KERALA – BACKWATERS, WILDLIFE & BEACHES
Discover a completely different side of India on this unforgettable journey through Kerala, a tropical paradise known as God’s Own Country.
From the historic port city of Kochi, travel into the misty hills of Munnar, where endless tea plantations cover the landscape. Continue into the spice country and wildlife sanctuary of Periyar before slowing the pace beside the peaceful backwaters of Kumarakom.
One of the true highlights of your journey is an overnight cruise aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat, gliding through palm-fringed canals and watching everyday village life unfold along the water.
Your adventure then finishes with time to relax on the beautiful shores of Marari, giving you the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy Kerala’s tropical coastline before returning to Kochi.
From wildlife and waterfalls to tea gardens, spice plantations, backwaters and beaches, this journey brings together the very best of Kerala.
Explore Kerala Together: Nature, Wildlife, Backwaters & Beaches
This incredible 11-day journey has been designed for solo travellers looking to discover the natural beauty and unique culture of South India in a relaxed and sociable way.
Experience Kerala’s changing landscapes as you travel from historic cities into lush mountain scenery, wildlife reserves and tranquil backwaters before finishing with a relaxing beach stay.
Enjoy scenic journeys, fascinating cultural experiences and plenty of time to relax, while travelling alongside a friendly group of like-minded GoSingles travellers.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday
- Explore the beautiful tea plantations of Munnar
- Cruise across Lake Periyar in search of wildlife
- Discover Kerala’s famous spice plantations
- Spend a night aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat
- Cruise through palm-lined backwaters and traditional villages
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Marari
- Explore historic Fort Kochi
- Experience Kerala’s unique culture, cuisine and scenery
- The perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation
- Travel with a friendly GoSingles group
Day 1Depart the UK
+
Depart the UK
Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Kochi, Kerala. Sit back, relax and prepare for an unforgettable journey to India's tropical paradise.
Day 2Arrive in Kochi
Kochi+
Arrive in Kochi
Welcome to Kerala!
Arrive at Kochi Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Kochi is one of India’s most fascinating historic port cities, shaped over centuries by Portuguese, Dutch and British influences.
Included Highlights
Fort Kochi - Colonial architecture and vibrant streets
Chinese Fishing Nets - Iconic cantilevered nets along the coast.
Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) - Murals and royal artifacts.
Kathakali dances
Overnight
The Fern Kochi by Marriott
Meals Included
Dinner
Day 3Kochi to Munnar
Munnar+
Kochi to Munnar
After breakfast, leave the coast behind and travel into Kerala’s beautiful Western Ghats. The journey to Munnar takes you through lush tropical countryside, forested hills and spectacular mountain scenery.
Included Highlights
Munnar Tea Gardens - Discover the endless rolling hills and vibrant green tea plantations for which Munnar is famous.
Tea Museum - Learn about the history of tea production in Kerala and discover how tea is cultivated and processed.
Journey
- Distance: Approx. 130 km
- Driving Time: Approx. 4–5 hours
Overnight
Amber Dale – Munnar
Meals Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4Munnar to Periyar
Periyar+
Munnar to Periyar
Today, continue through Kerala’s beautiful mountain landscapes towards Periyar. The scenic journey passes through forested hills and some of Kerala's most important spice-growing regions. Periyar is renowned for its wildlife sanctuary, beautiful lake and aromatic spice plantations.
Journey
- Distance: Approx. 110–120 km
- Driving Time: Approx. 3–4 hours
Overnight
Elephant Court / Green Woods – Periyar
Meals Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5Periyar Wildlife & Spice Plantation
Periyar+
Periyar Wildlife & Spice Plantation
Today is dedicated to discovering the natural beauty and flavours of Kerala.
Included Highlights
Boat Ride on Lake Periyar - Enjoy a morning boat journey across the peaceful waters of Lake Periyar. Keep watch along the shoreline for elephants, bison, colourful birdlife and other wildlife that inhabit the surrounding sanctuary.
Spice Plantation Tour - Later, visit one of the region's spice plantations and discover how some of Kerala's most famous spices are grown. Learn more about cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and the other aromatic spices that have attracted traders to Kerala for centuries.
Overnight
Periyar
Meals Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6Periyar to Kumarakom
Kumarakom+
Periyar to Kumarakom
After breakfast, travel from the hills towards the famous Kerala backwaters. Arrive in Kumarakom, a peaceful village situated beside the vast Vembanad Lake. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Journey
- Distance: Approx. 130–140 km
- Driving Time: Approx. 4–5 hours
Overnight
Eastend Lake Song – Kumarakom
Meals Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7Kumarakom to Alleppey Houseboat
Alleppey Houseboat+
Kumarakom to Alleppey Houseboat
Today brings one of the most memorable experiences of your Kerala holiday. Travel to Alleppey and board a traditional Kerala houseboat for an unforgettable overnight journey through the famous backwaters.
Cruise gently along peaceful canals surrounded by coconut palms, rice fields and traditional villages. Watch local life unfold along the waterways while enjoying freshly prepared meals onboard.
Journey
- Distance: Approx. 35 km
- Driving Time: Approx. 1 hour
Accommodation
AC Deluxe Houseboat
Air conditioning operates between approximately 9 PM and 6 AM.
