Example Itinerary

Beaches of Goa, Backwaters of Kerala

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Price Per Person

Interests: Luxury Cruises, Beaches

Destinations: India

Explore the coastline and waterways of Southern India with our laid back Beaches of Goa, Backwaters of Kerala itinerary. You’ll be taking off on 10 days of luxury travel including charming houseboats in Kerala and the stunning, expansive beaches of Goa.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

Green Paradise: Kerala is a lush marvel blessed with tropical climes and scenic nature: palm-fringed beaches, beautiful backwaters, waterfalls, hill-stations, and plentiful wildlife. Explore this rich ecosystem on a traditional wooden houseboat, cleverly built without a single nail.
Famed Port: One of the world's finest natural harbors, Cochi was central to the world spice trade for centuries. The influx of trade infused the area with European churches and palaces, Chinese fishing nets, Portuguese bungalows, and olden synagogues.
Haven Shores: Goa attracts visitors with its long coastline and beaches, many churches, galleries, and museums. With many religions co-existing during colonial days, Goa has remained one of the most peaceful states in India.

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Day-by-Day

Day 1

Kovalam

On the first day of your relaxing India itinerary, you’ll arrive at Trivandrum Airport, known as the gateway to Kerala, and transfer to Kovalam. This idyllic Kerala beach town is flanked by the Arabian Sea, fringed by rows upon rows of coconut palms. Check into your suite and become acquainted with your new surroundings.

Hotel Options

About

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Kovalam

Today you are free to explore the beaches of Kovalam. There are three spectacular beaches that cover Kovalam’s expansive 17 km coastline. Lighthouse Beach is a particular favorite, while Hawah and Sanmudra are close seconds, and perhaps more ideal for escaping the tourist throngs.

Day 3

Kerala Backwaters

One of Kerala’s most favorited features is its widespread network of backwaters, and the most ideal way to explore them is aboard a traditional wooden houseboat, called a kettuvallam, built without a single nail. Today, you’ll board a luxury kettuvallam for an overnight cruise.

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About

Day 4

Kumarakom

After your culturally-immersive nautical excursion, it’s time to get back onto dry land. You’ll disembark at Kumarakom, home to a rich ecosystem featuring mangrove forests, paddy fields, coconut groves, and all kinds of exotic birds. Transfer to your luxury backwater resort, Kumarakom Lake Resort.

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About

Day 5

Cochin

After breakfast this morning, you’ll check out of your hotel and drive two hours to Cochin, West India’s major port city. You’ll be escorted to your luxury eco-resort moored on a historic stretch of Cochin's famed harbour.

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Day 6

Cochin

Today you’ll explore the best that Cochin has to offer, visiting Fort Kochi, the St. Francis Church, the Chinese fishing nets, and the Mattancherry Palace. Then head over to the Jewish quarter with the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, Paradesi Synagogue, with its colonial houses. Next up, stroll through the aromatic lanes of the local Spice Market.

Day 7

Goa

Goa is one of India’s most popular beach destinations, with miles upon miles of unspoilt beaches, as far as the eye can see. Some even say it’s home to Asia’s best beaches. Take an early flight from Cochin to Goa via Bengaluru so you arrive in time to spend the rest of the day at the beach.

Hotel Options

About

Location: The Taj Exotica is only 18 kilometers from the airport and is situated in one of the Maldives' biggest lagoons.

History: The Taj Exotica conducts fascinating day tours of Malé's historic sites, only a short trip away from the resort.

Service: Taj staff work around the clock to ensure guests have everything they need for an unforgettable holiday.

About

The St. Regis Goa Resort offers a true luxury experience in South Goa, India, set amidst 49 acres of lush, sprawling greenery and sparkling lagoons.

Day 8

Goa

Explore Goa’s sights today, with a tour that starts with Fort Aguada, a well-preserved 17th century Portuguese fort that overlooks the Arabian Sea. Next up, you’ll head to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Basilica de Bom Jesus, which holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Cap your day off with a languid stroll along the shores of your preferred Goa beach.

Day 9

Goa

You can enjoy more beach time today, with the freedom to explore the vastness of the Arabian Sea, and the white sand shores it laps upon. Agonda beach in south Goa is a particular favorite for those looking to get away from the crowds, while Anjuna beach in north Goa boasts a large flea market and picturesque sunsets. The choice is yours!

Day 10

Departure

After a restful sleep on your final night of your Beaches & Backwaters itinerary, today you’ll check out of your luxury Goa resort and head for the airport, where you’ll transfer to your next destination.

