Luxury Holidays in Kerala and Karnataka
Our holidays in Kerala, India welcome you to a wonderfully slow pace of life, immersed in abundant nature and culture.
- Tailor-made itineraries just for you
- Exceptional experiences led by trusted private guides
- Curated collection of Kerala's finest hotels and resorts
- 24/7 support from our travel experts
Kerala is a hugely diverse region, offering a great deal without the long drives that often typify exploring some other parts of India. A cruise through the backwaters past idyllic traditional villages is always a highlight, as are the traditional fish curries, but there's so much more to see and do.
Visit the bustling city of Cochin, the hub of the spice trade filled with echoes of its Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial influences. A drive into the hills will take you to the dramatic scenery of Munnar and the wildlife at Thekkady. Karnataka is Kerala’s little-visited cousin, where temples, nature reserves, and peace and quiet are the order of the day.
Whatever your vision, our expert travel specialists will work with you to create an unforgettable Kerala holiday. We can open doors to the top experiences and places to stay in Cochin, Coorg, Neeleshwar and more. Just tell us your idea of luxury and we'll bring it to life.
“Kerala in southern India is all about the beautiful scenery and quaint colonial towns. Visit tea plantations and relax in the backwaters in a complete change of pace from India’s cities. I recommend Kerala to my first-time guests travelling to India because of its warm and laid-back energy – it’s the perfect introduction to this dizzying country!”
Rikki Poynton, Asia Specialist
Luxury Hotels and Tours in Kerala, Marari Beach and More
Perfectly paired with a trip to the Maldives for a mix of culture and sun, or Tamil Nadu for the ultimate tour of southern India, our Kerala tours strives to show the best this area has to offer. Use our suggested itineraries as a base for dreaming about your trip, but don’t let it limit you as our tours are tailor-made to your perfection. For luxury resorts in Kerala, India, you’ll find our curated collection below of comfortable stays. From heritage boutique hotels to houseboats and safari lodges, find a hotel in Kerala that inspires you.
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1 - 10 of 15 Hotels
Neeleshwar Hermitage
Neeleshwar, Kerala and Karnataka, India
Neeleshwar Hermitage is a gorgeous beach hotel located in a quiet, unspoilt corner of Northern Kerala. With a glorious peaceful atmosphere, Neeleshwar is a perfect destination for relaxation or a base to explore this wonderful part of India.
Couples Off the beaten track Spa & health Adventure
Old Harbour Hotel
Cochin, Kerala and Karnataka, India
Old Harbour, which was a Heritage monument of Fort Cochin, is now a beautifully traditional boutique hotel with plenty of character. At the heart of this ancient city, the Old Harbour hotel is a perfect retreat to escape the hustle and bustle.
Couples
Brunton Boatyard
Cochin, Kerala and Karnataka, India
The Brunton Boatyard is situated at the mouth of Fort Cochin's harbour resurrected from the remains of a Victorian shipbuilding yard and has magnificent views of the sea and Delta. The hotel overlooks the large pool, garden and the sea.
Couples
Coconut Lagoon
Backwaters, Kerala and Karnataka, India
The perfect place to relax on the shore of Lake Vembenad in Kerala within easy access of Cochin. Coconut Lagoon is a charming hotel with heritage styled rooms, tropical gardens and fantastic local cuisine ideal for a final stop on a Keralan adventure.
Couples Cruise
Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate
Coorg, Kerala and Karnataka, India
Evolve Back Coorg, formerly Orange County Coorg is a luxury resort in an untouched part of India but still offering plenty of activities. Perched 800m above sea level, it sits within 300 acres of a working coffee and spice plantations.
Couples Culture Off the beaten track Adventure
Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge
Nagarhole National Park, Kerala and Karnataka, India
Evolve Back Kabini, formerly Orange County Kabini blends subtle luxury with ecological and environmental sensibilities. Explore both the Nagarhole National Park and the surrounding villages, offering a wonderful insight into rural India.
Couples Wildlife Adventure Culture
Houseboat
Backwaters, Kerala and Karnataka, India
Spending a night on a private houseboat is a tranquil way to explore the magical backwaters of Kerala and is a must on any Keralan adventure with your very own crew to cook traditional Keralan meals and to ensure you have the most enjoyable stay on board.
Adventure Culture Couples Cruise
Marari Beach Resort
Marari Beach, Kerala and Karnataka, India
Built in the style of a local fishing village with its 62 thatched cottages. Set in 36 acres of parkland, Marari Beach Resort is set on the golden shores of the Spice Coast and is the perfect place to relax and unwind following a tour of Kerala.
Couples Beach Off the beaten track
Philip Kutty's Farm
Backwaters, Kerala, India
Philip Kutty's Farm is a delightful and refreshing home-stay located on Vembanad Lake oozing with charm and run with a strong sense of professionalism and attention to detail. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the real Keralan experience.
Adventure Culture Off the beaten track Couples
Purity
Backwaters, Kerala and Karnataka, India
Overlooking the beautiful Lake Vembanad, Purity is a peaceful retreat 50km from Cochin. This boutique, luxury style, home stay has the perfect waterfront setting for a backwater experience with all of it's rooms looking over the lake.
