Up the Malabar Coast
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Embark on a diverse journey through southern India discovering natural beauty, rich history and vibrant cultures. Stretching from south Kerala to Karnataka and lying between the lush Western Ghats and the glittering Arabian Sea, the Malabar Coast can tell stories of traders and sailors through the centuries who landed on the beautiful coast and called it their home.
This varied tour takes you from the serene beaches of Kovalam to the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom, offering the ...
Embark on a diverse journey through southern India discovering natural beauty, rich history and vibrant cultures. Stretching from south Kerala to Karnataka and lying between the lush Western Ghats and the glittering Arabian Sea, the Malabar Coast can tell stories of traders and sailors through the centuries who landed on the beautiful coast and called it their home.
This varied tour takes you from the serene beaches of Kovalam to the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom, offering the chance for kayaking and cycling in nature before introducing you to the cultural melting pot of Cochin. Head inland a little way to the lush greenery of Athirapilly Falls before encountering the traditional performing arts and handicrafts in Cherutheruthy. Take in ship builders still building wooden dhows, exquisite Mappila cuisine and the majestic birdlife of Neeleshwar.
Immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions, witness breathtaking landscapes, savor unique culinary delights, and experience the soul of the region through its art, architecture, and community life. From historic temples and palaces to mesmerizing performances of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu, each day unveils a new facet of the rich heritage. Discover bustling spice markets, master craftsmen at work, and serene wildlife sanctuaries. Culminate your experience with a relaxing retreat in Neeleshwar, surrounded by pristine beaches and vibrant biodiversity.
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 Kovalam: Arrival
Arrive into Trivandrum and transfer to your hotel a little way down the coast near Kovalam, one of Kerala’s main beach resorts where the waters of the Arabian Sea lap on the shore. This afternoon is at leisure for you to rest and enjoy the hotel or head out to the small town and explore.
Day 2 Kovalam: Visit Trivandrum
Head to the Trivandrum's Fort area today and visit the 18th century Padmanabhaswamy Temple, fusing Keralan and Dravidian architecture, here you will find the spiritual heart of Trivandrum and the streets around the temple throng with stalls and bustle with worshippers heading inside. Later return to your hotel in Kovalam and enjoy some time on the beach or take a stroll through the small town with its handicraft shops and local restaurants. You may be in time to see the fishermen pulling in the day's catch along the beach.
Day 3 Trivandrum – Kumarakom: Relax in the Backwaters
You will drive north today to Kumarakom, checking in to your resort on Vembanad Lake in the Kerala Backwaters. Here traditional Keralan houses sit amidst the tranquil waters with coconut palms swaying above. Explore the backwaters by kayak or canoe this afternoon or perhaps take an electric bicycle to head through the villages, alternatively you may like to relax with an ayurvedic treatment.
Day 4 Kumarakom: Backwaters Cruise
Head out on a birdwatching walk this morning or have a restful morning before embarking on a cruise through the backwaters in a traditional boat. Explore these waterways that have proved a lifeline for transport, trade and livelihoods for the generations that have lived in the quiet villages you will encounter. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise before heading back to the resort in the afternoon.
Day 5 Kumarakom – Cochin: Kathakali Dance
Checking out from your resort this morning take a drive along Lake Vembanad to the coastal city of Cochin. The city is a fusion of Portuguese, Dutch, British and Keralan architecture with the colonial history of the city apparent throughout the Fort area. Centuries of traders arriving from far flung corners of the world have created a city rich in communities of different ethnicities. You may like to head out on a walk this afternoon to explore the city before taking in a performance of Kathakali, a traditional dance by which a myth or legend is told to the audience.
Day 6 Cochin: Explore the Harbour
With your guide explore Fort Cochin, home to the grand Matancherry Palace, a blend of Portuguese and Dutch architecture with an interior display of murals showing scenes from the epic stories the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Visit the 16th century Paradesi Synagogue with its stunning hand painted tiles and chandeliers as well as the St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, all monuments to the vibrant history of Cochin. Take a stroll along Fort Kochi Beach and watch the fishermen in action with their vast Chinese fishing nets and explore the aromatic spice markets in the narrow streets of Jew Town. At sunset take a cruise on the harbour before enjoying an evening cookery class with a local to learn the secrets of Keralan cuisine.
Day 7 Cochin – Athirapilly Falls: Weaving Village
Your journey inland takes you first of all to the weaving village of Chendamangalam, here the master craftspeople are part of the long history of Kerala’s handloom industry producing amongst other pieces the set-mundu, the traditional Keralan two-piece outfit. Watch the weavers at work and learn of this traditional industry before heading further inland to Athirapilly Falls and your accommodation over-looking the falls. This afternoon you can take a bicycle ride through the villages, enjoy a nature walk through the forest or take a cookery class.
