Intro, Dates & Prices
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Itinerary & Map
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Join us on a patchwork tour of some of Kerala’s most endearing spots. We’ll take you on the back roads, weaving between the Malabar coast and the Western Ghats. See a slice of the social life in Cochin and Calicut, two ports that have long been part of critical seafaring routes following the west-east trade winds. Sleep on a houseboat near Alleppey where Kerala’s backwaters meet the Arabian Sea. Contrast the coast by heading inland to Kerala’s biodiverse highlands. In the old hill station of Munnar, wash down the thrill of Eravikulam national park with tea tasting on emerald-green plantations. To Thekkady, where the walking is good and where you might even hear the rustle of an Asian elephant in the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Finally, venture well off the beaten track in Wayanad, a haven for nature deep in the Ghats. Cap a memorable tour in God’s Own Country with a relaxing stay at the secluded Neeleshwar Hermitage in northern Kerala.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Sunset cruise on Cochin harbour
Munnar's verdant tea gardens
Spice plantation tour in Thekkady
Safari in Periyar National Park
Cruise backwaters of Alleppey
Ancient caves and tropical forests of Wayanad
Neeleshwar's air of pure relaxation by the Arabian sea

Places Visited

Cochin - Munnar - Eravikulam National Park - Thekkady - Periyar National Park - Alleppey - Calicut - Wayanad - Neeleshwar

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Prices

Group Price

£3,295 pp

Private Price

Ask us for pricing

Single Supplement

£895

Dates & Availability

05 Oct 2025 to 18 Oct 2025 - £3,295

AVAILABLE

When to go

Tour Ratings

Activity

Off the beaten track

Comfort

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Itinerary & Map

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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival Kochi

Arrive in Kochi (formerly Cochin), an historical capital of commerce, finance and culture in Kerala. Your Travel the Unknown representative will be on hand at the airport to escort you to your hotel in Old Cochin.

Morning settling in, followed by an afternoon guided heritage walk around Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Following its establishment by Portuguese settlers more than 500 years ago, for four-fifths of that time the fort was European controlled, first by the Dutch and then by the British. These days, its Indian Dravidian influence once again predominates.

Return to the hotel, your base for the next two nights.

Overnight in Old Harbour, Fort Cochin

Meal plan: n/a

The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is situated in Cochin. The Portuguese palace was gifted to the king of Cochin in around 1555. Today, the palace is a portrait gallery, which is home to some of the best mythological murals in India - including Kerala murals that depict scenes from the historic kingdom of Cochin.

Fort Cochin was a great emporium of trade, a harbour filled with ships, streets crowded with merchants and warehouses stored with goods from every port of Asia and Europe. Beginning with the Chinese and Arabs in the 13th century, the Portuguese arrived in 1500 A.D. followed by the domination of the Dutch and British. A large number of trading communities exist with 14 different languages spoken at a time. Cochin continues the tradition of welcoming visitors with its customary warmth and hospitality.

Day 2 : Kochi

After breakfast, enjoy an escorted walking tour into the heart of old Kochi, locally known as Ernakulam. Wander its streets for a feel of an eclectic building style with more than a hint of the Portuguese Colonial about it, and drop into the spice markets for a scent of Southern India. Later, by the waterside, see Kochi’s trademark Chinese fishing nets. The cantilevered rigging design that goes into these lift nets was said to have been brought by Admiral Zheng He, during his expeditions on the orders of the court of Kubla Khan.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Old Harbour, Fort Cochin

Meal plan: Breakfast

Cochin, the 'Queen on the Arabian Sea', is a major port city that was once a much-prized pawn for the English, Portuguese and Dutch due to its strategic location and prominence in the lucrative spice trade. This history of foreign colonies has resulted in a diverse culture, with European influences visible in much of Cochin's architecture and overall development, aiding it to become the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala.

