Secrets of Southern India

Alappuzha, Kochi, Wayanad and Neeleshwar

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This example itinerary

from £3,300 $4,175 pp

12 days

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Highlights

Rise to morning yoga with views over the crystal clear waters of Southern India
Taste incredible Keralan food, distinct from that of other Indian regions
Experience a traditional kathakali dance performance in the jungle
Hike around rolling hills and peaceful tea plantations
Be on the lookout for elephants, leopards, bears and elusive tigers

What’s Included

11 nights Bed & Breakfast
Private guide and vehicle for all sightseeing & activities
All entrance fees
International Economy class flights
All domestic transfer

Example Itinerary

Day 1-4

ALAPPUZHA, India

Feast on the selection of contemporary Indian art on show around the hotel
Enjoy a Keralan cooking class where you’ll learn to make traditional meals from the ‘Land of Spices’

A vibrant city on the coast of the Laccadive Sea, these tranquil backwaters of Kerala are the reason it’s referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’

Start your trip around Southern India in Kerala where you’ll spend three nights in Purity at Lake Vembanad. Stay in the Vembanad Suite with a private terrace overlooking the lake’s serene waters and spoil yourself with an Ayurvedic treatment from your private spa. Rise to morning yoga, swim in the lakeside pool, listen out for surrounding birdlife and enjoy a sunset canoe ride on the lake before indulging in a candle-lit garden barbecue with authentic Keralan cuisine and traditional music.

Day 4-6

KOCHI, India

Marvel at the colonial charm of Fort Kochi for a window into the past
Watch fishermen collect their days catch from their imposing Chinese fishing nets

Once an important trade link to the Arab world, as well as Chinese and European merchants, influences from all of these places can be seen in the modern day Kochi.

Travel one hour to Kochi for a two night stay at The Old Harbour located on a south-westerly edge of the Indian jungle. Formerly a heritage monument, this colonial architectural masterpiece and garden infinity pool is the perfect hideaway in the heart of ancient Fort Kochi, a stone’s throw from the famous Chinese fishing nets and harbour. Head out with an expert guide for a private city tour of Fort Kochi before attending a kathakali dance performance in the evening.

Day 6-9

WAYANAD, India

Visit a Jain temple from the 9th Century, a vital heritage site for the area
Experience life on the farm as you lend the hotel’s planters a helping hand to learn about Keralan flora

Unwind in the lush forested region of Wayanad, high up in the mountains and home to exceptional Indian wildlife.

Take the train to Calicut and you’ll head up to Wayanad for a three night stay at Amaryllis. Here you’ll stay in a Treehouse overlooking the backwaters of the Karapuzha reservoir and Western Ghats’ misty mountains. For nature lovers, spend your days exploring the tea plantation, climbing Chembra Peak and uncovering the historic rock carvings in the Edakkal caves. Those seeking peace and quiet can relax by the pool, enjoying the magical vistas.

Day 9-12

NEELESHWAR, India

Learn about Malabar through informal evening lectures on history, art and architecture, led by the Hermitage’s Cultural Director
Shade yourself on a walk through the coconut plantations of Kundamkuzhy

Hidden amongst the palm groves is a rejuvenating hotel, worlds away from the bustle of Indian cities.

Head north to Neeleshwar Hermitage, a luxurious beach hotel located on an untouched corner in Northern Kerala. Stay for three nights in a seaside fisherman-style cottage where coconut trees shade stretches of golden sand and soak up the languid pace by rising to morning yoga. For explorers, float along the picturesque backwaters by Lotus houseboat, visit the remarkable Bekal Fort and go walking in the Western Ghats. By evening, enjoy a colourful theyyam performance before indulging in freshly caught seafood in the lantern-lit Meenakshi beach shack.

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The Gibsons

I just wanted to thank you and your team for all of your efforts in planning and executing the perfect whistle stop tour of India’s highlights. All the hotels were exquisite and we can’t say enough good things about the Banyan staff who provided superb service at every step of the way. I will certainly recommend True Luxury to friends who are heading off to India and the other countries you serve!