Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
India – Maldives – Kerala – Cochin – Periyar – Alleppey – Velassaru
100% customisable for you
Your romantic adventure starts today, so head to the airport for your overnight flight to Cochin. With a quick stopover, the journey will take between 12 and 16 hours, landing early tomorrow morning.
Once you touch down in Cochin, you’ll be privately transferred to the Mattancheri Peninsula, where you’ll be spending the night. Take a few hours to unpack and freshen up before meeting your private driver, who’ll accompany you for the next few days as you explore Kerala.
Situated on the waterfront, Cochin (or the ‘Queen of the Sea’) has welcomed the Portuguese, English, Dutch and French in turn, and its colonial heritage is evident in the eclectic architecture and atmosphere. This afternoon, a private guide will lead you through the city’s neighbourhoods, filling you in on their history. Along the way, visit the St. Francis Church, the Dutch Palace and the Jewish quarter, where the oldest synagogue in the country stands alongside historic trading posts and industrial warehouses.
Tonight, you also have the option to take an introduction to dance theatre lesson or attend a couple’s cooking class (followed by a tasting, of course).
Today, leave Cochin and travel four hours to Periyar, known for its sprawling national park and tiger reserve.
The journey offers a profound change in scenery – as winding roads lead you into the mountainous Western Ghats, watch rice paddies change from green to yellow and listen for the sounds of the jungle, home to tigers, elephants and lion-tailed macaques.
Away from the city, spend the rest of the day immersing yourself in Kerala’s scenery, savouring some quality time together and relaxing with nature on your doorstep.
Today, head out on a private tour at a local spice plantation. South India is rich in cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and cloves, and you'll be introduced to these fragrant cornerstones of local tourism before sitting down to lunch with the plantation owner.
You’ll also be treated to an introduction to Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial arts in the world. The ancient sport is governed by strict rules, focusing on balance, flexibility and reflexes and aiming to achieve complete mastery of body and mind.
If you have energy to spare, there’s also the option to explore the region by bicycle, accompanied by an expert guide.
Wave goodbye to Periyar: it’s time to head to Alleppey, a coastal town just under four hours away. As you’re driven along winding roads, the cool mountain air gradually gives way to the warmth of the tropical jungle that borders the Backwaters.
Set on the Laccadive Sea, Alleppey is famous for its rustic houseboats and tranquil lagoons. You’ll spend the next two nights here, with plenty of time to explore it all, so sit back and relax for the rest of the day.
Today, it’s time to take to the waters on a private boat tour of the Keralan Backwaters. No mode of transport quite compares to a boat when it comes to exploring this region – fed by 40 coastal rivers cascading down from the Ghats, the network of lagoons and lakes stretches for over 900 miles. A crew will handle the driving, leaving you free to watch life unfold along the lakeside villages.
Today’s itinerary is packed with scenery – after disembarking the boat, hop aboard a tuk-tuk to discover the Kuttanad rice paddies with a private guide. Located slightly south of Alleppey, a little further inland, Kuttanad is nicknamed ‘the Rice Bowl of Kerala’ thanks to its thriving agriculture. As you travel through the rice paddies, you’ll get to know the local way of life and learn all about the cultivation of rice and coconuts in the area.
Still raring to go? We can also arrange a visit to a coconut museum and factory this afternoon.
This morning, you’ll be privately transferred back up to Cochin, a two-hour drive away. As you glide along the coast, admire the diverse landscapes, with the waters of the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters on one side and lush plantations on the other.
When you arrive, check into your hotel and take some time to relax before your flight to the Maldives tomorrow.
This morning, a private transfer will whisk you to the airport to catch your one-and-a-half-hour flight to Male, the capital of the Maldives.
When you arrive, you’ll be met and transferred by speedboat to the island of Velassaru. You’ll be staying for three nights at this island resort – a truly romantic setting with turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Spend the rest of the day soaking up the sun or taking a dip in the pool, ready for the next few days of relaxation.
Take a few days to indulge in the art of doing absolutely nothing, against the backdrop of a turquoise lagoon. Unwind by the pool with a book, stroll hand-in-hand along the sand or take a dip in the sea, soaking in the salty sea air.
If you’re after something a little more energetic, you could also head out on a catamaran excursion or try your hand at windsurfing or canoeing before taking a nap in the shade of the coconut palms. Travelling with a waterbaby? Take a snorkelling or diving trip to get up close and personal with multicoloured fish and manta rays.
Come sunset, toast to your Indian adventure on a private cruise, watching as the sun sinks into the water.
During your time in the Maldives, we can also arrange a private barbecue on the beach or an exciting dolphin encounter.
It’s sadly time to head home. This morning, you’ll be privately transferred by speedboat back to Male Airport, where you’ll catch your UK-bound flight. The flight should take around 11 hours, and you’ll touch down this evening, ready to regale your friends and family with tales of your love-laced adventures.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
