16 Days from $8,090 USD / person
Highlights of Kerala and Maldives
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – 3
International Arrival
You will be transferred from Cochin airport to your hotel
2 Nights
Cochin
Kochi, formerly Cochin, is considered the Queen of the Arabian Sea as it was one of the first European settlements in India, due its ideal positioning for trading. Kochi has always been at the heart of the Indian spice trade.The Portuguese first colonised Kochi in the 16th century, before the city was conquered by the Dutch in the 17th century and the British in the 19th century. The city’s architecture has been shaped by its colonial rulers, yet today it remains a vibrant and busy commercial center with a multicultural atmosphere and a cosmopolitan heart. As well as showcasing Kerala’s traditional dance and martial art forms throughout the year, Cochin plays host to several annual celebrations, including the Cochin Carnival every December, and the colorful contemporary art festival, Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
Hotel options
Eighth Bastion – Opt 1
Room
Bastion Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Malabar House – Opt 2
Room
Deluxe
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 3 – 5
Your chauffeur will drive you from Cochin to Munnar in a private vehicle (Duration: 4.5 hrs)
2 Nights
Munnar
Munnar offers a haven of peace and tranquility within the verdant hills of Kerala. The town lies at the confluence of the Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly mountain streams, about 5200 ft above sea level. The picturesque potential of the lofty Western Ghats first came into prominence as one of the favored summer resorts of British colonialists. Verdant tea plantations, rolling valleys and the veil of mist that hangs about the area, offer a mystical experience far from the maddening crowds. Enjoy trekking through the nature trails or just laze about at a picturesque spot under the wispy clouds.
Hotel options
Fragrant Nature Munnar – Opt 1
Room
Tropic Green
Meals
Room Only
The Windermere Estate – Opt 2
Room
Garden Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Resort
Day 5 – 7
Your chauffeur will drive you from Munnar to Thekkady in a private vehicle (Duration: 4.5 hrs)
2 Nights
Thekkady
Thekkady is a thrilling delight for nature lovers. This world of seemingly unending rolling hills that are home to fragrant coffee, tea and spice plantations will invoke your imagination. The quaint little hill towns are yours to explore. Romance amid the unspoilt flora and fauna, from vivid flowers to patterned butterflies, and breathe in the fresh, pleasantly warm air. The whisper of nature sounds from the tropical jungles will lull you into calm, as will the forested hills as they reflect onto the wilderness of Periyar Lake, where elephant herds come to quench their thirst.
Hotel options
Spice Village – Opt 1
Room
Spice Garden Cottage
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Resort
Reen Resorts Aanavilasam Plantation – Opt 2
Room
Pool Villa
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Resort
Day 7 – 8
Your chauffeur will drive you from Thekkady to Backwaters, Alleppey/Kumarakom in a private vehicle (Duration: 4 hrs)
1 Night
Backwaters of Kerala
Kerala’s famous backwaters are a labyrinthine network of tree-fringed lagoons, idyllic lakes, and river systems, running parallel to the Arabian Sea along the Malabar coast. Quaint towns and charming villages dot the banks of these interconnected canals. This unique ecosystem is home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna. The heart of Kerala’s backwaters is the vast Vembanad lake and the intimate Ashtamudi lake. The region is replete with inviting and serene homestays, resorts, and houseboats offering diverse experiences that provide a glimpse of life on these waterways. Cruising down the tranquil backwaters aboard traditional kettuvallams or houseboats is a quintessential Kerala experience, especially enhanced by local seafood and meat preparations and complemented by the region’s iconic palm wine. For a window into the state’s culture, visit the region during the colorful annual boat races which feature up to a 100 rowers rowing in unison in 100-feet long snake boats.
Hotel options
Spice Coast Cruise – Opt 1
Room
One Cabin House Boat
Meals
Full Board
Style
Houseboat
Xandari Riverscapes – Opt 2
Room
One Bed Room
Meals
Full Board
Style
Houseboat
Day 8 – 10
You will be transferred from your hotel in Alleppey/Kumarakom (Houseboat) to your hotel in Alleppey/Kumarakom in a private vehicle
2 Nights
Backwaters of Kerala
Kerala’s famous backwaters are a labyrinthine network of tree-fringed lagoons, idyllic lakes, and river systems, running parallel to the Arabian Sea along the Malabar coast. Quaint towns and charming villages dot the banks of these interconnected canals. This unique ecosystem is home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna. The heart of Kerala’s backwaters is the vast Vembanad lake and the intimate Ashtamudi lake. The region is replete with inviting and serene homestays, resorts, and houseboats offering diverse experiences that provide a glimpse of life on these waterways. Cruising down the tranquil backwaters aboard traditional kettuvallams or houseboats is a quintessential Kerala experience, especially enhanced by local seafood and meat preparations and complemented by the region’s iconic palm wine. For a window into the state’s culture, visit the region during the colorful annual boat races which feature up to a 100 rowers rowing in unison in 100-feet long snake boats.