Day 8 Athirapilly Falls – Cherutheruthi: Traditional Performing Arts
Head to Cherutheruthi from where you can visit Keralan Kalamandalam, a centre for Kerala’s traditional performing arts with 14 different faculties. Explore each with one of the students learning about dance, music and even the costumes.
Day 9 Cherutheruthi – Beypore – Calicut: Traditional Ship Building
Returning to the coast today, head for Beypore where the boat building industry has been in action for over 1500 years providing vessels for local and foreign sailors. Here you can visit the ship building yards to see the centuries old techniques employed by these master crafters in the production of dhows. The port here is one of the busiest in Kerala and is as old as the sea trade in the region. After your visit continue on to Calicut, here visit a Kalari for a demonstration of Kalaripayattu, a martial art, unique to Kerala which developed in the 11th and 12th centuries on the battlefield.
Day 10 Calicut -Thalassery – Neeleshwar: Mappila Cuisine
This morning visit Thalassery, a sea port established by the British which established itself as a centre for spice trading, visit the town and its cooperatives before heading to a local restaurant known for its Mappila cuisine. Specific to the Malabar region of Kerala, Mappila cuisine is a blend of Keralan, Arab, Portuguese and Persian food cultures, all of which arrived to the Malabar coast thanks to the sea faring and ports that grew up. After lunch continue on to Neelashwar.
Day 11 Neeleshwar: At Leisure
A blissful day to relax in your peaceful palm grove retreat. Take a stroll along the beach, read a book by the pool or experience an ayurvedic treatment in the spa. The day is yours.
Day 12 Neeleshwar: Birdwatching
This morning head to nearby Madiyapara, home to a number of resident birds and an important stop off for migrating birds. Spend the morning with a local naturalist looking out for some of the species including sandpipers, buntings and pipits. The area is also home to an array of flora attracting hundreds of butterflies. Enjoy a morning picnic whilst you take in the surroundings before returning to the hotel for a final afternoon at leisure.
Day 13 Neeleshwar: Departure
Transfer to Mangalore airport for your onward flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Neeleshwar Hermitage Hotel, Neeleshwar
A beautiful, private boutique beach hotel, the Neeleshwar Hermitage is set in twelve naturally landscaped acres, The Hermitage is built according to the traditional architectural principles of Kerala Vastu. These dictate that a building should be constructed in such a way as to conform to the subtle laws of nature operating in the area, so the whole site is oriented to the east and the rising sun. There are 12 cottages with carved and dressed woodwork lovingly fashioned in traditional style by local craftsmen so skilled that their usual work is building and restoring temples.These craftsmen have also produced the handmade furniture. Each room is decorated with both traditional and contemporary objets d'art. The result is an uplifting sense of elegance.
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Kovalam
Nestling on a gentle slope amidst 22 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, the five star Surya Samudra overlooks the waters of the Arabian Sea. Guests are accommodated in 22 private cottages that reflect the harmonious principles of traditional Tharavadu houses, with terracotta roofs, tiled floors and handpicked furnishings. Most of the rooms offer sea views, whilst a short walk down to the secluded beach offers easy access into the clear waters. With an infinity pool, expansive grounds and superb a la carte cuisine, the resort provides an excellent beach getaway.
Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom
Only accessible by a boat journey through the backwaters, Coconut Lagoon is set on the banks of Kerala’s biggest lake. The outstanding backwater views can be seen from many of the cottages and rooms, which are set around well-maintained gardens, separated by small canals. Wander through the gardens and over the bridges to find the yoga centre, butterfly garden, water treatment plant and Ayurvedic spa. The large outdoor pool is situated by the main bar and restaurant and offers pretty sunset views. Sample fresh, local seafood at the speciality restaurant overlooking the lake and learn how to make local dishes during a cooking demonstration. As with most CGH properties, filtered water is served in glass bottles and there are daily experiences included such as saree wearing, sunset cruises and musical performances.
River Retreat, Cheruthuruthy
As a former summer palace for the Maharajas of Cochin, the three star River Retreat makes for a peaceful and relaxing stay. The 24 rooms are all clean, spacious and bright with en suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, a safe and mini-bar. The hotel has its own bar and a restaurant that serves a variety of Indian and international cuisine, and guests can also make use of the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool. The ‘Holy Basil’ spa offers a large range of treatments and massages that can all be booked locally.
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 two people 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.
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
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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
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