South India: Slow Beauty in Kerala

Spend the night on a houseboat in Kerala’s backwaters, spot wildlife from a bamboo raft & embrace slow living with morning yoga

What's Included

Accommodation in twin rooms
Max 14 travelers per group
Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
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

Flashpackers are required to produce proof of COVID-19 vaccination 30 days before departure OR proof of a negative test within 72 hours of their adventure starting. Flashpackers must also 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 morning yoga sessions 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, bison and langurs, be it on foot or from the vantage point of a bamboo river raft. 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?

Our Favorite Hotels

Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.

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.

Fragrant Nature, Munnar

With mountain vistas all around, you’ll be fully immersed in the landscape at this tranquil five-star hill retreat. The elegant rooms have fireplaces to keep you cozy and the state-of-the-art spa is known for its rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments.

Travancore Heritage

Perched on a cliff overlooking one of Kerala’s best beaches, this is a view you won’t forget in a hurry. Kick back in a hammock between swaying palms, find a quiet spot in the lush 15-acre gardens or wander barefoot along the pristine sand.

Important Notes

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.

Do you include airport transfers?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

A departure transfer is not included, but taxis to the airport are good value, especially if you split the cost with others in your group. Your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.

Are tips included?

Tips are not included in this adventure. Your Pack Leader can advise on suitable amounts to tip local activity guides or services where appropriate, and we will provide a suggested tipping budget closer to your departure date. Please note that all tipping is optional and will depend on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

You will need a visa to enter India. Please check with your local consulate/embassy or India’s government website to see if you are eligible to apply for an e-visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

In the section that asks for a reference, please use the following details:

Reference name: Creative Travel Private Limited (Mr. Dimple Singh)
Address: 283, Udyog Vihasr, Phase 2, Gurugram- 122016, Haryana, India
Phone number: +911244567777

You will need to have six months’ validity remaining on your passport as a minimum requirement and you must be able to show a return ticket.

What are the current Covid entry requirements?

Due to the changeable nature of Covid-19 entry requirements, we strongly advise Flashpackers to consult the travel advice issued by your local consular services well in advance of your departure date. Links to the key consular services can be found on our Safety page.

What other vaccinations and medication will I need?

We recommend checking with your local travel clinic six to eight weeks before your trip to see if any medications or vaccinations are required.

What level of fitness do I need for this trip?

A moderate level of fitness is fine. There are no difficult hikes on this adventure.

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.

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