ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- South India captivates with intricate temples, serene backwaters and lush landscapes, a rich tapestry of ancient heritage and natural beauty.
- Begin in Thattekad’s serene wilderness, where village walks and birdwatching amid tropical greenery offer a tranquil introduction to Kerala.
- Ascend to Munnar’s verdant tea plantations, where cascading waterfalls and panoramic vistas define this Western Ghats hill station.
- Glide along Kerala’s enchanting backwaters aboard a traditional rice barge, drifting past coconut palms and villages in total tranquillity.
- Explore Cochin’s colonial landmarks, bustling markets and aromatic cuisine, crowned by a hands-on Keralan culinary demonstration.
- Conclude in Neeleshwar, where pristine beaches and rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments offer a serene farewell to South India.
Our tailor-made journeys include
- A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
- Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
- Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
- 24/7 support whilst travelling
- ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind
ITINERARY IN DETAIL
Your trek begins by winding through the tea plantations surrounded by captivating vistas of the landscape. On one side, a rugged mountain slope unveils itself, while on the other, lush tea estates stretch as far as the eye can see. On clear days, marvel at the sight of Anaimudi, South India’s tallest peak, and the vast water reservoir of Idukki Dam. Throughout your journey, anticipate encounters with exotic spices and sightings of endemic bird species which naturally adds to the enchantment of your experience.
Embark on a serene journey through Kerala’s backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat, converted from authentic Keralan rice barges – the perfect setting for a cool, tranquil and relaxing cruise. Witness the unhurried pace of local life along the banks, observing activities such as clothes washing, water collection, gardening and traditional fishing. Enjoy a delicious onboard lunch while navigating the picturesque waterways, immersing yourself fully in the serene ambiance of Kerala’s backwaters.
With your guide, traverse the historic lanes of Fort Kochi, where colonial relics whisper tales of bygone eras. Wander amid the aromatic bazaars of Mattancherry, adorned with vibrant spices and antiquities. Witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets dance along the shoreline, a testament to Cochin’s maritime legacy. Engage with local artisans, savour traditional delicacies, and immerse yourself in the cultural mosaic of this enchanting coastal city.
Indulge in serene tranquillity at Neeleshwar Hermitage, where time seems to slow down to the rhythm of the waves. Bask in the warm embrace of luxury amid lush coconut groves and pristine beaches. Delight your palate with exquisite coastal cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients and enjoy spa treatments tailored to harmonise the mind, body, and soul. Lounge by the infinity pool, caressed by gentle sea breezes, or unwind with yoga sessions amidst verdant surroundings.
Your guide will lead you on a picturesque cycling excursion through the tranquil countryside, tracing the meandering coastline while catching glimpses of the backwaters. Pedal through quaint fishing villages adorned with colourful boats and swaying coconut trees, immersing yourself in the authentic rhythms of rural life. Afterwards, embark on a canoe journey, navigating through the lesser-explored corners of the backwaters. Glide past verdant landscapes, where lush foliage and tranquil waters merge seamlessly.
Experience a culinary immersion at Phillipkutty’s Farm. Join skilled chefs to learn traditional Keralan recipes using farm-fresh ingredients. Engage in hands-on cooking amidst lush surroundings, discovering the secrets behind the authentic flavours. Delight in a delicious home-cooked meal, savouring the essence of Kerala’s cuisine. Explore the farm’s coconut groves, spice gardens, and vanilla plantations for an enriching culinary journey.
Nothing but the best. On this suggested South India itinerary these are our handpicked, tried-and-tested choices.
Testimonials
When we first met our guide, Prabal, I was a bit worried he was a Gurkha from Darjeeling (rather than a Ladakhi), but he could not have been a better guide – I think he's one of the best we have had anywhere in the world. He rearranged the trek without missing a beat, was always cheerful and really knew his stuff. He was a pleasure to be with.
I can highly recommend asking cazenove+loyd to put together your next holiday. Our Destination Expert did an exceptional job organising the most spectacular holiday for us in India. She took our brief and created a superb two weeks of glorious hotels, luxury camps, palace visits, sightseeing and delicious food. Her attention to detail was exceptional and she was always available to answer any queries.
Thank you for arranging a stupendous trip to India. Given our many meetings, we weren’t able to fully enjoy every activity on offer, but we loved the ones we did. The guides were all excellent. The transport between locations worked seamlessly. We were delighted to discover Lucknow, which is a hidden gem. We were the only non-local tourists in most of the historic locations in the city! I will definitely use cazenove+loyd for our next major trip.
We are just back from India and had the MOST fantastic time. Thank you very much for organising it so beautifully.
It was lovely to find your letter waiting for us at this fabulous hotel. Thanks to your careful planning, we have had a perfect trip, with excellent guides and such a lovely young driver. Trump did not spoil our visit to Agra, where we saw the Taj under perfect conditions at sunrise. We were also very lucky to see a tigress walk right by our jeep!
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