Days 1–2
Kochi
Arrival in Kochi. The old quarter of Fort Kochi, the spice warehouses of Mattancherry and a Kathakali performance.
2 nights in Kochi
India and Sri Lanka · Sample journey
Kerala and Sri Lanka: spice coast and tea hills
Old Kochi, the tea hills of Munnar and a night on a houseboat, then a short flight to Sri Lanka for its ancient cities, the hill-country train and the fort at Galle.
- Length
- 14 nights
- Best time
- December to March
- Price
- On request
The backwaters of Kerala
The journey
Neighbours across a narrow sea
Kerala and Sri Lanka are an hour apart by air and share a climate, a coastline and centuries of trade in spices and tea. Put together, they make a varied two weeks with very little travelling time.
December to March is dry on both Kerala's coast and Sri Lanka's west and south, and in the hill country of both. It is the best time for this route.
Route: Kochi · Munnar · Alleppey · Colombo · Sigiriya · Kandy · Ella · Galle
Day by day
How the days run
A sample plan. Driving times are approximate.
Days 3–4
Munnar
Drive up into the Western Ghats. Walk through the tea estates and visit a working factory.
2 nights in Munnar
Day 5
Backwaters
Down to Alleppey for a night on a private houseboat on the backwaters.
1 night on a houseboat
Day 6
To Sri Lanka
Fly from Kochi to Colombo and drive to a quiet hotel near the airport.
1 night near Colombo
Days 7–9
Cultural Triangle
Drive to Sigiriya. Climb the rock fortress early, see the cave temples of Dambulla and the ruined city of Polonnaruwa.
3 nights near Sigiriya
Day 10
Kandy
The Temple of the Tooth and the botanical gardens at Peradeniya.
1 night in Kandy
Days 11–12
Hill country
Drive to Nanu Oya and take the train to Ella through the tea estates. Walk to Little Adam's Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge.
2 nights in Ella
Days 13–14
Galle
Drive down to the south coast. Walk the ramparts of Galle Fort at sunset and spend a day on the beach.
2 nights near Galle
Day 15
Departure
About two hours by expressway to Colombo airport.
Included
- All hotels in the room category you choose, with breakfast
- A private air-conditioned car and driver for the whole trip
- English-speaking local guides for the sightseeing in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for guided visits
- Airport meet and greet, and all transfers
- A contact who knows your trip, reachable day and night
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (essential)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
Make it yours
- Add a safari in Yala or Udawalawe (1–2 nights)
- Add Thanjavur and Madurai in Tamil Nadu
- Add an Ayurvedic stay in Kerala
- Replace Galle with whale watching at Mirissa (December to April)
The destination
Before you go
Best time to visit, visas, money and local customs.
Plan my journey
Request a quote for this journey
Every trip is priced for your dates, hotels and group size. Tell us when and who is travelling, and we reply within 24 hours.