Suggested Hotel For Days 1–2

The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel

Retreat to the Raviz Kovalam, a cliff-top luxury resort that offers panoramic views of the Kovalam shoreline and the Arabian Sea. Sophisticated rooms and suites begin at 475 square feet (44 sqm), and offer views of the beach. Beach View Rooms have balconies that look out onto the beach; Beach View Villas have private access to the beach; club-level rooms and suites include additional services such as welcome drinks on arrival, breakfast at the Club Cafe with in-room dining options, evening high tea, and complimentary ironing services and use of gym and infinity pool. Other hotel facilities and amenities include two restaurants, a cafe, two bars, a gym, salon, and a spa offering Ayurvedic treatments. Just steps away from the property is a pristine private beach.

Suggested Hotel For Day 3

Spice Coast Cruises

Spice Coast Cruises offers kettuvallams, a traditional wooden houseboat, that with some imaginative tweaks have been converted into stately floating homes for cruising the backwaters of Kerala. Made from natural materials, these spice boats are powered with solar energy and vegetable oils to reduce their impact upon the lake. The bedroom cabins, are comfortable spaces that provide both privacy and protection from insects and the elements while keeping guests intimately connected to nature around. The bedrooms offer air-conditioning between 7 pm-7 am. The crew of these boats are simple fisherfolk, who alternate between navigating the waterways and preparing meals that use local ingredients such as coconut and fresh caught fish from the lake. Cycles for guests are provided for those who want to venture along the villages and paddy fields.

Suggested Hotel For Day 4

Kumarakom Lake Resort

Located on the banks of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom is a beautiful retreat on the backwaters of Kerala. The building that houses Ettukettu, its principal restaurant, was commissioned by King Marthanda Varma as a gift to his martial arts teacher, and dismantled from its original location before being reassembled at Kumarakom. The 115-seat restaurant offers multiple cuisines, including continental, Chinese, Mughlai, North Indian and traditional regional dishes. Ayurmana, Kumarakom’s Ayurveda spa, has an extensive menu of massages, therapeutic and beauty treatments, while the fitness center has a wide array of cardio machines and free weights. Thattukada is a traditional Kerala teashop. Kumarakom is approximately 1.5 hours from Cochin airport (COK).

Suggested Hotel For Days 5–6

Brunton Boatyard

Set in a restored boatyard dating from the Victorian era, the Brunton is located at the tip of Fort Cochin. Designed in the style of early Dutch and Portuguese buildings, with whitewashed walls, a sloping tile roof and terracotta floors, the Brunton features twenty-two rooms – all of which face the sea, and are fitted with antique furniture and high royal beds with steps to climb up to them. Dining options include the History Café, which serves a fusion of Dutch, Syrian, Indian and Keralan cuisines in a room paneled with warm woods and teak crossbeams; the Terrace Grill serves the best of that morning's catch; and lastly, the Armoury Bar, which overlooks the harbor and features a selection of teas and classic cocktails. The hotel has a small pool next to the sea, an Ayurvedic center with massage and healing treatments, and a steam room, but does not have a fitness center. There is no business center, though there are secretarial services and Internet access. The Brunton Boatyard lies approximately 30 minutes from the airport in Cochin (COK).

Suggested Hotels For Days 7–9

The St. Regis Goa Resort

The St. Regis Goa Resort offers a true luxury experience in South Goa, India, set amidst 49 acres of lush, sprawling greenery and sparkling lagoons. Dine on local cuisine, have afternoon tea at The Drawing Room, sample seafood and grilled meats at Susegado or sip cocktails at The Lobby Bar. Pamper yourself with Ayurvedic and holistic therapies at St. Regis Spa, or tee off at the 12-hole golf course overlooking the Arabian sea. Explore the beach with our own private access. Then relax in comfortable rooms with LED TVs, free Wi-Fi and lagoon views. Take advantage of a private plunge pool and 24-hour butler service.

Taj Exotica Goa

Located on the southwest coast of Goa overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Mediterranean-style Taj Exotica is arguably one of the best five-star hotels in Goa. Set amidst fifty-six acres of lush gardens, the Taj Exotica features a sun-drenched atrium, wide, shady corridors, and flower-lined patios. Its rooms and villas draw inspiration from Portuguese aesthetics and Indian design, and all offer plush beds, separate bathrooms and shower units, flat-screen televisions, electronic safes, and views of either the garden or the sea. Dining options include Alegria, a Goan restaurant serving fresh seafood and Portuguese wines; Eugenia, which serves a mix of Indian and southeast Asian fare; Li Bai, a Chinese restaurant named for a renowned poet; and Miguel Arcanjo, an eatery that faces the Arabian Sea, and serves dishes from a number of Mediterranean cuisines. Amenities include a spa, a pool, and various sporting facilities, including tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course. The Taj Exotica lies forty-five minutes from Goa International Airport.

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Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

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