On arrival in Cochin, you will be greeted by your private driver and begin a leisurely transfer to Kumarakom, a serene village set on the banks of Lake Vembanad. The journey unfolds through lush landscapes of coconut palms and waterways, introducing you to Kerala’s timeless beauty.

Check into your lakeside retreat, a tranquil haven surrounded by the famous Kerala backwaters. After some time to relax, take to the water for a gentle canoeing experience. Glide along narrow canals as local life reveals itself — fishermen hauling in clam nets, women weaving coir ropes, and children paddling home from school.

As dusk descends, return to your retreat and enjoy the peace of the evening, perhaps from your private verandah overlooking the water. This first taste of the backwaters sets the rhythm for your Kerala journey — slow, immersive, and deeply connected with local life.

Wake up to the stillness of Lake Vembanad, where early morning light glimmers across the water and fishermen cast their nets from traditional canoes. Today is devoted to discovering the rhythms of Kumarakom’s village life, a world shaped by the waterways and rich cultural traditions of Kerala.

Step into the heart of the community with a guided exploration of the villages that line the canals. Watch toddy tappers scale coconut palms to collect the sweet sap, see how coir ropes are handwoven from coconut husks, and meet locals as they demonstrate age-old techniques of coconut climbing and fishing.

Pause for an authentic lunch in a rustic toddy shop, where fiery curries and fresh catch-of-the-day are paired with Kerala’s traditional palm wine. Later, return to your retreat for an afternoon of leisure. Perhaps unwind by the pool, take an Ayurvedic treatment, or simply watch the passing boats from your verandah.

Arrive in Cochin (Kochi), where Kerala’s cosmopolitan spirit meets its colonial past. After a private transfer to your luxury accommodation, take the afternoon at leisure to settle in. Enjoy serene views over the harbour, relax by the pool, or simply soak in the heritage charm of your hotel. As evening falls, perhaps stroll along the waterfront to witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the sunset — a scene that perfectly sets the tone for your days ahead.

Today, discover Cochin’s historic quarters with your private guide. Stroll through Fort Cochin, where Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture stand alongside vibrant local markets. Visit the Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace, renowned for its detailed murals, and the centuries-old Pardesi Synagogue with its unique blue-and-white Chinese tiles. Pass by spice warehouses perfumed with ginger, cardamom, and pepper, and explore artisan boutiques hidden in narrow lanes.

Pause for a refreshing chai in a heritage café or relax in a shaded courtyard as your chauffeur ensures a comfortable pace throughout. By evening, watch the sun dip into the Arabian Sea, painting the city in hues of gold and rose — a magical finale to your Cochin stay.

Board a train north through the lush South Indian countryside, watching paddy fields, coconut groves, and village life unfold outside your window. On arrival in Calicut, continue by chauffeured car into the forested hills of Wayanad. Your retreat, set within sprawling coffee and spice plantations, offers a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by birdsong and the scent of nutmeg and cardamom. Enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps with a traditional Ayurvedic massage or a gentle walk through the estate before dinner.

Awaken to mist-shrouded hills and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Today is yours to immerse in the rhythms of plantation life. Stroll through trails lined with pepper vines, coffee bushes, and towering teak trees, accompanied by the soft hum of cicadas. For those interested, join a traditional cooking class to learn the secrets of Keralan spices, or tour a working tea factory to witness leaves transformed into fragrant blends. By late afternoon, unwind in your private veranda or indulge in a spa treatment surrounded by the tranquillity of nature.

This morning, take a scenic drive through Wayanad’s forested valleys to reach the Edakkal Caves. A short, steady walk brings you to these remarkable rock formations, where carvings dating back over 6,000 years tell stories of ancient civilisations. The surrounding views of rolling hills and patchwork plantations are just as memorable. Return to your retreat for a leisurely afternoon, perhaps enjoying a swim beneath the shade of forest trees or a quiet read in your treehouse-style accommodation. As night falls, savour dinner under a canopy of stars, accompanied by the symphony of the jungle.

This morning, transfer to the jetty to board your elegant private houseboat for a leisurely cruise along the serene Neeleshwar backwaters. Settle into spacious decks and wood-lined cabins as your crew and onboard chef extend a warm welcome. Glide past coconut groves, village shrines, and paddy fields set below sea level, watching river life unfold at an unhurried pace.

After a freshly prepared lunch, drift towards the colourful Snake Temple, often heralded by bright fishing boats clustered at the bank. As afternoon light softens, enjoy tea and local snacks on deck, before mooring at a tranquil stretch for sunset. Dinner is served under the stars, with gentle breezes and the rustle of palms as your soundtrack.

Wake to birdsong and mist over the canals. After breakfast, continue your cruise past the photogenic homes of Valiyaparamba, a narrow ribbon of land between backwaters and sea. Step ashore for a gentle stroll on Monkey Island, where shady paths lead to a small wayside shrine, before returning to the boat for a relaxed lunch as palms slip by.

By mid-afternoon, disembark and take a short, comfortable drive to your coastal retreat on the Malabar Coast. The rest of the day is at leisure: unwind by the infinity pool, listen for dolphins offshore, or wander the quiet beach at sunset.

Ease into coastal life on the serene Malabar Coast. Wake to the sound of waves and unhurried mornings beneath swaying palms. Today is devoted to relaxation: stroll the quiet beach, linger by the infinity pool, and enjoy an Ayurvedic spa ritual tailored to restore balance after your backwater cruise and highland travels.

This morning, explore the local fishing villages with your guide. Watch boats return with the day’s catch, visit a small temple fragrant with jasmine, and learn how coir is spun from coconut husk. If you wish, continue to Bekal Fort for sweeping views over the Arabian Sea—its ramparts and shaded paths offer a gentle, photogenic wander.

Return to your retreat for a leisurely afternoon. As evening falls, enjoy tea on the beach while dolphins sometimes arc just offshore—simple, unforgettable Malabar moments.

A final full day to savour Kerala’s coastline at your own pace. Read beneath a palm, dip into the warm Arabian Sea, or enjoy another soothing Ayurvedic treatment. If you prefer a little gentle activity, a short sunset beach walk or a private yoga session can be arranged to close the day in perfect calm.

After breakfast, your private chauffeur will accompany you on a scenic drive from Bekal to Cochin. Sit back as the lush coconut groves, rivers, and coastal villages pass by your window, with rest stops and refreshments arranged along the way. Arriving in Cochin by late afternoon, settle into your luxury hotel for a final evening in Kerala.

As the sun begins to set, embark on a private harbour cruise around Cochin’s lagoons and islands. Watch the iconic Chinese fishing nets silhouette against the glowing sky, while the city’s colonial-era buildings glow softly in the fading light. This serene experience is the perfect curtain call to your Keralan adventure.

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer in comfort to Cochin International Airport for your return flight to NEW YORK. As you bid farewell to Kerala, you’ll carry with you vivid memories of tea-clad hills, ancient temples, fragrant spice markets, backwater cruises, and golden beaches—a journey through one of India’s most enchanting states that will stay with you forever.