COLOURFUL KERALA: A WOMEN ONLY ESCAPE WITH AN INDIA INSIDER
A SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE WITH MARGOT BIGG
Welcome to Southern India! From Hilltops to Backwaters – Explore Kerala with Margot Bigg.
Join Margot Bigg, India expert and travel writer, on a women-only small group adventure through colourful Kerala. A fascinating journey through India’s tropical south, do experience the diversity in scenery, architecture, culture and most importantly the people.
Flanked by the Arabian Sea in the West, the towering Western Ghats in the East and networked by 44 interconnected rivers, Kerala is blessed with a unique set of geographical features that have made it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Asia. A long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife are just a few of the wonders that await you once you cross over to the other side. And what’s more, each of these charming destinations is only a two-hour drive from the other – a singular advantage no other place on the planet can offer.
Kerala is divided into three geographical regions: the Highlands, which slope down from the Western Ghats onto the Midlands of undulating hills and valleys into an unbroken 580 km long coastline with many picturesque backwaters, interconnected with canals and rivers. The wild lands are covered with dense forests, while other regions lie under tea and coffee plantations or other forms of cultivation. Most of the state is engulfed in rich greenery, which ensures a very calming experience at all times.
Dates: Feb 22 – Mar 2nd, 2026
Highlights
STARTS AT
USD per Person
DATES: Feb 22 – Mar 2nd, 2026
DAY 1: WELCOME TO KOCHI, KERALA, INDIA
Arrive in Kochi and check into your elegant heritage stay in a city where global empires once converged in search of spices!
Welcome to India!
On arrival at Kochi International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our representative, who will assist with your transfer to your hotel. The 90-minute drive to Fort Kochi offers a scenic preview of Kerala’s lush greenery and bustling waterways. Upon arrival, check in to Dutch Manor, a lovingly restored heritage property tucked into the historic heart of Fort Kochi. With its colonial-era architecture, vintage furniture, and personalized service, it offers an ideal base to soak in the city’s old-world charm.
Kochi, often called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” has long been a magnet for travelers, traders, and empires. Its strategic coastal location made it one of the earliest European colonies in India. The Portuguese arrived in the 15th century, followed by the Dutch and British, each leaving their architectural and cultural imprints. But long before colonial powers arrived, Kochi’s fame was already known across ancient Babylon, Rome, Arabia and China, all drawn by its most prized export: spices.
Cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon and cloves grown in the misty hills of the Western Ghats, were brought down to Kochi’s ports and traded in bustling markets that still echo the past. The spice trade shaped Kochi into a melting pot of cultures, where Jewish merchants, Arab traders and European explorers converged.
The rest of your day is free to relax and absorb this rich heritage. If time allows, take a stroll through the quiet lanes of Fort Kochi to get an early glimpse of its antique shops, art galleries and colonial buildings, or enjoy sunset views by the seaside promenade.
Accommodations: Dutch Manor, Kochi (Heritage Boutique 4*) or similar
Meals: -/-/-
DAY 2: KOCHI – PALACES, SYNAGOGUES, & COOKING WITH A LOCAL FAMILY
Discover Kochi’s multicultural heritage and cook a traditional Kerala meal with a welcoming family.
After breakfast, your guided sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), a Portuguese-built structure gifted to the Raja of Kochi in 1555. The palace houses some of India’s finest mural paintings that depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Continue to Jew Town, a narrow atmospheric street that once bustled with spice traders and Jewish merchants. The Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, is still active and features stunning Belgian chandeliers, hand-painted tiles, and ancient scrolls.
Stop by the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was once buried. Visit the Chinese fishing nets nearby, a unique relic of ancient trade with China, and witness fishermen hauling in the day’s catch. Browse the nearby fish market or shop for spices and handmade crafts.
In the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed into a local home to prepare a traditional Kerala dinner with the family. Learn to grind spices, temper coconut-based curries and make local breads like appam, all guided by hands-on instruction and conversation.
Later in the evening, attend a Kathakali dance performance, a classical art form known for its vibrant makeup, intricate hand gestures and expressive storytelling.
Accommodations: Dutch Manor, Kochi (Heritage Boutique 4*) or similar
Meals: B/L/-
DAY 3: JOURNEY TO PERIYAR – INTO THE HILLS OF SPICE & WILDLIFE
Drive to Periyar and explore its aromatic spice plantations and ancient martial arts
After breakfast, embark on a scenic five-hour drive inland to Thekkady, home of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The journey winds through Kerala’s fertile midlands and into misty hills dotted with rubber plantations, tea gardens, and spice farms. Arrive at your hotel, the eco-conscious Green Woods Resort, nestled amidst thick vegetation.
Later in the afternoon, join a guided tour of a local spice plantation. Wander through aromatic groves of pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, while learning about their cultivation and medicinal uses. Kerala’s spices have drawn traders from across the world for centuries — this tour brings that legacy to life.
