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Classic Kerala... Beautiful Beaches & Balmy Backwaters in South India

14 days from £5,915 for 2025 per person

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Our Classic Kerala Holiday is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Family-friendly Itineraries.

A relaxed introduction to the charming and diverse state of Kerala which is famed for its welcoming people, lush, tropical scenery, delicious food and fascinating Portuguese, Dutch, Arabic and British history. Venturing from the spice plantations and wildlife sanctuaries to palm-fringed beaches and tranquil backwaters, this tailor-made holiday to Kerala is truly a feast for the senses.

Begin your journey in the colonial city of Cochin, home to Portuguese, Dutch, Arabic and British traders at various times in its long history, and famed for its spices and ancient trading routes. Then journey up into the tea plantations of Munnar for an authentic slice of South Indian rural life in the verdant Cardamom Hills. On to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary next, where you will be truly submersed by the South Indian jungle. Elephant, samba, bison, wild boar, and occasionally tigers and leopards can be seen in this vast reserve.

The next phase of your journey will take you to the peaceful shores of Lake Vembanad with a relaxing stay at Purity, and then on to the serene backwaters where you will cruise through and see village life that has remained unchanged for decades. Spend the last few days by the beach on the Malabar Coast staying on an old coconut plantation.

Keralan cuisine makes great use of the locally grown produce; spices, coconut and seafood and you may enjoy the delicious delicacies served off banana leaves. This tour allows you to appreciate just what a feast for all the senses Kerala can be.

This is purely a suggested itinerary, it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made holiday to India. If you'd like to see similar tours, take a look at our favourite Epic Journeys, Honeymoons and Family Holidays, as well as our Boat, Beach and Spa & Wellness collections.


Itinerary details

14 days from £5,915 for 2025 per person

SOUTH INDIA - Coconut Lagoon, Kerala
SOUTH INDIA - Spice Coast, Kerala
SOUTH INDIA - Backwaters, Kerala
SOUTH INDIA Kerala Backwaters
SOUTH INDIA - water-front view with private pool villas at Coconut Lagoon
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SOUTH INDIA - Kerala fishermen
SOUTH INDIA Munnar Kerala Tea And Coffee Planatations
SOUTH INDIA - elephants at Periyar National Park
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SOUTH INDIA - Kerala fishermen
SOUTH INDIA Munnar Kerala Tea And Coffee Planatations
SOUTH INDIA - elephants at Periyar National Park
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SOUTH INDIA - SwaSwara 2
SOUTH INDIA Kerala Backwaters Dusk
SOUTH INDIA - Coconut Lagoon, Kerala
SOUTH INDIA - Spice Coast, Kerala
SOUTH INDIA - Backwaters, Kerala
SOUTH INDIA Kerala Backwaters
SOUTH INDIA - water-front view with private pool villas at Coconut Lagoon
Kerala food, South India Banner.jpg
Malabar Escapes, Kerala, South India Banner (4).jpg
To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson

Client Testimonials

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

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