Kerala and Maldives Adventure
12 Days Starting in Cochin, India and ending in Male, Maldives
Visiting: Kochi, Alleppey, Kollam, Paravur, Trivandrum, Male, Felidhoo, Vashugiri, Male Atoll
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PIO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Kerala & Maldives Adventure" and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of South India and the Maldives. Begin your journey in historic Kochi, exploring colonial architecture and vibrant local culture. Kayak through the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, cycle along scenic routes to Paravur, and discover the rich mangrove ecosystems. Transition to the Maldives for a luxurious 5-night cruise aboard an authentic dhoni, where you can snorkel, swim, and relax on pristine beaches. Visit picturesque islands, meet local communities, and enjoy the stunning marine life. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Kochi (Cochin)
Location: Kochi
Accommodation Name: Dutch Bungalow or similar
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.
Day 2 : Sightseeing In Kochi, Then To Marari Beach
Location: Kochi
Accommodation Name: Abad Turtle or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3 : Kayaking The Tranquil Backwaters Of Alleppey
Location: Alleppey
Accommodation Name: Coir Village or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4 : Cycle To Paravur (55Km)
Location: Kollam
Accommodation Name: Fragrant Nature or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5 : Explore The Mangroves In Paravur
Location: Paravur
Accommodation Name: Fragrant Nature or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we explore the local network of mangroves by boat or by walk, 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. There are options for Ayurveda too, if you would like to indulge into the centuries old traditional medicine native to India
Overnight: Fragrant Nature or similar.
Day 6 : Cycle To Varkala (40Km), Transfer To Trivandrum
Location: Trivandrum
Accommodation Name: Udai Suites or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7 : Fly To Male, Transfer To Dhoni And Cruise To Waagali
Location: Male
Accommodation Name: Dhoni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.)
Day 8 : Cruise To Felidhoo
Location: Felidhoo
Accommodation Name: Dhoni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 9 : Cruise To Vashugiri
Location: Vashugiri
Accommodation Name: Dhoni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 10 : Cruise To Felihoo Or Keyodu
Location: Felidhoo
Accommodation Name: Dhoni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 11 : Cruise To Male Atoll
Location: Male Atoll
Accommodation Name: Dhoni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 12 : In Male, Trip Concludes
Location: Male
Accommodation Name: Dhoni
Meals Included: Breakfast
Waking up on the dhoni, we have breakfast before being transferred to the airport.
What's Included
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10 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
Enjoy 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners during your trip.
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Airport transfers
Transfers to and from the airport are included.
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Private air conditioned vehicle
Travel in comfort with a private air-conditioned vehicle.
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Comfortable hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
Stay in comfortable hotel accommodations on a twin share basis.
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Expert bilingual cycling and kayaking guides in Kerala
Benefit from the expertise of bilingual cycling and kayaking guides in Kerala.
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Internal flights Trivandrum to Male
Internal flights from Trivandrum to Male are included.
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Accommodation on board a Dhoni including Maldives tourist taxes and tour permits
Stay on board a Dhoni with all Maldives tourist taxes and tour permits included.
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Expert local tour guide, local captain and crew on board dhoni
An expert local tour guide, captain, and crew will be on board the dhoni.
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Good quality Cannondale, Trek or similar bikes
Use high-quality Cannondale, Trek, or similar bikes for cycling.
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Kayaking equipment
All necessary kayaking equipment is provided.
What's Not Included
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International airfares and departure taxes
International airfares and departure taxes are not included.
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Visas
Visa fees are not included.
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Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Travel insurance is compulsory and not included.
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Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
Any meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary are excluded.
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Tips and gratuities
Tips and gratuities are not included.
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Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, alcohol etc
Personal items such as laundry, phone calls, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, and alcohol are not included.
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Optional activities and sightseeing during free time
Optional activities and sightseeing during free time are not included.
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Still/video camera fees at monuments
Fees for still or video cameras at monuments are not included.
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E-bike upgrade - additional cost applies (subject to availability)
E-bike upgrades are available at an additional cost and subject to availability.
Accommodation
6 nights hotel. In India you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable. In the Maldives we use several different dhonis, some cabins without ensuite (depending on group size and time of travel) each equipped with a motor, private cabins and sun deck. Each dhoni has a timber hull and uses diesel engine propulsion, with the following: Navigation & Communication: Map, Compass, GPS-Plotter, Search Light, CB Set, Binoculars, VHF Radio, Mobile Phone. Electricity & Water: 1 Soundproof generator set AC: 220v & water desalination (Gurahali has 2 generators). Crew: 4 including captain and chef (Gurahali has 6 crew). Facilities: Bar, Dining Area, Library, Sun Deck, Television, DVD/VCD Player, Music Player, Snorkeling Gear, Fishing line, Dinghy with outboard engine.
Grading
On our journey we want to keep the ‘accent on the active’. We therefore suggest that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. The fitter you are the more this will enhance your experience.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes private air-conditioned vehicle transfers, internal flights from Trivandrum to Male, and transportation aboard an authentic dhoni in the Maldives, equipped with a motor, private cabins, and a sun deck.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
In India, you will stay in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric, and reliable. In the Maldives, accommodation is aboard a dhoni, which may have cabins without ensuite depending on group size and time of travel. Each dhoni is equipped with a motor, private cabins, and a sun deck.
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as kayaking in the backwaters of Alleppey, cycling through backwater and beach areas, exploring mangroves in Paravur, and snorkeling and swimming in the Maldives. You will also have opportunities to visit local villages, observe traditional coir making, and enjoy beach barbecues.
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Are there any special equipment or gear provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour provides good quality Cannondale, Trek, or similar bikes, kayaking equipment, and basic snorkeling equipment. Beach towels, snorkels, and flippers are also provided on board the dhoni in the Maldives.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners.
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Is there any local guidance provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes expert bilingual cycling and kayaking guides in Kerala, as well as an expert local tour guide, local captain, and crew on board the dhoni in the Maldives.
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What is the transportation arrangement for the tour?
The tour includes airport transfers, private air-conditioned vehicles, and internal flights from Trivandrum to Male. In the Maldives, transportation is provided by dhoni.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities and sightseeing during free time, as well as Ayurveda treatments in Paravur.
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What should I know about the physical requirements for this tour?
The tour keeps the 'accent on the active,' so any physical training you complete before the trip will enhance your experience. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the activities.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.