Day 3 : Kochi - Munnar

Leaving Kochi, head into the Western Ghats, to the rolling hills and emerald tea plantations of Munnar. At 1,650m above sea level, Munnar is lauded as one of India’s more beautiful hill stations. Today is the chance to get under the skin of southern India with an authentic family homestay. While away the afternoon in the so-called Rose Garden, a botanical wonder surrounding the bungalow where you’ll stay. The grounds feature a plethora of species, both endemic to Kerala and from tropical regions the world over.

In the evening, the focus shifts to the kitchen where the host family will show you how to cook authentic South Indian dishes.

Overnight in Rose Gardens, Munnar

Meal plan: Breakfast

Munnar, located at 1,650m above sea-level, is the most breathtakingly-beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats. The area's pristine green valleys and mountains provide the perfect setting for anyone in search of peace and tranquility. Believed to mean ‘three rivers’, Munnar used to be the favourite summer resort of the British rulers during colonial days. It is the tea plantation capital of India and the local Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr mountain goat, is a popular destination for visitors.

Day 4 : Munnar

Today is a chance to view the best of the Western Ghats with a trip to Eravikulam National Park. The park claims a few notable milestones: home to the Neelakurinji flower that blooms but once every dozen years; lair of the Nilgiri thar, similar to a wild mountain goat; as well as Anamudi, the highest Indian peak outside the Himalayas.

After lunch, resume our Ghats excursions with a visit to a tea estate to see where the world’s most popular drink is both picked and processed. Partake of the customary tea tasting before heading to Munnar’s vegetable market to browse the range of fresh produce common in this region. Return to homestay for a leisurely evening.

Overnight in Rose Gardens, Munnar

Meal plan: Breakfast

Eravikulam National Park is situated along the summit of the Western Ghats in the high ranges of Idduki district in Kerala. This is the land of the "Neelakurinji", a flower that blooms once every twelve years. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges in the Alps. The highest peak in India, south of the Himalayas - Anamudi is located here, therefore nature enthusiasts have ample opportunities for trekking expeditions and wildlife spotting. The park holds the maximum viable population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (a species of mountain ibex), Nilgiri Marten (only species of marten found in southern India), rudddy mongoose, small clawed otter and dusky striped squirrel.

Day 5 : Munnar – Thekkady

Leave Munnar on a scenic journey south through the Ghats to Thekkady. Lying close to the border to neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Thekkady is known for its spice plantations and sprawling wildlife reserve. Here you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Wind down after the journey, taking the afternoon at leisure to acclimatise to your surroundings.

Overnight in Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady

Meal plan: Breakfast

Centred around a large artificial lake, Thekkady is the location of the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary - one of India's largest wildlife sanctuaries, which spans across the entire district. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978, the sanctuary supports 62 species of mammals (many of which are rare and endangered) and 320 species of birds, as well as a host of reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Day 6 : Thekkady

Spend the day discovering why Thekkady has much to offer the visitor. Good terrain for exploring on foot, appreciate the natural world at its finest on a walk through the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, where you could even spot keystone species, such as the Asian elephant and the Indian bison (gaur).

Overnight in Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady

Meal plan: Breakfast

Periyar National Park: at the southern end of the Western Ghats, this reserve area extends over 777 square kilometres of hilly and mostly forested country. At its heart is the artificial lake formed by the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978, some estimates suggest that there are as many as 40 tigers in the park, although that’s not to say that they are easily seen. As well as tigers, the reserve is home to sambar deer, wild pig, dhole (Indian wild dog), gaur (Indian bison), leopard, several types of monkey and numerous species of birds. Undoubtedly, the greatest attraction at Periyar, however, are the wild elephants that come down to the lake to drink and to bathe.

Day 7 : Thekkady – Alleppey

Breakfast in Thekkady before journeying west from the central hills to the Laccadive Sea at Alleppey. Its backwater of tranquil waterways makes Alleppey a houseboat haven. On arrival, board your houseboat for what will be an after-dusk backwaters cruise, and then mooring up for a night on the water. But long before night falls on Vembanad lake, spend the afternoon exploring a local village.

