Luxury Holidays in Kerala and Karnataka
Our holidays in Kerala, India welcome you to a wonderfully slow pace of life, immersed in abundant nature and culture.
- Tailor-made itineraries just for you
- Exceptional experiences led by trusted private guides
- Curated collection of Kerala's finest hotels and resorts
- 24/7 support from our travel experts
Kerala is a hugely diverse region, offering a great deal without the long drives that often typify exploring some other parts of India. A cruise through the backwaters past idyllic traditional villages is always a highlight, as are the traditional fish curries, but there's so much more to see and do.
Visit the bustling city of Cochin, the hub of the spice trade filled with echoes of its Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial influences. A drive into the hills will take you to the dramatic scenery of Munnar and the wildlife at Thekkady. Karnataka is Kerala’s little-visited cousin, where temples, nature reserves, and peace and quiet are the order of the day.
Whatever your vision, our expert travel specialists will work with you to create an unforgettable Kerala holiday. We can open doors to the top experiences and places to stay in Cochin, Coorg, Neeleshwar and more. Just tell us your idea of luxury and we'll bring it to life.
“Kerala in southern India is all about the beautiful scenery and quaint colonial towns. Visit tea plantations and relax in the backwaters in a complete change of pace from India’s cities. I recommend Kerala to my first-time guests travelling to India because of its warm and laid-back energy – it’s the perfect introduction to this dizzying country!”
Rikki Poynton, Asia Specialist
Luxury Hotels and Tours in Kerala, Marari Beach and More
Perfectly paired with a trip to the Maldives for a mix of culture and sun, or Tamil Nadu for the ultimate tour of southern India, our Kerala tours strives to show the best this area has to offer. Use our suggested itineraries as a base for dreaming about your trip, but don’t let it limit you as our tours are tailor-made to your perfection. For luxury resorts in Kerala, India, you’ll find our curated collection below of comfortable stays. From heritage boutique hotels to houseboats and safari lodges, find a hotel in Kerala that inspires you.
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Where to Visit on Holidays to Kerala, India
Kerala and Karnataka
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Kerala Backwaters, India
The languid rivers and waterways of the Kerala Backwaters mirror the slow pace of life in this part of India. With fishermen steering their boats past tiny villages and swaying palms while children in pristine uniforms make their way to school, life in all its forms is lived out on the banks of the rivers.
Whether you explore the Backwaters afloat on one of the Kerala houseboats or from dry land, this is a tranquil spot to relax and watch the world go by. Discover local crafts and livelihoods, marvel as coconut pickers nimbly scale the tall palms, and listen to the calls of the fishermen as they hawk the day’s catch from their boats.
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Cochin
A colourful fishing port with Dutch, Portuguese and British roots, Cochin is a tranquil city with a distinctly Keralan charm. As a key trading port, Cochin’s rich history is revealed in its synagogue, ancient mosques, whitewashed churches, vibrant spice markets and giant Chinese fishing nets; its wide, leafy streets are lined with vestiges of its past.
With a delightful selection of Cochin luxury hotels and beach resorts housed in historic buildings, it's a fascinating yet relaxing destination. Stroll along the water's edge and stop to marvel at the fishermen as they manoeuvre their nets, pop into the boutiques stocked with local crafts, and enjoy a selection of fresh seafood in a courtyard cafe, heavy with the scent of bougainvillea.
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Coorg
Nestled in the spice and coffee plantations of the Western Ghats, Coorg is an area of striking natural beauty, its densely forested hills home to a wealth of wildlife and birds. Its rich landscape is also home to a sizeable Tibetan population and the Namdroling Monastery, the second largest in India.
Boasting 25% of the bird species in India, Coorg is a dream for bird enthusiasts. Embark on a safari in Nagarhole National Park to see the spectacular birdlife and healthy population of tigers, elephants, muntjacs and bonnet macaques. Explore the spice and coffee plantations and discover the exquisite flavours that drew traders to the hills in search of their riches, before unwinding at your luxury resort or hotel in Coorg, India.
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Marari Beach
With long stretches of golden sands, palm-fringed and lapped by the gentle waters of the Indian Ocean, Marari is a laid-back beach near the quaint fishing village of Mararikulam. Dotted with small boutique properties and larger Marari Beach resorts, many boasting Ayurvedic spas, it's a perfect place to unwind.
Marari’s tropical beach invites travellers to relax at the end of a trip exploring Kerala’s many sights while offering a distinctively Keralan charm. Cool coconut water, light curries and fresh seafood offer a taste of South India, with the warm sea breeze carrying the scent of Ayurvedic oils and incense.
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Neeleshwar
Adorned with palm trees and cooled by the breeze from the Arabian Sea, Neeleshwar is a sleepy village nestled between the beach and the backwaters, making it an ideal choice for relaxing after a trip through Kerala and Karnataka. Largely untouched by tourism, it offers unspoiled beaches and a genuine welcome from comfortable Neeleshwar resorts.
The delightful Neeleshwar Hermitage steals the show with its 70ft beachside pool and exceptional sunset views. Spend the day exploring the fishing village or lazing by the pool before sitting down with a drink to watch as the sun dips over the sea, the swaying palms silhouetted against the vibrant sky.
- Kerala Backwaters, India
- Cochin
- Coorg
- Marari Beach
- Neeleshwar
Kerala and Karnataka Holiday FAQs
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The best time to visit Kerala and southern India is during the winter season from September to March, with October to February considered the peak. The climate is at its most comfortable during this period, with lower temperatures, humidity and rainfall providing the perfect conditions to explore this enchanting region.
Kerala's tropical climate brings high temperatures throughout the year, as well as dry and wet seasons. January is usually the driest month, while monsoon season runs from June to August. Extra rainfall in these months can cause flooding, though it also helps the region's greenery look its lushest.
Read more about the best times to visit India.
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Our Extraordinary Kerala and Tamil Nadu tour takes place over 14 nights, while our Exceptional Kerala and The Maldives adventure lasts for 12. These itineraries are purely our suggestions, however, and you can amend your trip duration as you see fit. Speak to our travel specialists to discuss your schedule and what you'd like to fit into it.
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Why Scott Dunn for Kerala and Karnataka Holidays?
Unique to You
- We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are bespoke to you.
- We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.
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- Global offices in the UK, US, and Singapore for 24/7 seamless service.
- We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
Carefully Curated Collection
- We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
- Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.
Luxury in Every Sense
- We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
- Awarded Condé Nast Traveller’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 12 years in a row.