Exceptional Kerala and The Maldives

Captivating culture, tempting cuisine and an exclusive houseboat stay in Kerala. Follow this with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and luxurious contemporary accommodation in the Maldives. This luxury south India and Maldives tour itinerary is perfect for combining culture with relaxation, topped off with outstanding guides.

Cochin, Thekkady, Backwaters, Lake Vembenad & The Maldives

12 nights private tour from GBP £4,500 per person

Journey highlights

Immerse yourself in the energetic city of Cochin and amble through the narrow streets to visit the magical Temples, Churches and enthralling Antique shops
Meander through luscious spice plantations, unveil renowned fruits and spot extraordinary wildlife in the luxurious plantation retreat located in the heart of Thekkady and near to Periyar Wildlife Reserve
Sink into relaxation on an idyllic island in the Maldives and feel a sense of calm wash over you as you embrace pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters
Take to the backwaters of Kerala and simply sit and watch the world go by as you embark on your private, rustic houseboat for the night
Exceptional itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Exceptional Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences

Our tailor made journeys include:

Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
Private international airport transfers in destination
Your own private, English-speaking local guides
Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
Entrance to must-see local sites
Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

Isolated from much of India by the Western Ghats, the climate of Kerala & Karnataka is tropical and as a result of the mountain ranges the area isn’t as dry as much of India. The best time to visit is from January through to April. While there can be the occasional light showers these are just a prelude of the wet weather to come. The monsoon season arrives in early June and thus can wash out July and August. September is much more humid as a result of the rainy season, and the fall can be dry but with the humidity this makes it feel quite the warm. There can be a little rain in the night in October and November. The temperatures cool down and the humidity lets up as winter comes in around December, with this season lasting until February when the dry spring returns.

The Maldives has a tropical climate distinguished by two seasons, or monsoons: the dry northeast monsoon which runs from December to March, and the wet southwestern monsoon from May to November, with more strong winds and rain. April is a transitional period noted for clear water and heat. The temperature remains remarkably consistent at around 30°C.

February to April is the hottest period and resorts are almost all operating at capacity during this period. Mid-December to early January comes at even more of a premium due to Christmas and New Year and prices are even higher. Easter and the Italian holiday week in August also attract peak prices at most resorts. Storms are more likely from May to November, though it’s still warm, skies can be cloudy and the humidity is higher. This is the low season, with fewer people and lower prices, with the exception of August.

Itinerary

Day 1-3

Cochin, Kerala and Karnataka, India

Touch down at Cochin International Airport and be greeted by your expert guide and driver before heading to Brunton Boatyard, your home for the next two nights. Built in the style of early Dutch and Portuguese architecture and resembling the old colonial buildings of Cochin, Brunton Boatyard will transport you back in time to its Arab, Chinese and European heritage. Take time after your flight to settle into your hotel and make use of its facilities. Master the culinary skills of basic Keralan cuisine in a captivating cooking class. Take a splash in the infinity pool that overlooks the harbour or chill out in the library with an enticing good book.

Feeling revitalised after your flight, dive into the vigorous city of Cochin with your expert guide and unveil its legendary secrets. You’ll head out early morning, beginning your tour at the Chinese Fishing nets and local vegetable market. Venture into the town centre and discover the collection of grand Catholic Churches and vibrant Hindu Temples nestled among old colonial houses built in Portuguese, Dutch and British styles. Amble the narrow bustling streets, mooch the colourful merchant stalls and enjoy delicious street food before heading back to your hotel. Freshen up for the evening and watch a traditional Kathakali Dance show, soaking up the creative make up, extravagant costumes and facial expressions of this conventional style of dance. Allow us to book you a table in one of the three outstanding hotel restaurants for a delicious dining experience to round off your stay.

Accommodation: Brunton Boatyard ( 2 nights )

Day 3-5

Munnar, Kerala and Karnataka, India

The tranquillity of the Keralan prominences awaits. Leaving the flurry of Cochin behind you, drive four hours through the Keralan countryside to the Windermere Estate, an ideal retreat for walkers and nature-lovers. We’ll curate an exemplary itinerary to ensure you get the most out of your stay here, perfect for those wishing to get out and about in nature. There are both short and long treks offered from the property through forestlands, plantations, meadow lands and rocky streams. After a busy day exploring the lush surroundings, the property offers a fantastic view of the sun setting behind the rolling surrounding hills. Windermere Estate offers a refreshing respite from many other regions in India, and is a fantastic nature retreat.

