Soulful Kerala: A Journey Through the South
Slow down, and experience a different side of India on this thoughtfully curated small group journey through Kerala.
From misty tea-covered hills to quiet backwaters and coastal villages, this is a region that moves at its own pace — calmer, greener, and more grounded in everyday rhythms.
Over the course of the journey, you’ll explore these landscapes, spend time on the water, and experience Kerala in a more personal way — all within a small group of like-minded solo travellers.
It’s designed for those who want to travel independently, but not alone.
It’s India, but not as most people expect — softer, slower, and easier to move through.
Dates: 14 – 24 October 2027
Length: 11 Days | 10 nights
Small group: Min 6 | Max 12 guests
Price: $8450 – per person
Optional Extension: If you’d like to see more of India, you can continue on to our Taj, Tigers & Diwali journey — a completely different side of the country.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Ayurvedic Wellness by the Backwaters
Unwind with optional Ayurvedic treatments during a peaceful stay at a lakeside retreat in Kumarakom.
Home-hosted Cooking Class
Join a local couple for a hands-on cooking experience and home-cooked lunch in their organic garden kitchen.
Houseboat Cruise on Lake Vembanad
Glide through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters on a traditional houseboat with a freshly prepared lunch onboard.
Wildlife Boat Safari in Periyar
Spot elephants, deer and exotic birds on a serene early morning boat safari in Periyar National Park.
Day 1 | Thursday 14 October 2027
Arrive in Kochi
Welcome to Kerala! After arriving at Kochi International Airport, you’ll be met by our local representative and transferred to your boutique hotel in the historic heart of the city.
Kochi, often called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is where spice-laden history meets relaxed coastal charm. Its vibrant streets echo centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British influence – all layered with Kerala’s own warm and soulful identity. You might spot Chinese fishing nets gently swaying along the waterfront or catch the scent of cardamom drifting from nearby spice markets.
Settle in, take a stroll or simply unwind after your journey. Tomorrow, the adventure begins.
Stay: Fragrant Nature, Kochi
Day 2 | Friday 15 October 2027
Explore Fort Kochi + Cooking Experience with Locals
Today, step into Kerala’s layered past on a guided walking tour of atmospheric Fort Kochi. Once a vital port along the spice route, this seaside enclave blends colonial architecture, colourful markets, and centuries-old traditions. Highlights include:
- Francis Church – India’s oldest European church and once the burial site of explorer Vasco da Gama
- The Dutch Palace – home to exquisite murals depicting scenes from the Hindu epics
- Jewish Synagogue – built in 1568 and rich with vibrant tiles and antique chandeliers
- Chinese Fishing Nets – a picturesque symbol of Kochi’s trading legacy, unique outside of China
This afternoon, immerse yourself in Kerala’s rich culinary culture with a home-hosted cooking class and lunch with Nimmy and Paul, a warm-hearted Syrian Christian couple. Tour their organic garden, learn to blend local spices, and enjoy a lovingly prepared meal together – a true highlight of the trip.
We gather again this evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Indian restaurant – the perfect way to toast the start of our soulful journey.
Meals: B, L, D
Stay: Fragrant Nature, Kochi
Day 3 | Saturday 16 October 2027
Kochi → Athirapilly | Waterfalls Walk
After breakfast, we head inland toward the lush rainforest of Athirapilly, known for its spectacular waterfalls and rich biodiversity.
On arrival, check in to your riverside retreat, set against a backdrop of jungle and birdsong. This afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk through the forest to Athirapilly Falls – Kerala’s largest waterfall, cascading dramatically from 80 feet. Surrounded by rainforest and often rimmed with rainbows, it’s a place where nature hums and stillness feels sacred.
The rest of the evening is yours to relax. Listen to the rush of the water, watch the light fade over the valley, and enjoy the peaceful energy of this special place.
Meals: B, D
Stay: Niraamaya Retreats Samroha, Athirapilly
Day 4 | Sunday 17 October 2027
Plantation Jeep Safari + Munnar Hill Station
Wake early for a scenic jeep safari through the lush plantations and forested trails of Athirapilly. As morning mist rises, the jungle comes alive with birdsong and the chance to spot sambar deer, Malabar squirrels or even elephants along the Ezhattumugham riverside.
After breakfast, journey into the Western Ghats to reach the cool, green embrace of Munnar. This hill station, once a British summer retreat, is blanketed in emerald tea gardens, waterfalls, and forested valleys. The winding drive offers beautiful glimpses of village life and mountain vistas.
On arrival, check into your boutique retreat and enjoy a relaxed evening surrounded by fresh mountain air.
