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Undiscovered North Kerala Tour: Backwaters, Theyyam & Safari
Covering
Cochin, Athirapally, Wayand, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Kannur, Bekal, Mumbai
Duration
nights & days
Available Tour Categories
Mix of standard, homestay and deluxe
Discover an Unexplored Side of South India
Experience a thoughtfully curated 14 Day Luxury South India Tour Itinerary that blends rainforest trekking, wildlife safaris, sacred rituals, pristine beaches, and cosmopolitan culture. This immersive journey is designed as a Luxury Kerala Wildlife & Backwaters Tour combined with a seamless Kerala and Mumbai Private Tour Package, ideal for discerning travellers from the USA, UK, Europe, and Australia.
Your adventure begins in historic Kochi with a classic Kerala Cultural & Heritage Tour with Kathakali, exploring colonial quarters, ancient synagogues, and vibrant dance traditions. Continue to the dramatic Athirappilly waterfalls for rainforest walks and scenic relaxation before ascending into the misty Western Ghats of Wayanad. Here, spice plantations, prehistoric Edakkal caves, and the exhilarating Chembra Peak trek reveal Kerala’s natural grandeur.
Cross into Karnataka for a thrilling wildlife chapter at Nagarhole National Park, where jeep safaris and boat cruises along the Kabini River offer opportunities to spot elephants, gaurs, crocodiles, and elusive big cats. This forms the heart of your Private Safari & Backwaters Tour South India experience.
Return to Kerala’s lesser-known northern waterways for a serene North Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Tour in Kannur. Cruise through tranquil canals lined with coconut groves and untouched villages before reaching Bekal for a luxurious coastal finale. Your Bekal Beach Luxury Resort Stay allows time to unwind with spa therapies, yoga sessions, and ocean views beside the majestic Bekal Fort.
The journey concludes in dynamic Mumbai, where UNESCO-listed caves, colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural encounters provide a powerful urban contrast before your international departure.
- Stay at handpicked, high-quality hotels ensuring comfort throughout your journey
- Personalized assistance provided at every arrival and departure point
- Explore multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich in history and culture
- Heritage walk and Kathakali performance in Kochi
- Rainforest trek and picnic at Athirappilly Waterfalls
- Plantation walks, Edakkal Caves & Chembra Peak trek in Wayanad
- Jeep and boat safaris in Nagarhole National Park
- Traditional North Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Tour in Kannur
- Visit to Bekal Fort with a relaxing Bekal Beach Luxury Resort Stay
- Guided cultural exploration of Mumbai including Elephanta Caves
- Private guided tours in each city for a more personalized experience
- Travel in comfort with a private vehicle and professional chauffeur
- Best price guarantee for outstanding value
- 24/7 on-call travel support throughout your tour
On arrival at Kochi International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and assisted with your private transfer to the hotel. Kochi’s layered history — shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, and Jewish traders — offers a fascinating introduction to Kerala.
This afternoon, explore Fort Kochi’s heritage quarter, visiting the historic Mattancherry Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), and Santa Cruz Basilica. Wander past Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront before attending an evocative Kathakali performance, where elaborate costumes and expressive storytelling bring ancient epics to life.
After breakfast, drive through scenic countryside to Athirappilly Waterfalls (approx. 70 kms/2 hours), dramatically set within the Sholayar forest region.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided rainforest walk with a naturalist, learning about the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Continue with a trek to the base of the majestic falls and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waters. Return to your resort for leisure time by the pool or spa.
Journey north through winding mountain roads into the misty hills of Wayanad (approx. 260 kms/6 hours). Check into your estate retreat set amidst coffee and spice plantations.
Later, enjoy a guided plantation walk, learning about pepper, cardamom, and coffee cultivation. The cool mountain climate and serene surroundings provide a refreshing contrast to the coast.
This morning, visit the remarkable Edakkal Caves, home to prehistoric carvings dating back over 6,000 years. The short climb rewards you with panoramic views over Wayanad’s valleys and forests.
Return to your hotel for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure — relax with a nature walk, birdwatching session, or simply unwind amidst tranquil surroundings.
After an early breakfast, drive to Meppadi village and begin your guided ascent to Chembra Peak (2,100m), the highest mountain in the region. The moderately challenging trek passes tea estates and grasslands before offering sweeping views of the Nilgiri Hills.
