Compare Family Adventure in Kerala by Original Travel vs Bike, Hike & Kayak South India by World Expeditions

Day 1: Bombay Bound

Sadly there are no direct flights to Kerala, but several airlines offer slick connections. When travelling with children we think it's best not to connect in the middle of the night so we'd suggest an overnight flight to Mumbai. These tend to leave in the late evening and take around nine hours.

Day 2: Fly to Coachin

Accommodation: Malabar House or Brunton Boatyard

You will arrive into Mumbai in late morning where you will connect onwards to your flight to Cochin - your bags will be checked straight through. This flight takes two hours and you will arrive into the Keralan capital at tea time. Your family will be met after baggage reclaims for the hour and a half transfer to Cochin itself. The children will catch a glimpse of the lush waterways for which Kerala is famous, before arriving into the attractive city of Cochin. We work with a couple of charming boutique hotels, both of which are located along the waterfront of the entrance into Cochin's navigable Vembanad Lake, and near the iconic Chinese fishing nets. There should be just enough daylight to enjoy a quick stretch of the legs walk along the waterfront to get your bearings before you enjoy a welcome dinner and well-earned early night.

Day 3: Cochin on Two Wheels

Accommodation: Malabar House or Brunton Boatyard

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, the family will have a morning bicycle ride around the charming Fort Cochin and Mattancherry parts of the city. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and first of all you cycle past the Chinese fishing nets, open air laundries and temples, churches and mosques that stand as a reminder of the city's multi-ethnic history. Your guide will regale you with the colourful history of the city as a major spice trading port that has, over the last 500 years, been colonised by the Portuguese, Dutch and Brits, all of whom have left their mark on the city. By now you'll have worked up an appetite so it's time for lunch; we can recommend the best places to eat, drink and shop (the Jewish Quarter is perfect for this) in the city so you can choose somewhere family-friendly for lunch. This afternoon you can indulge in a spot of shopping or simply relax by the pool at your hotel.

Day 4: Day at Leisure in Cochin

Accommodation: Malabar House or Brunton Boatyard

We recommend another day at leisure in Cochin. The children can relax or swim in the pool, and the parents might find the time to sign up for an indulgent ayurvedic massage in the spiritual home of the technique. Come evening, we have arranged a sunset boat trip so you and the children can see the city from the water, and - hopefully - catch sight of some of the dolphins and porpoises that call these waters home. Then return to the dock and have a supper somewhere in the city.

Day 5: Lake Life - Day 1

Accommodation:  Purity, luxury hotel in India or Philipkutty’s Farm

After breakfast at the hotel it's time to bid farewell to Cochin and head south to Vembanad Lake proper, and a stay in one of our recommended properties right on the water. The pace of life on the lake is deliciously slow, and you and the children can enjoy some proper R&R here, but there are plenty of tempting activities on offer as well.

As the area is so flat, this makes for excellent bicycling territory again, but we can also pre-arrange cooking classes where you and the children can learn about the region's spices and cook with superbly fresh local ingredients (and moderate heat levels, obviously!) or introduce the youngsters - who are presumably already enviably flexible - to the wonders of yoga. Then there's fishing, boating, kayaking and even bird watching, where the children can learn about the local species such as kingfishers and egrets, and try to spot them in action. Come evening, and dependent on weather conditions, you might also see hundreds of fireflies creating a magical nocturnal light show.

Day 6: Lake Life - Day 2

Accommodation: Purity, luxury hotel in India or Philipkutty’s Farm

Another day to appreciate the slow life, and this morning we have arranged for you and the children to experience an ancient skill on Vembanad Lake. You will be taken on a private boat to the middle of the lake with a guide where you will be joined by some local fisherman who will explain the local way to catch fish in the backwaters.

Watch as two fishermen with a reflective cloth wade through the water to frighten your quarry - the karimmen or pearl spot fish. When disturbed, the fish instinctively dive to the bottom of the lake and dip their heads in the sand, and as they do so two other fishermen will jump from the boat, swim to the bottom of the lake to catch the motionless pearl spot. Aside from seeing an ancient form of fishing in action, this is also a chance to appreciate a particular type of fishing boat that is now rarely used except for these displays. You can now take your catch of the day back to the lodge where the culinary team can create a mild version of a classic Keralan fish curry. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon relaxing or exploring before your last night on the lakeside.

Additional Activities: Private Walking Tour of Alleppey

Day 7: Back to the Backwaters

Accommodation: The Lotus Houseboat

After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to a local dock to board your luxurious converted "kettuvallam" (rice barge) for a day and night cruising the beautiful backwaters of Kerala.

The backwaters are a stunning ecosystem of canals, lakes and rivers that sustain thriving rice paddy fields and plantations of banana trees and other crops. The rice barge progresses at a very sedate pace, so the children can put their new found birdwatching skills to the test, and learn about local life as you pass working boatyards and watch villagers separating coir - the course fibres from coconut husks - and spinning it into one of the world's roughest threads, used to make mats, ropes and even fishing nets. Your on board chef will rustle up a delicious traditional meal and you can then retire to bed with the sound of water gently lapping against the hull of the boat.

