Kerala Connections

Kerala houseboat vacations offer a luxurious opportunity to soak up the sights and sounds of life along the riverbanks in the Kerala backwaters, one of the most peaceful and attractive regions of southern India. This particular trip makes use of a traditional one-bedroom rice barge (kettuvallam). Made from natural materials, due to its smaller size it is capable of cruising away from the normal tourist routes while providing comfortable, exclusive accommodation for up to two passengers. You’ll be accompanied by a crew of three, including a guide / cook who will prepare sumptuous Keralan cuisine throughout from ingredients sourced at local markets and perhaps even fish caught fresh. Many ...Read more >

A homestay journey through Delhi and Rajasthan offers a rich blend of iconic sights and authentic local living. Begin in Delhi, exploring vibrant markets and historic landmarks before heading into Rajasthan’s heart. In Bikaner, experience desert town charm, visit Junagarh Fort, and enjoy home-cooked meals with your hosts. Continue to Jaisalmer, where golden sandstone streets lead to the fort and stunning desert landscapes with unforgettable sunset views. In Jodhpur, discover the Blue City, Mehrangarh Fort, and bustling bazaars with insider tips from your homestay family. Venture off the beaten track into rural Rajasthan, staying in traditional homes, meeting local communities, and gaining ...Read more >

If you have traveled to Kerala before and visited the highlights or have been with us on our Kerala Homestay Tour, why not go back and stay in six wonderful homestays in more remote and rural locations in this fascinating state of India. It is a very independent trip as we feel that interacting with the hosts and arranging local activities with them is all part of the homestay experience. But of course, we can pre-book any activities you would like to do! As the regions are more remote we will supply a car and driver at disposal so you can go out and explore the areas. The homestays range from a 2 bedroom river facing property near Cochin airport to staying with an agricultural family ...Read more >

This fabulous tailor made tour takes you around Kerala as part of a suggested 16 day itinerary that does its level best to uncover some of southern India’s natural and cultural hidden gems. Some of the palatial properties featured throughout this vacation are absolutely stunning and many of the overnight accommodation options have been hand-picked to offer the very best in authenticity, charm and characterful cultural heritage. The itinerary itself is a mix of old and new with popular highlights combining wonderfully well with lesser-known hidden gems. Even if you’ve had a vacation in Kerala before, this two week tour provides ample excuses for a return visit. This tour combines the very ...Read more >

Kerala’s calling – and you don’t need to break the bank to answer. One of the best ways to experience this relaxed part of India is using homestays. This trip uses a few handpicked homestays, as well as guest houses and a houseboat to give you a taste of the area. And what a taste. Enjoy the home advantage of home-cooked meals. In a region that’s celebrated for its cuisine, gorge on gorgeous coconut-based pancakes, rice dishes and desserts, marinated fish, biriyanis, and vegetarian curries. This trip is run by an operator with over two decades experience organising Kerala vacations and can be tailor made to you. You could start with Cochin and Fort Cochin, Kerala’s colourful ...Read more >

This tailor made tour is 16 nights, spend 12 nights exploring Kerala with a 4 night extension to the beautiful Maldives. Your Kerala adventure will start with three nights in a fantastic retreat in the Western Ghat foothills. Here you can just relax by the river in a hammock or explore the farm, spices and rubber plantations. Even head into the kitchen and see the talented chef in action. Head further up the mountain to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and stay in an eco-resort. Take part in a soft trek into the reserve, attend a martial arts display and even roll up your sleeves and get involved in a cookery lesson. Next stop is the backwaters. We have included two contrasting areas. ...Read more >

Experience the rich culture of northern India on an unforgettable journey through the iconic Golden Triangle, enriched with a thrilling wildlife escape to Ranthambhore, all while staying in welcoming homestays. This immersive tour connects the vibrant capital of Delhi, the timeless beauty of Agra, and the royal heritage of Jaipur. Wander through bustling bazaars, marvel at architectural masterpieces like the Taj Mahal, and explore majestic forts and palaces that echo centuries of history. Along the way, gain deeper insight into local life, traditions, and cuisine through your stays in family-run homes, where genuine hospitality transforms your trip into a cultural exchange. The adventure ...Read more >

