trip
NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

12 Days$3690USD

Activities
  • 6 day dhoni cruise
  • 1 day kayaking
  • 2 day cycle
  • sightseeing
Accommodation
  • 6 nights hotel
  • 5 nights dhoni cruise
Meals
  • 10 Dinners
  • 10 Lunches
  • 10 Breakfasts
3
Introductory

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Kerala & Maldives Adventure Trip highlights


  • Succumb to the languid pace of South India life at beach side resorts
  • Take in the iconic backwaters of Alleppey by kayak
  • Uncover historic Kochi and its colonial architecture
  • Unwind with 5 nights aboard an authentic dhoni as you cruise the Maldives
  • Explore the rich mangrove ecosystems of Paravur

This remarkable journey encompassing two exciting destinations highlights how trade, imperial conquest, religious and cultural interaction have all played their part in these mystic lands where the ancient and contemporary exist side by side. Our journey begins in India's tropical south where Kochi is a jewel in the crown of Kerala with its European heritage and true cosmopolitan temperament. Enjoy meandering by kayak through the spectacular backwaters, where the languid pace and lush tropical scenery is interrupted only by close-up glimpses of traditional village-life. Hope your way down the coast taking in all it has to offer from pictuesque beaches to tranquil wetlands and waterways brimming with life. This journey comes to end in the clear and translucent waters, coral reefs and white sand of the Maldives. What could be better than cruising on a dhoni to experience island hopping far from the crowds, learn about the local way of life and snorkel the spectacular reefs of the Indian Ocean, the perfect way to end this enchanting journey of discovery.

Trip Code: PIO

Arrival at Kochi. Transfer to Fort Kochi. On arrival, you will check into a heritage hotel at Fort Kochi. You are able to use the remainder of your day at you leisure. An arrival briefing will be held this evening (details will be provided on arrival). Overnight: Dutch Bungalow or similar.

Meals:  Nil

After an early breakfast, you will discover this amazing city of Kochi. Kochi (Cochin as it was known in colonial times) is a major port on the west coast of India, set on a cluster of islands surrounded by sparkling blue lagoons and backwaters. Its historic links can be seen in the Colonial bungalows, an old Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, the oldest European church in India and a medieval Portuguese palace. In the afternoon we will move on to the area of Marari Beach approximately one hour away. Overnight: Abad Turtle or similar.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a short transfer to the backwaters, you begin your leisurely 15km kayaking adventure. We begin early so as to enjoy the local communities beginning their day thus gaining insight into the local way of life. Often starting with happy school children skipping along the boardwalks on their way to school. As morning progresses the backwaters come to life, as you observe the ecosystem from water level. Crowds of ducks splash their way across the channel, while Brahminy Kites and Kingfishers dive from high above to snatch a fish from the water. Near here you will pass the famous Karumadikuttan Temple housing an elaborate image of the Buddha. You will be taking time off strolling through the villages, watching coconut climbers at work to tap the ‘toddy’ – a traditional brew for tired souls. Once our kayak adventure is complete we will be checking into the Coir Village – a community initiative of local fishermen, coir makers & the local tourism initiative. Overnight: Coir Village or similar.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we cycle through the backwater & beach areas towards Kollam (Quilon) – an ancient port city with great historical significance especially in relation to the struggles during colonial times. We then continue cycling, mostly on dirt roads that take us through two natural lagoons one at Kollam and one at Paravur. It is at Paravur that we will stay this evening, alongside the quiet backwaters. Overnight: Fragrant Nature or similar.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we explore the the local network of mangroves by boat a true highlight of the area and a crucial element of the local ecosystem, providing shelter to juvenile fish from the larger predatory fish in the open waters. These mangroves are also home to a variety of bird species such as the iconic Kingfisher. Overnight: Fragrant Nature or similar.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today, we get back on our bicycles and cycle through the quite villages at Paravur until we reach the Coir Factory. Coir is a meterial made from coconut husks from which matting and ropes can be made. Here we have an opportunity to see the traditional coir making skills. After a short visit, we cycle through village roads with amazing view of the backwaters until we cross the scenic Pozhikara Spillway and hit the beach road. Afternoon we have some spectacular cycling along the coast all the way to Varkala. From here we will transfer to our overnight hotel close to the airport in Trivandrum in preparation for our flight to Male, the capital of the island nation of the Maldives, the following day. Overnight: Udai Suites or similar.

Meals:  B,L,D

Transfer to Trivandrum airport for your departure flight to Male. On arrival at the International airport at Male, you will be transferred to your dhoni. Our dhonis are all equipped with motors as well as private cabins and a sun deck. You will be introduced to the crew before cruising to the uninhabited island of Waagali or to a resort island. Our chef will show off his skills with a buffet lunch aboard. We have the rest of the day to spend swimming and snorkeling before anchoring for the night. It is a wonderful spot for your first lesson in snorkeling the beautiful coral reefs of the Maldives! (Beach towels, snorkel and flippers are all provided on board.)

Meals:  L,D

On the Maldives Dhoni Cruise there’s only one thing to do, relax and enjoy! After breakfast we cruise to the nearby atoll and the village of Felidhoo. Felidhoo Atoll is still quite untouched and its main industry is fishing. Our cruising time will be 4 to 5 hours. We spend the day in the village, meeting the local people and observing their lifestyle before returning to our dhoni for an evening at the lagoon.

Meals:  B,L,D

We have plenty of time to relax today as we cruise to the beautiful uninhabited island of Vashugiri. At the beach, you can go skin-diving, snorkeling or swimming. Our crew will organise a beach barbeque where we can enjoy a feast of local seafood. We spend the night at anchor and you may choose to sleep up on deck beneath a blanket of stars.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we cruise to the picturesque inhabited island of either Felidhoo or Keyodu. Here we will meet the islanders, explore the local towns and have some time for local entertainment in the evening. We return to the dhoni in the evening.

Meals:  B,L,D

We cruise back to Male Atoll. You will have time to visit Male city where you may like to do a bit of souvenir shopping, visit the museum or fruit market before we cruise to a nearby resort island for our final night at anchor.

Meals:  B,L,D

Waking up on the dhoni, we have breakfast before being transferred to the airport.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
  • airport transfers
  • private air conditioned vehicle
  • comfortable hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
  • expert bilingual cycling and kayaking guides in Kerala
  • internal flights Trivandrum to Male
  • accommodation on board a Dhoni including Maldives tourist taxes and tour permits
  • Expert local tour guide, local captain and crew on board dhoni
  • good quality cannondale, trek or similar bikes
  • kayaking equipment
  • basic snorkelling equipment
  • sightseeing with local guides including entrance fees

  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, alcohol etc
  • Optional activities and sightseeing during free time
  • Still/video camera fees at monuments
  • E-bike upgrade - additional cost applies (subject to availability)

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
NB:
E-bikes available on request at no additional cost (pending availability). Please ask our staff for more details.

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$3690USD

Options & Supplements*
  • E-Bike SupplementUSD$30
  • Kerala and Maldives Single Supplement (Kerala Only)USD$350
  • Single SupplementUSD$380
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Kerala & Maldives Adventure trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

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Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

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Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

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 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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