In the evening, witness a Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration, a martial art native to Kerala fora dynamic performance of Kerala’s ancient fighting style, said to be one of the oldest martial arts systems in the world. The show includes weapon techniques, acrobatics and elegant forms that reflect both strength and philosophy.
Accommodations: Green Woods Resort, Thekkady (4*) or similar
Meals: B/-/-
DAY 4: BAMBOO RAFTING ADVENTURE IN PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK
Trek and raft through Periyar Tiger Reserve with a chance to see elephants and other wildlife.
Start early for a half-day experience in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, combining trekking and bamboo rafting. Accompanied by forest guides and local trackers, walk through a variety of habitats including grasslands and evergreen forest. You may spot wildlife such as langurs, giant squirrels and sambar deer along the way.
The trail leads to Periyar Lake, where you’ll board a bamboo raft and glide silently through the water, surrounded by thick forest. This is one of the best ways to experience Kerala’s biodiversity in a quiet and low-impact setting.
Return to your resort by early afternoon. The rest of the day is free to rest, enjoy an Ayurvedic treatment or explore the resort grounds.
Accommodations: Green Woods Resort, Thekkady (4*)
Meals: B/-/-
DAY 5: CRUISE THROUGH THE BACKWATERS OF ALLEPPEY
Board your private houseboat for an enchanting cruise through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters.
After breakfast, drive through village roads and palm-lined fields to Alleppey, where you’ll step aboard your private deluxe houseboat. These kettuvallams (traditional rice barges) have been transformed into floating cottages, complete with ensuite bedrooms, a dining area and a viewing deck.
Set out on a leisurely cruise through the backwaters of Vembanad Lake, passing tiny hamlets, coconut groves, and emerald paddy fields. Watch as village life unfolds along the banks — women washing clothes, children waving from jetties, toddy tappers climbing trees and fishermen casting their nets.
Enjoy freshly cooked Kerala meals on board, prepared by your boat crew with local produce. Watch the landscape change as you drift past palm groves and small villages, eventually mooring for the night in a peaceful canal.
Accommodations: Deluxe Houseboat (4*)
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6: ARANMULA CRAFT & TEMPLES – DRIVE TO KOVALAM
Visit the Aranmula Temple and meet the master craftsmen behind India’s rare metal mirrors before heading to the beach.
Disembark your houseboat after breakfast and begin the journey south to Aranmula, an important cultural village located by the Pamba River. Visit the Parthasarathy Temple, a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, renowned for its murals and Kerala-style architecture.
Nearby, you’ll visit a mirror workshop to see how the famed Aranmula Kannadi (metal mirrors) are made. These handmade mirrors are crafted from a unique alloy, polished to a glass-like sheen using an ancient, closely guarded technique. Each mirror is a symbol of status and tradition, often used in weddings and temple rituals.
Enjoy an intimate lunch at Manas Veedu, a family-run homestay where you’ll be served a wholesome Kerala meal made with garden-fresh ingredients.
Continue your drive to Kovalam, Kerala’s premier beach destination, and check into your seaside retreat overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Accommodations: Travancore Heritage, Kovalam (4*) or similar
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7: KOVALAM – AYURVEDIC WELLNESS BY THE SEA
Unwind with Ayurvedic therapies, meditation and beachside relaxation.
Today is a dedicated wellness day, allowing you to experience the healing traditions of Ayurveda.
Join a yoga or meditation session, enjoy healthy meals made with Ayurvedic principles, or spend your time relaxing by the beach or pool. This is your chance to absorb Kerala’s peaceful rhythms in a setting designed for renewal.
Accommodations: Travancore Heritage, Kovalam (4*) or similar
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8: FREE DAY IN KOVALAM
Another day to relax by the sea, indulge in spa treatments or explore independently.
Enjoy your final full day in Kerala at your own pace. Take a dip in the infinity pool, walk along the palm-fringed Lighthouse Beach, or visit nearby fishing villages. For those seeking more cultural encounters, optional excursions to Trivandrum’s Padmanabhaswamy Temple or Napier Museum can be arranged.
Alternatively, indulge in a second round of Ayurvedic treatments, deepen your yoga practice or simply soak in the coastal tranquility that defines this part of India.
Savor your last sunset on the beach and reflect on the diverse experiences — culinary, spiritual, natural and cultural — that have defined your time in Kerala.
Accommodations: Travancore Heritage, Kovalam (4*)
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9: DEPARTURE FROM KOVALAM – FAREWELL KERALA
Depart from Trivandrum Airport with warm memories and a peaceful heart.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Trivandrum International Airport for your onward flight. Your local escort will assist with luggage and check-in. Take with you the serenity of Kerala’s landscapes and the warmth of its people.
Meals: B
OPTION TO EXTEND TO RAJASTHAN. ASK FOR DETAILS.
