are currently £532 and add included checked luggage.
If you would prefer to travel from an alternative UK airport or book a different flight, that is absolutely fine. Please let us know when you book. You will need to arrange your own hotel transfers.
21/02/2026 – Non Direct.
Depart London Stansted 14.05 Arrive Kocki COK 08.05+1
Flight Numbers EK66/EK530 1 Hour and 45 minutes in Dubai DXB Airport.
07/03/2026 – Non Direct.
Depart Kochi COK 09.40 Arrive London Stansted 18.00
Flight Numbers EK531/EK67 2 Hours and 20 minutes in Dubai DXB Airport.
The price of the above tour is £1399. A non refundable deposit of £200. If we haven’t received your deposit within 3 days of RSVP, your RSVP will be changed to “not going” and your space will be released. The balance of £1199 needs to be paid by the 6th January 2026. If you are having a room to yourself the balance is £1519.
To learn more on how we protect your money, please visit:https://www.protectedtrustservices.com/consumer-protection/
When you RSVP to a trip you will be asked the following questions please take a moment to fill in all of the answers.
What is your full name? What is your contact number? What is your email address? Do you know the travel buddy you wish to share a room with? Do you wish to have a room for yourself?
This tour is suitable for Travel Buddies with medium fitness & normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs, and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
You will need a visa to travel to India if you are traveling on a UK passport. We will provide you with the information that you need to apply for the visa prior to the trip.
Travel Insurance is a mandatory requirement for travelling with Travel Buddies. Please ensure you are fully insured for all aspects of your trip. We would advise you to take out your travel insurance as soon as you have paid your deposit.