Dinner and overnight aboard the houseboat.

Overnight in Spice Coast Cruises Houseboat, Alleppey

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Also known as the 'Venice of the East', Alleppey is a town with a large network of picturesque canals, backwaters, lagoons and beaches. In the past, Alleppey was one of the busiest trade centres along the Malabar coast. The way of life on the backwaters is based around fishing and the cultivation of rice, coconuts and cashew nuts. Birdwatchers will have a great opportunity to spot lots of exciting species, such as kingfishers, bee-eaters, bulbuls, darters, herons, cormorants and 2 types of kite. There are almost 2000 kilometers (1250 miles) of 'backwaters', interconnected lakes, lagoons and canals, which are mostly just inland of the Kerala coast. This is a unique and fascinating water world, enclosed by palm trees.

Day 8 : Allepey - Kozhikode (Calicut)

Break the tranquil waters of early morning with a pre-breakfast canoe ride. Probe the remoter stretches of Kerala’s famous backwaters through narrow canals, before returning to your houseboat for breakfast. Disembark and transfer to the train station for your journey north along the Arabian Sea to Kozhikode, a historic port city better known as Calicut. Arriving in Calicut’s 19th century station in time to enjoy an evening at rest in your hotel.

Overnight in Harivihar Heritage Homestead, Calicut

Meal plan: Breakfast

Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is the largest city in Kerala. In the past, it was dubbed the "City of Spices" for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices. In 2012, Calicut was given the tag of "City of Sculptures" because of the various architectural sculptures located in various parts of the city.

Day 9 : Calicut

Enjoy an active day of sightseeing in and around Calicut, On top of dipping into high culture at the Pazhassi Raja Museum & Art Gallery, feel the pulse of a town with long historical ties to commerce and navigation with side trips to the Beypore shipyard, a textile weaving workshop and the heritage market.

In the evening, visit Kappad Beach. It was on these very sands in 1498 that the great Portuguese circumnavigator, Vasco Da Gama, set foot, thus changing the entire course not only of South Indian history but the wider world, by opening European trade routes to the East.

End the day with the thrilling spectacle of India’s oldest martial art, Kalaripayattu (or Kalari). Return to your hotel.

Overnight in Harivihar Heritage Homestead, Calicut

Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 10 : Calicut - Wayanad

Leave Calicut after breakfast on a half-day road trip up the coast to Wayanad. On arrival at your resort deep in the forested Ghats, take the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the tropical forest.

Overnight in Pepper Trail, Wayanad

Meal plan: Breakfast

Known as the "Land of the Paddy Fields", Wayanad district is located at altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 metres above sea-level. Although the least populous district in Kerala, Wayanad is home to many indigenous tribes, as well as unseen tropical mountains, the Edakkal Caves and 4th century BC petroglyphs.

Day 11 : Wayanad

At elevations of between 700-2100m above sea level, the Wayanad plateau is where Kerala meets Karnataka. It’s also where nature lovers can be in their element. India’s tropical south is home to a beguiling array of plantlife. Throughout the day, discover more about Wayanad’s highland ecology on gentle, guided trails. You could also spot some of its well-known animals, such as the flying Malabar squirrel. Return to your lodge later in the day.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight in Pepper Trail, Wayanad

Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 12 : Wayanad - Neeleshwar

Leave the highlands after breakfast on a longish road trip back down to the sultry Malabar coast. Going ever north, weaving between the Ghats and the Indian Ocean, the tour arrives today in Neeleshwar. A perfect complement to the Wayanand’s highland wilderness, today’s destination substitutes spice for salty air. Adjust to the rhythm of the tides with an afternoon of blissful relaxation at your seaside Hermitage, plus the chance to get out there and familiarise yourself with the place.