Accommodation: Windermere Estate ( 2 nights )

Day 5-6

Backwaters

Feeling revitalized from your hillside retreat, drive four hours south to the Backwaters and embark on a private converted rice barge for a truly immersive houseboat experience. Float through the intricate maze of peaceful lakes, channels and lagoons and take in the laid-back day to day life of those living in and around the backwaters. From agile men collecting coconuts from the top of the trees to excited children running along the riverbanks as they make their way to school, you can simply sit and watch the world go by. Drift past luscious paddy fields and look out for the wealth of bird species living here. As the day comes to a close, relax with a tropical drink while the sun sets and enjoy a fragrant Keralan dinner prepared by your talented chef onboard.

Accommodation: Houseboat ( 1 night )

Day 6-8

Lake Vembenad

Kickstart the day with an energising breakfast onboard, before edging back to the dock in the mid-morning. Step off the tourist trail and leap into the last leg of your Indian escapade as you’re whisked to Lake Vembenad for your final two nights. Staying at the luxurious Purity, you’ll be tucked away among the flourishing vegetation that sits along the waterfront. Each of the rooms boast astounding views overlooking the lake, creating a serene setting to end your Indian trip. Lake Vembenad is the longest lake in India, spanning several districts in Kerala and home to an abundance of wildlife. Wake up to the sound of birdsong and embrace the daily morning yoga practices. Take to the water on a modest rowing boat and explore hidden inlets around the lake. Repose by the swimming pool, relax in the spa or take a visit to the astounding Mannarashala Temple and ancient Krishna Puram Palace. Purity offers a whole host of activities for you to lean into and you can embrace as many or little as you wish. Round off your Keralan adventure dining under the stars and overlooking the peaceful lake.

Accommodation: Purity ( 2 nights )

Day 8-13

Maldives

After an early morning breakfast your driver will take you back to Cochin International Airport for your connecting flight to the Maldives.

Characterised by palm fringed beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, the Maldives is the epitome of relaxation and the perfect luxurious haven to end your trip. Spend your days with sand between your toes and salty sea air through your hair. The next 5 days can be spent relaxing by the beach, swimming in the pool, snorkelling over the vibrant house reef and soaking up first-class sunsets with a cold glass of champagne in hand. In the evening, experience some of the best hospitality in the world and toast to an unforgettable trip under a blanket of stars.

Accommodation: LUX* South Ari Atoll ( 5 nights )

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 020 3918 3595 to start planning your holiday.

Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)

Departing	Price from^* Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers. Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type. Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.	Deposit from ^*	Enquire
November 2024	GBP £4,500	GBP £700	plan your trip
December 2024	GBP £6,300	GBP £900	plan your trip
January 2025	GBP £6,300	GBP £900	plan your trip
February 2025	GBP £6,300	GBP £900	plan your trip
March 2025	GBP £5,400	GBP £800	plan your trip
April 2025	GBP £5,400	GBP £800	plan your trip
May 2025	GBP £4,500	GBP £700	plan your trip
June 2025	GBP £4,500	GBP £700	plan your trip
July 2025	GBP £4,500	GBP £700	plan your trip
August 2025	GBP £6,300	GBP £900	plan your trip
September 2025	GBP £4,500	GBP £700	plan your trip
October 2025	GBP £4,500	GBP £700	plan your trip

November 2024
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,500
Deposit from*
GBP £700
December 2024
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,300
Deposit from*
GBP £900
January 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,300
Deposit from*
GBP £900
February 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,300
Deposit from*
GBP £900
March 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,400
Deposit from*
GBP £800
April 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,400
Deposit from*
GBP £800
May 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,500
Deposit from*
GBP £700
June 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,500
Deposit from*
GBP £700
July 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,500
Deposit from*
GBP £700
August 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,300
Deposit from*
GBP £900
September 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,500
Deposit from*
GBP £700
October 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,500
Deposit from*
GBP £700
plan your trip

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