A Golden Triangle trip visiting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur becomes far more meaningful when you stay in homestays. Instead of just visiting, you experience real Indian life—home-cooked meals, warm hospitality and cultural exchange. Explore Old Delhi’s vibrant markets, witness the spectacular Taj Mahal and discover Jaipur’s royal palaces and colourful bazaars. Along the way, enjoy activities like cookery classes, local walks and and immersive cultural experiences. It’s a journey that blends iconic sights with authentic, personal experiences.Read more >

Experience a real taste of India on this tour. The 'Golden Triangle' combines India’s most famous sights - historic Delhi, the legendary Taj Mahal at Agra and the Pink City of Jaipur. In Kerala you visit the harbour city of Cochin, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghat mountains, spend two nights on a houseboat in Kerala's backwaters and finish at a beach for a couple of days relaxation. This tour uses economy hotels, guesthouses and homestays so there are plenty of opportunities to upgrade if required. There are airlines that allow an 'open jaw' flight into Delhi and out of Cochin, we have included Air India in the quote who fly direct to Delhi and back direct from Cochin..Read more >

This 14-night journey showcases the very best of central Kerala, combining comfort and authenticity through a carefully selected mix of hotels and welcoming homestays. Begin in the vibrant city of Cochin, where colonial heritage meets modern life, before traveling into the misty mountains with their tea-covered hills and cool, refreshing air. Experience the tranquil beauty of Kerala’s famous backwaters, staying both in a traditional homestay and aboard a houseboat as you glide past palm-lined canals and village life. Your vacation concludes by the coast, where golden beaches and the gentle rhythm of the Arabian Sea provide the perfect setting to unwind.Read more >

This tour gets you into the regions north of Delhi. A combination of cities, mountains and spiritual havens - it includes 3 train journeys. Firstly explore Delhi for a few days before boarding a train to the fascinating city of Amritsar, be in awe at the spectacular Golden Temple and blown away by the inclusivity of the communal kitchen. Next stop is just outside of Dharamshala, in area called Palampur. Stay 3 nights at the wonderful Lodge at Wah - enjoy the tea region and visit Dharamshala. A homestay then awaits in the hill station of Shimla - explore the region with it's toy train. Haridwar and Rishikesh, both located in Uttarakhand, are well known for their spiritual significance, ...Read more >

This 18-day India by Rail tour takes you through Delhi, Varanasi, and West Bengal, blending history, spirituality, and cultural experiences. Highlights include exploring Dilli Haat INA, a vibrant market showcasing Indian handicrafts and cuisine, and an evening cooking demonstration and dinner, where you’ll learn to prepare authentic local dishes. Explore Old Delhi by cycle or battery rickshaw, visit the stunning Fatehpuri Mosque, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Discover architectural marvels like Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and India Gate. In Varanasi, witness the mesmerising Evening Aarti Ceremony on the Ganga Ghat—a truly unforgettable experience. Glide ...Read more >

“Perhaps the best vacation ever,” says Andy Belfield, who enjoyed a Kerala homestay tour in 2019. “Great people, lovely places to stay and visit, really thoughtful travel agents who couldn't do enough to help.” As for Andy’s recommendation to others taking this trip? “Say yes.” Yes to the food, yes to the activities (some included, some perhaps offered by your hosts), and yes to any opportunity to get to know the local community, of which there will be many. There’s no better way to experience the warmth of Kerala people than by staying in their homes and getting to know them. Across two memorable weeks you’ll stay at six residences, as well as enjoying two nights in a houseboat on the ...Read more >