Overnight in Neeleshwar Hermitage, Neeleshwar

Meal plan: Breakfast

Day 13 : Neeleshwar

With ample scope to choose freely from a whole host of pastimes and activities, choose anything from ayurvedic massages, fine dining, coastal birdlife, cycling, or just strolling along the beach, gazing out to the Arabian Sea. Enjoy your final full day in Kerala at leisure.

Final evening at Neeleshwar Hermitage.

Overnight in Neeleshwar Hermitage, Neeleshwar

Meal plan: Breakfast

Neeleshwar or Neeleshwar Hermitage Property is an idyllic retreat situated in the remoter reaches of Northern Kerala. The property is set within twelve acres of natural lansdcape, and has been built according to the architectural principles of Kerala Vastu; set to face east towards the rising sun and with the buildings directly proportioned to one another. The site overlooks a beautiful stretch of unspoiled beach (belonging to the neighbouring town of Bekal) , offering excellent panoramic views.

Day 14 : Neeleshwar - Mangalore - Departure

Check out and transfer to Mangalore Airport. Time-permitting, stop briefly at Bekal Fort en-route for your flight to Mumbai or Delhi. Equally, if the call of the Malabar Coast and the tranquil surrounds of Neeleshwar is too loud, why not extend your stay a little more. Contact us for options.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

Old Harbour

Fort Cochin (2 nights)

The interior of this hotel, designed and decorated by Karl Damschen, is an eclectic blend of dated furniture and varied art that juxtapose to create a unique style. Thirteen spacious rooms, each of them named after the various old streets of Fort Cochin, are plush with high ceilings and either look into a courtyard with a fountain or over the ancient Chinese Fishing nets. Special garden cottages, which were added to offer a feel of Kerala, have open-to-the-sky showers, a veranda and a private pond. This heritage hotel also boasts a large garden with swimming pool, as well as a stage for cultural performances, all set amidst plenty of natural green. For the comfort of guests, there is an Ayurvedic spa and a large open-air terrace.Dedicated care has been paid to organic soaps and lotions in the bathrooms, comfortable robes and slippers as well as plenty of bottled water. Complimentary facilities : Air Conditioning, Wifi, TV (on demand), Tea and Coffee maker, Minibar, Two bottles of Mineral water, dental and toilet amenity kits .

Visit hotel's site

Rose Gardens

Munnar (2 nights)

Accommodation with a difference. Built by spice merchant, Mr. Joseph Pallattukunnel, in 1920, Rose Gardens become an eco-farm stay in 1994. Today, the property claims five well-furnished rooms. The homestay has received guests from around the globe, around 104 nationalities and counting. The plant nursery has proven to be a big draw, on top of the consummate welcome made by the owners. Only the freshest ingredients will do: from garden to table.

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Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club

Thekkady (2 nights)

Wrapped in the cool embrace of tropical rainforest and tucked high in the misty mountains, Niraamaya Retreats, Thekkady is a uniquely charming setting to get close to nature. The exquisite Niraamaya Spa with International and Ayurveda therapies will revive your senses. The treatments can be combined with a daily relaxing yoga session under lush tree canopies. The retreat takes intense care of your gastronomic journey and our chefs serve you with some of the best timeless, preserved regional recipes. Sample simple, freshly cooked meals that combine herbs and spices of Thekkady. Enjoy the serenity of the hideaway from the infinity pool. Get on a journey with us and discover the charming culture, traditions, and healing nature of this place.

This luxury forest resort in Thekkady houses 13 cottages that are equipped with modern comforts and offer picturesque views of gardens and the mountains.

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Spice Coast Cruises Houseboat

Alleppey (1 night)

Sail the inland waters of India's Spice Coast in a Kettuvallam, a knotted boat with more than a touch of class. Observing the highest standards of environmental care, the boat represents a way way of harmonious life, gently plying these warm and tranquil canals. Made from natural materials, these spice boats are powered with solar energy and vegetable oils to reduce their impact upon the lake. As a floating home, each has a single master cabin and a gazebo-style terrace made from knotted coir ropes at the bow.