Return to your hotel by evening for well-earned relaxation.
PS: This exhilarating trek requires a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to walk unaided on uneven terrain including rocky outcrops.
Depart for Nagarhole National Park (approx. 130kms/4 hours), part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and one of South India’s finest wildlife habitats.
After check-in at your lodge, embark on an afternoon shared jeep safari. Keep watch for Asian elephants, gaurs, deer, wild dogs, and possibly Bengal tigers within this protected forest ecosystem.
Begin with an early morning boat safari on the Kabini River, where crocodiles bask on sandbanks and elephants gather at the water’s edge. The tranquil river setting offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
In the afternoon, enjoy a second jeep safari exploring deeper forest trails for additional wildlife sightings.
After a final morning safari, drive to Kannur in North Kerala (approx. 220 kms/6 hours).
Board your traditional houseboat and begin your peaceful cruise through lesser-visited waterways lined with coconut palms and village life. This intimate North Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Tour offers an authentic and crowd-free experience compared to the southern backwaters.
Cruise gently through the tranquil North Kerala backwaters this morning, arriving at the village of Payyannur in time to witness the serene daily rituals at its ancient Shiva temple.
Disembark and continue by road to Kasargod, a charming fishing settlement along the unspoiled northern coastline of Kerala. Later, explore the surrounding countryside before visiting the majestic Bekal Fort, whose dramatic ramparts overlook sweeping views of the Arabian Sea.
Two full days at leisure to relax along pristine beaches, indulge in Ayurvedic spa treatments, practice yoga sessions, or simply unwind by the pool. Bekal’s serene atmosphere provides a restorative conclusion to your Kerala exploration.
Transfer to Mangalore airport to connect afternoon flight for Mumbai. Arrive in Mumbai, the vibrant financial capital of India. Upon landing, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to relax and soak in Mumbai’s dynamic energy—a bustling metropolis where rich historical heritage beautifully blends with a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel, preparing you for a full day of exploration. Take a scenic ferry ride from the historic Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, home to the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient rock-cut caves and intricate sculptures, including the famous Shiva temple.
Return to the mainland for a guided tour of Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, where you’ll witness vibrant small-scale industries like recycling, pottery, and embroidery, gaining insight into its thriving informal economy and community spirit.
Next, explore Mumbai’s cultural hub, Kala Ghoda, known for its colonial-era architecture, art galleries, and museums such as the Jehangir Art Gallery and National Gallery of Modern Art. Experience the legendary Dabbawalas, Mumbai’s world-renowned lunch delivery network famed for its precision and efficiency.
Conclude your day with visits to two architectural gems: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site blending Victorian Gothic and Indian styles, and Dhobi Ghat, the vast open-air laundry where hundreds of washermen continue a unique city tradition
Breakfast at the hotel. Later in-time assisted departure transfer to international airport to connect the flight for back home.
Yes. While the tour is luxurious and well-paced, it includes moderate hikes in Wayanad and wildlife safaris, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy light adventure alongside comfort.
The tour operates privately with curated experiences; safaris and boat rides may be on a shared basis within protected park regulations.
North Kerala offers quieter waterways, authentic village life, and fewer tourists, providing a more exclusive and immersive houseboat experience.
Trip Overview
Discover an Unexplored Side of South India
Experience a thoughtfully curated 14 Day Luxury South India Tour Itinerary that blends rainforest trekking, wildlife safaris, sacred rituals, pristine beaches, and cosmopolitan culture. This immersive journey is designed as a Luxury Kerala Wildlife & Backwaters Tour combined with a seamless Kerala and Mumbai Private Tour Package, ideal for discerning travellers from the USA, UK, Europe, and Australia.
Read More
Your adventure begins in historic Kochi with a classic Kerala Cultural & Heritage Tour with Kathakali, exploring colonial quarters, ancient synagogues, and vibrant dance traditions. Continue to the dramatic Athirappilly waterfalls for rainforest walks and scenic relaxation before ascending into the misty Western Ghats of Wayanad. Here, spice plantations, prehistoric Edakkal caves, and the exhilarating Chembra Peak trek reveal Kerala’s natural grandeur.
