Incredible Kerala
Cochin, Kerala: When we arrived in Cochin, we were met by our travel representative and transferred to the Old Harbour Hotel, a small colonial-style hotel brimming with charm. The following day, we went on a private tour of Cochin where we experienced the cultural and historic delights, of this beautiful city the highlights being the Mattancherry Palace, Kochi Fort, the buzzing markets of Ernakulam and the famed Chinese fishing nets.
Munnar, Kerala:
From Cochin, we had a four hour drive to the beautiful hill station of Munnar, where we spent the next two nights at Windermere Estate. Located just outside of Munnar in Kerala’s Western Ghats, Windermere Estate is a wonderful plantation retreat offering stunning scenery and superb hospitality.
Thekkady and Periyar National Park, Kerala:
Leaving one rural haven for another, we were driven for approximately four hours to Paradisa Plantation Retreat, a heavenly and secluded hill retreat occupying terraces carved into Kerala’s Cardamom Hills. The next day we were free to do our own thing where we just chilled out by the swimming pool which was a fantastic spot to pause for a while, recharge the batteries and take in the stunning views.
Backwaters, Kerala: On the morning of day seven, we were driven three hours to Alleppey to board a private houseboat. This was without doubt the highlight of the trip. We spent that day and overnight on the houseboat gently exploring Kerala’s magical maze of backwaters. We just sat out on your deck and watched the world go by and enjoy some delicious Keralan cuisine. On the morning of day eight, it is for time for a different backwater experience as we were transferred to Purity, a boutique retreat hidden amongst the coconut groves that lined the water’s edge. We spent the next two days lounging by Purity’s large outdoor swimming pool, enjoying treatments at their Ayurvedic Spa, and enjoying beautiful meals by the lakeside.
Marari, Kerala:
Stay at A Beach Symphony for 4 nights (A beach boutique stay with typical Keralan cottages with large verandas and your own private garden.)
The final stop on this escape were the tranquil shores of Marari Beach, approximately a 30-minute drive from Purity. We spent the next four nights at A Beach Symphony. The property had a large swimming pool, and a wide stretch of deserted sandy beach mere steps away. Although an ideal place for doing nothing, we had the option of taking bicycles or a Tuk Tuk to explore the surrounding area. With attentive personalised service, A Beach Symphony was the perfect place to end a this truly beautiful holiday.
Kerala will be with me forever, without doubt one of the most beautiful places with beautiful people that I have ever visited .