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Harivihar Heritage Homestead

Calicut (2 nights)

Harivihar has just five double rooms, all with twin beds. Being a homestead, each room is different and all rooms come with bathrooms with all modern amenities. The rooms are big and well ventilated and have period and antique furniture. There are huge common rooms and verandahs, where one could sit in the planters chair with a book and listen to the birdsong!

Being a homestead, guests are treated as one of the family and they are exposed to the culture and traditions which are part of the region.

The hosts at Harivihar are a couple of post graduate doctors, passionate about hospitality, Dr Srikumar and Dr.Neetha Srikumar. They would be interacting with you daily and shall assist you, with the help of their able staff, to plan your time in Calicut.

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Pepper Trail

Wayanad (2 nights)

Set in the heart of a colonial plantation, surrounded by the tropical rainforests of Wayanad, Pepper Trail relives the essence of a bygone era. A serene intimate setting nestled within acres of plantations, lakes and forests, Pepper Trail reflects the rhythms of an ancient land.

Lovingly restored, the bungalow has been furnished with antiques, family heirlooms and hand-picked colonial furniture. The perfect place to sit back and enjoy the plantation life.

This charming old colonial building houses two independent suites, each with antique four poster beds, ensuite batrooms.

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Neeleshwar Hermitage

Neeleshwar (2 nights)

An oasis of calm set in twelve naturally landscaped acres, Neeleshwar Hermitage is built according to the traditional architectural principles of Kerala Vastu. The whole site oriented to the east and the rising sun, while the buildings are all placed in correct relation to each other, the four directions and the site as a whole. The traditional wood-and-thatch architecture is balanced with stylish contemporary touches and familiar modern comforts. The site overlooks a gloriously unspoiled beach of sand, stretching as far as the eye can see in both directions.

Modelled on traditional fishermen's huts, each of our 18 beautiful cottages offers privacy, comfort and individuality. Sea view cottages, private pool cottages and garden view cottages are available, each with its own unique character. Teak floors, high ceilings and generous proportions, locally handmade wooden furniture and antique and contemporary objets d'art from Kerala complete the ambience, giving each room its own special charm. A welcome modern touch is the ipod and docking station, so guests can use their own devices.

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Extensions

Nubra Valley Extension (5 days)

Remote villages & jaw-dropping scenery

On The Tiger Trail (9 days)

On the tiger trail through Bandhavgarh and Kanha

The Golden Triangle (5 days)

Marvel at India's most incredible forts and palaces

Kolkata & Sunderbans (6 days)

Discover colonial Kolkata and the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve

Wildlife of Tadoba & Pench (9 days)

A real life Jungle Book.

Kolkata & Darjeeling Snapshot (7 days)

Ideal extension to Bhutan

Himalayan Extension: Ladakh to Kashmir (5 days)

Travel across the spectacular Himalayan Highway

Beaches (1-7 days)

After exploring the busy cities, there's no better place to relax than one of India's paradisiacal beaches

Treks & Walks (1-12 days)

Himalayan treks, village walks and more

Hill Stations & Mountains

Escape the city and unwind among some of the most breathtaking mountain and hill scapes the world has to offer.

City Extensions (1-4 days)

Visit the must-see sights and the hidden depths of India's most vibrant cities.

