Classic Kerala and the Maldives

Fort Cochin is renowned for its rich history and cultural diversity. Portuguese, Dutch and British influences can be seen in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Hop on a bike and explore this fascinating town, heading off down side streets and paths less trodden to get an insight into local life – don’t miss the remains of Fort Immanuel and St. Francis church, both built by the Portuguese, or the Dutch cemetery. The Chinese fishing nets that line the waterfront are one of Fort Cochin’s most enduring sights, and best admired at sunset against the backdrop of a fiery Indian sky.

Next, you’ll head to Munnar, a hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, known for its expansive tea plantations. This area boasts cool mountain air and a refreshing climate. The landscape is a sea of green, dotted with winding paths through the estates, making it one of India’s most picturesque destinations.

Munnar, situated at the confluence of three rivers, is the heart of Kerala’s tea-growing region. You’ll try your hand at picking tea leaves and brewing your own cup. Besides cycling and exploring, it’s a perfect spot to relax, especially in the early mornings when a thin mist blankets the lower slopes.

With the Western Ghats towering to the east and the Arabian Sea flowing out from the west, Kerala is one of India’s most verdant and beautiful states. Spend two nights on the Kerala backwaters, navigate the emerald waterways on a houseboat, gliding along the network of lakes, rivers and canals and snaking through villages, enjoying the leisurely pace of life on the water.

The backwaters teem with aquatic life and provide an invaluable resource to all who line their banks, these waterways have helped create an impossibly lush pocket of India.

Spend five nights relaxing on the picture-perfect islands of the Maldives. While away the hours on the powder soft sand or take to the sparkling waters to discover the wealth of marine life beneath the surface.

Your luxury accommodation is the perfect place to simply switch off and enjoy fine dining and impeccable service, but as soon as you want to take it up a gear and explore, the Maldives are one of the world’s most beautiful destinations in which to do so.