Kerala Family Holiday

Spend the morning visiting Fort Cochin, a cultural melting pot that was once under the control of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British and influenced by the Arab and Chinese traders. Sightseeing will include visits to the Dutch Palace with its murals of the Ramayana, the Jewish Synagogue, and the Church of St Francis – the oldest church in India (built 1503) and a stroll through Cochin’s bustling spice market. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and swim at your hotel. Alternatively, this evening learn about the traditional Keralan martial art of ‘Kalaripayattu’ a demonstration performance (supplement applies).

A scenic drive through quaint villages will bring you to Malayattor Reserve Forest, where you will stay at the delightful Quiet by the River, a small, family-friendly eco-lodge set on an island within the reserve forest. After time to rest and relax, enjoy a canoe ride on the Periyar River and see if you can spot wild elephants.

Spend the morning by the languid Periyar River and try your hand at fishing. Then, enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the languid Periyar River before taking a dip in one of the large natural rock pools. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Begin your day with an invigorating nature walk through the surrounding Malayattor reserve forest, which is a birders’ paradise. This lush, beautiful forest is home to over 250 species of birds, including raptors, brahminy, and the lesser fish eagle, among many more species that inhabit the forest. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

A morning’s drive through thriving towns will bring you to the picturesque network of canals and tropical lagoons that form the celebrated backwaters of Kerala. On arrival, check in at your chosen hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Alternatively, climb aboard your own private tuk-tuk and explore a neighbouring village known for its coir matting, woven from coconut fibre and visit a traditional oil mill for a deeper appreciation of the lifestyle and customs of locals (supplement applies).

Spend the morning exploring a typical Keralan backwater village and witness the unhurried pace of life in rural Kerala. A guided walk through the village offers the chance to see first-hand weavers creating attractive handicrafts, including traditional Kerala mats using pandan leaves (screw pine leaves), whilst a relaxing catamaran ride along a tranquil canal allows you to observe traditional fishing techniques that are still religiously practised. The afternoon is at leisure.

Board a privately chartered converted traditional houseboat (air-conditioned) this morning for a relaxing cruise along Lake Vembanad before entering the enchanting backwaters near Alleppey. Fed by a network of rivers and linked by man-made and natural canals, a cruise through Kerala’s Backwaters, lined with swaying palms, and dotted with sleepy traditional villages, is a scenic treat; and also offers a superb opportunity to observe rural lifestyles and customs at a relaxed pace. After lunch, explore the exceptionally picturesque narrow sections of the waterways by canoe before returning to your houseboat before sunset for dinner on board.

On disembarking from your houseboat, drive through scenic Keralan countryside to the village of Mararikulam on the tranquil shores of the Indian Ocean. After checking in at your hotel, the remainder of the day will be spent at leisure relaxing on a virtually empty beach. Alternatively, visit the village of Mararikulam and gain an insight into village life, explore local village temples and coir factories.

Spend a lazy day on the beach, watching the kids build sand castles.

Today is at leisure.

Transfer to Cochin International Airport and check in for your onward flight.