Amazing Kerala India’s Soulful Side: Backwaters & Spice Serenity From £2,799 per person

Welcome to India’s Soulful Side: Backwaters & Spice Serenity, the ultimate luxury journey through Kerala’s emerald canals, aromatic plantations and serene shores. Let Louise & Scott—your dedicated travel artists at Hays Travel—craft a tailor-made adventure blending heritage, wellness, wildlife and gastronomy. Every element of this 9-night odyssey is carefully curated, fully protected by ABTA L9519 & ATOL, and delivered with five-star attention to detail. Read on to immerse yourself in a Kerala holiday that transcends ordinary travel and creates memories to last a lifetime.

CLICK TO JOIN OUR FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
CLICK TO SEE OUR OTHER OFFERS

Why Kerala Is the Ultimate Luxury Escape

Kerala’s allure lies in its seamless fusion of natural beauty, rich culture and storied past. From colonial mansions perched on coastal cliffs to remote spice estates nestled in verdant hills, this pocket of South India offers a luxurious canvas for bespoke travel. Whether gliding along backwaters aboard a private houseboat or rejuvenating in world-class Ayurveda spas, every moment feels curated for discerning travellers.

• Heritage & Architecture: Restored Dutch-colonial manors, Portuguese palaces and tea-stained bungalows evoke a timeless elegance.
• Wellness & Ayurveda: Bespoke therapies in secluded spa sanctuaries merge ancient wisdom with modern comforts.
• Gastronomy & Spice Trails: From roadside stalls to farm-to-table feasts, Kerala’s spice-laden cuisine is both vibrant and refined.
• Wildlife & Nature: Private safaris, bird-rich sanctuaries and tranquil backwaters invite immersive encounters with nature’s finest.
• Personalisation: Louise & Scott tailor every detail—from private chefs to exclusive cultural experiences—to match your tastes.

Your 9-Night Itinerary in Detail

Days 1–2: Kochi – Coastal Colonial Charm

Arrive at Cochin International Airport and be whisked away in a private luxury sedan to the historic Brunton Boatyard. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, your Sea-View Room comes with breakfast each morning and the promise of sunset views that rival any postcard.

• Welcome Ceremony: Traditional lamp lighting and a warm Malabar welcome at the hotel’s entrance.
• Fort Kochi Walking Tour: Explore Portuguese, Dutch and British landmarks including St. Francis Church and the iconic fishing nets.
• Kathakali Performance: Witness the hypnotic face-painting and dance drama of this ancient art form.
• Private Harbor Cruise: Sail aboard a restored yacht as the sun dips below the horizon, backed by colonial architecture.

Days 3–4: Thekkady – Spice Plantations & Wildlife

Travel inland to Thekkady, gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Kerala’s famed spice country. Your Spice Village Cottage sits amidst cardamom, pepper and tea plantations—each cottage thoughtfully appointed with local textures and modern amenities.

• Plantation Walk: Guided trek through aromatic fields, learning the lifecycle of pepper vines and cardamom pods.
• Keralan Cooking Demo: Under a village matriarch’s guidance, hand-grind spices and prepare authentic curries.
• Wildlife Safari: Private boat ride on Periyar Lake at dawn, spotting elephants, wild boar and sambar deer.
• Traditional Art Show: Evening performance of “Kalaripayattu,” Kerala’s millennia-old martial art.

Day 5: Alleppey – Private Houseboat Retreat

Board your Premier Houseboat in Alleppey—an elegant kettuvallam outfitted with teak wood, brass fixtures and a private chef. Drift along emerald backwaters as daily village life unfolds onshore.

• Personal Chef & Butler: Relish Keralan delicacies, from fresh coconut curries to spiced fish fry, served on deck.
• Sunset Cocktails: Sip handcrafted toddies and rum cocktails as the sky transforms into fiery hues.
• Birdwatching at Dawn: Spot kingfishers, darters and migratory herons in the mist-shrouded waterways.
• Starlit Dinner: Candle-lit table on the roof deck under Kerala’s canopy of stars.

Days 6–8: Kumarakom – Lake Vembanad Serenity

Disembark in Kumarakom, where your Heritage Bungalow at Coconut Lagoon sits on stilts above Lake Vembanad. This restored 250-year-old estate merges traditional architecture with five-star luxury.

