India
Group / Max 12
10 days from £1,795
Group Tour
Kochi to Kochi – 10 days
Kerala unfolds at an easy pace on this 10-day small-group journey: colonial Kochi with Chinese fishing nets, synagogue and Dutch Palace; cool Munnar for ridge walks through tea and shola forest, a tasting at the Tea Museum and a visit to the Srishti social enterprise; then Thekkady’s Periyar Lake for wildlife by boat and a spice-garden walk. Evenings can feature Kathakali theatre or Kalaripayattu martial arts, arranged to suit the group’s energy and the weather.
From the hills you drift to water: a restful stay on Vembanad at Kumarakom, followed by a private kettuvallam houseboat through Alleppey’s canals—fresh Keralan meals on deck, village life at eye level, and mooring at dusk. Asian Geographical sequences drives and timings to minimise backtracking, places you in well-located hotels, and pairs you with our local expert guides who add clear context—trade routes, tea and timber, wildlife and wetlands—plus practical tips on tastings and crafts. Seamless joins, richer days.
KOCHI HERITAGE WALK: Explore Fort Kochi’s layered coastline: Chinese fishing nets at sunset, St Francis Church linked to Vasco da Gama, the Dutch (Mattancherry) Palace with epic murals, and the Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town. Your guide threads in spice-trade history, smart café stops and reputable antique shops for effortless, well-paced sightseeing.
MUNNAR TEA PLANTATIONS: Gentle ridge walking through tea gardens, shola forest pockets and grassland viewpoints, with Western Ghats birdlife on show. Visit the Tea Museum for processing and tasting, then meet artisans at Srishti—natural dyeing, paper-making and a bakery supporting planter families. Clear guidance on footwear, gradients, sun protection and relaxed pacing.
PERIYAR LAKE WILDLIFE CRUISE: Glide across Periyar’s reservoir (water levels permitting), scanning shorelines for elephants, cormorants and darters around eerie deadwood trunks. Later, walk a spice garden to see cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg cultivated under shade, learning harvest, drying and grading methods. Optional Kalaripayattu adds Kerala’s martial traditions to the day.
KUMARAKOM BACKWATERS: Unwind beside Vembanad Lake, with optional Responsible Tourism village walks for coir, canoe lore and birdlife. Then board a private kettuvallam houseboat through Alleppey’s canals: freshly cooked Keralan meals on deck, paddy below sea level, chapel bells and toddy taps at dusk. Air-conditioning at night; moorings chosen for calm.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Kerala unfolds gently on this 10-day small-group journey: heritage Kochi, tea-clad Munnar for ridge walks and social-enterprise visits, then Thekkady’s Periyar Lake for wildlife and spice gardens. Unwind at Kumarakom on Vembanad, followed by a private houseboat through Alleppey’s canals. Expert guides and smart timings keep travel smooth and unhurried.
Arrive in Kochi and transfer to your hotel for two nights. Your local specialist will outline the plan, best places to eat, and how to pace tomorrow’s visits. If energy allows, join an optional shared harbour cruise to see island life and working waterways. This evening visit a Kathakali centre: arrive early to watch the intricate make-up ritual before the performance—your guide will explain gestures and characters so the stories land. Rest of the day at leisure to settle in and adjust to the coastal climate.
Fragrant Nature, Kochi
Fragrant Nature is a boutique heritage stay in the historic Mattancherry / Fort Kochi quarter of Kochi, created within a former East India Company warehouse with a clock tower. Expect colonial character and a calm, private feel—excellent for travellers who prefer story and place over standard chain polish.
Its location keeps heritage close—Mattancherry Palace and Parade Synagogue are nearby, while sunsets by the Chinese fishing nets are a short ride away. Rooms and suites are spacious, many with harbour views, supported by concierge assistance.
Between outings, the rooftop is the signature: a pool with broad harbour panoramas, plus the Bay View Terrace for easy dining above the old port. Add a spa, fitness facilities and all-day dining, and you have a refined base for Fort Kochi explorations or a comfortable prelude to Kerala’s backwaters.
After breakfast, explore Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Walk past Chinese fishing nets and seaside promenades, then step inside St Francis Church, linked to Vasco da Gama. Continue to the Dutch (Mattancherry) Palace for mural panels from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and the Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town (closed Fri afternoon, Sat and Jewish festivals), noted for hand-painted tiles and chandeliers. Between stops, your expert guide threads in spice-trade history and points out good cafés and antique shops. Afternoon is free for browsing or a sunset stroll along the shore.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive (3 hrs) into the Western Ghats to Munnar, a former British hill station framed by tea gardens and shola forest. After check-in, take an easy orientation walk among tea slopes to stretch your legs and enjoy cooler air. Your guide will brief you on tomorrow’s ridge walk—footwear, sun protection and expected gradients—and can suggest a simple bakery or tea room nearby. If skies are clear, look for Anamudi, South India’s highest peak, on the horizon. Evening at leisure to relax at the hotel or enjoy a quiet viewpoint.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Amber Dale, Munnar
Amber Dale is a five-star luxury hotel and spa in the highlands of Munnar, designed as a nature retreat with wide valley panoramas—misty hills, tea country and rolling green ridgelines forming the daily backdrop. It’s a calm, contemporary base for a hill-station stay, with the emphasis on views, fresh air and unhurried pacing.
