India: Kerala Family Adventure

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Kochi (Cochin) via Abu Dhabi with Etihad. (N)

Arrive in Kochi. Your home for the next 3 nights is the Beach Gate Bungalows (bungalow). Each bungalow has three bedrooms, a dining room overlooking its own private pool and a fully equipped kitchen. Just a stroll away from the beach, the bungalows can also be catered by your own private chef. Alternatively eat in one of the many local restaurants. Remainder of the day at leisure. (N)

There is no better way to explore Fort Kochi’s unique colonial past than by taking a tuk tuk ride along its cobblestone streets. Endless rows of shops sell anything from lamps to fragrant spices and intricate lacework. Uncover a bygone era of basilicas, visit local children in a school and the spell-binding Jewish synagogue, built in 1568. Visit Sarah Cohen in Jew Town who, at the age of 93, is a fascinating source of information on Kochi, welcoming visitors into her little home-turned-embroidery store. See how the local lacework is made and help bring in the catch of the day from the Chinese fishing nets. (N)

Visit Kumbalanghi, an eco-tourism village engaged in agriculture and fishing. Here you can take part in a variety of interactive activities, from catching crabs to watching coconut leaf weaving, coir yarn making, pottery and tree climbing to harvest coconuts before enjoying a traditional lunch. This evening visit a Kathakali dance studio to watch the performers applying their colourful make-up and costumes before enjoying a mesmerising dance performance. (L)

Drive to Athirapally (2 hours), located on the fringes of the Sholayar forest range and known for the scenic Athirapally waterfalls. Stay in the boutique Rainforest Lodge (cottage) for 2 nights. Rest of the day at leisure to relax by the pool or to take a stroll in the lush greenery that surrounds the lodge. (D)

Take a picnic hamper and walk to the base of the mighty Athirapally waterfalls, Kerala’s answer to Niagara Falls. Optional afternoon guided trek in the surrounding pristine rainforest. There are over a thousand species of wildlife, ranging from gaurs, Malabar giant squirrels, sambar deer, Indian leopards, elephants and lion-tailed macaques. (B, L, D)

Drive to Wayanad (6 hours), which boasts some of India’s most picturesque landscapes, and spend 2 nights at the new CGH Earth property, Wayanad Wild (cottage), surrounded by the sounds of the forest, misty mountains and magical rock formations. Designed to be family friendly, activities include zip lining, hiking, bamboo rafting, cycling and tours of the local tea factory. For pure relaxation, a swimming pool and numerous indoor games ensure fun for all. (B, L, D)

Morning visit to the Edakkal cave where prehistoric relief carvings of figures and symbols have been an endless source of excitement for historians, anthropologists and tourists since they were discovered in the 19th century. Getting to the caves takes a bit of effort but these rare petroglyphs are well worth it. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L, D)

Morning at leisure before driving to Nagarhole National Park (2 hours) for a 2-night stay at the Evolve Back Kabini (hut), situated next to the Kabini river. (B, L, D)

Morning and afternoon wildlife drives in the Nagarhole National Park. This jungle is home to leopards, gaurs, antelopes, crocodiles, tigers, cobras, pythons and herds of elephant, among other animals. (B, L, D)

Drive to Kasargod (5 hours), characterised by coconut palms, rolling hills, forts, beaches and backwaters. Stay 3 nights at Neeleshwar Hermitage (Garden View Cottage) located on the pristine shores of the Arabian sea where you can while away your time by relaxing in a hammock, spotting dolphins from the infinity pool or trying your hand at a spot of yoga or cooking Keralan cuisine. (B)

Days at leisure. (B)

Explore northern Kerala’s palm-fringed tropical backwaters in ultimate comfort aboard a spacious traditional rice boat. Glide through languid palm-fringed canals where laughing school children wave, cattle graze, longboats are laden with coir and cashew, and fishermen call from paddle boats to sell their catch. Forays on shore provide the opportunity to walk through rarely visited villages, discover hidden temples and magical shrines. (B, L, D)

Disembark your houseboat and continue your journey south to Kozhikode (3 hours) for your return flight home with Etihad via Abu Dhabi. (B)