• Morning Yoga: Guided sessions by the water’s edge with panoramic lake views.
• Bird Sanctuary Visit: Early excursion to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary—home to migratory Siberian storks and Indian darters.
• Spice Trail & Tea Tasting: Private tour of a nearby spice plantation followed by a farm-to-cup tasting session.
• Sunset Cruise: Private boat ride with seafood platter, traditional percussion music and dance.

Day 9: Kochi – Farewell to Kerala

Return to Brunton Boatyard for a final night of coastal elegance. Unwind with a spa treatment or explore any last Fort Kochi treasures before your private transfer to the airport.

The 5 Pillars of India’s Soulful Side: Backwaters & Spice Serenity

Every element of India’s Soulful Side: Backwaters & Spice Serenity rests on five core pillars that ensure an unparalleled luxury experience:

1. Private Houseboat Opulence: Butler-served fine dining, deckside cocktails, and sunrise yoga on your own teak vessel.
2. Signature Spice & Tea Tours: Behind-the-scenes access to award-winning estates, private tastings and farm-to-table feasts.
3. Exquisite Heritage Hotels: Meticulously restored colonial mansions, palaces and bungalows blending history with five-star service.
4. World-Class Ayurveda & Wellness: Personalized wellness journeys in secluded spa sanctuaries, from panchakarma therapies to mindfulness rituals.
5. Exclusive Wildlife & Nature: Private safaris, guided nature walks and intimate bird-watching tours in Kerala’s most biodiverse regions.

Cultural Immersion & Authentic Encounters

Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Kerala’s heart lies in its people and traditions. During your stay you’ll:

• Learn Keralan cooking from a village elder, hand-grinding spices and crafting curries with local produce.
• Craft coir rope alongside fishermen in a centuries-old cooperative, discovering age-old weaving techniques.
• Trace intricate murals in a 16th-century temple with a local historian, unveiling stories painted on sacred walls.
• Participate in a classical “Mohiniyattam” dance lesson, mastering graceful footwork and expressions under expert guidance.

Rejuvenation in World-Class Ayurveda & Wellness

Kerala’s Ayurvedic heritage is the cornerstone of holistic well-being. As part of your journey you’ll enjoy:

• Holistic Consultations: One-on-one sessions with Ayurvedic doctors to craft personalized wellness regimens.
• Herbal Oil Massages: Traditional abhyanga treatments using locally pressed coconut and medicinal oils.
• Detox Programs: Gentle cleanses under expert supervision, including therapeutic steam and herbal enemas.
• Mind-Body Practices: Sunrise yoga and meditation sessions amid whispering palms and gentle water laps.

Wild at Heart: Nature & Wildlife

From elephant safaris to birdwatching cruises, Kerala’s biodiversity invites immersive wildlife experiences:

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Dawn boat safaris to spot elephants, bison and sambar deer grazing at the water’s edge.
• Birding in Kumarakom: Guided walks through marshes alive with kingfishers, pelicans and migratory storks.
• Reptile Park Visit: Exclusive after-hours tour of a sanctuary dedicated to rare Indian turtles and snakes.
• Sunset Mangrove Cruise: Explore hidden mangrove canals by traditional canoe, spotting mudskippers and otters at play.

Planning Your Journey

Price: From £2,799 per person (twin share), including international flights, private VIP transfers, luxury accommodations, curated experiences and full financial protection through ABTA L9519 & ATOL. Travel Window: 1–31 January 2026 (bespoke dates available on request). Book By: 30 June 2025.

Custom upgrades—private jets, seaplane transfers or extended stays—can be arranged at additional cost. Dietary requirements, accessibility needs and special celebrations are seamlessly woven into your bespoke itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I customise my dates? Yes—Louise & Scott will tailor travel windows year-round beyond the January 2026 window.
• What about solo travellers? Solo occupancy is welcome; single-room supplements apply. Contact us for a personalised quote.
• Are children accommodated? Family-friendly upgrades are available, including adjoining suites, local guides for kids’ activities and private nannies.
• How do payments work? A non-refundable deposit confirms your booking. The balance is due 10 weeks prior to departure.
• What if I need to cancel? Standard ABTA & ATOL guidelines apply. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance for peace of mind.

Ready to Live the Dream?

Your tailor-made Kerala adventure awaits. Don’t miss your chance to experience India’s Soulful Side: Backwaters & Spice Serenity in unmatched luxury. CALL your travel artists, Louise & Scott at Hays Travel, on 01428 856020 today and let us design picture-perfect holidays you’ll cherish forever.