Highlights of the Subcontinent (22 days)

Discover iconic sights of India, Nepal & Bhutan

Journey through the Indian Himalayas (20 days)

Travel through the Himalayan foothills via Shimla & Amritsar to Ladakh

Monks, Tribes & Rhinos (20 days)

Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife

Classic Bhutan & Assam Cruise (18 days)

Experience Bhutan's rich culture, colonial Kolkata and rural life in Assam

Himalayan Silk Road & Tak Tok Festival (16 days)

Travel India's forgotten Silk Road from Kashmir to Ladakh

Glimpse of India & Nepal (16 days)

Golden Triangle and the Himalayas

Textile Tour of India (16 days)

Textile tour of Gujarat & Rajasthan including the Mewar Festival

Big Six of India (15 days)

Spot tigers, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino & elephants

Treasures of Maharashtra (15 days)

Mighty sea fortresses, rock-cut cave temples, and verdant hill stations

Best of Bhutan & Bengal (15 days)

Experience the culture and landscapes of India & Bhutan

Nagaland: Festival of the Headhunters (15 days)

Aoling Festival, wildlife in Assam & natural beauty of Manipur

Taste of South India (15 days)

Experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India

Journey Through Rajasthan (15 days)

Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces and rural villages

Kerala & Karnataka Explorer (14 days)

Idyllic backwaters, tropical forests & ancient temple towns

Spirit of South India (14 days)

Temple towns of Tamil Nadu to backwaters of Kerala

Himalayan Wildlife of Ladakh (14 days)

Track the Himalayan brown bear & snow leopard on a once-in-a-lifetime trip

Roof of the World - Ladakh to Kashmir (14 days)

Experience dramatic Himalayan scenery, Buddhist and Islamic cultures

Best of Assam & Meghalaya (14 days)

Wildlife, diverse cultures & rural life in hidden North East India

Birds & Wildlife of Rajasthan (14 days)

Uncover the regal wildlife of Rajasthan

Heart of India (14 days)

Take in the highlights of central India

Glories of Gujarat (14 days)

Tribal villages, temples, salt flats & the world's last Asiatic lions

Hampi and Beyond (14 days)

Discover Karnataka's stone temples, wildlife and coffee farms

Tribes & Temples of Eastern India (14 days)

Visit remote tribal villages of Orissa & Chhattisgarh

Taj, Tigers & Temples (14 days)

Perfect mix of classic sights and off-beat places for first-timers to India

Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival (14 days)

Wildlife, tribes & rural life in Assam and Nagaland

Kerala Calling (14 days)

Charming towns, spice plantations & idyllic backwaters

Best of Bengal & Sikkim (14 days)

Colonial Kolkata, Darjeeling toy train & Buddhism

Tribes of North East India (14 days)

Remote tribal cultures in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Nagaland

Delicacies of North India (14 days)

Discover the huge diversity of North India's cuisine

Wildlife of North East India (14 days)

Diverse wildlife in Assam and the Sunderbans

Kerala - Trekking the Western Ghats (13 days)

Explore this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot on foot

Hidden Rajasthan (13 days)

Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife

Big Cats of India (13 days)

Track India's tigers, leopards & lions

Gujarat's Tribes & Wildlife (13 days)

Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages

Maha Kumbh Mela Festival (13 days)

Once in 12 years - the largest gathering of humanity on earth

The Himalayan Silk Road with Sophie Ibbotson (13 days)

Expert-led trip through Kashmir and Ladakh

High Indus Valley of Ladakh (12 days)

Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh

Glimpse of India (12 days)

Golden Triangle, tigers & exotic Kerala

Markha Valley Trek (12 days)

Set foot in Ladakh's hidden Himalayan valleys

Essential Rajasthan (10 days)

Discover the forts, palaces, villages and desert of Rajasthan

Living Bridges of Meghalaya (7 days)

Waterfalls, hills and living bridges in North East India

Classic Kerala

Tea, spices, backwaters & beaches

Reviews

Thanks for organising such a great trip to NE India Rahul - everything went seamlessly! We loved the fact that we could book an individual tour but still have flexibility with our itinerary once we were there, enabling us to take in the Si Donyi Festival at Daporijo and also be the first guests to stay overnight in a local village hut with our hosts in Papi, which was fantastic. Our guide was super. He had a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humour! It’s hard to pick a highlight as the whole trip was both fascinating and at times, humbling. We’ll never forget the amazing people, scenery & culture we experienced whilst there and are glad we had the opportunity to visit such an intriguing part of the world. We would certainly consider travelling with you again in the future.

