Day 1 Arrival in Kerala

Arrive in Kerala in Cochin and start with the most renowned and perhaps the original Cochin boutique hotel - Malabar House. Choose whether to make a wander through the streets of this historical Portuguese colony or relax in the indian-italian restaurant in the courtyard garden. Why not stroll around the corner and pick up some cotton shirts and apparel from Fab India which is the ideal clothing for our climate.

Stay in Cochin for as many nights as you want.

(Cochin Alternative is Eighth Bastion)

Next Stop - Hill stations

A long, winding and fascinating drive takes you to the cool hillstations of the Southern Ghats - the long spine of hills and mountains that stretch from Mumbai to the tip of India. This is home to the perfectly sculpted tea gardens as well as jungle clad mountain slopes that are home to India's most southern troop of Tigers. 

If you come to Thekkady with us - then stop in Paradisa Plantation which is wonderfully located in the hill peaks. - greatmorning Yoga as the mists rise or alternatively Aanavilasam which is owned and designed by a professional photographer. Both are refined and relaxed. (We link to all the hotels below for you to explore them).

BeachSide - Marari

The beaches of India are a little different from Sri Lanka or the Maldives as they are working beaches where fishermen set off morning and night. They are not tourism spots. Importantly, the government restricts development to stop the growth of concreate carbuncles. 

Xandari is run by a collective who emphasise local community engagement and involvement: this 17 acre resort is at the north end of the beach and is new to 2015. Expect smiles, designer touches and lots of space to yourself.

Backwater houseboat

There is no way you are coming to Kerala without spending some time floating through the backwaters behind Alappuzha and since this is so close to Marari - we can do it before or after your stay beside the beach. Air Conditioning: tick. Traditional Style: tick. Local food cooked aboard: tick. Long sleepy afternoon in the sun: tick.

What else

You are probably getting the idea -  we can extend this with beautiful ayurveda near Kollam perhaps, or something more spa like at Aveda or we can draw you down to Kovalam where some there is still a lingering haze of its once hippy heyday.

We build our holidays, one by one according to your needs, budget and dreams.