Kerala is the perfect place to introduce your children to the colours of India. The drives aren’t too long, like they are in Rajasthan, and it is simply a more laid-back destination where you can easily get into the spirit of things. You’ll just spend your time in and around the backwaters. Begin in Cochin, where you’ll either opt for a cycling tour of Cochin, stopping off at points of interest and heading to the markets, seeing spices sold and bought. Continue to Kanam Estate where the children will have their very own elephant for the day to walk through the plantation. Next, have an immersive experience at a luxury homestay where you can learn a little about local Keralan life, and also try your hand at Indian cookery. After a day on a houseboat, cruising through the Keralan backwaters, you’ll end up on the beach.
| £1715 |
|---|
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Cochin | Brunton Boatyard Brunton Boatyard |
| Day 3-4 | Kanam Estate | Serenity Serenity |
| Day 5-6 | Lake Vembenad | Philipkutty’s Farm Philipkutty’s Farm |
| Day 7 | Backwaters | Houseboat Houseboat |
| Day 8-11 | Marari | Marari Beach Resort Marari Beach Resort |
| Day 12 | Cochin Airport | Fly Home |
Arrive into Cochin and spend two nights at Brunton Boatyard. It has a lovely pool to return back to after exploring the city and is right in the heart of Fort Cochin. Explore the city the following day using a combination of bikes, walking and rickshaws to truly have an immersive experience that the whole family will enjoy. See the Chinese Fishing Nets, former Dutch Mansions and of course the colourful markets.
It takes just under two hours to reach Kanam Estate that is located closed to Vazhoor. The area is famous for its pretty village life, plantations and churches. Stay in a 1920s colonial planter bungalow, and the children will love that it has its own resident elephant, Laxmi. You can spend the following day take it through the estate with its mahout. If you still feel active, you can head off cycling through the local villages and spice plantations. It goes without saying, there will be plenty of time to sit beside the pool.
You’ll then drive the short distance to the eastern bank of Lake Vembenad to have an immersive experience at a luxury homestay, Philipkutty’s Farm. Whilst you are staying here, the family can learn a little about Indian cookery from the family, be shown the farm to see how the crops are cultivated and explore the local villages (on bikes). If you want you are learn to put on a sari (for women) or dhoti (for men). Most interesting, however, is meeting the local family and hearing about what it is like to live and grow up in Kerala.
You’ll set off to Alleppey which is close to Lake Vembenad and board your private houseboat. They come with two or three bedrooms, and are air-conditioned so its a really fun, yet adventurous family activity. Cruise through the narrow channels, seeing local life all around you. The onboard cook will serve up freshly caught fish curry as you drift peacefully through the backwaters. You’ll moor up at night in a remote area, maybe take a short walk around to see the village closing up for the night.
Any family adventure needs some quality R&R at the end, and we suggest four nights or more at Marari Beach Resort, just 30 minutes from the backwaters. It has a large main swimming pool, and a lovely beach (although most people don’t swim in the sea as it’s too choppy). There are tennis courts and volleyball, so lots to keep you occupied for a few days to end your time in Kerala.
It takes about an hour and a half to drive back to the airport, located just to the north of Cochin.
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We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch.