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Join us... as we explore Kerala, India

Exclusive Silver Travel Advisor Tour for solo travellers

Southern India offers an intensely tropical and laid-back experience compared to the north. Travel from the cosmopolitan city of Cochin to the stunning hillside station of Munnar and onwards to the wildlife sanctuary of Periyar. Then explore the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom before embarking on an overnight houseboat through the network of waterways of Alleppey. Onboard enjoy authentic Keralan food whilst drifting through the quiet canals, relax and witness the life of the people living around the backwater area of Kerala. End your journey with a relaxing stay on the pristine beaches of Kovalam, also known as the ‘Paradise of the South’.

This fully hosted 12-day trip, in partnership with Wendy Wu Tours, is exclusive to Silver Travel Advisor customers. You’ll be in the company of fellow solo travellers to share the journey and capture magical memories, and all places are offered on a single occupancy basis, so you’ll have your own room to retreat to at the end of a busy day.

Read on for all the details, and if you have any questions our Silver Travel Advisors are on hand to provide more information, call 0800 412 5678.

Trip highlights

Enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance show in Cochin

Learn all about Indian tea production in Munnar

Explore the vast wildlife sanctuary of Periyar

A traditional house boat anchored in the popular area known as the Backwaters

Stay overnight on an authentic Keralan houseboat

Relax on the pristine beaches of Kovalam

Itinerary

Day 1
Wednesday 5 February 2025

Depart the UK

Start your journey in style flying from your local UK airport bound for Cochin on an overnight flight.

Meals: Inflight meals

Day 2
Thursday 6 February 2025

Cochin

On arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.

The cosmopolitan city of Cochin, also known as Kochi, is a blend of many different cultures from the colonial rule of the British and Portuguese to Jewish communities and Chinese business. Nicknamed the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Cochin was an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14th century onward, and maintained a trade network with Arab merchants.

Meals: Dinner

Day 3
Friday 7 February 2025

Cochin

This morning, visit the Dutch Palace, home to a vast collection of Hindu Murals. After, head to the Jewish synagogue in the heart of Jew Quarter, before a visit to St. Francis Church, thought to be the first European church built in India. Then continue to Santa Cruz Roman Catholic Cathedral.

While driving along the coastline at the harbour’s mouth, you will be able to see the unique and traditional ‘Chinese fishing nets’ which were introduced by the Chinese traders in the 14th Century. End the day at Fort Kochi – where you can walk around the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 500-year-old fort are still amazingly well preserved.

This evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance show, with characters divided into the noble, wicked and grotesque wearing extravagant costumes.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4
Saturday 8 February 2025

Cochin – Munnar

Today you will be met and transferred to Munnar. On arrival at your hotel the rest of the day is at leisure.

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams and is situated at an altitude of approx. 1,600m above sea level. This hill station was once the summer resort of the former British Govt. in South India. Munnar also has the highest mountain peak in South India – Anamudi, which towers over at a height of 2,695m.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5
Sunday 9 February 2025

Munnar

After breakfast visit Eravikulam National Park. A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97sq km in the Rajamalai hills.

This afternoon, visit the Tea Museum. Munnar has a legacy of its own when to comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantation in Munnar.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6
Monday 10 February 2025

Munnar – Periyar

Today you will be met and transferred to Periyar.

Periyar is Southern India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary. It is set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake and is known for its population of elephants and wildlife. The sanctuary is a rare example of human interference having enhanced rather than damaged an ecosystem. Later this afternoon, you will visit a spice plantation to discover the various spices and flavours used in Kerala cuisine. Afterwards, return to the hotel for time at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7
Tuesday 11 February 2025

Periyar – Kumarakom

This morning, enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake inside the park. Keep a look out for wildlife such as elephants, bison, sambhar and wild boar as you walk around the park. Afterwards, return to your hotel for breakfast before beginning your drive to Kumarakom.

Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a part of Kuttanad (‘granary’ of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and deltas along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8
Wednesday 12 February 2025

Kumarakom – Alleppey

On arrival in Alleppey, board a houseboat and cruise the backwaters of Kerala. Popularly known as ‘kettuvallam’, the houseboats are converted from traditional rice barges.

Cruise through the network of waterways that fringe the coast from Alleppey to Nedumudy. Enjoy authentic Keralan food whilst drifting through the quiet canals, relax and witness the life of the people living around the backwater area of Kerala.

Today’s houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern bathrooms, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Parts of the curved roof are made of plaited palm or wood which open out to provide shade and allow uninterrupted views.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9
Thursday 13 February 2025

Alleppey – Kovalam

Disembark your houseboat and transfer to Kovalam. On arrival at your hotel the rest of the day is at leisure.

Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, it has been well developed and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Today, Kovalam Beach is known as the ‘Paradise of the South’.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Days 10 & 11
Friday 14 & Saturday 15 February 2025

Kovalam

Enjoy two full days in Kovalam, known for its scenic beauty, fabulous beaches and laid-back life. Perhaps enjoy a range of watersports and Ayurvedic treatments, and be sure to catch the stunning sunsets.