Hotel options
Coconut Lagoon – Opt 1
Room
Heritage Bungalow
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Resort
Niraamaya Retreats Backwater & Beyond – Opt 2
Room
Superior Lakeview Villa
Meals
Breakfast
Day 10 – 11
Your chauffeur will drive you from Backwaters, Alleppey/Kumarakom to Cochin in a private vehicle (Duration: 1.5 hrs)
1 Night
Cochin
Kochi, formerly Cochin, is considered the Queen of the Arabian Sea as it was one of the first European settlements in India, due its ideal positioning for trading. Kochi has always been at the heart of the Indian spice trade.The Portuguese first colonised Kochi in the 16th century, before the city was conquered by the Dutch in the 17th century and the British in the 19th century. The city’s architecture has been shaped by its colonial rulers, yet today it remains a vibrant and busy commercial center with a multicultural atmosphere and a cosmopolitan heart. As well as showcasing Kerala’s traditional dance and martial art forms throughout the year, Cochin plays host to several annual celebrations, including the Cochin Carnival every December, and the colorful contemporary art festival, Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
Hotel options
Eighth Bastion – Opt 1
Room
Bastion Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Malabar House – Opt 2
Room
Deluxe
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 11 – 16
You will be transferred from your hotel to Cochin airport in a private vehicle
Board your flight from Cochin to Male (Flight duration: 1.5 hrs)
Welcome to Male airport where you will be met by a representative with a paging board who will guide you to the resort’s airport counter. Once your check-in formalities are complete, the resort staff will escort you to your speed boat. Please note that speed boat departure times are only provided 24 hrs before your arrival. This is a shared transfer and depending on the number of your co-passengers on the boat, you may be required to wait at the airport lounge before you can board. Your resort staff will confirm the timing for your speed boat departure from the resort one day in advance. Please note that speed boat journeys are dependent on weather conditions.
5 Nights
Male
The Maldives is the quintessential island getaway. It may be the smallest country in Asia, but it is filled with white sand beaches and surrounded by shimmering blue waters. The culture of the Maldives is a unique blend of influences from the various peoples who have settled here over the centuries. Male, the capital, and most populated city, was traditionally known as ‘King Island’ as it was the home of the royal dynasties that ruled the country. Today, it continues to serve as the gateway to the rest of the archipelago. You can go island hopping by seaplane or speedboat. Stay in luxurious resorts and enjoy the pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. Thriving coral reefs ring the islands and provide a home for myriad species of fish, making The Maldives a premier diving and snorkeling destination. Surfing is another popular water sport here, especially coral reef surfing. In recent times, spa treatments have become a Maldives hallmark too.
Hotel options
Sun Siyam Olhuveli – Opt 1
Room
Deluxe Water Villa
Meals
Room Only
Style
Beach Resort
Cora Cora – Opt 2
Room
Beach Villa
Meals
Room Only
Style
Beach Resort
You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport
International Arrival
Price & Inclusions
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
What Our Guests Say
This trip was my gift to my wife for her birthday. I had traveled to India numerous times for business and wanted her to see this interesting and beautiful land. This was our 7th trip with Enchanting and I knew they would put together a journey that would explore the most important sights in the time which we allowed. We spent 2 weeks in the North of India and 2 weeks in the South. I was hesitant to do some much traveling by car but India has really improved their highways and the car trips where enjoyable. Our drivers were excellent. They knew the lay of the land and how to navigate the hectic Indian traffic. I am a retired international airline pilot and I will tell you that the hotels we stayed in are some of the finest in the world.
Everett Beasley
USA
This was our 14th trip with Enchanting. Each trip is always very well coordinated with never any worries about transportation, reservations or tickets etc…. The guides are always very knowledgable, helpful and kind. The drivers are always very prompt and courteous. The trip coordinators are in constant contact for any needs or concerns throughout the journey. I always answer the survey after our trips and know that Enchanting takes the answers very seriously. Thanks to the staff at Enchanting for many happy memories!
Julie Goodwin
USA
Enchanting Travels always provides an impeccably curated trip experience. We have traveled on 3 long trips with them and have never been disappointed
Mark Raymond Wallace
USA
I have been using Enchanting Travels from their very beginning and I will continue to use them in the future. Although I use them mainly for India, they did arrange a very nice trip to Vienna when I went there to attend a wedding. They are reliable, efficient, trustworthy and knowledgeable and just plain excellent.
Marianne Oort-Lissy
Netherlands
Hmm.. so many positives but let me say this.. in a post – but still covid era- it’s stressful traveling, so many tests, forms, etc, but going with this professional, excellent company made my wife and my forget about how much work goes into JUST RELAXING & ENJOYING! Thank you enchanting
Paul Greenaway
USA
What can I Say! Thanks for organising a great trip Enchanting Travels, you have excelled again! Kylie and I love the Maldives – Pullman Maamutaa is outstanding – thank you Rose and Sharon.
Simon Adermann
Australia