Day 8: Which Way’s the Beach?

It's worth rising early again this morning to see the sunrise over the waterways because this is when the birdlife is at its best, and you can see local communities start their day, all while nursing a warming cup of tea, and furiously snapping away with your camera. This is prime Instabrag time, basically.

When you glide elegantly back into Alleppey, you will be met at the dock by your driver for the half hour drive to your next stop - a lovely coastal retreat set in 55 acres of gardens and coconut groves overlooking the beach. Kerala has hundreds of miles of wide sandy beaches but the waves and current mean they are not always suitable for swimming. The good news is that when this is the case the hotels have their own pools, and there's nothing to stop little ones enjoying the lovely fine sandy beaches and watching as fishermen launch their brightly coloured long boats through the waves. It's time to break out the bucket and spade and enjoy a few sun-drenched (hopefully) days by the ocean

Day 9-10: Beach Action

Spend two days enjoying the Keralan coast. This is another good opportunity for the children to learn about local life. Kerala has one of the highest literacy rates in the world and a very interesting and distinct culture of its own which the children can learn about.

Meet local fishermen on the beach as they empty their nets of the cay's catch; see a local festival if there's one on when you're there; visit a coir producing village to see the process up front and maybe buy some local coir-crafted handicrafts or wander around a local market so the children can marvel at the sights, sounds and smells. All of this is available, but the hotel also boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool, lovely gardens where guinea fowl roam (and the children can play cricket), tennis, badminton, beach volleyball and bicycles. There's also a lovely spa for mum and dad, yoga classes and evening demonstrations of Keralan musicianship and also "kalari" - a balletic martial art featuring shields and swords. The children can also learn how to wear a sari or dhoti - the traditional male garment much like a sarong.

Day 11: Home

It will be an early start this morning for the one hour and forty-five-minute private transfer from the hotel to Cochin Airport. Once there you can check your bags the whole way through to London before your two hour morning flight to Mumbai, where you will transit on to the onward flight to London, which takes nine and a half hours, arriving back in t the UK in the late afternoon.

Day 1 Join Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Upon arrival you will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the group hotel. The rest of the afternoon is spent at your leisure. This evening we head out for our first group meal, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight Chancery (MG Road) Hotel or similar.

meals : Array

Day 2 Drive to Mysore

After breakfast we drive to Mysore (approx. 3 hours), situated at the base of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is commonly described as the City of Palaces. Upon arrival we will have a sightseeing tour of the city including a visit to the ornately adorned Mysore Palace, one of the most famous in India, and the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. We also visit the Chamundi Hills where we can see two ancient temples and get a panoramic view of the city. Overnight Sandesh the Prince Hotel or similar.

meals : B

Day 3 Cycle to Bandipur and Mudumalai (55km)

You will start cycling a short distance away from the city to avoid traffic, to one of the best wildlife reserves in south India, Mudumalai National Park. The park is nestled away in the foothills of the Nilgiris (The Blue Mountains) and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Here, you can take a jeep safari deep into the midst of this dry deciduous forest, to observe herds of wild Asiatic Elephants, Leopards, Bison, Tigers, the elusive Sloth Bear and primates like the Langur, Bonnet Macaque and Slender Loris, all in their natural habitats. This reserve has achieved many a milestone in conservation efforts, which is evident from the growing number of tigers. Overnight: Bamboo Banks or similar. Cycle approx. 55km

meals : B,L

Day 4 Cycle to Ooty (33km)

This morning we negotiate the Kallatti Ghats toward the colonial town of Ooty. We drive up the Nigiris (literally blue mountains) to the old hill station of Ooty or Udagamandalam. Many ‘hair pin bends’ later you find yourself greeted with pleasantly cool weather at your destination situated at just over 2,200 metres. Cycling along these mountain roads you can find charming English style cottages blending into the landscape. These cottages with teak floors, art-deco armchairs, red-tiled roofs and chimneys also boast well kept gardens with a profusion of flowers that thrive here. The excellent botanical garden at Ooty which is over 160 years old is home to not only a great variety of exotic flora but also many birds. Overnight Accord Hotel or similar. Cycle approx 35km

meals : B,L

Day 5 Coonoor UNESCO heritage train, cycle to Mettupalayam (100km, mostly downhill)

This morning we board the historic Toy Train for a remarkable rail journey with spectacular vistas as we descend to the popular hill station of Coonoor. From here we take a scenic bike ride, mostly downhill (approx 40km) to Mettupalayam – a small town located at the foothills of the Nilgiris. You will leave this busy town behind, and travel on our vehicle to Pollachi (approx. 2.5 hours), near the city of Coimbatore. At Pollachi, you will spend the night at a beautiful resort set amidst a coconut grove. In the evening we will take a walk through the farm & the nearby village. Overnight Coco Lagoon or similar.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 Cycle (70km) to Munnar through tea plantations

