Kerala Family Adventure
Example Itinerary
To view images fullscreen please turn device
Overview
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Cochin: Arrival
Arrive into Cochin and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Head out this afternoon for a walk around this pleasant waterfront city before taking in a performance of traditional kathakali dancing.
Day 2 Cochin: Bike Ride & Food Tour
A bike ride through historic Cochin is a delightful way in which to experience the city. The adventure begins in the cool freshness of an early morning as the city is starting to wake. Meander through streets lined with colonial architecture, where pastel-coloured houses with ornate balconies and wooden shutters tell tales of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Continue on towards the waterfront, where the iconic Chinese fishing nets stand, pause to watch the fishermen deftly working these ancient contraptions. Before your ride is over, stop for refreshments by way of a cup of tea or perhaps fresh coconut water. Rest at the hotel until the afternoon when you explore Matancherry through its culinary delights, stopping off to indulge the various afternoon snacks with their centuries old flavours and recipes.
Day 3 Cochin – Vagamon Valley: Plantation Pool
Leave the city for the countryside and drive into the Western Ghats, arriving at the small hill station of Vagamon, you will be staying in a vintage bungalow set in a rural plantation. Spend the afternoon splashing in the infinity pool or perhaps enjoying a cookery workshop learning some Keralan recipes.
Day 4 Vagamon Valley: Guided Nature Walk
Today is yours to explore the surrounding countryside, the area around the bungalow is home to a number of trails and you can take a guided nature walk through the tranquil scenery to discover the wildlife. Paths take you through forest and along calming streams where you can stop to look in rock pools. Enjoy the sound of the birdsong and the fluttering of the butterflies around you in the gardens of the bungalow in the afternoon before another Keralan feast.
Day 5 Vagamon Valley – Kumarakom: Backwaters Farm
Returning to sea level head to Kumarakom a sleepy little village on Vembanad Lake in the backwaters. This beautiful paradise stocked with mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut trees comprises water ways and canals adorned with white lilies. Stay at Phillip Kutty’s Farm, a family run property with private villas lining the waterfront and from where you can enjoy water activities as well as the farm itself. This evening head out on a sunset cruise enjoying the sights, sounds and scents of the early evening as the moon rises.
Day 6 Kumarakom: Farm Walk & Cycle Ride
Explore the farm this morning on its island in the lake learning about the sustainable farming practices in use and meeting the animals. You will then use some of the produce to make your lunch as you take part in a cookery class. This afternoon head out on bikes to explore the backwaters, cycle past paddy fields and through rural villages, stopping to enjoy a fresh coconut and learn about life here.
Day 7 Kumarakom – Backwaters: Houseboat Cruise
After a leisurely morning you will transfer to the jetty to board your private houseboat. Spend the rest of the day experiencing the backwaters from a different vantage point as you follow the canals spotting birds and wildlife as well as passing by rural homes before mooring up to stay onboard overnight.
Day 8 Backwaters – Mararikulam: From Backwaters to Beach
Disembark the houseboat and transfer from one rural waterside life to another, the golden beaches of the fishing village of Mararikulam. This traditional Keralan fishing village enjoys a slow pace of life, check-in to your beach side hotel and relax for the afternoon.
Day 9 Mararikulam: Village Tour
Early in the morning head out in a tuk tuk with a local village girl for a tour of the fishing village to witness the morning activities of the community. Life in the villages around Mararikulam is both fascinating and endearing with boats laden with fresh catch from the sea, middlemen bargaining for their stock and women rushing and loading baskets with the freshest of fish.
Day 10 Mararikulam: At Leisure
These days are at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or swim in the warm sea.
Day 12 Mararikulam: Departure
Transfer to the airport in Cochin for your return flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam
Marari Beach Resort is certainly the best property in the area. The tranquil, beachside location encompasses coconut groves, near empty beaches and wildflower gardens. Aside from relaxing by the pool and in the spa, there is a large multi-cuisine restaurant and small, beachside seafood restaurant (seasonal). The organic vegetable garden supplies fresh produce to the resort, and special lunches and harvest activities can be arranged there. The 62 villas are spread around the large resort and are distinguished by their traditional thatched roofs. Lack of televisions in the rooms allows guests to connect to the environment and make use of the many complimentary activities; musical performances, cooking demonstrations, butterfly garden, yoga and meditation. Additional facilities include a beach volleyball court, table tennis room and tennis court. As with most CGH properties, filtered water is served in glass bottles to reduce plastic waste.
Philipkutty’s Farm, Kumarakom
This delightful little homestay sits on a small farming island which was reclaimed for agriculture from the backwaters in the 1950’s. Accessible only by country boat or “vallam”, Philipkutty’s Farm is a unique opportunity to witness rural Keralan life in a peaceful setting and without compromising on comfort or privacy. Facing the waterfront, the five independent cottages and two combined cottages are built in a traditional style, furnished with antique hardwood furniture, carved windows and doors and rustic clay tiles. There is no air-conditioning, television or telephone in the rooms to ensure guests can truly relax in this quiet location. The hosts have put great effort into sustainable organic farming around the island, the produce of which finds its way to the dinner plate through delicious home cooked meals. There are several activities available such as fishing, cooking classes, bird watching and canal cruising.
Xandari Houseboat, Alleppey
Experience seamless panorama of life and scenery on the backwaters in a one bedroom, two bedrooms, or three-bedroom houseboat, each designed with great care and attention to detail by Xandari and built by local craftsmen. These 'Kettuvallams', as they’re known locally, are comfortable and plush, and are built to deliver the escape and relaxation that take one away from all kinds of stress. Each bedroom is spacious enough in its 14 square meters, with en suite bathrooms, large picture windows, and an option of either one double or two single beds. To maintain a tranquil backwater experience, our boats are television free zones. Xandari Riverscapes is a water-based houseboat operation, and so relationships have been established with local farmers to supply the local rice from Kerala’s noted paddy, and as much produce as possible. Additionally, duck farmers throughout the backwaters supply their meats daily, and local fishermen provide much shellfish and the famous local fish, Karimeen otherwise known as Pearl Spot.
Vanilla County, Vagamon
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on a family of four (children 12 years or younger), travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN INDIA
Check out our group tours in India
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to India. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in India