South India: Kerala

From misty tea plantations and remote backwater villages to idyllic Indian Ocean beaches; if you’ve been searching for serenity, you’ve just found it

Recommended dates

What's included

Accommodation in twin rooms
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Stay in handpicked 3-5 star hotels
Arrival airport transfer
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travelers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Nicknamed God’s Own Country; spend any amount of time in Kerala’s picturesque Eden and there’ll be no questioning where the name came from…

From misty tea plantation to remote backwater village, elephant-inhabited nature reserve to hippy-favored crescent beach; this 10-day adventure will see you discover serenity in India (yes, really) alongside a group of other peace-seeking adventurers.

You’ll take to Kerala’s famous backwaters aboard a boutique houseboat, complete with your own private chef, and kayak down a labyrinth of waterways to pass isolated villages. There’ll be time spent tea-picking with locals, mastering the art of Keralan cuisine at the home of a local family on their spice plantation and taking part in a morning yoga session as the sun burns through the dawn haze.

And all those lush landscapes mean wildlife abound here, too. You could find yourself face-to-face with wild elephants on a nature-walk in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. And to finish? A stint on Kovalam’s idyllic beaches – some of the best in India, so we’re told.

A slower paced adventure, but an adventure all the same. This is God’s Own Country. Would you like to come in?

Travelling in 2024? Take a look at our FAQs to understand how this itinerary (ever so slightly) differs from what you see here.

Day 1

The call of Kochi

Arrive in Kochi (COK)

Touch down in Kochi, a colourful port city that’s been attracting traders for over 600 years, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting for you at the airport
Explore the charming streets of Fort Kochi and get to know your group over sundowners and a welcome dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2

Sunrise city & Keralan cuisine

Catch an early ferry to the bustling district of Ernakulam; see the shops opening and office workers taking their morning exercise or buying breakfast as the city comes to life
Immerse yourself in the spicy world of authentic Indian curries with a bespoke cooking demonstration by Nimmy Paul, a renowned local chef
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a Kathakali performance, as you watch the dancers prepare their elaborate make-up and costumes before the show

Day 3

Kochi walking tour & emerald mountains

After a delicious South Indian breakfast, you’ll set off to explore some of the city’s famous sites including the oldest European church in India.
Travel to your next boutique hotel in the terraced tea hills of Munnar through misty emerald hills dotted with sparkling waterfalls

Day 4

Tea picking with a view

Take a gentle cycle ride to the picturesque Letchmi Tea Estate, soaking up the scenes of rural village life as you pass the homes of plantation workers and vibrantly coloured temples
Visit the Lockhart Estate and follow a trail to where the tea pickers are working
Be welcomed into the home of a local tea picker for a special tea tasting with your group

Day 5

Aromatic spices & ancient martial arts

Travel through spice-scented countryside to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one India’s best reserves, home to wild elephant, bison, antelope, langur and sambar
Spend your afternoon at a spice plantation in the Cardamom Hills, learning how typical spices like cinnamon, vanilla and cumin are grown, harvested and processed
Enjoy a ringside seat at a flamboyant Kalaripayattu performance, a martial art dating from the 12th century involving acrobatic rolls, jumps and dives

Day 6

Nature hikes & village crafts

Explore the diverse habitats of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a nature walk with an expert local guide; learning about the birds, butterflies and other exotic species
Stop off at the craft villages of Vaikom and try your hand at weaving coir ropes from dried coconut husks or straw mats out of wild pineapple leaves, before lunch in a local home
Continue to your lakeside resort in Kerala’s sleepy backwaters – a vast network of canals, rivers and waterways extending for hundreds of miles across the state

Day 7

Backwater kayaking & houseboat life

Embrace zen with an early morning yoga session before your backwater kayaking adventure, paddling past local villages alive with everyday bustle
In Alleppey your traditional houseboat awaits. Set off for a memorable sunset cruise before mooring up for a freshwater feast and a peaceful night on board

