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Exploring Maldives

Kerala & Maldives Ultimate Luxury Getaway

Not one for the budget conscious, our Ultimate Luxury Tour of Kerala and the Maldives is the last word in indulgence.

You’ll spend one week taking in all the highlights of Kerala including a taste of culture in historic Fort Cochin, the tea growing region of Munnar and the famous Keralan backwaters. We’ve handpicked the very best hotels and private residences for you to stay in, so you get a taste of luxury but there is no compromising on your experience exploring the heart of Kerala.

Then, we hop over to the Maldives for a week at Kihavah, one of the very best hotels in the Maldives, featuring an underwater restaurant and where you will stay in a stunning over-water villa with private pool.

We can recommend an alternative resort and hotels for groups looking to reduce costs or tailor the tour in any way – for example, honeymooners might prefer an adult-only Maldives resort, or large groups could take exclusive residences instead of hotel rooms. Get in touch with our specialists to discuss.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Your adventure begins

Start your fantastic journey to India today with your international overnight flight to Cochin, situated on the south-west coast of India.

Day 2 - Welcome to Fort Cochin

Arriving at Cochin airport you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to historic Fort Cochin. You may like to just relax at your property this afternoon or perhaps stroll along the waterfront watching local activities take place and the fishermen at work. In Fort Cochin, large Chinese fishing nets are still used and they dot the coastline here.

Accommodation: Brunton’s Boatyard, Standard Sea Facing Room on B&B basis

Day 3 - Discovering History

Explore the historic sights of Fort Cochin with your guide this morning where each corner holds an example of a bygone era that still stands proud. As you travel through the colonial streets by local tuk tuk, you will pass sights such as the oldest church in India, St Francis, the Dutch Palace and the Santa Cruz Basilica. 

The rest of the day is at your leisure. If you would like to attend a Kathakali performance tonight, which originates from Kerala, please let us know or ask at your hotel on arrival.

Day 4 - UP TO THE WESTERN GHATS OF MUNNAR

Today your morning will be spent driving through the beautiful countryside up to the tea and spice plantations of Munnar in the Western Ghats. With stunning views surrounding you, you might just like to relax this afternoon or perhaps enjoy one of the many activities the hotel can arrange for you such as bird watching or cycling.

Accommodation: Spice Tree, Classic Room on B&B basis

Day 5 - TREKKING THROUGH TEA PLANTATIONS

Experience a working tea plantation today, exploring the tea fields and watching the skilled tea leaf pluckers at work. You will also have the opportunity to visit a tea factory and learn the fascinating process tea goes through from plucking to auction and eventually your tea cup at home!

Day 6 - Life on the water

This morning you will be transferred to Kerala’s famous backwaters in time to board your traditional rice barge. Spend the afternoon drifting along the serene waterways watching local life on the water’s edge pass you by. Moor up this evening and spend the night on board, enjoying a magical dinner under the stars.

Accommodation: Kumarakom House Boat, including dinner

Day 7 - Keralan Backwaters Private Stay

Enjoy breakfast on board before you disembark the boat and make the short transfer to the beautiful Visymaya property located on the edge of the backwaters. This is a traditional Keralan house and an amazing example of architecture here. Spend the day relaxing by the pool and taking in the stunning views on your final day in this part of the world. 

Accommodation: Vismaya on exclusive use, B&B basis

Day 8 - Head to the Maldives!

Your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to the Maldives today. The flight time is typically around 2 hours and from there it’s a short flight by seaplane to Kihavah in the Baa Atoll. 

Keep your camera to hand, the aerial view of the Maldives is hard to beat!

Arrive in plenty of time to settle in to your over-water pool villa and explore the island before dinner and sundowners.

Day 9 and 10 - Enjoy Kihavah

Enjoy your private pool and jumping into the sea straight from your over-water villa, or you can always do laps in the 49 metre main take a cooking class or play some tennis.  There is also a dive centre on the island and numerous water sports facilities including canoeing, kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and fishing excursions.

Day 11 - Spa days

Consider booking some spa time during your stay at Kihavah, their spa is the last word in luxury and well worth a visit.

Day 12 - Hanifaru Bay Trip

In the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Baa Atoll you will find Hanifaru Bay, the most popular spot for snorkelling in the Maldives – there is a true concentration of marine life and even a shark nursery. A day trip is a must, and can be easily arranged with your Kihavah staff at your convenience.

Day 13 - Enjoy an extra special meal on your last night

The underwater restaurant, Sea, is truly outstanding and an experience not to be missed. The perfect way to end your blissful stay in the Maldives.

Day 14 - Head home

Enjoy your island paradise until it’s time to transfer back to Malé by seaplane and then on to home. Come back soon!

What's included?

Inclusions:
  • Prices start from £4990 per person
  • Accommodation on B&B basis unless specified
  • Private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle in India
  • Seaplane transfers in Maldives.
  • Local taxes
  • All excursions and activities mentioned in the Kerala itinerary
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
Excludes:
  • Optional suggested activities in the Maldives.
  • Additional meals outside of meal plans, drinks and personal allowances.

Please remember this is a sample itinerary and we are happy to modify it to suit your plans.  We can add or remove days and look at different places to stay.

All prices correct at the time of writing and based on off-peak travel times.  Give us a call or email us at maldives@fleewinter.com to discuss your requirements and get a confirmed price for your travel dates.

This itinerary is based on 2 adults sharing accommodation. Alternative accommodation may need to be suggested due to availability.

 

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Male
The only city in the Maldives and the international airport. From here seaplanes, speedboats and "dhows" scatter to the resort islands for a spectacular journey through the atolls

Your adventure starts here!

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