Accommodation totals 57 rooms across several categories, from entry-level rooms to superior options and premium valley-view rooms, plus a honeymoon suite with jacuzzi. A multi-cuisine restaurant covers Kerala favourites alongside continental choices, keeping dining simple and reliable after a day out.
Amenities focus on restoration and gentle activity: an Ayurveda & Spa programme, gym, recreation centre and travel desk support the stay, while on-property experiences include cycling, soft trekking, campfires and cooking demonstrations. There’s also a banquet hall for private groups or small events.
Set out after breakfast for a guided trek: gentle climbs through tea, grassland ridges and pockets of shola forest, with views to Idukki’s vast reservoir on clear days. Light refreshments are included, and birdwatchers should watch for Western Ghats endemics. After lunch, visit the Tea Museum for a tasting and a concise look at cultivation and processing. Then call at Srishti, a trust supporting differently-abled members of planter families—meet teams in natural dyeing, artisanal paper and bakery. Your specialist keeps transfers short and timings light. Evening free.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Descend to Thekkady, gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary of lakes, evergreen forest and spice estates. Check in and unwind; your lodge naturalist will outline optional activities for tomorrow—boat cruises, guided nature walks or bamboo rafting—plus tips on leech socks in the wet season. Late afternoon, stroll a nearby spice garden to see pepper, cardamom and clove cultivated under shade, with a chance to purchase directly from growers. Optional this evening: Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s dramatic martial art, performed in an intimate arena. A relaxed pace keeps the day restorative.
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Elephant Court,Thekkady
Set in the spice-scented hills of Thekkady, The Elephant Court is positioned as a premium resort with a quietly grand, Kerala-leaning aesthetic—timber, warm finishes and a sense of space that suits a wildlife-led stay. It’s also noted for having one of the area’s larger room inventories, which helps when securing consistent accommodation for small groups.
Accommodation is arranged across Patio Rooms (the core category), plus Garden Suites, Pool Villas and a small number of Honeymoon Suites. Dining is centred on the main restaurant—a wood-lined hall set between lobby and pool—serving multi-cuisine menus across breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Between excursions, there’s a swimming pool, spa and wellness facilities, health club, indoor games and yoga, with practical supports such as wheelchair access and doctor-on-call. A conference hall is available for private groups.
This morning, take a shared boat on Periyar Lake (water levels permitting). Deadwood trunks pierce the surface while cormorants dry their wings; with luck, watch elephant families drink on the shore. After lunch, join a guided walk through a spice plantation to see cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla grown under shade. Learn how pods are harvested, dried and graded, and how intercropping sustains soil health. Your naturalist can help identify medicinal plants and bird calls. Evening at leisure for an optional Kalaripayattu show or an ayurvedic massage arranged through the lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive (4 hrs) west to the backwaters and check in at your lakeside retreat in Kumarakom. Vembanad’s reed beds, paddy fields and coconut groves shape a gentle rhythm of canoes, coir-making and lake fishing. Unwind by the water or book an authentic ayurvedic treatment. Optional this afternoon: a Responsible Tourism village walk from Kavanattinkara with a local guide—meet craftspeople, hear paddlers’ lake lore and taste seasonal snacks. Birders may spot kingfishers, herons and, in season, migrants heading for the sanctuary. Sunset from the jetty is superb. Evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Backwater Ripples, Kumarakom
Backwater Ripples is a five-star lakeside resort in Kumarakom, set on the banks of Vembanad Lake. It pairs Kerala-inspired, traditional architecture with contemporary comforts, creating an easy, unhurried base for backwater days and a quieter evening rhythm.
Accommodation is spread across villas and tower blocks, with categories ranging from Tower Wing rooms and garden-view rooms to premium lake-view rooms, heritage villas and family suites. In-room essentials include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, minibar, and in-room safes. Dining is a strong point: the multi-cuisine “563 by the Lakeside”, the Irish-themed seafood-focused Taproom, a Lobby Lounge, and a Chayakada for evening tea/coffee with traditional snacks.
