Highlights of Kerala and Maldives

16 Days from $8,090 USD / person

Adventure & Outdoors

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Ideal For

Adventure & Outdoors

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Itinerary Summary

Day

Place

Hotel Opts

1 – 3

Cochin
Highlights: Fort Kochi Harbor, Matancherry & Pardesi Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Eighth Bastion
Malabar House

3 – 5

Munnar
Highlights: Matupetty Dam, Tea Plantations, Soft Trekking, Kannan Devan Tea Museum

Fragrant Nature Munnar
The Windermere Estate

5 – 7

Thekkady
Highlights: Amazing Biodiversity, Spice Plantations, Kalaripayattu, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Spice Village
Reen Resorts Aanavilasam Plantation

7 – 8

Backwaters of Kerala
Highlights: Lagoons & Lake, Houseboat Cruise, Village Life & Local Culture

Spice Coast Cruise
Xandari Riverscapes

8 – 10

Backwaters of Kerala
Highlights: Lagoons & Lake, Houseboat Cruise, Village Life & Local Culture

Coconut Lagoon
Niraamaya Retreats Backwater & Beyond

10 – 11

Cochin
Highlights: Fort Kochi Harbor, Matancherry & Pardesi Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Eighth Bastion
Malabar House

11 – 16

Male
Highlights: Beach, Relaxation, Water Sports, Islamic Heritage

Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Cora Cora

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Highlights of Kerala and Maldives

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Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 3

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.

Included activities

Dances of Kerala: A Cultural Evening

Discover the art and culture of Kerala. Spend an evening at the Greenix Village in Cochin where you can enjoy a special performance of some of Kerala’s most celebrated dance forms. Learn the complex rhythm and artistic skills of popular classical dance forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam, performed by trained dancers over a period of two hours. The most famous and popular of these is Kathakali – a harmonious blend of dance, drama, music, literature and painting. Observe the detailed make up, grand costumes and intricate gestures which characterize this art form. (Evening Activity ; Duration: 2.5 hours including make up session , from 1700 hrs to 1930 hrs including observing performer’s makeup session, If you are not interested in make up session for artist please do discuss with your trip coordinator)

Highlights of Cochin (Half Day)

Cochin is an engaging city to explore, from the absorbing views of Fort Kochi harbor with its huge Chinese fishing nets, to ancient mosques, Portuguese architecture, and the crumbling remnants of the British Raj. Explore Mattancherry, where you can observe murals and antiquities at the Dutch Palace and Cemetery. Indulge your senses browsing traditional spice and antique markets. Encounter the fascinating 400 year old, fully-functioning Paradesi Synagogue in the Jewish quarter. Visit the original grave of Vasco da Gama in St. Francis Church, used before his remains were returned to Portugal. Discover Hill Palace, the state’s largest archaeological museum, which is located in the regal and artistic suburbs of Tripunithura. (Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Please note that the Dutch Palace is closed on Fridays, the Jewish Synagogue is closed on Friday afternoons and Saturdays and the Hill Palace Musuem is closed on Mondays.Dutch Palace has 14 steep stairs).

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

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.

Included activities

Personalized City Highlights Tour of Munnar

Explore the popular hill station of Munnar and its picturesque surroundings, accompanied by an expert local guide. Enjoy your drive on winding roads flanked by tea and spice plantations and grasslands. Your first stop is Mattupetty Dam and its adjacent lake area, perfect for picnics. Next, visit Echo Point, which is famed for its natural echo phenomenon. Take in panoramic vistas of the lush, mist-laden valleys of the Western Ghats, and the reserve forests below. Ahead, make a pitstop at Kundala Dam. You can unwind with a leisurely boat ride on the adjoining Lake Kundala. Continue to Top Station, Munnar’s highest point (1700 m), and a historic upper terminus that was used to transport tea using an aerial ropeway. Before returning to the town, stroll on a paved path amid this beautiful setting. Keep an eye out for the rare Neelakurunji flowers that bloom across this region every twelve years! (Duration: Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy)

Tea Delights of Lockhart

Explore the Lockhart Tea Museum situated at Devikulam, a scenic hill station and national park on the outskirts of Munnar in southern India. Drive along meandering country roads flanked by lush tea plantations and wooded hills. In a while you will reach the expansive Lockhart Estate established in the late 1800s as one of High Range’s earliest tea plantations. Accompanied by an in-house expert, tour the working tea factory, following the staff in action at every stage. Learn about orthodox tea, and its entire production process from tea leaf picking to your teacup. Understand the various health benefits of tea and its many uses. Visit the tea museum to know more about the history of tea in the region. Discover a collection of vintage equipment related to tea manufacture, and browse old photographs that trace the evolution of the town itself. Visit the adjoining nursery and garden where you can observe life behind the scenes. Finally, enjoy a tea tasting session while appreciating the fantastic scenery around! (Half Day; Duration: 1 hr; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy, tea tasting possible during Nov -Mar)

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

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.

