India - Classic Kerala & Goa
Fully
Guided
Nights
Half Board (+1)
Flights &
Transfers
- Discover the vibrant, exotic landscapes & history of India on this guided group holiday to Kerala & Goa.
- Experience the local culture in Cochin with a heritage walk & an authentic Kathakali dance performance.
- Explore the city of Munnar & enjoy an excursion to the nearby Mundackal Tea Plantation.
- Spot local wildlife like tigers, elephants & bison on an excursion to Periyar National Park.
- Spend the night on a traditional, thatch-roofed houseboat in the Kerala backwaters.
- Savour local flavours with a cooking class in the lakeside town of Alleppey.
- Soak up the sun in Goa with plenty of free time to enjoy the beach & a full-day tour of Old Goa.
- Includes 12 nights on a half board basis, 1 night on a full board basis.
Book Your Trip From €3478pp
Book Your Trip From €2679pp
Add to Wishlist
Remove from WishlistYour Guided Group Holiday To Kerala & Goa
Join us as we immerse ourselves in Indian culture on this once in a lifetime trip to Kerala and Goa. On this 15-night guided India holiday, we’ll visit regional villages and markets, sample local cuisine and enjoy some relaxation time on golden, sandy beaches. Our tour begins in Kerala, known for its diverse landscape changing from mountains and deep valleys to open coastal plains and tranquil backwaters. We’ll explore all of these sites and more as we travel through the region. After exploring Kerala, we will make our way north to Goa, the sun-soaked state famous for its beaches, seafood and laid-back tropical atmosphere. Here, we’ll be able to relax on Goa’s golden sandy beaches and admire the unspoiled, palm-fringed coastline.
Please note that visas are required for travel on this tour. Please visit our visa information page for more information.
Trip Itinerary
Travel to India
Overnight Flight to Cochin
Depart Dublin on your overnight flight to India, Cochin.
Cochin
Arrive in Cochin
Morning
Upon arrival in Cochin you will be met by your guide and transferred by coach to your hotel in Cochin. You will have the morning at leisure to settle in to your hotel and get to know your surroundings.
Welcome Meeting
Afternoon
Enjoy a welcome gathering with your local expert guide, where you will learn about the history and culture of Kerala before dinner at your hotel.
Tour of Cochin
Fort Kochi
Morning
Depart your hotel for a Heritage walk of Fort Kochi, exploring the nooks & crannies of this coastal town. You will see the age-old Chinese fishing nets still in use, the historic St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica, with ample time for photo opportunities. You will then take a short drive to Mattanccherry to visit the Dutch Palace & Jewish Synagogue.
At Leisure
Afternoon
You will have the afternoon to spend at your own pace in Cochin. Your guide will be delighted to suggest activities to suit your individual interests.
Kathakali
Evening
After dinner at your hotel, your guide will accompany you to an Indian dance drama known as Kathakali. The colourful costumes, dramatic makeup, subtle facial expressions and the expressive music combine to form an unforgettable performance.
Travel to Munnar
Visit Mundackal Plantation
Morning
Upon arrival in Munnar, you will have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure as you unwind in the tranquility of Kerala’s hills. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three rivers and is South India’s largest tea growing region. Take an evening walk through the colourful local market of Munnar, with food stalls, selling, homemade chocolates, vegetables, fruits and fish market.
Arrive in Munnar
Afternoon
Upon arrival in Munnar, you will have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure as you unwind in the tranquillity of Kerala's hills. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three rivers and is South India's largest tea growing region.
Munnar
Tour of Munnar
Morning
Embark on a morning tour of Munnar. During the tour you will visit a tea plantation and the Munnar Tea Museum (closed Mondays). There will also be a visit to Srishti Welfare Center, you will see the eco-friendly techniques used by the ladies in Munnar to create natural dyes from plants, bark and roots. They use these for fabrics, paper bags, envelopes, bookmark making.
Free Time at Leisure in Munnar
Afternoon
Enjoy an afternoon to spend at your leisure. You might like to shop for local tea or locally grown spices or explore one of the nearby waterfalls. Your local guide will be on hand to offer some suggestions to suit your taste.
Travel to Thekkady
Transfer to Thekkady
Morning
After breakfast you will transfer to your hotel in Thekkady the drive today will take approximately four and a half - five hours (80km). En route from Munnar to Thekkady you will enjoy breathtaking views of the emerald hills and witness the harvesting of cardamom, rubber and other local spices.
Guided Tour of Periyar Spice Garden
Afternoon
Embark on a guided tour of Periyar Spice Garden and see many different varieties of spices growing in their natural environment. You will have the opportunity to taste some spices if you wish!
