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Discovering Kerala - Revealing the Treasures of Southern India

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  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • What's Included
  • FAQ
  • Dates

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Southern India with the "Discovering Kerala" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the cosmopolitan charm of Cochin, known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', to the lush tea plantations of Munnar. Explore the vibrant city of Madurai, home to the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, and enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through its bustling streets. Discover the aromatic spice plantations of Thekkady and witness a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance. Cruise the serene backwaters of Alleppey aboard a traditional houseboat, and experience local life in the fishing village of Kumbalangi. With a dedicated holiday director, guaranteed single rooms, and a host of included meals and activities, this tour offers a rich tapestry of cultural and natural wonders, ensuring a truly memorable adventure in Kerala.

Highlights
  • Cochin tour
  • Traditional 'Sadya' dinner
  • Kathakali dance show
  • Tea plantation and tea factory tour in Munnar
  • Sightseeing tour in the Old City of Madurai
  • Cycle rickshaw ride in Madurai
  • Periyar Game Reserve - Game viewing by boat
  • Stay on a thatched roof Kettuvallam houseboat in Alleppey
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with return flights from London, overseas transfers, and other transportation included. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride in Madurai and a boat trip in Periyar Game Reserve, offering a unique perspective of the local landscapes.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels, plus a unique overnight stay on a traditional Kerala houseboat. Experience comfort and style with guaranteed twin or double rooms of your own, ensuring a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.
Optional activities
Optional activities such as the trek excursion in Periyar Nature Reserve are not included.
Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
Destinations
  • Asia
  • India
  • Indian Subcontinent
Tour Types
  • Cultural
  • Boat/Cruise Excursion
  • Walking
  • Foodie and Wine Tours
  • Sightseeing
  • Wildlife Tours

Location: Cochin

Today, you fly to Cochin.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Location: Cochin

Kerala's cosmopolitan capital Cochin is known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' thanks to the beauty of its natural harbour. The city is a charming collection of islands with distinctive houses on stilts and peaceful backwaters. <br/>After settling in at your hotel, get to know your travelling companions over dinner this evening.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Fern Hotel

Meals: Dinner

Location: Cochin, Jew Town, Cochin, Jewish Synagogue, Cochin, Mattancherry Palace, Cochin

We'll start the day with a morning tour of Cochin. Our first stop is the centre of Jew Town, a bustling port area and centre of Cochin's spice trade, where we will see the oldest Jewish Synagogue in the Commonwealth, dating back to 1568. Next is the Mattancherry Kerala Palace, renamed the Dutch Palace after Cochin was taken from the Portuguese by the Dutch. We'll take time to admire the splendid murals that adorn some of the rooms, considered among the finest in India. <br/>Another speciality of Kerala is Kathakali dance, and we'll learn about this unique art form this evening before enjoying a 'Sadya' vegetarian feast with the group. This shared meal will take you on a gastronomic journey through Kerala as you try a tempting selection of dishes from many different regions. Each is served following local customs and come in an order which is said to help digestion. You'll eat from a banana leaf, which points in a certain direction, with rice served on the bottom half, and other items placed in clockwise order. You'll find that your hosts serve dessert mid-way through the meal.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Fern Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Cochin, Munnar

This morning we begin our journey inland towards Munnar. It's a rewarding journey with great views along the way and on arrival we'll have time to take a stroll around the resort before dinner this evening.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Amber Dale Munnar

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Munnar, Tata Tea Museum

Today we have the chance to take in the natural scenic beauty of Munnar, with its rolling hills, forests, waterfalls and tea plantations. We'll visit a plantation and tea factory where we get the chance to see the segregating, drying, threshing and packing in progress. <br/>We will also visit the Tata Tea Museum, that tells the story of the area and the impact of tea to its journey.<br/>This afternoon, you'll have time time to explore the hill station - Munnar town independently. Having been a summer resort during the colonial era you'll see a nod to the English country style in some of the houses.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Amber Dale Munnar

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Munnar, Madurai, Meenakshi Temple

We continue our journey through Kerala to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India, home to the incredible Meenakshi Temple. Built at the same time as the Taj Mahal, it is a stunning sight and superb example of south Indian Hindu architecture. <br/>This evening you could join us to experience the extraordinary 'Putting to Bed Ceremony' held at the temple, a dazzling display of colour and noise with dance and music.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Fortune Pandiyan

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Madurai, Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

This morning we include a sightseeing tour of the Old City of Madurai, the highlight of which is a visit to Meenakshi Temple with its ornate façade. Inside the temple enclosure you'll get to experience the lively atmosphere with buzzing markets and continuous ceremonies and devotions. <br/>Later we visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, built in 1635 and designed by an Italian architect, the palace is a must-see for its intricate designs. <br/>Finally, we will explore the local markets and narrow streets of Madurai by cycle rickshaw before a little time to make our own discoveries.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Fortune Pandiyan

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Madurai, Thekkady, Periyar National Park

Today we'll travel onto Thekkady, a town near Periyar National Park. We'll head to a spice plantation where the aromatic scent of cardamon and pepper plants fills the air. Superb peppers are grown here on the Malabar Coast and as such are referred to as 'black gold'. <br/>This evening we'll experience a traditional Indian martial arts performance - Kalaripayattu.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Elephant Court

