August - March

Kerala: Backwaters, Hills, Coast - Signature

Kerala: Backwaters, Hills, Coast - Signature

Physicality

Light

Downtime

High

Choose your tier

Things to know

Nine days through Kerala's four distinct faces at the highest register. Kochi opens the route at CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard, a converted 1909 warehouse on the waterfront, with private heritage walks through the Fort Kochi and Mattancherry quarters. The drive into Munnar arrives at Tea Retreat by Relais & Chateaux in the high estate country. Thekkady centres on Periyar Tiger Reserve from The Elephant Court, with a private lake safari and spice country context. The circuit closes in the backwaters: Kumarakom Lake Resort for one night, then a full-day private houseboat cruise through the Alleppey canals, with lunch on board and heritage accommodation on land. A senior Farbound trip lead escorted throughout, most meals included.

Ayurveda

Backwaters

Food

Nature

Slow travel

Wellness

Trip Highlights

What’s Included

Iconic heritage and luxury hotels across the route. Premier rooms by default.

Senior Farbound trip lead throughout, with local specialists for deeper access.

Curated sightseeing with private access. Full-day private backwaters houseboat cruise with lunch on board. All tickets pre-purchased.

Premium private vehicle. Fortuner or equivalent. Senior chauffeur. No internal flights on this route.

Most meals included. Curated dining across the route. Lunch on board the houseboat.

Why Farbound

Curated for You

Trips designed around your interests, pace, and preferences

Comfort, scaled to Fit

Trips designed around your interests, pace, and preferences

Connections, Not Crowd

Trips designed around your interests, pace, and preferences

From

$4,300 per person

Signature tier — indicative pricing

Age : 30–50

Age : 50–80

Check FAQs

Day to Day Itineraries

Day 1 - Arrive Kochi

Fast-track airport arrival, escorted transfer, and a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Fast-track airport handling and lounge access where available.
Escorted private transfer to CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard, a converted 1909 warehouse on the Kochi waterfront.
Bespoke welcome at the hotel with gifting and your hardback itinerary book.
Evening at leisure at the waterfront property.
Welcome dinner with your Farbound trip lead.

Dinner

CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard or similar

Day 2 - Kochi Heritage with Private Access

Private heritage walks through Mattancherry and Fort Kochi with a specialist guide.

Private heritage walk through Mattancherry with a specialist guide: Dutch Palace murals, Paradesi Synagogue, and the Jew Town spice quarter.
Fort Kochi lanes for the Portuguese-era church, Chinese fishing nets, and the colonial waterfront.
Lunch at a curated Kochi table chosen for quality and setting.
Afternoon at leisure or an optional contemporary art gallery visit in Fort Kochi.
Dinner at the hotel or a chosen Kochi restaurant.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard or similar

Day 3 - Kochi to Munnar

Drive into the Cardamom Hills with a tea estate stop and arrival at Tea Retreat.

Drive from Kochi into the Cardamom Hills, with the landscape shifting from coastal plains to tea estate terrain.
Arrive in Munnar and check in to a heritage estate bungalow setting.
Tea plantation visit to understand the estate contours: processing context, estate views, and the rhythm of plantation life.
Evening at the property kept quiet for rest and acclimatisation to the cooler hill air.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Windermere Estate or similar

Day 4 - Munnar Hills

A slow Munnar day with a Kalaripayattu demonstration and property time.

Unhurried Munnar day built around the high estate atmosphere.
Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration with a pre-show context session from the lead practitioner.
Optional tea-tasting layer at a specialist blending facility.
Afternoon protected for spa, pool, or rest at the retreat.
Dinner at the property.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Windermere Estate or similar

Day 5 - Munnar to Thekkady

Drive into spice country with a Periyar Tiger Reserve safari on arrival.

Drive from Munnar into Thekkady through spice-growing country.
Private Periyar Tiger Reserve wildlife safari with a specialist naturalist.
Check in at The Elephant Court with a property welcome.
Evening dinner at the resort.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spice Village CGH Earth or similar

Day 6 - Periyar Lake and Spice Country

Private Periyar lake boat safari and a specialist spice garden visit.

Private Periyar lake boat safari: wide water, forest edges, and the reserve's ecosystem from the water.
Specialist spice garden visit with a botanist for cardamom, black pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon in context.
Lunch at a curated Thekkady venue.
Afternoon at the property.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Elephant Court or similar

Day 7 - Thekkady to Kumarakom

Drive to the backwaters with a lake resort check-in on Vembanad Lake.

