A Journey Through Malabar, Northern Kerala

- A Secret Retreats journey -
10 days / 9 nights
from 1,990 USD / person

 

ITINERARY BOOK
 


This journey has been personally designed by Altaf Chapri,
“Kerala’s is one of my favourite places in India. Northern Kerala ( Malabar) is one of the most unspoiled and picturesque areas of Southern India, offering beautiful beaches, backwaters and stunning Spice and Tea Gardens of Nilgiri Hills in Wayanad. I love the Prawn Curry cooked in coconut milk on Lotus houseboat, Kingfish cooked in Banana leaf at the Neeleshwar Hermitage and Masala Dosa and Coffee at the Pepper Trail!”

All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.

This Northern Kerala Malabar tour itinerary offers a rare passage through one of India’s best-kept secrets, blending cultural richness and natural beauty across Wayanad, the tranquil backwaters, and the unspoiled coastline of Malabar. Perfect for those seeking a deeper connection to India’s coastal heritage, this Malabar tour brings together wilderness, water, and wisdom in one seamless experience.

Your adventure starts with a picturesque drive into Wayanad, a serene district tucked within the Western Ghats. Along the way, the countryside unfolds—paddy fields, cardamom forests, and hills dotted with rubber, tea, and coffee plantations. At the heart of this highland haven lies Pepper Trail, a heritage estate that pairs colonial elegance with immersive plantation life.

From the hills of Wayanad, you’ll travel down to the still and unspoiled backwaters that grace northern Kerala. Here, you’ll board the Lotus, a beautifully crafted houseboat designed for refined river cruising. Life slows to the rhythm of nature as you drift past coconut palms, fishing canoes, and riverside villages. Kingfishers dart above the water, and turtles occasionally surface to greet the morning sun—just some of the quiet pleasures that make this Malabar tour unforgettable.

The final chapter of your Northern Kerala Malabar tour itinerary brings you to Neeleshwar Hermitage, a sanctuary set between lush gardens and the Arabian Sea. This tranquil retreat is devoted to holistic wellness—offering yoga, Ayurveda, and soulful rest. From here, take long walks on the beach, listen for dolphins in the surf, and witness the extraordinary Theyyam ritual—a vivid trance-dance performance unique to Malabar, still practiced as a living spiritual tradition.

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Your Journey Day by Day

from 1,990 USD / person for 10 days / 9 nights

based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room

 

 
Day 1 : Airport – Wayanad (- / - / -)
After arriving at Kannur or Calicut airport, you’ll be driven through verdant hills to Pepper Trail (approx. 3.5 hours). The day is yours to unwind—perhaps by the pool, on a forest walk, or simply enjoying the warm hospitality. Dinner at leisure
HOTEL: Pepper Trail Plantation
Day 2 & 3 : Pepper Trail Plantation (B/ - / -)
Spend your days exploring the estate on foot or by bicycle, discovering native flora and birdlife. Optional boating or bird-watching excursions offer peaceful ways to connect with the landscape.
HOTEL: Pepper Trail Plantation
Day 4 : Payannur (B/ L / D)
Journey to Payannur (approx. 4 hours), visit the majestic Payannur Temple and observe the rituals there before boarding the luxurious Lotus houseboat for two timeless days cruising through the tranquil backwaters—as visitors in a land where time stands still. Lunch and dinner are served on board.
HOTEL: Lotus Houseboat
Day 5 : Backwaters Cruise (B/ L / D)
Continue your backwater voyage, stopping at riverside villages and temples. Guests may cycle along quiet paths or enjoy a dip in calm waters while wildlife such as macaques and herons look on.
HOTEL: Lotus Houseboat
Day 6 : Backwaters- Neeleshwar (B/ - / -)
A short car transfer (about 10 minutes) brings you from the pier to Neeleshwar Hermitage, where you can unwind, relax, and stretch your legs with long walks on empty beaches, accompanied only by flocks of gracefully wheeling seabirds.
NB: While at Neeleshwar Hermitage, we will have the rare chance to witness the sacred trance-dances known as Theyyam, with their spectacular costumes and vibrant atmosphere. Unique to Malabar, this is something far removed from typical tourist folk displays; it is the living heart of local religious life, untouched by outside influence.
HOTEL: Neeleshwar Hermitage (Bungalow)
Days 7, 8 & 9 : Neeleshwar Hermitage (B/ - / -)
A time of many possibilities. You can enjoy Yoga classes with an expert in the beachside yoga-hall; benefit from medicinal massage and other healing treatments in the traditional Ayurvedic clinic; visit the Theyyam ritual dances and local shrines; swim in pool or the Arabian sea; walk on kilometres of uninhabited beach; take a lesson or two in traditional Keralan cooking under the guidance of the hotel’s expert chef.
Whether you’re swimming, meditating, or walking beneath swaying palms, this part of your Northern Kerala Malabar tour itinerary is designed for complete rejuvenation—a meaningful conclusion to your Malabar tour.
HOTEL: Neeleshwar Hermitage (Bungalow)
Day 10 : Departure (B/ - / -)
After breakfast, we’ll arrange your transfer to Kannur, or Mangalore airport for your onward journey.

Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary


A Journey Through Malabar, Northern Kerala

10 days / 9 nights
from 1,990 USD / person

based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room

 



The total price includes:
Accommodation for 9 nights.
All meals as mentioned in the program.
The transfer from Kannur or Calicut upon arrival to Pepper Trail.
The transfer from Neeleswhar to the airport of Mangalore/Kannur or Calicut.
All transfers between properties and boat (Innova car).
English speaking guide for local sight-seeing.
All Taxes.

The total price does no include:
International and Domestic flights to and from of Kerala.
Extra activities and meals not mentioned in the program.
Travel insurance.


This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Altaf and Discovery Journeys.

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