IDEAL LENGTH 12 nights
Price From S$6,750 pp
When to Go Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec

Classic Kerala

A subtle introduction to India suitable for adults and families. This holiday includes a cultural tour of Fort Cochin, cruising through picturesque backwaters, stay on a traditional backwater retreat ending with a stay by the pristine beaches of Marari.

Day 1
1 Cheenavala_Fort Kochi

Day 1
Arrival Kochi

Upon arrival at the airport you’ll be escorted by car to your accommodation in the historic Fort Kochi area. The remainder of your day will be spent at leisure.

Day 2
2 Cheenavala_Fort Kochi

Day 2
Kochi

In the morning, your private guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi. You’ll visit St Francis Church (the original resting place of Vasco de Gama), Santa Cruz Cathedral, the Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace, and see bustling markets and the Chinese fishing nets.

In the evening, visit the Greenix Theatre to watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance, the dance drama of Kerala. 

Day 3
3 Cheenavala_Fort Kochi

Day 3
Kochi – Thekkady

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Thekkady in the Cardamom Hills. 

Check into your accommodation and enjoy some leisure time. You may wish to venture into the Periyar Tiger Reserve or take a boat trip on Periyar Lake. 

Day 4
4 Cheenavala_Fort Kochi

Day 4
Thekkady – Periyar National Park

Start your day on a walk through the Periyar National Park with a tribal guide while learning about the local flora, fauna and birdlife. 

You also have the opportunity to visit a spice plantation, and to learn more about Kerala’s heritage.

Day 5
5 Cheenavala_Fort Kochi

Day 5
Thekkady – Kumarakom

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Thekkady before your transfer to Kumarakom, an emerald peninsula known as the Backwaters thanks to the labyrinth of canals and lakes that meander around the paddy fields. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your accommodation.  

Day 6
6 Cheenavala_Fort Kochi

Day 6
Kumarakom – Vembanad Lake

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a three-night journey on the luxurious Oberoi Vrinda. You sail along the main waterway on Vembanad Lake into the Alleppey canal, where you’ll get the chance to meet local fishermen. The boat will moor for the night on Vembanad Lake, where you can watch the sunset and enjoy the evening’s entertainment.

Day 7
7 Cheenavala_Fort Kochi

Day 7
Vembanad Lake – Backwaters

Today you’ll return to the Alleppey canal, where you’ll transfer to a traditional rice boat to navigate the narrower sections of the backwaters. Along the way, you’ll witness traditional life and stop at Karumadi to visit the half-statue of Lord Buddha. 

Return to Vembanad Lake for dinner and an evening performance. 

Day 8
8 Cheenavala_Fort Kochi

Day 8
Vembanad Lake – Backwaters

Today, the boat will transport you to Chambakulam, where you’ll hop on another rice boat for an excursion along the smaller backwaters. You’ll visit St Mary’s Church and Sree Bhagavathy Kshetram, a 100-year-old Hindu temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess. You can also explore the Chambakulam snake boat yard. 

Return to your mooring spot on Vembanad Lake for dinner. 

Day 9
9 Cheenavala_Fort Kochi

Day 9
Vembanad Lake – Mararikulam

After breakfast you’ll sail past Pallathurathy and disembark for your road transfer to Mararikulam, where you’ll check into your next accommodation. 

Day 10
10 Cheenavala_Fort Kochi

Day 10
Mararikulam

Spend two days enjoying Mararikulam at your leisure. 

Set on the shores of the Arabian Sea, the resort is renowned as one of the top Ayurveda and wellness retreats in the world. Relax and rejuvenate in the spa, laze on the beach, enjoy morning yoga sessions, cycle around local villages, and visit nearby temples and bird sanctuaries. 

Day 11,12
11,12 Cheenavala_Fort Kochi

Day 11
Mararikulam

Today will be spent at leisure.

Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can recommend activities that suit your interests prior to departure. 

Day 13
13 Cheenavala_Fort Kochi

Day 12
Departure

Today you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey.

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our destination expert

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itinerary highlights
  • Enjoy a cultural tour of Fort Kochi, including a visit to St Francis Church
  • Observe birds and wildlife on a tour of the Periyar National Park
  • Cruise the picturesque backwaters of Kerala on a luxury boat
  • Experience daily life in Kerala’s backwaters on a traditional rice boat
  • Relax at a wellness retreat on the shores of the Arabian Sea
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