A place like no other, step away from the hustle and bustle of India and take yourself to a tranquil State boasting an intricate coastline of the Lakshadweep Sea and further inland lagoons and rivers of the Western Ghats.
Kerala is fondly known as the jewel of India and a firm favourite amongst our solo travellers, owing to its sheer natural beauty and a haven to escape the norms of day-to-day life. Its architectural designs and ancient structures hold a deep mythology whilst the setting, surrounded by palm trees, luscious greenery, quiet waters and captivating wildlife besiege you in tranquillity.
The best way to be captivated by Kerala is by houseboat, as you pass through one of its many intricate winding backwaters, exploring authentic fishing villages and habitual life on the waters edge.
Kerala is every food-lover's paradise. Kerala cuisine known for its rich and generous use of coconut and rice offers a multitude of dishes for your taste buds to explore, from fish curries to vegetarian dishes, they are bursting with flavour and not to be missed.
Day 1: Departure from London
You'll depart from London Gatwick Airport on an overnight flight to Cochin, India.
Day 2: Arrival Cochin Airport – Fort Kochi (40 kms / 1½ hrs)
Upon arrival at Cochin Airport, our representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to Fort Kochi, a journey of approximately 1½ hours (40 km). Once you arrive, you'll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax or explore at your leisure. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to witness a captivating Kathakali Dance performance at a local theatre. Kathakali, a traditional Indian dance form, vividly depicts stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata through elaborate costumes and expressive movements. You will spend the night at your hotel in Fort Kochi.
- Dinner Included
DAY 3: Cochin
Sightseeing After a relaxed breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Cochin. Visit the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, and the historic St. Francis Church. This church, built in 1510, holds historical significance as the first European church in India. Dinner at the hotel.
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 4: Cochin – Munnar (130 kms / 04 hrs)
Following breakfast, drive to Munnar, renowned for its tea estates and scenic beauty. Perched at an elevation of 1,600 meters, Munnar served as the summer retreat for the British government. Check in at your resort and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the picturesque surroundings.
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 5 – Munnar
Sightseeing Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a sightseeing tour. Explore the Eravikulam National Park, home to the local ibex, Nilgiri Tahr (subject to opening & likely closure in FEB & MAR). Visit the Tata Tea Museum and indulge in local market visits. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 6 – Munnar - Thekkady / Periyar (100 kms / 03 hrs)
After breakfast, depart for Periyar / Thekkady. On route, visit a spice plantation for a sensory experience. Enjoy a walk through the plantation, discovering a variety of spices like pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, and curry leaves. Check in at your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 7 – Thekkady / Periyar
Begin your day with an early morning boat ride at Lake Periyar, offering wildlife sightings in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The boat trip provides a unique perspective of the sanctuary surrounded by dense forests. After breakfast, explore the resort facilities or take a stroll in the market area at your leisure.
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 8 – Thekkady – Alappuzha (135 kms / 04 hrs)
Following breakfast, proceed to Alappuzha, renowned for its mesmerizing backwaters. Experience an overnight stay aboard a traditional "Kettuvallam" (Houseboat) gliding through the enchanting backwaters. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this watery universe, surrounded by lush greens, coir-laden houseboats, and the magical beauty of Kerala. Indulge in traditional Kerala cuisine served on board.
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 9 – Alappuzha – Marari (22 kms / 40 minutes)
After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Marari Beach, a serene destination located about 40 minutes away. Check in at the beach resort and spend the day at leisure, either relaxing on the beach or exploring the local area.
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 10 - Free day at Marari Beach Enjoy a leisurely day, taking advantage of the resort facilities or exploring the local surroundings.
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 11 - Free day at Marari Beach Savour another day at your own pace, making the most of the resort amenities or exploring the nearby attractions.
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 12 – Farewell to Kerala
As the journey concludes, it's time to bid adieu to the enchanting landscapes of Kerala and embark on your return journey to the UK. Following breakfast, a seamless 90-minute transfer awaits to take you to Cochin airport, ensuring a comfortable and timely arrival for your homeward flight. Cherish the memories of Kerala's beauty and hospitality as you make your way back home.
- Breakfast Included
Accommodation
Stay at 4 Star Hotels throughout the tour as detailed below or similar.
- Cochin - Abad Atrium
- Munnar - AmberDale
- Thekkady - Abad Green Forest
- Alleppey - Deluxe Houseboat
- Marari - Abad Turtle Beach
What is included in the tour
- Stay at 4* Hotels throughout the tour and 3 nights at 4* Abad Turtle Beach Resort, Marari
- Your own single-occupancy en-suite room
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner
- Flights from London Gatwick
- All Taxes & Surcharges
- 20 kg Baggage allowance and 5 kg hand baggage.
- All transfers
- Coordinated sightseeing and activities as per Itinerary
- Cochin tour, Spice gardens visit and drive through tea plantations, Kathakali show, Houseboat Stay at Backwaters and Elephant ride
- Entrance fees to the sites as per itinerary
- Services of a GoSingles Guide on the tour
- Welcome get together
- Meet other single, like-minded travellers who wish to socialise and make new friends
Price and itinerary may be subject to change
Flight Timings -
Outbound - London Gatwick 20:30 - Kochi, Kerala 12:00 (next day) Air India
Inbound - Kochi, Kerala 13:30 - London Gatwick 18:30 Air India
Price excludes: Indian visa
British passport holders must obtain the holiday e-visa in advance at least 72 hours prior and not more than 30 days in advance of your departure.
The cost for Indian Tourist Visa for 1 month is US$27.50 (approx. - £25) plus embassy service fee. You can purchase from the India Government website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html failure to comply with entry requirements will result in travel being denied or entry refused.
Kochi
Kochi, formally known as Cochin, is a major port city set on a magnificent estuary, which has been drawing traders, travellers and explorers to its shores for over 600 years. It’s mesmerising ambiance is thanks to its eclectic mix of giant Chinese fishing nets, ancient mosques, a 450-year-old synagogue, Portuguese and Dutch-era houses and the decaying relics of the British Raj.
Ayurveda massage
No trip to India would be complete without a Hindu Ayurveda treatment, promising to rejuvenate your body and mind, using traditional methods and plant-based oils. Couple this with a session of Yoga on one of the many soothing beaches or meditate with new-found friends to ease the stresses of everyday life.
Traditional backwaters Houseboat
Submerge yourself in Kerala by hopping a-board a houseboat! Sit down, drink in hand, and let the boat take you away as you float through the complex backwater system coupled with striking landscapes and tropical life on the waters edge. Fully equipped with modern facilities you’ll be in the lap of comfort, take on the views from the deck or from your vey own balcony, whilst Keralan life passes you by. Your nights will be lit up with traditional oil lamps, whilst you’re served traditional Keralan cuisine, whilst you take on no worries but to sit back and while away the evening over a sweet palm wine.
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Catch a rare glimpse of some of the world’s most exotic animals! Periyar Tiger Reserve is home to tigers and a significant elephant population, as well as rare lion-tailed macaques, leopards, Indian bison and sambar deer. Whilst exploring, be captivated by the reserves rare and diverse flora and fauna – a place like no other!
Beach extension Marari
Enjoy an even slower place to Kerala with a 3-night stay at Marari Beach, a luxury 5-star hotel, located on the sandy shores of Alleppey. Enjoy freshly caught seafood, delicious cocktails and you while away the hours under one of its many swaying palms. The beach extension at Marari Beach offers you the perfect respite for those singletons looking to rest and rejuvenate.
