Tour Overview
Embark on the "Kerala and Maldives Adventure" for an unforgettable journey through the serene landscapes of South India and the idyllic islands of the Maldives. Begin your adventure in Kochi, exploring its colonial architecture and vibrant culture. Paddle through the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey by kayak, and cycle through the lush landscapes to Paravur, where you can explore rich mangrove ecosystems. Transition to the Maldives, where you'll spend five nights aboard an authentic dhoni, cruising through pristine atolls and uninhabited islands. Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and beach barbecues amidst the stunning coral reefs. With expert local guides and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, ensuring a truly immersive experience in these captivating destinations. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Kochi (Cochin)
Location: Kochi, Fort 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, Marari Beach
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, Karumadikuttan Temple
Accommodation Name: Coir Village or similar
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, Paravur
Accommodation Name: Fragrant Nature or similar
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
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: Paravur, Pozhikara Spillway, Varkala, Trivandrum
Accommodation Name: Udai Suites or similar
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 Rihiveli Boduveli
Location: Trivandrum, Male, Rihiveli Boduveli
Accommodation Name: Dhoni
Meals Included: Lunch
Transfer to Trivandrum airport for your departure flight to Male. Upon arrival at the International Airport in Malé, you will be transferred to your dhoni. Our dhonis are equipped with private cabins and a sun deck. You will be welcomed aboard by the tour leader and introduced to the crew before cruising to the uninhabited island of Rihiveli Boduveli or a resort island. Our chef will prepare a buffet lunch aboard. The rest of the day will be spent swimming and snorkeling before anchoring for the night. This is a great spot to begin your snorkeling adventure in the Maldives’ beautiful coral reefs! (Beach towels, snorkels, and flippers are provided on board.)
Note: Today's included lunch may be impacted as dictated by available flight times and carriers. We appreciate your understanding for this potential issue.
Day 8 : Cruise to Kudi Boli
Location: Vaavu Atoll
Accommodation Name: Dhoni
Meals Included: Breakfast
On the Maldives Dhoni Cruise there’s only one thing to do, relax and enjoy! After breakfast, we will cruise to Vaavu Atoll, where we will stay near Kudi Boli, an area known for its pristine reef. You may encounter dolphins and turtles as you enjoy the serene surroundings.
Day 9 : Cruise to Bongo
Location: Bodumohoraa
Accommodation Name: Dhoni
Today, we cruise to the uninhabited island of Bodumohoraa. Relax on the beach, go skin diving, snorkeling, or swimming. Our crew will organize a beach barbecue where you can enjoy a feast of local seafood. Spend the night at anchor, with the option to sleep under the stars on deck.
Day 10 : Cruise to Fulidhoo
Location: Fulidhoo
Accommodation Name: Dhoni
Today we cruise to the picturesque inhabited island of Fulidhoo. 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
We cruise back to Male Atoll and anchor at a nearby resort island for our final night.
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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Airport transfers
The tour includes airport transfers for your convenience.
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Private air-conditioned vehicle
Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned vehicle transfers.
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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 in the tour.
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Accommodation on board a Dhoni including Maldives tourist taxes and tour permits
Stay on board a Dhoni with all necessary Maldives tourist taxes and tour permits included.
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Expert local tour guide, local captain and crew on board dhoni
Enjoy the services of an expert local tour guide, captain, and crew on board the dhoni.
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Good quality Cannondale, Trek or similar bikes
High-quality Cannondale, Trek, or similar bikes are provided for cycling activities.
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Kayaking equipment
All necessary kayaking equipment is included for your adventure.
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Basic snorkelling equipment
Basic snorkelling equipment is provided for underwater exploration.
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Sightseeing with local guides including entrance fees
Sightseeing tours with local guides and entrance fees are included.
What's Not Included
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International airfares and departure taxes
International airfares and departure taxes are not included in the tour.
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Visas
Visas are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Travel insurance is compulsory and not included in the tour package.
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Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
Any meals and beverages not specifically mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Tips and gratuities
Tips and gratuities are not included and are at your discretion.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature 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 in the tour package.
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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
E-bike upgrade is available at an additional cost and subject to availability.
Accommodation
In India, enjoy 6 nights in centrally located 3 to 4-star hotels, offering atmospheric and reliable stays. In the Maldives, stay aboard various dhonis, featuring private cabins, sun decks, and essential facilities, with some cabins lacking ensuite depending on group size and travel time.
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 transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes private air-conditioned vehicle transfers, internal flights from Trivandrum to Male, and transportation aboard an authentic dhoni in the Maldives, which is equipped with a motor, private cabins, and a sun deck.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
In India, you will stay in centrally located 3 to 4 star hotels that are atmospheric and reliable. In the Maldives, accommodation is aboard a dhoni, which may have cabins without ensuite facilities depending on group size and time of travel. Each dhoni is equipped with a motor, private cabins, and a sun deck. ...more ...less
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What activities are included in the Maldives portion of the tour?
In the Maldives, you will spend 5 nights aboard a dhoni, cruising to various islands. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the beautiful coral reefs. You will also have the opportunity to relax on beaches, go skin diving, and enjoy a beach barbecue.
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Are there any guided activities included in Kerala?
Yes, in Kerala, you will have expert bilingual cycling and kayaking guides. The tour includes a kayaking adventure in the backwaters of Alleppey and cycling through the backwater and beach areas towards Kollam and Paravur.
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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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What kind of equipment is provided for activities?
The tour provides good quality Cannondale, Trek, or similar bikes for cycling, kayaking equipment, and basic snorkeling equipment.
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Is there an opportunity to experience local culture during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes opportunities to explore local towns and meet islanders in the Maldives, as well as experiencing local entertainment. In Kerala, you will have the chance to observe local communities and traditional coir making skills.
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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.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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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 400 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.
Kerala and Maldives Adventure
12 Days Starting in Cochin, India and ending in Male, Maldives
Visiting: Kochi, Fort Kochi, Marari Beach, Alleppey, Karumadikuttan Temple, Kollam, Paravur, Pozhikara Spillway, Varkala, Trivandrum, Male, Rihiveli Boduveli, Vaavu Atoll, Bodumohoraa, Fulidhoo, Male Atoll ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PIO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 10
Age range:
18-80
