A small group journey for women

Captivating Kerala

The best of India's South

Captivating Kerala

Embark on an enthralling southern Indian journey through the southern Indian state of Kerala. This week long excursion through ‘God’s Own Country’ provides the opportunity to experience the best that Kerala has to offer.

On your journey you will discover a thousand shades of green as you share smiles with the friendly people in this lush, tropical part of India.

Sampling a corner of the ancient trade route that criss-crossed the deep south you’ll have the opportunity to experience and taste India through simple meals and elaborate feasts, haggle with market vendors in colourful and chaotic bazaars, boat through Kerala’s serene backwaters, learn the history of the heritage town of Fort Kochi and share everyday experiences with a cast of charming local hosts before signing off with sun and sand on the beaches of Mararikulam.

Along the way you’ll stay in a handpicked selection of exquisite boutique and heritage hotels that will deliver an authentic immersion without sacrificing too many of your creature comforts.

This journey will take you far beyond the travel guide and open your eyes and heart to the sensory feast that epitomises India. A lifetime of unforgettable experiences await.

You will love

  • Lush green landscapes
  • Best of the evocative South
  • Famed backwaters of Kerala
  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Adventure in style & comfort

9 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

PLEASE NOTE:

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a week long soiree, however it can be designed to suit your preferred pace, price and pursuits. Contact us for a tailormade journey.

DAY 1 | COCHIN

On your arrival in Cochin you will be welcomed traditionally before spending the evening acclimatising and preparing for the upcoming week of adventure.

DAY 2 | COCHIN

Explore the port city of Kochi including visits to the Chinese fishing, Mattancherry Palace & Church of St. Francis & explore the area on a harbour cruise. Walk along the narrow cobbled streets among the handicraft shops of the Jewish town and the oldest living synagogue in the world. This evening enjoy a traditional Kathakali Dance show!

DAY 3 | PERIYAR

After breakfast drive to Thekkady (approx 5 hours) taking in the picturesque hills and plantations along the way. Afternoon at leisure upon arrival. A cultural experience awaits this evening with dinner and entrance to a martial arts show.

DAY 4 | PERIYAR

Enjoy a gentle, but attractive day today with a walk through the beautiful, protected Periyar Wilderness this morning and an afternoon touring a nearby Spice Plantation with a naturalist.

DAY 5 | KUMARAKOM

After breakfast drive towards Kumarakom (approx 1.5 hours), stopping at Kumbhalangi to experience local village activities – take a boat road, visit a crab farm & harvest coconuts. Afternoon at leisure on arrival at Coconut Lagoon – an opportunity to indulge in the spa, take a sunset cruise on the lake or simply sit by the waters edge and relax.

DAY 6 | KUMARAKOM

After a leisurely breakfast board a traditional houseboat and venture across the lake and along the palm fringed canals, passing local villages. A delicious luncs served onbaord and the evening is at leisure on return to the hotel.

DAY 7 | MARARIKULAM

Road transfer to the village of Mararikulam (approx 1 hour) and your seaside retreat on the Arabian Sea. The afternoon is yours to explore the serene beachfront.

DAY 8 | MARARIKULAM

The community of Mararikulam teaches you the art of indulging in the moment. Explore the region on a bicycle or take a dip in the sea. Watch fishermen reel in the catch of the day, stroll through the village or indulge in an Ayurveda treatment. Today is a treat for your body, mind and soul.

DAY 9 | END OF ITINERARY

Spend your final day in Southern India as you wish. A final swim, massage or wander along the beach to engage with the local fishermen. You will be collected and transferred to Cochin Airport in time to check in for outbound flight, or onward adventure!

ACCOMMODATION

A handpicked selection of recommended accommodation

Brunton Boatyard – Cochin, Kerala

Brunton Boatyard is a unique hotel with a fascinating heritage and undeniable charm. The interiors are a wonderful blend of English, Portuguese and Dutch influences. It offers a unique experience which celebrates the very best of centuries of cultural influence whilst also blending authenticity with stylish contemporary design. Read More

Spice Village – Thekkady, Southern India

Set amidst the landscaped spice gardens, the cottages at Spice Village are where you will rest your head at night are simple, yet luxuriously furnished and naturally elegant. Immerse yourself in nature, culture and the local way of life - look no further than Spice Village for a true wilderness experience. Read More

Coconut Lagoon – Kumarakom

Coconut Lagoon sits amongst rice paddies, tranquil waterways and lush gardens boasting authentic heritage, exquisite cuisine and a unique insight into this beautiful corner of Kerala. During your stay you are free to wander through the cool wildflower and butterfly garden, take a sunset cruise or explore the network of canals by canoe. Read More

Marari Beach Resort – Kerala

Set on 30 acres of land lies the Marari Beach Resort in Mararikulam, among lily ponds, coconut groves, fruit trees and a large organic farm. Cottages are thatched with coconut leaves and bathrooms echo nature's environment, with the experience of bathing under the open skies. Enjoy nature's raw beauty at Marari Beach Resort. Read More

NEED TO KNOW

14 night in Chile, 7 nights in Antarctica

14 night in Chile, 7 nights in Antarctica

Please enquire for pricing

Please enquire for pricing

START: Santiago, Chile     |     Finish: Santiago, Chile

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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