Drive from Thekkady to Kumarakom as the landscape opens into the backwater delta.
Check in at Kumarakom Lake Resort on Vembanad Lake.
Afternoon at leisure: the lake-facing property, spa, or a gentle sunset boat glide.
Dinner at the resort.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kumarakom Lake Resort or similar

Day 8 - Alleppey Backwaters

Full-day private houseboat cruise through the Alleppey canals with lunch on board, then heritage check-in.

Drive from Kumarakom to Alleppey and board a private houseboat for a full-day canal cruise.
Move through the backwater network: rice paddies, toddy shops, village ghats, fishing nets, and bird life.
Lunch on board, prepared by the boat crew.
Disembark in Alleppey and check in at Raheem Residency, a 1868 heritage colonial mansion.
Dinner at the residency.

All Meals

Premium Houseboat

Day 9 - Departure

Private transfer to Kochi airport for international or onward departure.

Morning at leisure at the residency.
Private transfer to Cochin International Airport.
Fast-track airport handling where available.

Breakfast

FAQs

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Can I start from a listed trip and keep it exactly as shown?

Yes. Listed trips can be run exactly as published or customized based on your preferences.

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What does “customizable” mean?

You may adjust hotel tier, pacing, interests, extensions, and guide language where feasible. Final options depend on availability and routing.

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What is typically not included?

International flights, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, and anything not explicitly listed.

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Can I request a guide in a specific language?

Language-specific guides can be requested, subject to availability and routing.

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Can I upgrade or downgrade hotels?

Yes, subject to availability and repricing.

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Can I add nights or extensions?

Extensions can be added subject to availability and repricing.

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Do you have minimum or maximum group sizes?

There is no fixed minimum or maximum. Group size depends on routing, vehicles, and accommodation.

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How do Kerala backwater experiences work?

Backwater routing depends on the chosen base, boat type, and seasonal water conditions. Farbound aligns timing and logistics to the confirmed plan.

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Can we add an Ayurveda or wellness block?

Wellness add-ons can be arranged subject to availability and suitability for your schedule.

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Do I need an e-Visa for India?

Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in - it is typically approved within 72 hours and valid for 30 or 365 days depending on the type. We advise applying at least 2 weeks before travel. Some nationalities require a sticker visa from an Indian consulate.

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What is the best time to visit India?

India is vast and each region has its own season. The Himalayan north (Ladakh, Himachal) is best May-September. Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle are ideal October-March. Kerala and the south are good November-February. The northeast is spectacular March-May. We'll advise based on your chosen region.

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Is India safe to travel to?

India is safe for the vast majority of travellers when you take sensible precautions. Solo female travellers should exercise extra caution in certain areas, and we always advise on destination-specific safety. Our partners and guides are vetted, and we brief guests on local customs and areas to avoid.

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What vaccinations do I need for India?

Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Depending on your itinerary, your GP may suggest Hepatitis B, Rabies, or Japanese Encephalitis. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for some rural and jungle regions. Consult a travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.

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Is the food safe in India?

Indian food is wonderful but your stomach needs time to adjust. Stick to cooked food, avoid tap water and ice from unknown sources, and opt for bottled or filtered water throughout. High-end restaurants and hotels are generally very safe. We include a food safety briefing in every pre-departure pack.

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Is India good for vegetarians?

India is arguably the most vegetarian-friendly country in the world. Virtually every restaurant offers extensive vegetarian menus, and many are entirely meat-free. Vegan options are increasingly available in cities and tourist areas. Please let us know your dietary requirements and we'll ensure every meal is taken care of.

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What is the weather like during monsoon season?

Monsoon (roughly June-September) brings heavy rainfall to most of the subcontinent but it varies enormously by region. It's not necessarily a reason to avoid travel - landscapes are spectacularly green, prices are lower, and crowds are thinner. Some areas like Ladakh and Spiti are actually best during this period. Ask us about the specific region you're considering.

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Is it worth visiting during monsoon?

For the right destinations, absolutely yes. Kerala during its early monsoon is lush and magical. The northeast (Meghalaya, Assam) is most dramatic in the rains. Sri Lanka's east coast comes alive during the southwest monsoon when the west is wet. We'll always be honest with you about whether monsoon affects your specific plans.

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What is NOT included in the price?

International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal spending, tips for guides and drivers, and meals not listed in the itinerary. A clear inclusions and exclusions list is in every quote we send.

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What should I pack for a tropical trip (Sri Lanka / South India / Kerala)?