One of the longer cycling days, today we hop on our bikes and head towards the tea town of Munnar. En-route we pass by the dry scrub land forests at Chinnar and the sandalwood forests at Marayur before the climb begins to Munnar, situated at a pleasantly cool 1500m in altitude. The mountain scenery we pass today is spectacular, and we have plenty of time to stop and enjoy the views. Overnight: Eastend Hotel or similar. Cycle approx 70km.

meals : B,L

Day 7 Day trek to Meesapulimala (15km)

Your rain forest trek at Munnar begins early, as you to have to ascend to a height of 2640 metres, where the peak of Meesapulimala is located. Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats and your rain forest trek at Munnar involves navigating through the high altitude cloud forests and grasslands to get to this peak. After a brief stop to feast your eyes on a brilliant view of forests and tea estates down in the valleys below, you will trek down to trail head and be transferred back to Munnar. Overnight Eastend Hotel or similar. Hike approx 18km.

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 Cycle the Cardamon Hills (30km), transfer to Periyar National Park

The Cardamom Hills are famed all over the globe as the spice centre of the world, and today we cycle through the shadow of these hills. We ride around Anaerangal Lake and along wonderful mountain roads to Nedungandom where we stop for lunch. We pass through thick forests, cardamom estates, and spice gardens that have given these Cardamom Hills their name. In the afternoon we drive to Periyar and check into our accommodation where we can relax or explore the jungle. Periyar is one of the best wildlife reserves in India. Here we have an opportunity to meet some of the local people and see their fascinating way of life. Overnight Forest Canopy Hotel or similar. Cycle approx 60km.

meals : B,L

Day 9 In Periyar

Early this morning we venture into the national park. Mannans are among the oldest indigenous group of people to inhabit Periyar. As late as the 1940’s, they lived in the remotest areas of the reserve seeking out a simple life, fishing in the lake and cultivating a few crops, today they are instrumental in the conservation of the forest. There is also the opportunity to do bamboo rafting for those that are feeling adventurous. In the afternoon we visit the Natural History Museum, and the cardamom and pepper plantations.

meals : B

Day 10 Cycle through Western Ghats to a spice farm (80km)

Another long day ahead of us and perhaps the best day of the trip. It is also the most challenging day of the week with undulations all through. The view is magnificent and we have spice plantations on either side. We would see the famous arch dam of Idukki on the way and just before we reach our destination for the night we cross the beautiful Kulamavu dam. The last bit is a tough climb and a worthwhile challenge. Overnight Greenberg Hotel or similar. Cycle approx 80km.

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 Cycle (55km) and transfer to Alappuzha (Allepey), kayak through Keralan Backwaters

Today, you will be taking a downhill ride through the mountain passes to the plains and from there through the rubber country of Palai to Alleppey, the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. Here, you will settle into a beautiful resort at Alleppey. Overnight Lake Canopy Hotel or similar. Cycling approx. 55km.

meals : B,L

Day 12 Backwaters cruise, overnight on houseboat

Today morning we are in for a different adventure, exploring the backwaters on Kerala on a Kayak. You will kayak through the narrow canal, a great opportunity to experience the village life that evolves around the backwaters. Before noon we will complete the kayaking and board Kerala’s most luxurious forms of accommodation and transport, the houseboat. Reclining on cushions and drifting through quiet canals, you will pass through paddy fields grazed by ducks, floating markets, local toddy shops, temples and churches. Overnight aboard houseboat.

meals : B,L,D

Day 13 Cycle to historic Fort Kochi

We end our journey at Fort Kochi with a fabulous beach side ride. After a chance to relax and freshen up we have lunch, and then spend the rest of the afternoon discovering a little of this amazing city. Its historic links can be seen in the Colonial Bungalows, an old Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, the oldest European Church in India and a medieval Portuguese Palace. The city was founded in 1341 following a flood which created a natural and safe harbour and quickly became the chief port on the Malabar Coast. From the 1400’s it attracted Jewish, Arab and Christian settlers from the Middle East as a result of the Royal Family’s move to the city from Muziris, 50 kms north. The Europeans began settling from 1500’s as the Portuguese, Dutch and English competed to control the port and the lucrative spice trade. The city has three distinctive regions – Ernakulam, the modern region to the East, and the older districts of Mattancherry and Fort Kochi located on a peninsula in the west. We are staying in the heart of the historic Fort Kochi, India’s Oldest Indo – European town. We will discover a little more off the rich cultural history of this place during our visits to museums and temples that dot the city and surrounding areas. In the evening we can enjoy traditional Keralan dances like kathakali and mohiniattam. Overnight Dutch Bungalow Hotel or similar. Cycle approx 60km.

meals : B

Day 14 In Kochi, trip concludes

Trip concludes after breakfast.

meals : B