Day 8

Lazy beachside living

Soak up the morning tranquility of Vembanad Lake, and enjoy breakfast on board
Onwards to the sparkling coast. Settle into your beach resort in the quiet hamlet of Poovar on one of the most beautiful stretches of Keralan coast
Enjoy a free afternoon to relax and explore, perhaps taking a walk along the endless white crescents of sand backed by cascading palms

Day 9

Sunsoaked charms & candlelit feasts

Today is yours. Choose your own activities from boat rides and Ayurvedic treatments to relaxing at the resort’s on-site spa
Today you’ll also have the option for a day trip to picturesque Kanyakumari. For more information, please see a dedicated FAQ below
Tonight it’s a farewell candlelit dinner with a spread of fragrant curries and seafood dishes

Day 10

Goodbye, Kerala

Depart from Trivandrum (TRV)

Say goodbye to your new Flash Pack friends as you make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
Arrive home feeling rejuvenated and oh-so-zen from your peaceful Keralan adventure. You’ve slowed the pace and embraced a simpler way of life, taking a piece of calm back with you

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Blue Jelly houseboat

What better way to explore Kerala’s vast backwaters than aboard a houseboat. With a private crew to attend to your every need and prepare a fresh Keralan feast, you’ll be free to sit back with a cocktail and watch the world drift by.

Blanket Hotel and Spa, Munnar

Surrounded by atmospheric misty tea plantations and the stunning Attukad waterfalls; this is a hotel that invites you to unwind in natural beauty. Expect rooms with panoramic views, a rejuvenating spa, and an infinity pool that you’ll relish floating in. Serenity? You’ve found it.

Fragrant Nature, Kochi

A boutique abode featuring unbeatable harbor views; Fragrant Nature couldn’t be better placed for Kochi’s most famous landmarks (yep, all walking distance). Add to this a gorgeous rooftop pool and spa and you’ve got the ideal daily retreat.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly into? Plus airport code

Fly into Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi. You’ll need to secure an open-jaw ticket as you’ll be departing from a different airport.

Which airport do I need to depart from? Plus airport code

Depart from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV).

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Before 2pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 7 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 60 minutes away from the airport.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is approximately 45 minutes away from the hotel. Your Pack Leader can help you book transfers the night before if needed.

Do you include airport transfers?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are typically not included due to travelers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 7.5 USD per day
Drivers: 7 USD per day
Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty (approximately 60 USD) at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

What is the optional day trip to Kanyakumari on day nine?

An excursion lasting around six hours; you’ll be taken to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, also known as Cape Comorin, Kumari and Kumari Munai – a beautiful rocky mainland on the southernmost tip of the Indian Subcontinent. One of the only places on earth where you can see the sun rise and set from the ocean; it’s an area that also boasts some unique sites. With your free time to explore, you’ll be encouraged to visit the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, where an urn of the Mahatma’s ashes resides and whose roof offers panoramic views of the ocean. There’s also Padmanabhapuram Palace, a magnificent 16th century wooden palace that’s bursting with indigenous architecture, ancient murals and secret underground passages. A fascinating, historic area of astounding natural beauty; Kanyakumari is well worth a visit.

What level of fitness do I need for this trip?

This is one of our more balanced adventures that should be comfortable for most fitness levels. However, there are some activities that may be strenuous for some, such as cycling, kayaking, yoga and an 11km hike through Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on forest terrain.

We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

This adventure is part of Flash Pack's 'Balanced' range. So how does it differ?

Think classic Flash Pack – but at a more relaxed pace and with a more affordable price tag. Here’s what to expect from each trip style, in a nutshell:

Classic: Active and fast-paced with internal flights, excursions and most meals included.

Balanced: More affordable, slower-paced itineraries with added free time, minimal physical challenge and no internal flights. There’ll be fewer excursions and meals out, but no compromise on quality.

No matter the style, our adventures are always friendship-focussed, full of immersive activities, led by the world’s best local guides and guarantee handpicked three-to-four-star accommodation.

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