Highlights
Cruise the Backwaters - Meander through Kerala's tropical backwaters and sleep overnight on a premium houseboat Jungles and Plantations - Stay in a premium eco-resort nestled in the forest and explore tea and coffee plantations Malabar Coast - Discover historical sea ports, sample fresh and tasty local cuisine and relax on palm-fringed beaches Upgraded Range - Immerse yourself in South India's unique culture and beautiful scenery whilst staying in our hand-picked selection of Premium hotels and lodges
Itinerary
From tranquil backwaters to palm-lined beaches, the Upgraded - South India: Kerala to Goa tour delivers a vibrant 12-day escape along the Malabar Coast. Perfect for those who savor cultural immersion and natural beauty at an easy pace, this city sightseeing trip flows from Kochi’s bustling harbors to the Portuguese-influenced streets of Goa, with stops in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and more.
Cruise Kerala’s lush waterways aboard a premium houseboat, savoring the peace of tropical scenery by day and the comfort of elegant accommodations by night. Venture into jungles and plantations, where you’ll stay in an eco-resort, search for elephants and tigers on a guided game drive, and wander through tea and coffee estates. Sample authentic regional cuisine, explore historic sea ports, and unwind on sun-drenched beaches as each day brings a new facet of South India’s charm.
Designed for experienced travelers who appreciate a balance of relaxation and discovery, this tour package features upgraded hotels and lodges, ensuring each night is as memorable as the day’s adventures. The thoughtfully curated itinerary offers a taste of South India’s rich culture, local flavors, and diverse landscapes.
A signature feature of this journey is the overnight houseboat stay on Kerala’s backwaters—a true highlight for lovers of unique travel experiences. For those seeking a tour that blends comfort, culture, and scenery, this South India getaway is a feast for the senses.
day 1Join trip in Kochi (Cochin)
Our trip starts in Kochi, located on India's Malabar Coast in Kerala. Previously known as Cochin, it's been a port since 1341, when it was used by Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Built across several islands with criss-crossing bridges, the city has an old-world feel and a vibrant food scene. There are no planned activities today, so you're free to arrive at any time. Our tour leader will hold a welcome meeting in the hotel reception at 5pm and there'll be the chance to go for dinner afterwards. If you arrive later, they'll catch you up in the morning. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Kochi Airport (COK), which is around a one hour drive from our hotel. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made pre-tour accommodation arrangements through us, regardless of your arrival day.
day 2Full day exploring Kochi including Dutch Palace and Chinese fishing nets. Evening Kathakali performance and traditional dinner.
day 3Cruise through Kerala’s tropical backwaters and sleep aboard a premium houseboat
day 4Free day in the backwaters; optional walk to local villages or a cookery class
day 5Morning express train to Kozhikode (Calicut), afternoon tour of the historic port and markets
day 6Drive into the Western Ghats to Wayanad. Relax in your eco-lodge
day 7Sip chai and walk amongst the tea plantations of Wayanad. Optional night jungle walk
day 8Continue through the Western Ghats to the coffee heartlands of Coorg and visit the Tibetan Monastery
day 9Sample locally-roasted coffee on a working plantation before driving to the coastal city of Mangalore
day 10Catch the morning train to Goa, free afternoon on the pristine white-sand beaches of the Arabian Sea
day 11Free day at the beach. Optional heritage walk through Panjim or day trip to Dhudsagar Falls
day 12Trip ends in Goa
What's Included
Customer Reviews
This is an ideal tour to people who want to see India. While the accommodation was a good 4/5* level, you also got to see the real India during the tour. FromOld Town Kochi to modern country hotels in the wilderness, a great experience with a knowledgeable guide. Process from booking to arrival at the end of the tour was faultless
This is an amazing trip. Reggie our tour leader was an absolute legend. instantly likeable, he was charismatic and very knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble. The standard of accommodation was excellent to the point that I would have liked to have stayed a bit longer at the Gokulam Grand and the Coorg Wilderness hotels. One night was not long enough!!
Shevin was an excellent leader. He was knowledgeable, kind and good humoured. The accommodation was excellent except for the Hotel Casino. I especially loved Wayanad Wild and Coorg Wilderness. Altogether a lovely trip.
The trip met expectations and most of the hotels were of an excellent standard. I agree with some other reviewers who have said that the itinerary could be tweaked in order to allow more time at the two outstanding hotels, for example, by changing the overnight boat trip to a day trip. Highlights of the holiday were the time spent in the mountains: at Wayanad and Coorg, also the visits to the tea and coffee plantations. I would have liked more time in Coorg, particularly. The visit to the Tibetan Buddhist monastery and temples was definitely worthwhile. The food on the trip was another of the highlights for me.
Another good trip with generally excellent accommodation, apart from the first hotel in Cochin which was in need of a refresh and was a bit isolated. It would have been nice to have more time at the best hotels to make more of their facilities. I enjoyed the backwater cruise, the range of food, the highland landscape (and cooler temperatures), the coffee plantation and seeing the Indian railways in action. I would recommend a warm top for the train rides, as the air-con can be a bit variable, plus remember a suitable bag for the two times when you will be without your suitcase for a night. Most places will take a credit card, but some Rupees are useful for local taxis and tips when not doing the included activities.
Monthly Price Comparison
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