A combination of the fascinating culture & history of southern India with the idyllic islands of the Indian Ocean

This romantic journey begins in the vibrant streets of Cochin, where you’ll explore historical sites, enjoy a captivating Kathakali dance performance, and unwind in a boutique hotel. Immerse yourself in Kerala’s lush plantation country, cruise the serene backwaters on a private houseboat, and savour local flavours at a charming homestay. Then, indulge in blissful relaxation on Makunudu Island, surrounded by pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs, where you can snorkel, dive, and enjoy sunset cruises. A perfect blend of culture and tranquility awaits!

2 Nights Cochin – 2 Nights Plantation Country – 3 Nights Backwaters – 7 Nights Maldives

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

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your India holiday today.

Lucy PM
"From remote safari camps in Africa to boutique stays in Asia and Latin America, I’m always drawn to holidays that feel immersive and deeply connected to the destination itself."
Lucy Mckenzie, Senior Travel Consultant
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

Exploring Fort Cochin

Wander through the charming streets of Fort Cochin, visiting historic sites like St Francis Church and the Jewish Synagogue.

bushes of green leaves in india in the forest and in the distance between the trees the tops of some blue roofs can be seen

Scenic plantation adventures

Experience the beauty of Kerala’s spice plantations with bullock cart rides and guided walks amidst fragrant landscapes.

an indian houseboat drifting along the river past palm trees, in kerala india

Private houseboat cruise

Relax on a romantic one-night houseboat cruise through the tranquil backwaters, soaking in the serene beauty of rural Kerala.

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

Cultural Kathakali dance performance

Enjoy a captivating traditional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing Kerala's rich artistic heritage and storytelling through vibrant costumes.

Makunudu Island in the maldives two wooden sun loungers in the shade of a tree that hangs over perfect white sand with a table inbtween them and looking out onto a beautiful calm sea

Serene Maldives retreat

Unwind on the stunning Makunudu Island, where you can snorkel, dive, and enjoy romantic sunsets on pristine sandy beaches.

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
Read more reviews on Trustpilot

Tour itinerary

Days 1 - 3:

Fly to Cochin – Discover Fort Cochin

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

On arrival on day 2, you’ll be met and transferred to Old Harbour Hotel for 2 nights with breakfast included – a boutique retreat in the heart of Fort Cochin with an inviting pool that is perfect to refresh in after your long journey.

On Day 3, explore the city with your expert guide, visiting St Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, and the famous Chinese fishing nets, before ending the day with a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

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
Days 4 & 5:

Into the hills – Kanam Estate

Drive inland today and head to Windermere Estate for 2 nights with breakfast included. Windermere Estate is an intimate plantation retreat with 18 handcrafted rooms, breath taking views, and a serene, nature-immersed pace where warm hospitality and locally inspired cuisine meet timeless charm.

You will then have the whole of day 5 to spend at your leisure. Enjoy guided walks, bullock cart rides, cycling, or a hands-on cooking class in this peaceful corner of Kerala.

A white two-story villa with terracotta roof nestled in lush greenery with mountains in the background. The property features a rectangular swimming pool on a manicured lawn, surrounded by wooden sun loungers. Large volcanic rocks and tropical plants frame the foreground, while mature trees border the estate. A bird flies in the clear blue sky above the misty mountain peaks
Days 6 - 8:

Cruising and unwinding in the Backwaters

Head to the tranquil Keralan backwaters this morning where you will board your private overnight houseboat cruise on a full-board basis. Sit out and relax on your deck for the perfect place to watch local life glide by.

After enjoying the sunrise on day 7, your journey continues on dry land as you head to spend 2 nights with breakfast included at Philip Kutty’s Farm, a charming island homestay.

Day 8 is yours to spend at leisure. Join cooking classes, take sunset canoe rides, explore village temples, or simply unwind.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

an indian houseboat with a bamboo shell along a river with palm trees in the background
Days 9 - 12:

Castaway in the Maldives

Fly from Cochin to Malé today, and on arrival you will take a 45 minute speedboat to Makunudu Island, your beach home for 7 nights on a full-board basis. With just 36 rustic-chic bungalows, and in a beautifully untouched area, this is truly a tropical paradise and a wonderful way to end your honeymoon.

With a great house reef, it’s ideal for snorkelling, diving, sunset sailing or simply doing absolutely nothing.

On Day 16, you’ll return by speedboat to Malé for your flight back to the UK (via Dubai).

a man and a woman stand on boards on crystal clear sea paddling and a large platform with a hut over the sea and it extends from a stretch of white sand that has trees on it
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Talk to us about your perfect trip to India

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your India Holiday today.

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