Hazel Fairall , Tribes of North East India, India

I`m very pleased with the way the trip was arranged for me, it was well organised and went very well. The itinerary was just the right pace to enjoy everything without rushing too much. It was never going to be cheap for 1 person travelling alone but I thought it was very reasonably priced.

Dewi Evans , Tailormade North East India

This trip was very well put together and ticked all the boxes that we had requested. The accommodation throughout the tour was of a high standard and our experiences in the national parks was wonderful spotting many different animals including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, lions, jungle cat plus countless number of birds. Thank you Rahul for tailoring this trip to our requirements.

Nigel & Margaret Turner , Tailormade India Wildlife & Birding tour

We went on the Spirit of South India Tour and had a great time on our honeymoon. There was a good variety of places visited and the hotels, drivers and guides were all very good. We would definitely recommend this tour.

Rachel , Spirit of South India, India

I would highly recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone visiting India. The service we received both prior to, during and following our travels was always timely and excellent. We were able to customize our trip to our liking and to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The guides in every location were outstanding! Honestly. Having travelled through much of the world I can truly say that we have never been more impressed with the quality of the guides arranged for us in each location, as well as the service we received. Similarly, the hotels were excellent and allowed us to live very comfortably while, at the same time, enjoy an authentic Indian experience. If you haven`t already booked your trip with Travel the Unknown, then either do so now....or at least give them a chance to show you what they can offer.

Tracey & Gary , Tailormade India

This was my first experience of using Travel the Unknown having enjoyed small group adventure holidays for many years. I was attracted to the company because it seeks out the more unusual and lesser known areas of a country and I was not disappointed by my visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There is a clear contrast between the people and the scenery of these two regions and we saw very few western tourists particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. The tour was well organised with plenty to see and do.

Keith Lewis , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

This was a very varied and interesting trip to a forgotten part of India. If you like off the beaten track travel it is definitely worth the effort but go with an open mind and keep a smile on your face.

Richard Williams , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

Thank you for organising our holiday in Kerala. I certainly wouldn`t have had the time or the knowledge to put together such a trip. Munnar was my favourite and the accommodation throughout was excellent.

Vik , Kerala Calling, India

A really well planned trip. We experienced life in Northeast India in just the way we wanted to. We loved the game reserves and saw a rock python which thrilled our guides as it is even rarer than the tiger! We visited villages and were able to interact with local people and loved the busy markets in Delhi and Calcutta. A special highlight was the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland; shown to us by our very own Naga guide Kezo. Kezo accompanied us for 15 days of our trip and ensured that we had many very special experiences - even taking us to the home of one of his Aunts where we spent a couple of hours sitting by the bonfire chatting.

Ann Holgate , Tailormade India

What an excellent service! Rahul adapted, extended and improved our trip so many times without a qualm and we ended up with the trip of a lifetime. The destinations are unusual and interesting but everything has been checked out by the team and works brilliantly. I can`t wait to do another trip.

Penelope Smith , Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival, India

The tour was an amazing experience for our first visit to India. The country, its people and its cuisine were friendly,delightful, colourful and exceeded all our expectations. Travel the Unknown have put together a superb unique package that we have no hesitation in recommending to anyone with an interest in food and culture.

Elaine & Neil Smith , Delicacies of North India, India

I`m sure I could not have found a better operator for the type of complicated Indian tour I wanted to undertake on a limited budget. India is an intimidating country to visit, and I suspect that some operators look down on the first time visitor, or disparage their requirements. Travel the Unknown, by contrast, helped me all the way, and their local guides were superb.

Andrew Martin , Tailormade North East India

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