A Kerala and Sri Lanka holiday pairs two of South Asia's most rewarding destinations in a single, easy-to-combine trip. This 15-day tailor-made itinerary spends 7 days in Kerala — covering Cochin, Munnar, Periyar and a backwater houseboat cruise - before flying on to Sri Lanka for 8 days taking in Sigiriya, Kandy, the hill country and a Yala safari. Flights, transfers and hand-picked accommodation included throughout. ABTA & ATOL Protected.
Duration: 15 Days
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Itinerary Highlights:
Kerala and Sri Lanka sit just a short flight apart and share a climate and complement each other naturally. Kerala offers stunning backwaters, spice plantations and Ayurvedic calm, while Sri Lanka adds ancient rock fortresses, tea-country train journeys and big-game safaris. Combining them into one Kerala and Sri Lanka holiday means you experience two distinct cultures, cuisines and landscapes without the cost or hassle of booking two separate trips.
Charter Travel have specialised in tailor-made holidays since 1988, with first-hand destination knowledge built through regular visits to Kerala and Sri Lanka and direct, long-standing relationships with the hotels, drivers and guides featured in this itinerary. Every Kerala and Sri Lanka holiday is planned by a dedicated specialist who adjusts the route, pace and accommodation to suit you, rather than selling a fixed, one-size-fits-all package. All holidays booked with Charter Travel are both ABTA and ATOL protected, so you can book with confidence that your trip is fully financially protected. A UK-based team remains on hand before, during and after your holiday, so support is always a phone call away.
Explore Kerala, from the colonial charm of Kochi and the tea-clad hills of Munnar to the wildlife of Periyar National Park and the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom and Alappuzha, culminating in an unforgettable overnight houseboat cruise.
Discover Sri Lanka's cultural treasures and natural wonders, from the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the historic ruins of Polonnaruwa to the sacred city of Kandy, scenic tea plantations and train journeys through the hill country, and an exciting wildlife safari in Yala National Park before ending in the vibrant capital of Colombo.
Price From £2,880 per person
Arrive in Cochin, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your journey. In the evening, enjoy a captivating Kathakali dance performance, showcasing Kerala's rich cultural heritage.
Accommodation: Abad Dutch Bungalow
After breakfast, drive to Munnar, Kerala's renowned hill station celebrated for its rolling tea plantations and scenic landscapes. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. You may also explore the local markets and browse for regional handicrafts and products.
Accommodation: Tall Trees
Discover the highlights of Munnar, including Christ Church, the Tea Museum, Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam and the majestic Anamudi Peak. Visit the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and stroll through Munnar's charming old town market. In the evening, witness an exciting demonstration of Kerala's traditional martial art, Kalaripayattu.
Accommodation: Tall Trees
This morning, journey to Periyar, a region renowned for its wildlife and spice plantations. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation of Kerala's famous spices.
Accommodation: Poetree
Begin the day with an early morning boat cruise on Periyar Lake, offering opportunities to spot elephants, deer and a variety of birdlife in their natural habitat. After breakfast, continue to Kumarakom, a picturesque backwater destination, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful setting of your lakeside resort.
Accommodation: Eastend Lakesong
Following breakfast, transfer to the houseboat jetty and board a traditional Kerala houseboat. Cruise through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey, passing lush paddy fields, coconut groves, spice plantations and quaint villages. Enjoy the serenity of life on the water while savouring freshly prepared local cuisine on board.
Accommodation: Premium Houseboat (Full Board)
After breakfast on board, disembark from the houseboat and return to Cochin. In the afternoon, explore the city's historic landmarks, including the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Bolgatty Palace, Kerala History Museum and the iconic Chinese fishing nets, reflecting Cochin's rich multicultural past.
Accommodation: Abad Dutch Bungalow
Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be met by your local representative and transferred to Negombo. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your flight.
Accommodation: Jetwing Sea
After breakfast, travel towards Sigiriya. En route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple (250 steps – optional), famous for its impressive collection of Buddha statues and ancient murals.
Accommodation: Sigiriya Jungles
This morning, enjoy an optional climb (1,200 steps) of the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka's most iconic landmarks. Alternatively, take a tuk-tuk ride through the surrounding countryside for panoramic views of the rock. Later, experience traditional village life with a village tour and authentic Sri Lankan lunch before visiting the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
Accommodation: Sigiriya Jungles
Drive to Kandy, stopping at a spice garden in Matale to learn about Sri Lanka's renowned spices. Upon arrival, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and, in the evening, enjoy a vibrant Kandyan Cultural Show.
Accommodation: Earls Regent
Journey through the scenic hill country via Nuwara Eliya and Ambewela. Visit a tea plantation and factory to discover the art of Ceylon tea production before boarding one of the world's most scenic train rides to Ella.
Accommodation: The Pinnacle
Optional early morning hike to Little Adam's Peak. Later, visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls before continuing to Yala National Park.
Accommodation: Chaarya Resort
Begin the day with an exciting jeep safari in Yala National Park, renowned for its wildlife and leopard population. Afterwards, travel to Colombo via the historic UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, with opportunities to see the famous stilt fishermen and visit a turtle hatchery (optional).
Accommodation: Granbell Colombo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
The hotels featured in this Kerala and Sri Lanka itinerary have been selected for their comfort, location and value. A range of alternative accommodation, including boutique, luxury and premium properties, is available on request.
Price from: £2,875 per person
Upgrade to 5* accommodation: from £380 per person supplement
Make the most of your trip by extending it: spend a few extra nights relaxing on the beaches of Sri Lanka, or fly on to the Maldives or Seychelles for a final stretch of island time.
The ideal window for a combined Kerala and Sri Lanka holiday is November to April, when both regions are typically dry and at their most comfortable. Kerala's monsoon season runs roughly from June to September, so the cooler, drier months from October through to March suit the backwaters, hill stations and wildlife parks best. In Sri Lanka, the west coast, hill country and southern safari parks covered on this itinerary (Negombo, Kandy, Ella, Yala) are generally driest from December to March, making this period the sweet spot for travelling through both countries back to back.
Ready to combine the backwaters of Kerala with the ancient cities and safaris of Sri Lanka? Get in touch to tailor this 15-day itinerary to your dates, pace and budget.
All our holidays are tailor-made and can be adapted by changing hotels durations and destinations to suit the individuals tastes and requirements – please do get in touch so we can start planning.
Yes. Kerala and Sri Lanka are well suited to a single combined holiday, connected by a short direct flight (around 2–3 hours) between Cochin and Colombo. Most itineraries spend roughly a week in each destination, totalling around 14–15 days in total.
Most tailor-made Kerala and Sri Lanka holidays run for 14–15 days: around 7 days covering Kerala's highlights (Cochin, Munnar, Periyar and the backwaters) and 7–8 days covering Sri Lanka's cultural triangle, hill country and a wildlife safari.
Travellers fly directly between Cochin and Colombo (or Negombo), a flight of around 2–3 hours, making it straightforward to link the two countries within a single trip.
November to April is generally the best time for a combined Kerala and Sri Lanka holiday, avoiding Kerala's main monsoon season and coinciding with the drier months across Sri Lanka's hill country and southern safari parks.
Tailor-made 15-day Kerala and Sri Lanka holidays typically start from around £2,880 per person, including flights, transfers and accommodation, with 5* upgrades available from a £380 per person supplement.
Yes. This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors to South Asia, with a private driver-guide, pre-booked accommodation and a balanced pace covering culture, nature, wildlife and relaxation in both countries.
