Date: 1st – 15th February 2026 · 14 nights / 15 days
Price: £1,800pp (double room), £2,200 (private room)
Arrival and Departure Airport: Kochi (COK)
Destinations:
Highlights:
Deposit: £450pp
Full Balance Due: 1st of December 2025
Group Size: 8 – 14th people
Availability: 8 – 14th people
Most days, we will start at 9 am but we will confirm the meeting time each day.
After checking into the hotel and recuperating for an hour or two, we will head out to share our first meal. This will be a delicious lunch overlooking the harbour. My business partner Paul will then take us to see some of the main sights in Fort Kochi.
After breakfast, we’ll drive to our first destination. A stunning hill station in India, Munnar is home to the lush green tea plantations for which India is well known. On the way, we’ll stop at a local spice garden where we’ll learn all about the land and its abundance of ayurvedic herbs and spices. Once we arrive at the hotel, we’ll have free time.
Hotel: Munnar Queen
After breakfast, we will set off to explore Munnar. We will visit the tea factory and learn about the history of the tea plantations, as well as see how the tea is made. In the evening, we will go to a cultural centre to watch a Kathakali (dance) and Kallari (martial art) performance.
Hotel: Munnar Queen
For the hikers among us, there’s an optional 5-6 hour morning hike around a tea plantation. It’s a challenging circular route through the Shola forest and the plantations, peaking at 1950m. The hike is around 8km. It offers incredible views of the valley and the forest. The hike is guided by a local who knows the area well, so if you like the outdoors then this is not to be missed! The cost: approx. 1000 rupees per person depending on the group size. Hikers still have the opportunity to visit the tea factory in the afternoon.
For those who don’t want to hike, we will take a leisurely stroll through a botanical garden. We will also have time to do some shopping in the local bazaars. Munnar is a great destination to buy spices, oils, locally made chocolates, and of course – tea!
Hotel: Munnar Queen
After breakfast, we’ll set off to our next destination and next state, which is Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Madurai is one of the oldest continuously habituated cities in the world and home to the Meenakshi Goddess Temple. This temple holds great importance due to its mythological and historical significance and is believed to be where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, in the Hindu stories. After resting at the hotel, we will pay our first visit to the Temple to witness the beautiful evening Aarti ceremony.
Hotel: JC Residency
Today we will do a guided tour of Madurai by cycle rickshaw. We will visit the temple again in the daytime, and experience life in the bustling narrow lanes surrounding the temple. We will also visit some markets and the Gandhi Museum where we can delve deep into the history of India’s Independence Movement.
Hotel: JC Residency
After breakfast, we will set off towards Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India where we can watch both the sun rise and set over the sea. Here we can also see the union of three major water bodies – the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. When we arrive at the hotel, we’ll have some free time, during which you can explore the town and visit the Tsunami monument, Gandhi monument, and some of the many churches and temples. In the evening, we’ll meet to drive to the sunset viewing point.
Hotel: Sea Shore Hotel
We start early today, with a sunrise over the sea from our hotel rooftop, followed by an early breakfast. Then, we will take a boat ride to Vivekananda Rock. Swami Vivekananda is a revered Indian monk who was said to have attained enlightenment on the rock. In Hinduism, when a person attains enlightenment, they are considered to be a living God and are worshipped in person and after their passing. Once we are back on the mainland, the rest of the day is free to explore this quaint and quirky seaside town.
Hotel: Sea Shore Hotel
After breakfast, we’ll set off to drive to Varkala, crossing back from Tamil Nadu into Kerala again. We’ll arrive at the hotel in time for sunset.
Hotel: Krishnatheeram Ayur Beach Resort
Every day in Varkala, breakfast is included at the hotel but our days will be free to do as we wish to. Varkala is famous for its staggering cliff views and deep red sand. We will be relaxing here for a few days to wind down after all the adventures we have had so far.
Varkala has some fantastic cafes and restaurants and most nights you can find live music playing. There are also some really nice shopping opportunities here. The prices in Varkala are a bit lower than in Fort Kochi so it’s a good place to get any gifts you want to take home!
Our hotel has 2 yoga classes a day in their yoga shala that overlooks the sea. For those interested, we can also help to arrange surfing or kayaking.
Hotel: Krishnatheeram Ayur Beach Resort
A free day – after breakfast, the whole day is yours to do as you’d like to.
Hotel: Krishnatheeram Ayur Beach Resort
After breakfast, we will drive to Alleppey with a lunch stop on the way. We’ll arrive in the late afternoon with time to enjoy the resort, sunset, and a short shikhara ride on the backwaters, a taste of what is to come tomorrow.
Hotel: Warmth Lake Haven Resort
After breakfast, we’ll board a houseboat at around 11 am. We’ll spend the day on board, cruising along the backwaters and watching the world go by. Lunch and snacks will be served on board. In the evening, you can take another Shikhara boat ride or just enjoy the views from the resort’s infinity pool.
Hotel: Warmth Lake Haven Resort
After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Fort Kochi. There we will have a guided tour of the Jew Town and visit the Jewish synagogue and Dutch Palace. After lunch, the rest of the day will be free to relax and wander around the quaint harbour town.
Hotel: Old Lighthouse Bristow
On this last day, we will drop you off at the airport for your departing flights. If you have the flexibility, we highly recommend that you stay an extra night or two to enjoy Kerala and go home feeling rested and refreshed. Kochi is a nice place to wander around and enjoy the many cute shops and cafes.
All transport in a private minibus that will be with us for the duration of the tour
All accommodation in 3* hotels
All entrance fees to monuments/museums
Day cruise on a houseboat in Alleppey
Boat ride in Kanyakumari
Spice plantation nature walk
Cycle rickshaw tour
Cultural shows
Local guides
Breakfast every day
Most lunches
Flights
Visas
Travel Insurance
Some lunches and dinners
Optional activities, such as hiking in Munnar
Other entrance fees and activities not specified in the itinerary
Tips
Any Covid incurred expenses
1) Secure your spot by paying your £450 deposit with a credit or debit card.
2) Prefer a bank transfer? No problem – just get in touch and we’ll send you the details.
3) As soon as your deposit is received, we’ll send you a warm welcome email along with your booking confirmation.
4) In the coming months, we will create a WhatsApp Group to connect with your fellow travellers
5) We’ll share plenty of helpful tips, reminders and info in the group to ensure you’re fully prepared.
6 The remaining balance is due two months before departure.
7) Start the countdown – India is calling!
