An adventure packed with warm hospitality that allows you to experience the real Kerala

Embark on a captivating journey through Kerala, where vibrant culture meets stunning landscapes. Experience the charm of Fort Cochin with its rich history, explore the lush plantations of rural Kerala, and unwind on a serene houseboat cruise through the enchanting backwaters. Conclude your adventure with blissful days on the pristine beaches of Marari, immersing yourself in the local traditions and breathtaking scenery along the way.

2 Nights Cochin – 2 Nights Plantation Country – 3 Nights Backwaters – 3 Nights Marari

A team of real experts, brilliant at designing bespoke holidays.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your India holiday today.

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"My passion for travel ignited while backpacking through, leading to adventures across Asia and beyond—from Borneo to India. "
Hannah, Travel Consultant
large fishing nets silhouetted against an orange sky as the sun sets, suspended over the water on wooden structures along the Cochin shoreline in india

Exploring Cochin

Wander through the charming streets of Fort Cochin, visiting historic sites like St Francis Church and the Chinese fishing nets, immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture.

a close up of a persons face painted black with patterns on painted in white, red and yellow and they were a red head piece of a Kathakali dancer in india

Traditional Kathakali performance

Experience the captivating art of Kathakali dance, a traditional Kerala performance that combines intricate storytelling, expressive movements, and vibrant costumes.

a close up of a tree with a small bowl tied around it and inside a white liquid and just above is a small bit of latex slightly pointed collecting the white liquid in india

Plantation adventures

Discover the lush landscape of Mundackal Plantation with activities such as rubber tapping, guided hikes, and cooking classes that showcase the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

two houseboats floating along a river with palm trees in india

A houseboat cruise in backwaters

Sail through the serene backwaters of Kerala on a private houseboat, enjoying the picturesque scenery and local life while indulging in the peaceful surroundings.

a fishing boat in india is on a piece of sand and it has green and yellow stripes painted around it and the the right of the boat the sand changes into grass and behind there is a stretch of palm trees against a clear blue sky

Relaxing at Marari Beach

Unwind on the pristine sands of Marari Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and the laid-back atmosphere of this idyllic coastal paradise.

I cannot thank Sundowner enough for all their help, assistance and knowledge when we were booking this trip. We are actively recommending them to all our like-minded travel friends, and we will speak again when we are ready for our next adventure.

Mrs T Haines, Borneo and India

Well Susan and I are back from a wonderful trip. At the end of each day we asked whether the next day would be as incredible and it was, Day after day of sublime experience!

Paul Stolvold, India

The best possible mix of a real holiday with a true learning experience. We loved the sights, sounds and colours of Rajasthan. Thank you to James for listening so well to what we wanted and managing to fit our requirements into one holiday.

Lorraine Gunn, India

Brilliant organisation. Fantastic guides and drivers. The guides were brilliant – charming and very knowledgeable. The drivers amazed us with their ability to get around the Indian roads with such calm ease. You have the most impressive team working for you in India, and our trip was seamless. Thank you.

Sandra Spearpoint, India

I was recommended Sundowners and they did not disappoint. They were genuinely interested in making our recent trip to India as special as it could be. From their office in Shoreham to their representative/driver/accommodation hosts in Kerala everything was amazing. THANK YOU SUNDOWNERS we would not hesitate to recommend you.

Carol Woodman, India
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Tour itinerary

Days 1 - 3:

Fort Cochin: History, culture & Kathakali nights

Fly overnight from the UK to Cochin (via Dubai).

You will arrive on day 2 and be met by your private driver who will then take you to Francis Residence for 2 nights with breakfast included, a welcoming homestay within walking distance of the key sights in Cochin.

Spend the whole of day 3 exploring Fort Cochin with a local guide: highlights include St Francis Church, the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue and the iconic Chinese fishing nets. In the evening, enjoy a colourful Kathakali dance performance before dinner.

A white colonial-era building with arched windows and a gabled roof, framed by palm trees under a clear blue sky in cochin in india with a brass cross on top of the roof
Days 4 - 5:

Into the hills: Plantation life & warm welcomes

Head inland to plantation country this morning, where you will arrive for 2 nights at Mundackal Plantation Homestay on a full-board basis. Set atop a hill and on a 100-acre rubber, coconut and pepper estate, this peaceful retreat is hosted by the wonderful Jose and Daisy.

Day 5 is yours to spend at leisure. Join a plantation walk, help with rubber tapping, take a cooking class or visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and keep your eyes peeled for a range of birdlife!

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

Mundackal Plantation Homestay in india a grey two story building with a pointed roof with orange tiles and halfway down the building another pointed roof in orange tiles juts out over a patio set in green gardens
Days 6 - 8:

Backwaters bliss: Houseboat calm & lakeside charm

Today you’ll travel south to the Keralan backwaters. Board your private houseboat for 1 night on a full-board basis, and start with an introduction to your crew. Then settle in for this wonderful way to explore the backwaters! Cruise past coconut groves and village life from your shady deck, and enjoy a magical sunset this evening.

The next morning, you’ll disembark and head to Coconut Lagoon for 2 nights with breakfast included. This charming lakeside retreat offers restored heritage cottages, canals, and a butterfly garden.

Day 8 is free at leisure. Kayak, cycle, get a massage. Or simply float in the pool with views of Vembanad Lake. Make sure you grab a tea from the floating tea shop too!

on the banks of a river with high water level a white house with brown windows and a rood with orange tiles sits and a long boat is parked in front, and the tree is partially hidden by palm trees
Days 9 - 12:

Marari Beach: Hammocks, palms & the warm sea

Today you will be met and transferred to Marari Beach, where you will finish your journey with 3 nights at Flamingo Marari with breakfast included. Close to the beach, this peaceful retreat is ideal for hammock days, long walks, swimming in the sea and slow, simple living.

You will then have 2 days at leisure for some down time and to relax.

On Day 12, you’ll be transferred to Cochin Airport for your return flight to the UK (via Dubai).

Want more time on the coast? Just ask—we can add extra nights with ease.

Golden sands, palm trees and ubiquitous house crows on popular marari beach
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Call 01273 923100 to start planning your India Holiday today.

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