Key Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive New Delhi

• Stay at The Imperial New Delhi, Imperial Room (B&B)
• Evening tour of Humayun’s Tomb by floodlight
• Welcome briefing and traditional Indian dinner

Day 2–4: Jaipur – The Pink City

• 3 nights at Samode Haveli, Deluxe Room (B&B)
• Pink Rickshaw tour: Krishna Temple, Flower Market
• Amer Fort sunrise tour by jeep
• Guided visit to City Palace and evening folk-dance performance

Day 5–6: Agra & the Taj Mahal

• 2 nights at Trident Hotel Agra, Deluxe Garden View (B&B)
• Walking tour of Agra’s Mughal monuments
• High tea overlooking the Taj Mahal at sunset
• (Optional) Sunrise Taj Mahal bicycle ride

Day 7–9: Kochi – Colonial Charm

• 3 nights at Brunton Boatyard, Sea-Facing Room (B&B)
• Tuk-tuk tour of Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church
• Spice market stroll with cooking demonstration
• Kathakali dance performance

Day 10: Alleppey Houseboat

• 1 night deluxe houseboat (full board)
• Cruise backwater channels of Alleppey
• Fresh Kerala cuisine on board
• Sunset cruise with refreshments

Day 11–13: Kumarakom – Lakeside Serenity

• 3 nights at Coconut Lagoon, Heritage Bungalow (B&B)
• Guided village walk and optional bicycle tour
• Complimentary sunset boat ride on Lake Vembanad
• Optional Ayurvedic spa treatments

Day 14: Return to Kochi

• 1 night at Brunton Boatyard, Sea-Facing Room (B&B)
• Free time for shopping, spa or waterfront café

Day 15: Departure

• Transfer to Cochin airport for return flight via Doha

Accommodation Overview

What’s Included

• International flights (Heathrow–Doha–Delhi–Cochin–Doha–Heathrow)
• Domestic flight (Delhi–Cochin)
• Private air-conditioned transfers throughout
• Accommodation (14 nights) as specified
• Breakfast daily; full board on houseboat
• All entrance fees and guided tours
• Sunset boat ride on Lake Vembanad
• Tuk-tuk tour of Fort Kochi
• All taxes, fees & regional supplements

Exclusions

• Indian e-Visa fees
• Travel insurance (available on request)
• Meals not specified above
• Gratuities (drivers, guides, porters)
• Optional excursions & spa treatments

Pricing & Booking Details

Contact Your Travel Artists

Why Book with Hays Travel?

24/7 in-destination support

Frequently Asked Questions

ABTA and ATOL protection for complete financial peace of mind

Louise & Scott, your dedicated Travel Artists, with 50+ years’ combined experience

Handpicked luxury accommodations and authentic local experiences

English-speaking guides who bring each destination to life

What does ABTA and ATOL protection mean? ABTA ensures your holiday funds and service quality. ATOL protects your flights and package if the provider fails.

Do I need a visa for India? Yes. UK passport holders must apply online for an e-Visa at least 4 weeks before travel.

How fit do I need to be? Moderate fitness for walking tours, houseboat boarding and optional cycle rides. Most activities are flexible.

Can I customise or extend this trip? Absolutely. Talk to Louise & Scott about adding nights in Udaipur, Varanasi, Goa or a wildlife safari.

What currency should I bring? Indian Rupees (INR) for small purchases and tips. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants.

When is the best time to travel India? January to March offers mild weather and clear skies—perfect for sightseeing and backwater cruises.

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Contact Louise & Scott at Hays Travel today to secure your North & South India Highlights tour!

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.