Luxury Holidays in Kerala and Karnataka

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.