Tailor-made Vacation · India
Discover Kerala
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Kerala, a state renowned for its verdant backwaters, rich cultural heritage, and the warm hospitality of its people.
Begin your adventure by immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of Kerala's backwaters. Spend a day aboard a traditional houseboat, gliding through the waterways and observing the daily lives of the local communities nestled along the banks. This unique experience offers a glimpse into the heart of Kerala's culture and natural beauty.
Read more
Enhance your culinary skills with a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn to prepare authentic Kerala delicacies. Discover the secrets behind the region's celebrated cuisine, known for its aromatic spices and flavorful dishes, under the guidance of local chefs.
Your journey continues to Mattancherry, where the historical Dutch Palace and the ancient Jewish Synagogue await. These architectural marvels provide insight into Kerala's diverse cultural influences and its rich historical tapestry. Explore the quaint streets of Mattancherry, lined with vibrant markets and heritage buildings, offering a peek into the past.
Venture further to Calicut, where the lush plantations unfold in a green expanse. Delve into the heart of Kerala's agricultural heritage by exploring plantations that cultivate coffee, tea, spices, and more. Learn about traditional farming methods and the importance of sustainable practices in preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Day 1 - 4: Kerala Backwaters
Arrive Cochin airport where you will be met by a local representative who will escort you to your hotel which is located in the heart of Kerala backwaters.
Day two is at your leisure, allowing you to recover from your journey and explore the local area.
On day three, you will be escorted to the port where you will embark on a river cruise. Meander down the river and observe the locals going about their daily lives.
You will notice a lot of fishermen as this is a huge trade forming these areas. Enjoy a delicious traditional Keralan Lunch on board. After, you will board a smaller canoe boat, which will then take you around the even narrower canals.
Day 4 : Philipkutty Farm & Fort Cochin
After a relaxed morning, you will be taken to Philipkutty farm which is one of the few farms that still exists by the lake. You will be guided by a member of the family to explore the farm where you will learn about the farming methods used to harvest coconuts, spices, and bananas using organic methods, as well as fishing form the canals.
The hostess will also teach you how to prepare some typical Kerala delicacies. Enjoy your meal at the farm – they are known for their incredible food and warm hospitality.
After lunch, you will head to Fort Cochin where you will be assisted on check in into your hotel.
Rest of the afternoon at leisure and in the late afternoon take a walk with your guide through the backstreets of Fort Cochin, ending at the waterfront to take in the sunset views across the water – including the iconic site of the Chinese fisherman’s nets.
Day 5: Kerala Heritage
Today after breakfast you will explore the heritage zone and see the varied architectural styles. Visit St Francis’ Church which is one of the earliest European churches in the country. After this you will then visit Santa Cruz Cathedral which was built in the late 19th century.
The narrow streets are lined with houses of varying styles ranging from British to Dutch, and lots of boutiques and cafes. The walking tour ends at the Chinese Fishing Nets, which were first erected between 1350 and 1450 indicating trading ties with China.
After the tour you will then be taken to visit Mattancherry which has a Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue. The area is a jumble of antique and spice shops, and souvenir shops leading to the Synagogue, the oldest in India. It is a fun area to wander at leisure. Later you meet your guide at a designated time to continue back to your hotel stopping along the way on Bazaar Street, famous for its spices.
The afternoon is at leisure and in the early evening you may like to witness a performance of the local dance form of Kathakali (we suggest arriving early to see the dancers putting on their makeup).
Day 6-7: Calicut
This morning you will be transferred to Ernakulam railway station to board the train to Calicut
You will be met at the train station by your driver who will then take you to Sulthan Bathery. A packed lunch & snacks will be prepared for the journey.
This secluded plantation hideaway is situated in the heart of the Western Ghats. This tropical jungle has coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom, coconut and banana plants. You will be the guests of the Dey Family, who will welcome you into their home, but also allow you the privacy to explore on your own or simply relax on your Tree house’s wonderful veranda with its incredible view out over the plantation.
The next day, you’ll explore the coffee estate which is fascinating and full of other spices. Walk up into the hills and be stunned by the incredible views. At the top, enjoy a scrumptious picnic.
In the evening, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool followed by drinks and dinner at the plantation.
The next day will be a day of relaxation and exploring the local area.
Day 9 : Neeleshwar
Today you will drive five hours to Neeleshwar Hermitage. Spend four nights relaxing and making use of the facilities which include an Ayurvedic spa and yoga teaching – and the beautiful pool & beach.
Day 13: Departure
Today you will be driven to Mangalore airport for your onward flight.
Our Experts
If you've never been to India it can be hard to know where to go. At Out Of Office, we can help arrange travel to anywhere you desire, from the peaceful beaches of Goa to the bustle of Mumbai.
Personally, I believe that no trip to India is complete without a visit to Jaipur. Known as The Pink City, Jaipur is where India's culture and color are at their most vibrant. It's my go-to Indian city.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
Similar tours
Lucknow and Varanasi: A Luxury Indian Culinary Journey
Tailor-made VacationLucknow has been called the food capital of North India for good reason, and this journey takes you straight into its kitchens. Built around the royal Awadhi cuisine that developed under the Nawabs from the eighteenth century onward, this tailor-made itinerary pairs the City of Nawabs with Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, for a trip that moves from candlelit kebab houses to the ghats of the Ganges.
7 days tailor-made from $4,675 per person View trip
Wild India: A Kanha and Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari
Tailor-made VacationMadhya Pradesh is home to more wild tigers than any other state in India, and this journey takes you deep into the two forests that prove it. This tailor-made escape moves between Kanha and Bandhavgarh, the tiger reserves that anchor central India's reputation as the country's finest wildlife destination, for days built entirely around the rhythm of the jungle.
8 days tailor-made from $5,890 per person View trip
Southern India: Chennai to Cochin
Tailor-made VacationThis immersive journey through South India invites you to experience a different side of the subcontinent. You will explore some of the country's most stunning destinations, including Tamil Nadu, Chettinad and Kerala. Over the course of 15 days, you’ll discover the richly layered states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, traveling by private car with a dedicated driver, and staying in handpicked boutique hotels that reflect the character and charm of each destination.
15 days tailor-made from $6,535 per person View tripThe hard part is not finding a beautiful place. It is finding the right one for you.
Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specializing in tailor-made vacations and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury vacations, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalized experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with traveling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveler, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalized service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ vacations?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalized itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of traveling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first inquiry to homecoming. No call center, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.