Male to Cochin - Maldives & India Luxury Cruise

There are many nations around the world with bragging rights to miles of pristine white coral sand and balmy turquoise seas but few can take it to the same level as the Maldives. Its 1,200 islands are spread out over 26 coral atolls; the combined land of all the islands is little more than 100 square miles. That means you are rarely more than a few steps from the beach.Many of the villas are actually built on stilts out over the water, so you may actually have to walk onshore in order to get to the beach. Besides curling your toes in the sand, many people come here to sample the Maldives enviable world-class dive spots. Others simply snorkel among the endless coral reefs. There are so many coral atolls here that our English word derives from the Maldivian name atholhu.

One of the northernmost little islands in the Maldives is Vangaaru, which offers picture-perfect white sand beaches, tall coconut trees and barrier reefs rich with underwater life. Visitors who enjoy snorkelling might encounter manta rays or moray eels, or black sea cucumbers that scour the sandy bottom for food alongside myriad species of colourful fish. A stroll onshore will reveal countless hermit crabs and shells, and the occasional shorebirds. This island is a high-end resort destination but is otherwise uninhabited.

Uligamu is one of the northernmost inhabited islands of Haa Alif Atoll in the Maldives. Based on its location, the island is visited by many yachts on their way into or out of the Arabian Sea. The island has been selected as the first in the Maldives to use a combination of renewable energies via wind turbines and solar panels in a micro grid, helping the island through more efficient and non-pollutant energy distribution. The sustainably powered community has approximately 300 inhabitants.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Tinnakara Island is referred to as the jewel of the Lakshadweep Islands and part of the Bangaram Atoll off the western coast of the Indian peninsula. The tiny, tear-drop shaped island is idyllically covered in palms, offering white sand beaches on its western side and views of serene, crystal clear emerald waters. Snorkelers can feast their eyes on a diverse array of sea life that dwells in the coral. Tinnakara is uninhabited and visitors in need of respite can relax in the peaceful solitude the island offers.

Lakshadweep is a diver’s dream, with excellent visibility and a plethora of marine life living on undisturbed coral reefs. Comprising a string of 36 palm-covered, white sand-skirted coral islands 300 km off the coast of Kerala, Lakshadweep is as stunning as it is isolated. Only 10 of these islands are inhabited, mostly with Sunni Muslim fishermen, and foreigners are only allowed to stay on a few of these. With fishing and coir coconut fibre production the main sources of income, local life on the islands remains highly traditional, and a caste system divides the islanders between Koya (landowners), Malmi (sailors) and Melachery (farmers). Only 10 islands in the archipelago are populated, almost exclusively by Malayalam-speaking Sunni Muslims who make their living from fishing and harvesting coconut coir. Only Minicoy Island, which is closest to the nearby Maldives, shares aspects of its neighbours’ culture, including a Maldivian dialect known as Mahl. Cheriyam Island, the N island, is also covered in palm trees. The barrier reef is steep-to and the sea breaks heavily on it. A narrow boat channel leads through the reef into the lagoon. Landing can sometimes be made on the E side of Kalpeni Island. Anchorage has been reported 0.7 miles N of Cheriyam Island, in 9m, sand and coral. Cheriyam Island is covered with dense groves of coconut palms and has lovely sandy beach. It crystal clear lagoon is popular with water sports enthusiasts.

A hodgepodge of cultures collide on the banks of the estuary where Cochin carves out her home. Chinese fishing nets the size of skyscrapers, boxy Dutch architecture and pretty Portuguese palaces point to the blend of influence here, while the Raj era remnants, soaring spires of old-world mosques, and near-abandoned synagogues all add to the dense, varied tapestry of inspirations and imprints. Founded by a prince in the 15th century, Cochin immediately became a favoured anchorage for sailors and traders from every far-flung corner - even taking nearby Kerala’s crown as the world's first global port city. Now, fragrant spice markets cut the hot air with cardamom and clove, while antique stores groan beneath the weight of singing copper. Hit the backstreets of Fort Kochi for a deep and dreamy Ayurvedic massage, marvel at the Krishna murals that adorn the bedchamber walls of the Mattancherry Palace, or admire India’s one of the oldest European-built Christian churches - as you duck into the cool hues of St Francis. A day can easily meander past on a backwater cruise, spreading south from Cochin, and gliding down a lacy network of creeks, lagoons, lakes and rivers. Surrounded by swaying palms and rice paddies – you’ll experience rural India in her best dress. When daylight dwindles, taste the soft spicy kick of dal roti, followed by Firni – almonds, apricots, and sweet milk crushed with pastel green pistachios for a silky light finish.

Itineraries are subject to change.