Cross into Karnataka for a thrilling wildlife chapter at Nagarhole National Park, where jeep safaris and boat cruises along the Kabini River offer opportunities to spot elephants, gaurs, crocodiles, and elusive big cats. This forms the heart of your Private Safari & Backwaters Tour South India experience.
Return to Kerala’s lesser-known northern waterways for a serene North Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Tour in Kannur. Cruise through tranquil canals lined with coconut groves and untouched villages before reaching Bekal for a luxurious coastal finale. Your Bekal Beach Luxury Resort Stay allows time to unwind with spa therapies, yoga sessions, and ocean views beside the majestic Bekal Fort.
This segment makes the itinerary perfect for a family-friendly India tour with tiger safari and Taj Mahal, as well as Golden Triangle and Ranthambore tour reviews for seniors seeking comfort, safety, and nature-based experiences.
The journey concludes in dynamic Mumbai, where UNESCO-listed caves, colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural encounters provide a powerful urban contrast before your international departure.
Highlight
- Stay at handpicked, high-quality hotels ensuring comfort throughout your journey
- Personalized assistance provided at every arrival and departure point
- Explore multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich in history and culture
- Heritage walk and Kathakali performance in Kochi
- Rainforest trek and picnic at Athirappilly Waterfalls
Read More
- Plantation walks, Edakkal Caves & Chembra Peak trek in Wayanad
- Jeep and boat safaris in Nagarhole National Park
- Traditional North Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Tour in Kannur
- Visit to Bekal Fort with a relaxing Bekal Beach Luxury Resort Stay
- Guided cultural exploration of Mumbai including Elephanta Caves
- Private guided tours in each city for a more personalized experience
- Travel in comfort with a private vehicle and professional chauffeur
- Best price guarantee for outstanding value
- 24/7 on-call travel support throughout your tour
Customizable Itinerary
On arrival at Kochi International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and assisted with your private transfer to the hotel. Kochi’s layered history — shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, and Jewish traders — offers a fascinating introduction to Kerala.
This afternoon, explore Fort Kochi’s heritage quarter, visiting the historic Mattancherry Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), and Santa Cruz Basilica. Wander past Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront before attending an evocative Kathakali performance, where elaborate costumes and expressive storytelling bring ancient epics to life.
After breakfast, drive through scenic countryside to Athirappilly Waterfalls (approx. 70 kms/2 hours), dramatically set within the Sholayar forest region.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided rainforest walk with a naturalist, learning about the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Continue with a trek to the base of the majestic falls and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waters. Return to your resort for leisure time by the pool or spa.
Journey north through winding mountain roads into the misty hills of Wayanad (approx. 260 kms/6 hours). Check into your estate retreat set amidst coffee and spice plantations.
Later, enjoy a guided plantation walk, learning about pepper, cardamom, and coffee cultivation. The cool mountain climate and serene surroundings provide a refreshing contrast to the coast.
This morning, visit the remarkable Edakkal Caves, home to prehistoric carvings dating back over 6,000 years. The short climb rewards you with panoramic views over Wayanad’s valleys and forests.
Return to your hotel for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure — relax with a nature walk, birdwatching session, or simply unwind amidst tranquil surroundings.
After an early breakfast, drive to Meppadi village and begin your guided ascent to Chembra Peak (2,100m), the highest mountain in the region. The moderately challenging trek passes tea estates and grasslands before offering sweeping views of the Nilgiri Hills.
Return to your hotel by evening for well-earned relaxation.
PS: This exhilarating trek requires a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to walk unaided on uneven terrain including rocky outcrops.
Depart for Nagarhole National Park (approx. 130kms/4 hours), part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and one of South India’s finest wildlife habitats.
After check-in at your lodge, embark on an afternoon shared jeep safari. Keep watch for Asian elephants, gaurs, deer, wild dogs, and possibly Bengal tigers within this protected forest ecosystem.
Begin with an early morning boat safari on the Kabini River, where crocodiles bask on sandbanks and elephants gather at the water’s edge. The tranquil river setting offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
In the afternoon, enjoy a second jeep safari exploring deeper forest trails for additional wildlife sightings.
After a final morning safari, drive to Kannur in North Kerala (approx. 220 kms/6 hours).
