Kerala - Culture, Spice Forests & Backwaters
Fort Kochi | Thekkady | Kumarakom | Mararikulam
7 Night Suggested Itinerary
Best time to visit: Dec - Feb
Kerala has a way of easing you in. Life moves to the rhythm of the waterways, spices warm the air and the landscapes shift softly from historic port towns to misty hills, palm-fringed backwaters and wide, sandy beaches. This itinerary is designed for travellers who value unhurried days, meaningful experiences and a sense of place woven into every detail.
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Each hotel in this journey belongs to CGH Earth, a group known for pioneering sustainable luxury long before it became a trend. Their philosophy is rooted in community, culture and conservation - and it shows in everything from their architecture to their food, energy practices and the experiences they craft.
It’s thoughtful travel, delivered beautifully.
Fly into Cochin | 7 Nights accommodation | Return flight from Cochin
1 Night | Brunton Boatyard
Set on the historic harbourfront of Fort Kochi, Brunton Boatyard blends colonial architecture with serene coastal views. The hotel is built on the footprint of a Victorian shipyard, with restored wooden beams, tiled floors and rooms overlooking the water where Chinese fishing nets silhouette against the sunset.
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Sustainability is more than a footnote here - the hotel runs almost entirely on solar energy, harvests rainwater, avoids single-use plastics and works closely with local artisans and fishing communities. Walk through the old quarter, explore Kochi’s art scene or simply sit by the harbour and watch the world drift by.
2 Nights | Spice Village
Spice Village sits in the cool hills of Thekkady, modelled on a traditional mountain village and built using local materials, tribal craftsmanship and entirely sustainable practices. Think thatched-roof cottages, spice gardens, butterfly-filled paths and the refreshing scent of cardamom lingering in the air.
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The hotel is deeply entwined with the Periyar Tiger Reserve, and its eco credentials are exceptional: zero-waste principles, organic farming, no air conditioning, and a commitment to protecting the forest ecosystem. Experiences include guided nature walks, cooking sessions with homegrown ingredients and visits to spice plantations that highlight Kerala’s agricultural heart.
2 Nights | Coconut Lagoon
Accessible only by boat, Coconut Lagoon sits among the backwaters of Kumarakom - a maze of canals, lagoons and rice paddies. Heritage bungalows are built from restored Kerala mansions, with wooden pillars, open-air bathrooms and quiet views across the water. It feels wonderfully secluded, yet deeply connected to the rhythms of local life.
The property protects fragile wetland ecosystems, supports traditional fishing communities and uses low-energy practices throughout. Spend your days gliding through the backwaters by canoe, watching birdlife, visiting farms or simply absorbing the stillness that makes this region so special.
2 Nights | Marari Beach
Marari Beach offers a final dose of calm on the Arabian Sea, where slow mornings, long stretches of sand and warm, gentle waves set the tone. Villas are inspired by local fishermen’s homes, with open-air spaces, natural materials and a design ethos that encourages you to live outdoors.
As with all CGH Earth properties, sustainability runs deep: organic farming, composting, water conservation and a strong focus on community engagement. Wellness experiences, yoga sessions, seafood straight from the shore and the chance to explore nearby villages make this a restorative end to your Kerala journey.
Why This Journey Works
This itinerary captures the essence of Kerala: culture, wildlife, backwaters and the beach. The exclusive use of CGH Earth hotels creates a thread of purpose throughout, with each property offering a different landscape and experience while sharing the same commitment to sustainability and community. The journey flows naturally, with short travel times, and a balance of gentle adventure and deep relaxation.
Tailor Your Experience
Every detail of this journey can be adapted to your preferences. From hotel stays to activities, experiences to durations, we can refine this itinerary to fit your exact desires.
Whether you want to add a cultural experience, extend your stay in any of these remarkable locations, or include more off-the-beaten-path excursions, I’ll work closely with you to ensure this adventure is exactly as you imagine.