Included activities

Experiential Thekkady at Spice Village

Explore the myriad activities on offer at Spice Village, which let you experience snippets of life and culture in the region. Choose from a range of experiences — from making paper by hand to evening cookery classes. Depending on the season, you can also make a day trip to a pepper plantation nearby. Admire the verdant landscape and take a stroll down the rows of trellises covered with winding vines. As you walk past the mats on which the peppercorns are spread out to dry, take a moment to enjoy the fresh mountain air that carries with it a distinctive peppery aroma. Let the master chefs of the Spice Village take you through a hands-on and educational cooking session. Take a peek into the enchanting world of Indian spices, discovering different types, how to use them in delicacies, and the unique flavors they bring to even the most ordinary dishes. Head to the paper-making center and take a shot at making paper by hand, using pulp collected from all the paper waste in the resort. (Time of Day: 1000 hrs – 1700 hrs (Handmade Paper-Making), 1845 hrs – 1930 hrs (Evening Cookery Classes), 1000 hrs – 1100 hrs or 1600 hrs – 1700 hrs (Spice Plantation visit timings); Shared activity for in-house guests only; Fitness Level: Easy)

Tea Plantation Hiking Tour

Enjoy a leisurely hike through a lush green tea plantation. You will be picked up from your hotel in a private vehicle and driven to the plantation, a short distance away. Accompanied by a naturalist, walk at an easy pace across the undulating terrain. Learn how the tea plant is cultivated, the correct technique to pluck the leaves and what makes a good tea. Along the way, you will see tea pluckers, primarily women, busy removing the leaves from the tea plant. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy scenic views of the area as you walk. Having explored the region to your heart’s content, head back to your hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: 0700/1600 hrs; Shared activity & transfers; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Min age: 12; Best time to travel: Oct – Mar)

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

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.

Included activities

Overnight Houseboat Experience

Cruise Kerala’s backwaters and stay overnight in a traditional kettuvallom, a boat made from coconut rope and wooden planks. This unique and exotic barge experience provides all the comforts of a hotel, with furnished bedrooms, a modern shower and toilet room, a living area and a shaded balcony for relaxing on as you enjoy uninterrupted views of rural Kerala. There is also a kitchen where the boat’s crew will rustle you up deliciously fresh meals and snacks, served traditionally on banana leaves. The skipper (captain), might moor up and take you to visit a backwater village, where you can meet local people and observe ancestral homes and places of worship. After a relaxing day, drop anchor and rest your head to the gentle sounds of the swishing lake waters.

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

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

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

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

Male finds mention in almost every traveler’s wish list for being the gateway to the incredible Maldives’ islands. One of the smallest capitals in the world, the city’s appeal lies in its quaint avenues, squeaky clean streets and imposing skyscrapers. Compared to the relaxed ambience within the islands surrounding Male, the bustling city is something extraordinary! Herein lies the true Maldivian spirit, with bright lights, quirky bars, a maze of local markets that sell everything under the sun, and mosques that bear testament to the city’s Islamic heritage. A word of caution, alcohol is prohibited on the island, although it is allowed within the private resorts.

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

Savor generous doses of culture and relaxation as you make your way from the backwaters and plantations of Kerala to the stunning beaches of the Maldives. Your journey begins in the historic port city of Cochin, where you will set out to uncover its fascinating mix of Dutch, Portuguese and British heritage. Explore the scenic hill station of Munnar and learn all about tea at an estate that dates back to the 19th century. Delve into the region’s culture at Spice Village with a paper making session or whip up some local delicacies at a cooking class with an expert chef. While here, you will also get to visit a pepper plantation. Experience the incredible serenity of the region as you drift down Kerala’s famous tree-lined backwaters in a houseboat. After exploring the cultural and natural charms of this South Indian state, it’s time to head for your fabulous luxury resort in the Maldives. Relax on the beach with your favorite cocktail, indulge in some water sports and look back on an incredible vacation.

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.

Rating 5/5

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!

Rating 5/5

Boat house in the Alleppey backwaters, Kerala

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

Rating 5/5

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.

Rating 5/5

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

Rating 5/5

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.

Rating 5/5

Simon Adermann

Australia

Highlights of Kerala and Maldives

Ideal For

Itinerary Summary

Thank You for Inquiring

Thank You for Inquiring

Your Vacation. Your Way.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 3

Day 3 – 5

Day 5 – 7

Day 7 – 8

Day 8 – 10

Day 10 – 11

Day 11 – 16

Cochin

Dances of Kerala: A Cultural Evening

Highlights of Cochin (Half Day)

Munnar

Personalized City Highlights Tour of Munnar

Tea Delights of Lockhart

Thekkady

Experiential Thekkady at Spice Village

Tea Plantation Hiking Tour

Backwaters of Kerala

Overnight Houseboat Experience

Backwaters of Kerala

Cochin

Male

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

Option 2

Price Includes

Not Included

What Our Guests Say

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