An adventure through India & the Maldives

Cochin

Day 1: Touchdown in Cochin

Welcome to Cochin! Upon your arrival at the airport, meet your local representative in the arrivals hall and transfer to your accommodation for check-in.

Take the rest of the day to soak up the wonders of Cochin at your own pace, before an evening excursion to a local theatre, where you'll watch an immersive kathakali dance performance. Learn about this fascinating art form, for which performers begin training at a young age and continue their studies for a lifetime.

Cochin - Thattekad

Day 2: Cochin by bike & Thattekad's nature

Start your morning bright and early, cycling through the picturesque seaside area of Fort Kochi. Witness the city as it starts to wake up and stir, and join the locals for a hot cup of tea as you get to know the communities that call Fort Kochi home. Catch all the morning action in the fish market, and end the outing with a sumptuous local breakfast!

Check out of your hotel next and transfer from Kochi to Thattekad, approximately two hours away and home to lowland plantations producing rubber, pepper and vanilla. Here, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a visit to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, at the foot of the Western Ghats. As the most biodiverse habitat in Kerala, it's a fascinating place for bird- and wildlife-lovers to explore. Partake in a range of activities and trekking tours to encounter all manner of colourful avian creatures.

Thattekad - Suryanelli

Day 3: The scenic landscapes of the Western Ghats

After breakfast, travel to Suryanelli - a small town near the famous hill station of Munnar, with gorgeous natural scenery and a rich biodiversity. The combination of hill ranges, water bodies, tea and cardamom plantations, birds and animals makes Suryanelli an excellent location for seekers of nature and adventure. On arrival here around noon, continue to your campsite by jeep, and enjoy some time settling into your accommodation.

In the evening, set out on a walk with a naturalist guide, who will provide thought-provoking insight into local environmental issues. Walk through the biodiverse, high-altitude rainforests, and along great swathes of grasslands. This walk will have you taking in the most scenic regions of the Western Ghats in Munnar.

Suryanelli

Day 4: A trek through the mountains

With your campsite in Suryanelli as your base, enjoy a trekking adventure through the heart of the Western Ghats, which stretch for 2,000km from Cape Comorin to Mumbai and run parallel to India's west coast. Pass through wild and mountainous terrain, covered with forests that brim with birds, butterflies and endemic species. Trek through sholas and spice-growing villages, and meet indigenous peoples such as the Muthuvans and Malapulayas, who inhabit the higher reaches of mountains, lakes and cardamom forests.

Suryanelli

Day 5: Deeper into the rainforest

With the campsite in Suryanelli still your home from home, enjoy another fantastic day of trekking: after a hearty breakfast, lace up your walking boots to continue your adventure through the rich and wonderful rainforest.

Suryanelli - Kulamavu

Day 6: Journey to Kulamavu

After breakfast, transfer from camp to Kulamavu, approximately four hours' drive. Kulamavu is known for its dam, which is part of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project. It is Asia’s first and largest arch dam, surrounded by natural splendour.

On your arrival here, check into your accommodation and explore the farms and spice gardens near the resort. If you wish, take an optional walk to a viewpoint to marvel at the spectacular sunset over the mountains.

Kulamavu

Day 7: At one with nature

After breakfast, set out on a nature walk with a local naturalist, who will teach you little-known facts about the mountain's unique ecosystem. Visit the famous Idukki Dam, followed by various spice plantations to learn about the growth and harvesting processes behind Keralan pepper, cloves, garlic and more. You'll also tour a local market to learn about the socio-economic aspect of spice trade in Kerala.

If you wish, today you could also partake in a tree-planting activity and find out about water and riverbank conservation projects, for which the goal is to find local solutions to global problems.

Kulamavu - Kumarakom

Day 8: A trip to Kerala's backwaters

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom. No visit to Kerala is quite complete without spending a day in its backwaters, and here you'll enjoy a dramatic change of scenery and slow, laid-back pace.

Take a day cruise on a local kettuvallam rice boat, with the opportunity to try a typical Keralan meal on a banana leaf. After the cruise, enjoy a guided walk through the backwater villages: walk along scenic paddy fields, explore the villages at your leisure, dive into mangrove forests, and watch local fishermen at work. Once the tour is over, settle into your hotel to relax and unwind.

Kumarakom - Cochin - Veligandu

Day 9: Say hello to the Maldives!

Today, it's time for you to say goodbye to India, as you prepare for the second part of your trip - island bliss in the Maldives.

Transfer from Kumarakom to Cochin International Airport, in time for your onward flight to Male's Velana International Airport. From there, take a shared transfer to your resort on the island of Veligandu, in the North Ari Atoll - it's a scenic 25-minute flight from the airport, so be sure to sit back and enjoy the ride!

A secluded and stunning spot, Veligandu provides privacy around every corner. The lush tropical surroundings, pristine beachfront and sparkling turquoise lagoon are sure to delight your senses.

Veligandu

Day 10: Snorkelling off the shores of Veligandu

Today, set out on a wonderful shared snorkelling excursion, exploring the marine life that inhabits the crystal-clear lagoon around Veligandu. Discover the secrets that lie beneath the surface, and contemplate schools of colourful fish as they play hide and seek amidst colonies of marvellous corals.

Eager to snorkel beyond the island’s house reef? Here’s an idea! Join a specialised snorkelling trip and explore a plethora of other wondrous sites nearby. Veligandu offers world-class snorkelling experiences in the Maldives, bookable and payable directly at your resort.

Veligandu

Day 11: Dive into deep blue waters

Today, take a long-awaited dive into the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean and discover the underwater treasures that lie beneath the surface. To make sure you enjoy the diving experience of a lifetime, pick from a variety of custom-made sessions to suit your experience level.

Around 18 sites are on offer here, ranging from easy-going reef dives for beginners to challenging sites that tempt more experienced divers. Since there are only two resorts in this atoll, you will be spoiled with uncrowded diving conditions. All diving experiences are payable and available to book directly at the resort.

Veligandu

Day 12: At leisure on Veligandu

There are numerous ways to enjoy the majestic beauty of Veligandu’s lagoon, both beneath the surface as well as above it. Whether you're a seasoned water sports enthusiast or a rookie looking for some carefree fun, you’ve come to the right place! Veligandu is blessed with excellent conditions for water-based activities in the Maldives, with its crystal-clear shallow waters, long and vast stretches of deep blue ocean, and refreshing breeze to keep you cool in the heat.

Unsure where to begin planning? Worry not, the resort's qualified Ocean Water Sports Team will thoughtfully recommend options to suit both your experience level and preference. All activities are bookable and payable locally.

Veligandu

Day 13: A plethora of ways to relax

In addition to all the fantastic aquatic experiences, Veligandu offers land-based facilities for you to explore and enjoy, including a volleyball court, football ground and outdoor swimming pool. Take full advantage of the modern indoor games room and fitness centre, and try your hand at table tennis, billiards, cardio or weightlifting. Activities can be booked and paid for directly at the resort during your stay.

Veligandu

Day 14: A last day in the Maldives

One final day in paradise awaits: be sure to make the most of this sensational setting, perhaps enjoying one last snorkelling session or simply reclining on soft, untouched sands. The atoll is your oyster!

Veligandu - Male

Day 15: Time to say goodbye

It's sadly time to say goodbye to the Maldives. After breakfast, transfer from your resort to the airport in Male, in time for your onward flight. Safe travels!