For amenities and experiences, there’s an Ayurvedic spa (Vedasparsh), yoga sessions, and a menu of lake activities—Shikkara cruises, fishing, speed boat and jet-ski rides, kayaking and canal cruises—plus cultural touches such as village cycling, paddy-field visits and toddy-tapping demonstrations, with a kids’ play area for families.
Late morning, embark your private kettuvallam houseboat at the Alleppey jetty. Cruise slow canals and broad reaches where freshwater meets the Arabian Sea’s tide, passing rice barges, toddy taps and waterside chapels. A freshly cooked Keralan lunch and dinner are served on board. Your crew steers into quieter channels for village views and waving children; they’ll also explain locks, bunds and paddy below sea level. Note: houseboats sail by day and moor at dusk; air-conditioning typically operates at night; standard check-out is 09:00 tomorrow. Enjoy sunset on deck as lamps glow along the banks. Overnight on the houseboat.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lakes & Lagoons, Alleppey
Cruise Kerala’s backwaters in a deluxe houseboat that balances classic kettuvallam character with practical comfort. Lakes & Lagoons positions this as an easy, scenic way to experience the lagoons and canals, with a relaxed pace and broad water views from the deck as village life drifts by.
Onboard, the inclusions are simple and reliable: air-conditioned rooms, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), and a village visit built into the cruise. Most departures start around midday from the jetty, then ease into quieter channels; reviews often note spacious, comfortable cabins.
We like this option for guests who want a “no-fuss” backwater night that still feels entirely special. Next morning, disembark after breakfast and carry on by road, without losing a full travel day. It pairs well with a Kochi–Alleppey transfer, then a gentle cruise and mooring, before continuing onwards refreshed—an unhurried interlude that adds texture to a wider South India journey.
Breakfast on board, then disembark at 09:00 and drive (2 hrs) to Kochi. Check in and enjoy an easy afternoon—swim, spa or a last wander for spices and handicrafts in Fort Kochi/Jew Town. Your guide can suggest a café or sunset promenade by the Chinese nets, and help with any final shopping at reputable, fixed-price stores. If you missed Kathakali earlier, an evening performance can be arranged with pre-show make-up viewing. Pack for tomorrow’s flight; our team reconfirms timings and terminal.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fragrant Nature, Kochi
Fragrant Nature is a boutique heritage stay in the historic Mattancherry / Fort Kochi quarter of Kochi, created within a former East India Company warehouse with a clock tower. Expect colonial character and a calm, private feel—excellent for travellers who prefer story and place over standard chain polish.
Its location keeps heritage close—Mattancherry Palace and Parade Synagogue are nearby, while sunsets by the Chinese fishing nets are a short ride away. Rooms and suites are spacious, many with harbour views, supported by concierge assistance.
Between outings, the rooftop is the signature: a pool with broad harbour panoramas, plus the Bay View Terrace for easy dining above the old port. Add a spa, fitness facilities and all-day dining, and you have a refined base for Fort Kochi explorations or a comfortable prelude to Kerala’s backwaters.
At the agreed time, meet your representative for a smooth transfer to Kochi International Airport. We assist with trolleys, check-in and wayfinding, and can store luggage or arrange a short, time-safe errand if your flight departs later. Bid farewell to Kerala’s backwaters, hills and ports—journey complete.
Meals Included: Breakfast
At Asian Geographical, we believe travel should be more than just sightseeing—it should be a journey into the heart of a region’s nature, culture and wildlife. Kerala, as one of India’s most unique destinations and a jewel of South India, offers stunning landscapes from backwaters to hill stations. This inspired us to design an expedition that goes beyond the usual routes, connecting you with local traditions and conservation efforts.
Our passion for sustainability and cultural preservation led us to create this Kerala Backwaters Tour, featuring a curated selection of destinations where travellers experience Kerala’s heritage through guided treks, wildlife safaris and immersive encounters with artisans and communities. We emphasize minimizing environmental impact by supporting eco-friendly accommodations, local businesses, and responsible tourism practices that help preserve Kerala’s delicate ecosystems and vibrant communities.
From Munnar’s tea estates to Periyar Sanctuary, every moment is designed to showcase India’s natural wonders in Kerala and South India while supporting responsible tourism. This trip is for those who want authentic experiences, meaningful connections and a deeper appreciation for Asia’s incredible landscapes—just like us.
JOURNEY STYLE, PACE & DAILY FLOW: This is a restorative, nature-and-culture itinerary with a deliberately gentle cadence: heritage walking in Kochi, cooler hill air and light trekking in Munnar, soft wildlife and spice landscapes in Thekkady, then a slow unwind through Kumarakom and a private houseboat. Days are paced to feel unforced—most sightseeing is in the morning, with afternoons left open for rest, spa time or a quiet wander. A few drives link the regions; they are not extreme, but Kerala roads can be slow and scenic, so timing is planned for comfort rather than speed.
