Beautiful Kerala

Arrive into Abu Dhabi and connect onto the Etihad flight to Kozhikode. Once in Kozhikode you will be met and taken by road to Sultan's Battery where you will stay for the next three nights. Set high in the Western Ghats, the small country town of Sultan’s Battery lies in the heart of Kerala’s coffee, cardamom and vanilla growing region. (L/D)
Accommodation in Sultan's Battery: Amaryllis
Upgrade option: Tranquil

Over the next two days enjoy Amaryllis and explore the surrounding local area. Swim in the beautiful pool or relax with a good book. The bird-watching here is excellent and so far 127 different species have been recorded including hoopoe, drongo, hornbill, kingfisher and the magnificent crested serpent hawk. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Sultan's Battery: Amaryllis
Upgrade option: Tranquil

This morning leave Sultan’s Battery and follow the Western Ghats south to Palakkad and Kandath Tharavad for a two night stay. Built in 1794, this welcoming homestay belongs to the Kandath family and has been their home for over 300 years. Set amid paddy fields in a rural village on the outskirts of Palakkad, Kandath Tharavad is a traditional Nelukettu style home built mainly from teak and mud. Rooms are comfortable but simply furnished and all have en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning.
Accommodation in Palakkad: Kandath Tharavad

At leisure to relax and enjoy the serene and peaceful surroundings. The family will join you for a visit to the village and you will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside and see local potters and basket weavers at work. The region here is unspoiled and is ideal for long walks and cycle rides. In the evening you may also wish to visit the local village temple and attend pooja.
Accommodation in Palakkad: Kandath Tharavad

After breakfast leave Palakkad and continue to Neriamangalam and the beautiful Windermere River House where you will stay for the next two nights. Surrounded by two acres of lush garden on the banks of the Periyar River, the Windermere River House has five spacious rooms and is designed to reflect a traditional Keralan planter’s home. The forests that border the property form part of one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world with the Windermere River House the perfect base from which to explore the wider area.
Accommodation in Neriamangalam: Windermere River House

Today you are at leisure. Take a guided forest trek, spend a day birdwatching, borrow the property’s bicycles, meet the local villagers or explore the Western Ghats. Alternatively take advantage of the beautiful outdoor swimming pool or bespoke yoga studio.
Accommodation in Neriamangalam: Windermere River House

This morning leave Neriamangalam and drive to Kanam for a two night stay at Serenity, a delightful 1920s plantation bungalow and a wonderfully peaceful place to spend a couple of days. With only six rooms and surrounded by rubber plantations, Serenity is located between the tea hills and the backwaters. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Kanam: Serenity

Today you are at leisure to explore the surrounding countryside with your car and driver. It is also possible to arrange walks through many of the surrounding plantations, visit a neighbouring tropical garden or take a leisurely bicycle ride. Alternatively, simply relax by the enticing swimming pool. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Kanam: Serenity (or similar)

After breakfast travel the short distance to Kumarakom where you will stay for three nights at Coconut Lagoon. Bordering Vembanad Lake and the Keralan Backwaters, Coconut Lagoon occupies a peaceful location in the heart of one of Kerala’s most beautiful regions. Rooms are comfortable and incorporate nature and local design, there is a lovely outdoor swimming pool and excellent Ayurveda centre making it the perfect place to relax and recuperate.
Accommodation in Kumarakom: Coconut Lagoon

Alternatively, for those who would prefer to stay by the sea, the Marari Beach Resort in nearby Mararikulam is an excellent option or, further afield, Niraamaya – Surya Samudra close to Kovalam can be reached on a morning’s drive. If you do decide to stay at Niraamaya – Surya Samudra we would suggest omitting Kochi from this itinerary and travelling back to the UK from Trivandrum. 

Over the next two days you are at leisure to relax and enjoy Coconut Lagoon. Besides the pool and Ayurveda centre, backwater life can be experienced with a canoe ride through the canals of Kumarakom and there is excellent birdwatching around Vembanad lake.
Accommodation in Kumarakom: Coconut Lagoon

After breakfast leave Kumarakom and drive to Kochi. Founded by Vasco da Gama in 1502, Kochi quickly developed into a principle port and the centre of the spice trade on the Malabar Coast. A picturesque town of historic bougainvillea-draped buildings and a languid palm-fringed harbour, Portuguese, Dutch and British settlers have all influenced this charming city. (B)
Accommodation in Kochi: Arches Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Malabar House
Alternative upgrade option: Brunton Boatyard Hotel

Today spend the day exploring Fort Kochi with your guide. Starting on foot, walk to the church of St Francis, the oldest European church in India, before heading to the Kochi's famed waterfront. Here you will find the iconic Chinese fishing nets and fish stalls. Visit Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift to the Raja of Kochi, as well as the town's 450 year old synagogue which is the oldest functioning synagogue in Kerala. Surrounding the synagogue, there are many antique and curio shops you may wish to explore. End the day with a relaxing sunset cruise around the harbour. (B)
Accommodation in Kochi: Arches Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Malabar House
Alternative upgrade option: Brunton Boatyard Hotel