Thekkady
Excursion to Periyar National Park
Morning
This morning you will enjoy an excursion in the vast Periyar National Park, a wildlife sanctuary that is home to tigers, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, leopards and the picturesque Periyar Lake. Experience a leisurely boat ride across the lake as your local guide points out exotic birds and other wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive tiger!
Free Time at Leisure
Afternoon
You will have the afternoon at leisure to take in the mountain air and relax in the surroundings of your hotel.
Kumarakom
Travel to Kumarakom
Morning
Transfer to Kumarakom. Today the transfer will be approximately four and a half hours (120km) to Kumarakom, beside the Vembanad Lake. On arrival you will board a deluxe traditional, thatch roofed ‘Kettuvallum’ or houseboat for an overnight journey through the backwaters of Kerala. Both lunch and dinner will be included on the houseboat.
Keralan Village Visit
Afternoon
Visit a traditional Keralan village before returning to your unique accommodation. You can enjoy the time on board relaxing and cruising through the waterways lined with coconut groves and rice fields as daily life carries on at the water's edge.
Travel to Alleppey
Transfer to Alleppey
Morning
Following breakfast you will disembark the houseboat and transfer to your hotel Alleppey.
Free Time at Leisure
Afternoon
Upon arrival in Alleppey you will have the remainder of the day at leisure. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere on the shores of the Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India.
Alleppey
Free Time at Leisure in Alleppey
Full Day
You will have the morning and afternoon to explore Alleppey at your own pace. Your guide will be on hand to suggest optional activities to suit your interests or you can simply unwind and avail of the hotel facilities.
Cooking Class
Evening
This evening you will attend a cooking class hosted by the Hotel Chef. Kerala is home to some of the best quality spices in the world and the influence of these spices is quite visible in the local cuisine. You will learn how to prepare a couple of popular dishes and later on will be able to enjoy these dishes as your main meal of the day!
Depart for Goa
Internal Flight to Goa
Morning
Say farewell to Kerala as you transfer to Kochi airport for your internal flight to Goa (via Bangalore or Mumbai depending on your chosen date). The journey will take approximately two and a half hours (65km).
Free Time at Leisure
Afternoon
Upon arrival in Goa you will transfer to your hotel with guide assistance. The remainder of the day will be at leisure so you can settle in to your new surroundings.
Old Goa
Sightseeing in Old Goa
Full Day
Today you will enjoy sightseeing in Old Goa, which is the ancient capital of Goa and well-known for its churches. You will visit The Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is the best-recognised church in Goa. Completed in the year 1605, it houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, who came to Goa in the year 1542 and is now the patron saint of the state's Christian community. You will also visit the Se Cathedral, which is said to be the largest church in Asia. Inside the Cathedral are eight chapels and six side altars, as well as the main altar that is dedicated to Saint Catherine.
Goa at Leisure
Free Time at Leisure
Full Day
Indulge in a full day of relaxation in Goa. You will have ample time to unwind by the hotel pool or visit one of Goa's beaches.
Return Home
Depart India
Morning
After a leisurely breakfast transfer to Goa airport to board internal flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai airport, you will connect with your overnight flight back home to Dublin.
Arrive Home
Arrive Home
Arrive home following your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Kerala & Goa.
Hotels Available
Know before you go
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Similar Holidays
Sri Lanka
Discover Sri Lanka
Dates Available
- 02 Apr
- 02 Apr
- 02 Apr
- 03 Sep
- (+5)
Fully
Guided
Nights
Flights &
Transfers
€2,849pp
India
India's Golden Triangle including Ranthambore National Park
Dates Available
- 16 Oct
- 16 Oct
- 16 Oct
Fully
Guided
Nights
Flights &
Transfers
€1,949pp
Stories you might like
Travel Inspiration Destination Reviews
Architectural wonders of India
- Travel Department
- 25 January 2018
Destination Reviews Travel Inspiration
Top activities to do in India
India is the exotic, the unknown and the outstandingly beautiful. It is the home of the Taj Mahal, the Royal Bengal tiger, bustling cities, lively markets, palm-fringed beaches, quiet inland waterways, and the mighty River Ganges.
Unique Experiences Travel Inspiration
8 reasons to choose a guided holiday in 2022
Discover the benefits of going on a guided tour for your next escape.
Sign up to our newsletter and don't miss out on our latest holiday updates, travel tips and special offers.
You will now be redirected to our sister website TD active. Click on the link below to proceed or close this window to cancel.