Whether you’re watching the sun touch the water on a sunset cruise of Cochin Harbour, or relaxing at a waterside resort, this luxury Kerala tour is all about adding a little extra bit of luxury. Do as much or as little as you wish: this is your vacation. Kerala is a laid-back region in southern India, where the beaches are big, but the backwaters and the tranquil mountains inland are even more intriguing. This trip gives you a bit of both, so you can balance relaxation with exploration. The special places where you’ll stay on your way give this getaway its luxury edge. They include a waterside resort on Vembanad Lake where birdlife comes up to the door of your guest house, a houseboat ...Read more >

Experience Indian railways on this journey across the two most southerly states of India. The time is divided between the scenic state of Kerala and the temple towns of Tamil Nadu with the longer transfers taken on 'normal' India Rail trains. This trip also includes the 'toy train' in the Nilgiri Hills. Transfers between hotels and railway stations etc will be by car. This is a full itinerary with many places of interest to visit along the way - but it does include time to relax on a beach. Accommodation is offered in a mixture of hotels and homestays and one night is spent on board a train. This is consequently a very diverse vacation and we are sure will appeal to people who like to be ...Read more >

Explore the fascinating state of Rajasthan by Rail. This itinerary has four train journeys, one of them being overnight. It starts in Delhi for a few days to experience the sights and sounds of this bustling city. Then take a train and visit the off the beaten track Shekhawati city of Churu - see its heritage buildings, murals and craftspeople in action. Board another train to Bikaner with its markets, forts, camels and for those not squeamish a temple dedicated to rats! Jaisalmer is the desert city and you have a few days here to explore the area. Take a train to the blue city of Jodhpur with the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. Get off the grid and stay in the gorgeous Kot Dunara, take ...Read more >

This fantastic sixteen night tailor made tour takes you into parts of Kerala that typical tourists very rarely reach. The north of Kerala has far fewer crowds than those witnessed in the south and as this tour invites you into the homes of local people you'll find a much more authentic and deeper experience. Homestays and locally-owned guesthouses are definitely the best accommodation for getting to know welcoming hosts as well as discovering destinations that won't appear in the glossy guide books. As you travel through North Kerala you'll be treated to some truly exceptional scenery as you make your way by private chauffeur driven car through North Kerala. The tour includes three very ...Read more >

Experience the rich cultural heritage, extraordinary wildlife, and rural traditions of Gujarat on this thoughtfully designed 16-day responsible travel journey. Beginning in the vibrant city of Mumbai, the itinerary takes you through some of Gujarat's most fascinating destinations, combining authentic local experiences with exceptional wildlife encounters. Travel from the royal city of Vadodara to Balasinor, renowned for its dinosaur fossil discoveries, before exploring the architectural treasures, historic neighbourhoods, and living heritage of Ahmedabad. Continue to Dared, where you'll gain insight into rural Gujarat, local traditions, and community life, offering a deeper understanding ...Read more >

This two-week Karnataka vacation promises a sublime mix of culture, wildlife-watching and relaxation, with plenty of views that you’ll no doubt remember for a long time to come. Travel in a private, air-conditioned and chauffeur-driven car from Mysore to Coorg and then Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, followed by a sleeper train to the UNESCO-listed Hampi, with two or three nights in each destination allowing you to gain a deeper appreciation of life in Karnataka. Get your bearings in the majestic city of Mysuru (Mysore) a three-night homestay here ideal for sightseeing around key locations such as the Mysuru Palace, and the Devaraja Market, a must for photographers and anyone with a passion for ...Read more >

This Tamil Nadu tailor made vacation allows you to really get under the skin of the local culture. It also explores the variety of beautiful natural landscapes that make up this southern India state from temple towns to the glorious coastline near Pondicherry. A suggested 18-day itinerary is for those looking for thorough cultural immersion in Tamil Nadu. It includes your own personal chauffeur and air-conditioned car, a train trip, as well as local assistance for the duration of the trip to ensure that your tour runs wonderfully smoothly from start to finish. As you make your way around Tamil Nadu you’ll stay in a succession of heritage properties and guesthouses set within truly ...Read more >