Board your traditional houseboat and begin your peaceful cruise through lesser-visited waterways lined with coconut palms and village life. This intimate North Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Tour offers an authentic and crowd-free experience compared to the southern backwaters
Cruise gently through the tranquil North Kerala backwaters this morning, arriving at the village of Payyannur in time to witness the serene daily rituals at its ancient Shiva temple.
Disembark and continue by road to Kasargod, a charming fishing settlement along the unspoiled northern coastline of Kerala. Later, explore the surrounding countryside before visiting the majestic Bekal Fort, whose dramatic ramparts overlook sweeping views of the Arabian Sea.
Two full days at leisure to relax along pristine beaches, indulge in Ayurvedic spa treatments, practice yoga sessions, or simply unwind by the pool. Bekal’s serene atmosphere provides a restorative conclusion to your Kerala exploration.
Transfer to Mangalore airport to connect afternoon flight for Mumbai. Arrive in Mumbai, the vibrant financial capital of India. Upon landing, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to relax and soak in Mumbai’s dynamic energy—a bustling metropolis where rich historical heritage beautifully blends with a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel, preparing you for a full day of exploration. Take a scenic ferry ride from the historic Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, home to the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient rock-cut caves and intricate sculptures, including the famous Shiva temple.
Return to the mainland for a guided tour of Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, where you’ll witness vibrant small-scale industries like recycling, pottery, and embroidery, gaining insight into its thriving informal economy and community spirit.
Next, explore Mumbai’s cultural hub, Kala Ghoda, known for its colonial-era architecture, art galleries, and museums such as the Jehangir Art Gallery and National Gallery of Modern Art. Experience the legendary Dabbawalas, Mumbai’s world-renowned lunch delivery network famed for its precision and efficiency.
Conclude your day with visits to two architectural gems: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site blending Victorian Gothic and Indian styles, and Dhobi Ghat, the vast open-air laundry where hundreds of washermen continue a unique city tradition.
Breakfast at the hotel. Later in-time assisted departure transfer to international airport to connect the flight for back home.
FAQs
Yes. While the tour is luxurious and well-paced, it includes moderate hikes in Wayanad and wildlife safaris, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy light adventure alongside comfort.
The tour operates privately with curated experiences; safaris and boat rides may be on a shared basis within protected park regulations.
North Kerala offers quieter waterways, authentic village life, and fewer tourists, providing a more exclusive and immersive houseboat experience.
Journeys Through Our Guests’ Eyes
Every journey we design is deeply personal, crafted with care, precision, and an understanding that luxury lies in the details. From flawless planning and seamless on-ground service to extraordinary moments of culture, comfort, and connection, our guests experience India in privacy and style. Through their words, discover how bespoke journeys across this remarkable country become lasting memories — thoughtful, immersive, and truly unforgettable.
The balance between safari adventures and serene backwaters was exceptional. Nagarhole exceeded our expectations, and the houseboat in North Kerala felt completely untouched by mass tourism. The itinerary was perfectly paced and highly personalised.
“A Truly Undiscovered Kerala Experience”
We loved how different this felt from typical Kerala tours. Bekal was peaceful and luxurious, and the rainforest walk near Athirappilly was unforgettable. The transition to Mumbai added a fascinating cultural finale.
“Luxury Without Losing Authenticity”
Every hotel and lodge was thoughtfully selected. The plantation stay in Wayanad and the cultural immersion in Kochi were genuine and enriching. The logistics were seamless from arrival to departure.
“Perfect for Nature Lovers”
From spotting elephants on the Kabini River to trekking Chembra Peak, this journey offered real adventure with total comfort. The North Kerala backwaters were calm and beautifully scenic — far from the usual tourist crowds.
First-time visitor, nature enthusiast
What impressed us most was how seamlessly the heritage cities and wildlife experience were combined. Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur were rich in history, while Ranthambore added a completely different dimension to the journey. The safaris were professionally managed, and our lodge near the park offered a peaceful retreat after exciting game drives. A thoughtfully designed Golden Triangle and Ranthambore tour that exceeded expectations.
Couple traveling in Deluxe category
This tour allowed us to see India beyond monuments. Along with iconic sites like the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort, the Ranthambore safari experience brought us close to nature in a way that felt authentic and responsible. The pacing was ideal, the hotels were comfortable, and the guides were knowledgeable without being overwhelming. A wonderful mix of culture, wildlife, and local interaction.
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