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Thekkady, Periyar Nature Reserve

This morning you could choose to explore the Periyar Nature Reserve, with an optional trek excursion. <br/>In the afternoon a boat trip will give you a chance to look for elephants, bison and deer on the shoreline, as well as all manner of exotic plants that, if you're very lucky may be hiding the elusive tiger. <br/>Later there will be time to explore the town and local market.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Elephant Court

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Thekkady, Alleppey

Our drive this morning takes us to Alleppey, where we'll board one of Kerala's famous houseboats for an overnight stay with a difference. Your 'kettuvallom' – modelled on the area's traditional rice boats – offers an unforgettable experience for you and your fellow travellers. Head on deck for a cruise through the backwaters to see how the locals live, then enjoy a tranquil evening as our boat anchors in a quiet spot.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Houseboat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Alleppey, Kumbalangi, Cochin

Breakfast served on our houseboat is a great start to the day. After this we'll take to the road and head towards Cochin. Along the way we will visit Kumbalangi village, this integrated tourism village project is a unique initiative where we can experience life as a local in this fishing village and enjoy a homemade lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Fern Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Cochin

We will transfer to the airport for our flight to the UK, arriving the same day.

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Included
  • Just You Holiday Director as your host
    -A dedicated Just You holiday director will accompany you throughout the trip.
  • Return flights from London
    -Return flights from London are included in the package.
  • Use of an airport lounge in the UK
    -Access to an airport lounge in the UK is included.
  • 9 nights half-board in 4 and 5-star hotels plus 1 night in flight
    -Accommodation includes 9 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels and 1 night in flight.
  • 1 night on one of Kerala's famous houseboats cruising the backwaters
    -Experience a night on a traditional Kerala houseboat cruising the backwaters.
  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
    -You are guaranteed your own twin or double room without a single supplement.
  • 22 included meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 10 dinners including welcome and farewell dinner
    -The package includes 22 meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 10 dinners, including a welcome and farewell dinner.
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation, & porterage
    -Overseas transfers, transportation, and porterage are included.
  • Cochin tour
    -A guided tour of Cochin is included.
  • Traditional 'Sadya' dinner
    -Enjoy a traditional 'Sadya' dinner as part of the experience.
  • Kathakali dance show
    -A Kathakali dance show is included in the itinerary.
  • Tea plantation and tea factory tour
    -Visit a tea plantation and tea factory for a guided tour.
  • Tata Tea Museum
    -Entry to the Tata Tea Museum is included.
  • Sightseeing tour in the Old City of Madurai
    -A sightseeing tour in the Old City of Madurai is included.
  • Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
    -Visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal as part of the tour.
  • Cycle rickshaw ride in Madurai
    -Experience a cycle rickshaw ride in Madurai.
  • Spice plantation walk
    -A guided walk through a spice plantation is included.
  • Kalaripayattu - traditional martial arts performance
    -Watch a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance.
  • Periyar Game Reserve - Game viewing by boat
    -Enjoy game viewing by boat at the Periyar Game Reserve.
  • Stay on a thatched roof Kettuvallam houseboat
    -Stay on a traditional thatched roof Kettuvallam houseboat.
  • Local Kumbalangi village experience
    -Experience local life in Kumbalangi village.

Not Included
  • Optional activities
    -Optional activities such as the trek excursion in Periyar Nature Reserve are not included.
  • Personal expenses
    -Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
  • Travel insurance
    -Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.
Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.
No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.
Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.
Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.
In Munnar, you will visit a tea plantation and tea factory to see the production process, and explore the Tata Tea Museum. You will also have time to explore the hill station of Munnar town independently.
During the houseboat stay in Alleppey, you will cruise through the backwaters to observe local life and enjoy a tranquil evening as the boat anchors in a quiet spot. Meals will be served on the houseboat.
Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.
At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.
The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is a stunning example of South Indian Hindu architecture. You will have the opportunity to experience the lively atmosphere with buzzing markets and continuous ceremonies and devotions.
Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!
The tour includes 9 nights half-board in 4 and 5-star hotels and 1 night on one of Kerala's famous houseboats cruising the backwaters. You are guaranteed your own twin or double room without a single supplement.
We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.
The tour includes a traditional 'Sadya' dinner, a Kathakali dance show, a Kalaripayattu martial arts performance, and a visit to Kumbalangi village to experience local life.
The tour includes a visit to the Periyar Game Reserve where you can go on a boat trip to look for elephants, bison, deer, and possibly even a tiger along the shoreline.
All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l
We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.
Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.

You will have the option to book your own flights independently with the operator.

Dates Price Availability
03-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £3099.00
29-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £2849.00
12-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £3049.00
12-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £3124.00
28-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £2899.00
11-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £3149.00
11-Nov-2027
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £3149.00

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This tour is operated by Just You

12 days from £2849 pp inc.flights; Enquire
Start:Cochin, India
Finish:Cochin, India
Group size:15 - 27
Suitable for: 18-99
Physical rating:Low
Diets:Please Advice Request
Tour operated in: English
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Tour Reference: SLIKER1
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