Meals: B, D
Stay: Fragrant Nature, Munnar
Day 5 | Monday 18 October 2027
Eravikulam National Park + Tea Museum & High Tea
This morning we explore Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr – a mountain goat found only in these hills. Walk along gentle trails with panoramic views over tea plantations and misty mountain peaks.
Continue to Mattupetty Dam, where still waters mirror the surrounding hills, and opt for a peaceful boat ride if you wish.
In the afternoon, visit a working tea factory and museum, where you’ll discover the art of tea-making from leaf to cup. Finish with a high tea experience – sampling fragrant brews grown just metres away.
Meals: B, D
Stay: Fragrant Nature, Munnar
Day 6 | Tuesday 19 October 2027
Munnar → Periyar | Spice Trails of the South
Travel south to Periyar, a region known for its wildlife and spice plantations. The landscape shifts from tea-covered slopes to dense jungle and pepper vines climbing toward the canopy.
After check-in, enjoy a guided walk through a spice plantation, where cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and nutmeg grow in abundance. Learn how these fragrant treasures are harvested and used in both cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine.
Evening at leisure – enjoy the cooler climate and the lush, green surroundings of your jungle-fringed retreat.
Meals: B, D
Stay: Cardamom County, Periyar
Day 7 | Wednesday 20 October 2027
Periyar Wildlife Safari + Backwaters of Kumarakom
Begin the day with a boat safari on the Periyar Lake, gliding through still waters surrounded by thick forest. Keep an eye out for elephants, sambar deer, wild boar, and birdlife near the water’s edge. There’s something quietly magical about this early-morning encounter with the wild.
After breakfast, continue to Kumarakom, set on the peaceful shores of Lake Vembanad. Known for its tranquil backwaters and slow village rhythms, this is where Kerala begins to truly unwind.
Settle into your lakeside resort and enjoy a sunset cruise through the calm canals and lagoons.
Meals: B, D
Stay: CGH Earth Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom
Day 8 | Thursday 21 October 2027
Houseboat Cruise on Lake Vembanad
Today, step aboard a traditional kettuvallam houseboat for a day cruise through Kerala’s famed backwaters. Drift past rice paddies, coconut palms, and village life lived at water level.
A freshly prepared lunch is served on board, featuring local flavours and ingredients. It’s the kind of slow, scenic travel that defines this region – peaceful, grounding, unforgettable.
Return to your resort with time to relax or take in the lake views.
Meals: B, L, D
Stay: CGH Earth Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom
Day 9 | Friday 22 October 2027
Leisure Day & Optional Ayurvedic Wellness
Today is yours to spend exactly as you choose. You may wish to book an Ayurvedic spa treatment at the resort’s wellness centre (additional cost), or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the backwaters – reading, journaling or relaxing poolside.
This unstructured day is a gift – a chance to reflect, recharge and truly sink into the serenity that Kerala is known for.
Meals: B, D
Stay: CGH Earth Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom
Day 10 | Saturday 23 November 2027
Kumarakom → Mararikulam | Seaside Serenity
After a leisurely breakfast, take a short drive to Mararikulam, a quiet coastal village where life moves at the pace of the tides.
Your final stop is a beachfront eco-resort nestled amid swaying palms and golden sand. This is your time to unwind by the sea, enjoy barefoot walks along the shore, or simply relax in a hammock with the sound of waves in the background.
Meals: B, D
Stay: CGH Earth Marari Beach, Mararikulam
Day 11 | Sunday 24 October 2027
Farewell Kerala
Farewell Kerala – or continue the adventure?
After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Kochi International Airport for your onward journey.
But if you’re not quite ready to leave India behind, why not extend your trip and join our Taj, Tigers & Diwali Festival tour?
Travel from the calm of Kerala to the vibrant heart of North India – where grand palaces, jungle safaris, and the magic of Diwali, the festival of lights, await. It’s the perfect way to round out your India experience with culture, celebration and contrast.
Let us know if you’d like more details about linking both tours together.
Meals: B
Tour Inclusions
- Expertly hosted by our trusted English-speaking local guide
- 10 Nights accommodation in the hotels mentioned above or similar on a private solo room basis with daily breakfast and dinner
- 2 lunches
- Return Airport Transfers
- All arrival, sightseeing & excursions as per the itinerary by an Air-Conditioned vehicle;
- Entrance Fees at the monuments as per the itinerary;
- All tips/ gratuities to the National Guide, Chauffeur, Bell Boys at the hotels, Safari Jeeps etc.
- Packaged water bottles, Hand sanitisers, Wet and Dry tissues in the vehicle throughout the trip;
- Travel Representative for assistance upon arrival at airports;
- All currently applicable taxes.
Tour Exclusions
- International Airfares return to Kochi
- India Visa fees
- Expense of personal nature like laundry, beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.
- Travel Insurance (mandatory)
- Any other services not mentioned in the above inclusions