GUIDES, LOCAL ACCESS & CURATED EXPERIENCES: The programme relies on strong local specialists to make it feel intimate rather than “ticked off”. In Kochi, guiding is about layered context—spice-trade history, synagogues and churches—while managing opening hours and closures that matter on the ground. In Munnar and Thekkady, guides and naturalists shift the focus to landscape literacy: tea cultivation, Western Ghats ecology, and spice systems, with optional activities chosen to match weather and energy. Cultural evenings (Kathakali, Kalaripayattu) work best with a little interpretation; this is provided in a light, unobtrusive way so performances land emotionally, not academically.
WALKING, TERRAIN & WEATHER COMFORT: Walking is easy to moderate overall, with one guided ridge/tea-country trek in Munnar that involves gentle gradients and uneven paths. Weather can change quickly in the Ghats—mist, drizzle and bursts of sun in the same day—so breathable layers and a light waterproof matter more than heavy gear. In Thekkady, trails and plantations can be damp; leech socks are sensible in wetter months, and closed shoes are preferable. Coastal Kochi is humid, while Munnar is cooler, especially in the evenings; packing to “layer up or down” keeps you comfortable across zones.
WILDLIFE, LAKE CONDITIONS & REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: Periyar is a landscape experience first—forest, lake light, birds and plant life—rather than a “big cat guarantee”. Boat cruises depend on water levels and park operations; sightings vary, with elephants sometimes appearing on the shore and, more reliably, a rich mix of birdlife. In plantations, the interest is sensory and educational: pepper vines, cardamom under shade, clove and cinnamon, and how harvesting and curing work. This is a trip where the quality comes from unhurried observation and good interpretation, not adrenaline.
BACKWATERS & HOUSEBOAT REALITIES: The houseboat is private and intentionally slow. Boats cruise during daylight and moor at dusk; air-conditioning typically operates at night only, and the experience is about stillness, water reflections and village life rather than “floating hotel” luxury. Canal routes can vary depending on traffic, tides and local conditions, but the crew will always aim for quieter channels. Meals are freshly cooked on board and tend to be simple, authentic and satisfying. Mosquitoes can be present at dusk near water; light repellent and long sleeves keep evenings comfortable on deck.
Prices From
Tour: Kerala Wildlife & Backwaters Explorer
Tour reference: GPISA116/26
Dates: Tue 17 Nov 2026 → Thu 26 Nov 2026
Departure status: Guaranteed departure
Deposit to confirm: £300 per person
Single supplement: £580 — applies to the hotel nights only
Prices From
Tour: Kerala Wildlife & Backwaters Explorer
Tour reference: GPISA116/26
Dates: Tue 01 Dec 2026 → Thu 10 Dec 2026
Departure status: Guaranteed departure
Deposit to confirm: £300 per person
Single supplement: £580 — applies to the hotel nights only
Prices From
Tour: Kerala Wildlife & Backwaters Explorer
Tour reference: GPISA116/26
Dates: Tue 08 Dec 2026 → Thu 17 Dec 2026
Departure status: Guaranteed departure
Deposit to confirm: £300 per person
Single supplement: £580 — applies to the hotel nights only
Prices From
Tour: Indian Tiger Safari & Khajuraho Temples
Tour reference: GPISA116/27
Dates: Tue 12 Jan 2027 → Thu 21 Jan 2027
Departure status: Guaranteed departure
Deposit to confirm: £300 per person
Single supplement: £580 — applies to the hotel nights only
Prices From
Tour: Indian Tiger Safari & Khajuraho Temples
Tour reference: GPISA116/27
Dates: Tue 26 Jan 2027 → Thu 04 Feb 2027
Departure status: Guaranteed departure
Deposit to confirm: £300 per person
Single supplement: £580 — applies to the hotel nights only
Prices From
Tour: Indian Tiger Safari & Khajuraho Temples
Tour reference: GPISA116/27
Dates: Tue 09 Feb 2027 → Thu 18 Feb 2027
Departure status: Guaranteed departure
Deposit to confirm: £300 per person
Single supplement: £580 — applies to the hotel nights only
Prices From
Tour: Indian Tiger Safari & Khajuraho Temples
Tour reference: GPISA116/27
Dates: Tue 23 Feb 2027 → Thu 04 Mar 2027
Departure status: Guaranteed departure
Deposit to confirm: £300 per person
Single supplement: £580 — applies to the hotel nights only
Prices From
Tour: Indian Tiger Safari & Khajuraho Temples
Tour reference: GPISA116/27
Dates: Tue 09 Mar 2027 → Thu 18 Mar 2027
Departure status: Guaranteed departure
Deposit to confirm: £300 per person
Single supplement: £580 — applies to the hotel nights only
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014
