A Relaxing Kerala Holiday

Start your Kerala holiday in beautiful Cochin (Kochi), an intoxicating melting pot of cultures from all over the world. Explore its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic gems and stroll along the harbourfront by the Arabian Sea, taking in the views and watching the mesmerising web of Chinese fishing nets suspended over the sea. We can also arrange a day trip in Cochin for you at the beginning or end of your trip, accompanied by an expert guide, so you can make the most of its many sights, from palaces to markets and antique shops.  

Stay at the Old Harbour Hotel, which has a perfect location near the waterfront and many attractions. The hotel occupies an attractive 18^th-century building, surrounded by tropical gardens, and has plenty of historic character alongside modern luxuries such as a lovely spa and pool – ideal for winding down after your flight.

Your next stop is Munnar, where you will spend a blissful few days at the serene Sugati Retreat, which is nestled in landscaped gardens approximately an hour from the hustle and bustle of Munnar, and has panoramic valley views. The plants in the gardens have been carefully selected for their natural healing properties.

Unwind here with a relaxing Ayurveda wellness package, which includes a personal consultation with the resident Ayurvedic doctor. A personalised wellness programme will be created for you, and one Ayurveda session and two yoga sessions are included in your stay: other specialist treatments are also available as additional extras.

There are many other options during your time in Munnar: enjoy village walks, and visit spice plantations – spices such as cardamom are grown here. Sugati borders reserve forests which are rich with birdlife, so this is a fantastic opportunity to spot the many varieties of birds in the area. You can also visit tea estates to find out how tea is grown, picked and processed, taste different teas and take a walk in the scenic plantations, set in the rolling hills and valleys – a perfect photo opportunity!

Back at the retreat, foodies will love taking part in a culinary experience, learning how to cook traditional Keralan cuisine, using vegetables from the organic gardens and fragrant spices.

Last, but certainly not least, it’s on to Kumarakom. Explore the tranquil backwaters of Vembanad Lake in style with a private cruise on a traditional rice boat (traditionally used to transport rice and other produce to local markets), with lunch served aboard. These waters are a habitat for a variety of marine and freshwater fish.  

Also included is a motorised canoe cruise, which departs from your hotel’s jetty early in the morning, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. During this cruise, you will get to visit a local village and have the chance to witness centuries-old traditional crafts such as fishing, cockle shell collection and toddy tapping (palm wine making).

In between your backwater adventures, relax at the lovely Coconut Lagoon, which has an Ayurveda spa and a butterfly garden, while there’s also a renowned bird sanctuary nearby which covers over 14 acres and is a haven for migratory birds, offering another paradise for birdwatchers, or you can go on a leisurely village walk. The hotel has a cultural programme in the evenings, so you can be entertained in memorable local style.

If you can drag yourself away, you will return to Cochin for your flight home.