Light, breathable clothing (linen and cotton), a light waterproof jacket for unexpected showers, comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) for temple visits. Full packing list sent with your booking confirmation.

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Should I bring local currency or can I use cards?

A mix of both is ideal. Cards are accepted at most hotels and large restaurants, but local markets, tuk-tuks, tips, and smaller guesthouses are cash-only. We recommend having USD as an emergency backup - it's accepted or exchangeable almost everywhere we operate.

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Do you arrange flights?

We can arrange flights as part of a full package or advise on the best routing and airlines for your trip. Many clients prefer to book flights independently for flexibility with points and upgrades - we're happy to work either way and will give you the ideal arrival and departure airport for your itinerary.

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How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 3-6 months ahead for peak season travel (October-March for South Asia). Bhutan during festival season can need 6-12 months lead time. That said we've pulled together excellent last-minute trips - if your dates are flexible get in touch and we'll see what's possible.

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Can I customise my itinerary?

Absolutely - customisation is what we do. Every Farbound itinerary is built around your interests, pace, travel style, and budget. Whether you want to add a cooking class in Kerala, a yoga retreat in Rishikesh, or an extra night at a tea estate, just tell us and we'll design it for you.

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What is included in the price?

Our packages typically include accommodation, all meals as specified, private transfers, a local guide, entrance fees, and internal transport. International flights are usually separate unless stated. The exact inclusions are listed on every itinerary and quoted in writing before you confirm.

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How do I pay and what are the payment terms?

We typically require a deposit of 20-30% at booking to secure your itinerary and accommodation, with the balance due 60 days before departure. For last-minute bookings full payment is taken upfront. We accept bank transfer and major credit cards. Full payment terms are in your booking confirmation.

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What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund minus the deposit. Between 30-60 days we retain 50% of the total cost. Within 30 days the full amount is non-refundable. We always recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations. Full terms are in your booking agreement.

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Is there a single room supplement?

Yes, single travellers occupy a private room and a supplement applies as hotels charge on a per-room basis. The exact supplement varies by property and destination. We always quote this clearly upfront and work to minimise it where possible - some boutique properties have more affordable single rates.

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Do you run group tours or private only?

Farbound specialises in private, bespoke journeys. You won't be sharing a vehicle or guide with strangers. For travellers who prefer a social group setting, we can occasionally match solo travellers or small groups - get in touch to discuss.

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What happens if something goes wrong on my trip?

We have a 24/7 emergency contact for all guests travelling with Farbound. Our local partners are experienced in handling medical issues, itinerary changes, and unexpected situations. We also ensure all guests have comprehensive travel insurance before they travel.

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Is Sri Lanka a good honeymoon destination?

Absolutely. Sri Lanka blends cultural wonder with stunning beaches, lush hill country, and world-class boutique hotels. We love pairing a few days in the cultural triangle with the south coast - Galle Fort, whale watching at Mirissa, and private beach time. We arrange romantic touches throughout.

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What special arrangements do you make for honeymooners?

We notify all hotels that you're on honeymoon, arrange room upgrades where possible, coordinate special turndowns, sunset dinners, and private experiences. Just let us know at the time of enquiry - the earlier we know, the more we can organise.

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Is India suitable for families with children?

Yes - India is endlessly engaging for children. Rajasthan (forts, camel rides, folk performances), wildlife safaris in national parks, and the backwaters of Kerala are all family favourites. We pace the itinerary carefully, choose child-friendly accommodation, and adjust activities to suit ages and energy levels.

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Is there a minimum age for your trips?

There's no hard minimum age - it depends on the destination and itinerary. Most of our trips work well for children aged 6 and above. Bhutan's high altitude and trekking-heavy itineraries are better suited to children 10+. We'll always give honest advice based on your specific children and planned activities.

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Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and severe allergy requirements are all manageable with advance notice. South Asia is exceptionally accommodating for vegetarian and vegan diets in particular. Please tell us at the time of enquiry so we can brief every restaurant and property on your itinerary.

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Can I drink the water?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Sri Lanka, India, or Bhutan. All reputable hotels provide filtered or bottled water. We advise carrying a reusable bottle with a built-in filter (e.g. LifeStraw or GRAYL) to reduce plastic waste - Bhutan in particular encourages this as part of its sustainability ethos.

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Should I take out travel insurance before booking?

Yes - and we ask that you do so before final payment. A good policy covers medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage. Adventure activities (trekking, rafting, safaris) must be explicitly covered. We're happy to recommend providers if you need a starting point.