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS & VACCINATIONS: Responsibility of the traveller. Most visitors require a VISA when visiting India. It is the TRAVELLER’S responsibility to check on entrance requirements. Please visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html.
Date: Custom Departure available upon request
Prices from: $2825 USD per participant based on Double / Twin accommodation
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
INDIA: How can you possibly prepare yourself for Travel?
To take advantage of your trip, we suggest prepare yourself a little. Here are some Travel tips which we hope will be useful, ensuring comfort, while travelling in Southern India.
In order to enter India you will need:
A signed, valid passport and a tourist visa. Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion of your trip. It is also imperative that your passport has at least 2 blank visa pages available for entry and exit stamps. The government of India offers two options for tourist visas. Your entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality. Please consult the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries you will be visiting. One option is a multiple entry visa which can be obtained through the traditional application process. This type of visa has a 1 year validity and allows multiple visits and a stay of up to 90 days. You need to apply for a traditional Indian visa if you are exiting and re-entering India during the course of your tour.
The other option is the Electronic Tourist Visa (eTV). This type of visa allows a single entry for a stay of up to 30 days in India.
More information regarding the eTV system can be found here https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html. Please read and follow all instructions carefully to avoid any possible complications on arrival in India. Do not apply an eTV any earlier than 34 days and no later than four days before your scheduled date of arrival.
India’s unit of currency is the Indian Rupee.
Exchange currency only at authorized outlets such as exchange kiosks, banks, and hotels. Keep receipts of Transactions which may be required when exiting the country, and also if you intend to reconvert local currency.
We suggest travelling with some U.S. dollars or Euros, or Sterling Pound to be exchanged for local currency and at least two major credit cards. Hotels and some stores in large cities accept all major credit cards, but in small towns cash may be required. Notify your credit card company of your travel plans prior to your departure to avoid any fraud concerns. ATM access is available in any cities. Cash is the best (generally, the only) option in street markets.
We do not recommend traveller’s cheques as they are not as widely accepted as in previous years. Lodges outside of major cities do not accept traveler’s cheques.
Required Vaccination
A yellow fever vaccination is required to enter India only if you are arriving from or have transited through a yellow fever endemic area in South America or Africa. If vaccination for yellow fever is necessary, you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; If you are advised against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, a certificate from your Physician to this effect is required.
India is a huge country and its weather conditions are affected by diverse regions which include mountains, deserts, highlands and coastal plains. In general, India’s climate is warm and tropical although parts of northern and western India can be very cold from December through January.
The months of November to February bring the most pleasant weather throughout the country. Average temperatures in Delhi during this cool season range from daily highs of 60 -80 F to lows between 40 -50 F. Summer begins in mid-March and lasts through mid-June with April and May being the hottest months. The heaviest rains of the monsoon season begin in July and last through mid-October, with the amount of rainfall varying by region. The northern states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Sikkim in the northeastern hills, have a cooler, more continental influenced climate.
Use a website such as weather.com to find average temperatures and rainfall during your travel times.
India – 220 volts and 50 hertz
Packing Suggestions:
Smart Casual clothing such as lightweight pants, loose shorts, trousers and at the least, short-sleeved shirts are recommended.
It is suggested that Women pack a scarf large enough to cover bare neck and shoulders. Other items, worthwhile to carry are;
Comfortable, walking shoes with low or no heels
Sweater or lightweight jacket
Lightweight raincoat or poncho
Swimming suit
Sunglasses, sun block and a sunhat
Mosquito repellent
Lightweight binoculars (optional)
Simple first-aid kit, Prescriptions and medications
Charging cables for electronics. Voltage converter and adapter plugs
Please note that these are just sample hotels and all accommodation is subject to change. We can upgrade hotels for an additional fee.
Cochin (Kochi) – Fort House
Thekkady – Green Woods Resort
Alleppey – Deluxe Houseboat
Kovalam – Travancore Heritage Hotel
Please note ALL ACCOMMODATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Hotels will be confirmed 30 days prior to departure.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation: How about Holi in Rajasthan? Ask us. If you require accommodation before or after your tour we can arrange this for you as well as additional Tours to Taj Mahal, Varanasi, etc.
Travelling with India Expert & Travel Writer, Margot Bigg
Since her first visit to India in 2005, travel writer Margot Bigg has been passionate about sharing her love for the country with fellow travellers.
Margot lived in Delhi for six years, working as an editor during the week and spending her weekends and holidays exploring the country. She’s the author of two India guidebooks for Moon Guides and has co-authored India guides for Lonely Planet and Fodor’s. Although now based in Portland, Oregon, Margot continues to visit India at least once a year.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading. No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable. Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
JOIN OUR FINISTERRA TRAVEL COMMUNITY
Stay up-to-date with us when you sign up for our newsletter.