Couples Culture Off the beaten track
1 - 2 of 2 Tour Ideas
nights
Extraordinary Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Pondicherry, Tanjore, Chettinad, Madurai, Munnar & Cochin
Leap headfirst into our luxury escorted tour of India that takes you through Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Releasing your inner boho vibes, you'll be consumed by the splendour and aura of these mesmerising regions, staying in stylish hideaways while taking in natural scenery and wildlife around you. Unrivalled culinary experiences and pampering await.
Couples Adventure Culture Off the beaten track
GBP £5,500 pp
nights
Exceptional Kerala and The Maldives
Cochin, Thekkady, Backwaters, Lake Vembenad & 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.
Adventure Beach Couples Culture
GBP £4,500 pp
1 - 2 of 2 Tour Ideas
Where to Visit on Holidays to Kerala, India
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Kerala Backwaters, India
The languid rivers and waterways of the Kerala Backwaters mirror the slow pace of life in this part of India. With fishermen steering their boats past tiny villages and swaying palms while children in pristine uniforms make their way to school, life in all its forms is lived out on the banks of the rivers.
Whether you explore the Backwaters afloat on one of the Kerala houseboats or from dry land, this is a tranquil spot to relax and watch the world go by. Discover local crafts and livelihoods, marvel as coconut pickers nimbly scale the tall palms, and listen to the calls of the fishermen as they hawk the day’s catch from their boats.
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Cochin
A colourful fishing port with Dutch, Portuguese and British roots, Cochin is a tranquil city with a distinctly Keralan charm. As a key trading port, Cochin’s rich history is revealed in its synagogue, ancient mosques, whitewashed churches, vibrant spice markets and giant Chinese fishing nets; its wide, leafy streets are lined with vestiges of its past.
With a delightful selection of Cochin luxury hotels and beach resorts housed in historic buildings, it's a fascinating yet relaxing destination. Stroll along the water's edge and stop to marvel at the fishermen as they manoeuvre their nets, pop into the boutiques stocked with local crafts, and enjoy a selection of fresh seafood in a courtyard cafe, heavy with the scent of bougainvillea.
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Coorg
Nestled in the spice and coffee plantations of the Western Ghats, Coorg is an area of striking natural beauty, its densely forested hills home to a wealth of wildlife and birds. Its rich landscape is also home to a sizeable Tibetan population and the Namdroling Monastery, the second largest in India.
Boasting 25% of the bird species in India, Coorg is a dream for bird enthusiasts. Embark on a safari in Nagarhole National Park to see the spectacular birdlife and healthy population of tigers, elephants, muntjacs and bonnet macaques. Explore the spice and coffee plantations and discover the exquisite flavours that drew traders to the hills in search of their riches, before unwinding at your luxury resort or hotel in Coorg, India.
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Marari Beach
With long stretches of golden sands, palm-fringed and lapped by the gentle waters of the Indian Ocean, Marari is a laid-back beach near the quaint fishing village of Mararikulam. Dotted with small boutique properties and larger Marari Beach resorts, many boasting Ayurvedic spas, it's a perfect place to unwind.
Marari’s tropical beach invites travellers to relax at the end of a trip exploring Kerala’s many sights while offering a distinctively Keralan charm. Cool coconut water, light curries and fresh seafood offer a taste of South India, with the warm sea breeze carrying the scent of Ayurvedic oils and incense.
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Neeleshwar
Adorned with palm trees and cooled by the breeze from the Arabian Sea, Neeleshwar is a sleepy village nestled between the beach and the backwaters, making it an ideal choice for relaxing after a trip through Kerala and Karnataka. Largely untouched by tourism, it offers unspoiled beaches and a genuine welcome from comfortable Neeleshwar resorts.
The delightful Neeleshwar Hermitage steals the show with its 70ft beachside pool and exceptional sunset views. Spend the day exploring the fishing village or lazing by the pool before sitting down with a drink to watch as the sun dips over the sea, the swaying palms silhouetted against the vibrant sky.
- Kerala Backwaters, India
- Cochin
- Coorg
- Marari Beach
- Neeleshwar
Our team of India specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure. Contact us today to start planning your tailor-made trip.
Kerala and Karnataka Holiday FAQs
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The best time to visit Kerala and southern India is during the winter season from September to March, with October to February considered the peak. The climate is at its most comfortable during this period, with lower temperatures, humidity and rainfall providing the perfect conditions to explore this enchanting region.
Kerala's tropical climate brings high temperatures throughout the year, as well as dry and wet seasons. January is usually the driest month, while monsoon season runs from June to August. Extra rainfall in these months can cause flooding, though it also helps the region's greenery look its lushest.
Read more about the best times to visit India.
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Our Extraordinary Kerala and Tamil Nadu tour takes place over 14 nights, while our Exceptional Kerala and The Maldives adventure lasts for 12. These itineraries are purely our suggestions, however, and you can amend your trip duration as you see fit. Speak to our travel specialists to discuss your schedule and what you'd like to fit into it.
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Why Choose Scott Dunn for your Luxury India Holiday?
Unique to You
- We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are bespoke to you.
- We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.
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- Global offices in the UK, US, and Singapore for 24/7 seamless service.
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Carefully Curated Collection
- We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
- Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.
Luxury in Every Sense
- We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
- Awarded Condé Nast Traveller’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 12 years in a row.
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