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8Alleppey Houseboat to Marari Beach
Marari Beach+
Alleppey Houseboat to Marari Beach
Wake up surrounded by the peaceful Kerala backwaters before enjoying breakfast onboard. After disembarking from your houseboat, you will be met and transferred to the beautiful coastal village of Marari.
Check into your resort and spend the remainder of the day relaxing. Take a walk along the beach, enjoy the resort facilities or simply unwind after your journey through Kerala.
Journey
- Driving Time: Approx. 45 minutes
Overnight
Abad Turtle beach – Marari
Meals Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9Marari at Leisure
Leisure+
Marari at Leisure
Today is completely yours to enjoy. After breakfast, spend the day relaxing beside the beach or enjoying the peaceful surroundings of your resort.
Optional Experiences
- Relax on Marari Beach
- Enjoy a spa treatment
- Join a yoga session
- Explore the local area by bicycle
- Visit nearby traditional fishing villages
- Relax beside the swimming pool
There is no scheduled sightseeing today, giving you the freedom to enjoy Kerala at your own pace.
Overnight
Abad Turtle beach – Marari
Meals Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10Another Day in Marari
Marari+
Another Day in Marari
Enjoy another relaxing day beside Kerala's tropical coastline. Spend the day by the pool or beach, enjoy a leisurely lunch, experience traditional Kerala cuisine or simply find a quiet spot with a good book. In the evening, take a stroll along Marari's beautiful shoreline as the sun begins to set.
Overnight
Abad Turtle beach – Marari
Meals Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11Marari to Kochi
Kochi+
Marari to Kochi
After breakfast, say goodbye to Marari and travel back to Kochi. Enjoy your final day in Kerala and the opportunity to experience the historic character of this fascinating port city.
Overnight
The Fern Kochi by Marriott
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 12Departure
Kochi+
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kochi Airport for your onward flight. Take home wonderful memories of Kerala's misty tea plantations, wildlife, spice hills, peaceful backwaters and tropical beaches.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Good to Know
The hotels mentioned in this itinerary are subject to availability. If any of the featured hotels are not available, you’ll be accommodated in a hotel of the same quality and standard.
What is included in the tour
- Stay at 4* Hotels throughout the Tour
- Your own single-occupancy en-suite room
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner
- Flights from London Heathrow
- Airport meet & assist by our representative
- Coordinated sightseeing and activities as per the Itinerary
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary
- All tours, excursions & transfers by air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of a Tour Guide throughout
- Discover Kerala’s tea plantations & backwaters
- Stay overnight on a traditional Kerala houseboat
- Wildlife spotting on Lake Periyar
- Explore colonial Fort Kochi
- 20 kg Baggage allowance and 5 kg hand baggage.
- All Taxes & Surcharges
- Meet other single, like-minded travellers who wish to socialise and make new friends
- Price and itinerary may be subject to change
Flight Timings
|
Flights |
Details |
Time |
|
Outward |
London Heathrow to Kerala |
13:35 - 08:05 (next day) Via Dubai |
|
Return |
Kerala to London Heathrow |
09:40 - 18:25 Via Dubai |
Flight timings are approximate and may be subject to change
Price & Itinerary may be subject to change
Price excludes
Indian visa - All British passport holders must obtain the holiday visa in advance at least 72 hours prior and not more than 30 days in advance of your departure.
The cost for an Indian Tourist Visa for 1 month is US$25 (approx. - £22) from July - March & US$10 (approx. - £10) from April - June, and you can purchase from the India Government website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html . Failure to comply with entry requirements will result in travel being denied or entry refused.
Gratuities & Tipping - Please note gratuities are not included in the tour price. In India, tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by local guides, drivers and tour representatives. We recommend allowing approximately £4 per person, per day for gratuities during the tour.
10-Night Solo Group Tour covering – Cochin • Munnar • Periyar • Kumarakom • Alleppey • Marari Beach
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Perfect for Solo Travellers
Explore the beautiful state of Kerala with a friendly group of like-minded solo travellers while enjoying your own room throughout the tour. -
Munnar’s Tea Plantations & Hill Country
Discover rolling tea estates, mist-covered mountains and breathtaking scenery in Kerala's famous hill station. -
Periyar Wildlife & Nature Cruise
Enjoy a scenic boat safari on Lake Periyar, keeping watch for elephants, bison, deer and an array of exotic birdlife. -
Spice Plantations & Local Flavours
Visit a traditional spice plantation and learn about Kerala's world-famous spices, herbs and fragrant plantations. -
Kerala’s Famous Backwaters
Cruise through the peaceful backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat, passing palm-fringed villages and tranquil waterways. -
Authentic Village Life
Experience the charm of rural Kerala as you glide past local communities, fishermen and daily life along the canals. -
Relax on Marari Beach
Unwind with a three-night stay on Kerala's beautiful coastline, where golden sands and swaying palms provide the perfect tropical escape. -
Culture, Nature & Scenic Beauty
Discover colourful traditions, stunning landscapes, peaceful lakes and one of India's most picturesque regions. -
Escorted Tour with Local Experts
Travel comfortably with experienced local guides who bring Kerala's history, culture and natural beauty to life. -
Group Fun & Shared Experiences
Enjoy memorable experiences, shared meals and great company throughout your journey.
Ready to Join? Book your place today and discover the colours, culture and wildlife of India with fellow solo travellers.
