Overview
Rich in culture and vibrant in colors, Kerala is unlike most places seen before. Embark on this two week journey of sights, culture, nature and wellness…
Kerala is a true tropical paradise with an idyllic coastline, lush mountains & Tea plantations. This multi-activity trip to Southern India offers highlights of the magnificent hill country of the Western Ghats.
Explore ancient monuments and discover architectural delights during a city tour of Kochi, the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. We travel from old spice town of Kochi to the beautiful hill station of Munnar, where we’ll trek in the dense tropical forest & spend an afternoon at a tea Plantation estate. Explore spice plantations and hike in Periyar Jungles, sighting an array of animals & birds. Have Lunch with a local family that will provide a unique insight into Keralan life. Spend overnight on a traditional houseboat, cruising through the enchanting backwaters, before we relax on the sweeping beaches of Kovalam, for a weeklong Ayurveda retreat on the shores of the Arabian Sea.
Highlights
- Cycle ride through remote villages, crossing ferries to explore the secluded Kadamakkudy islands.
- Cooking demonstration in a traditional Kerala kitchen followed by a meal with the local family.
- Hike through Tea plantation, pluck the tea leaves with the workers, visit the Tea facotory.
- Visit a welfare centre focused on enhancing the hidden talents of differently abled children.
- Fishermen village close to Kochi. Experience the village life and the activities they undertake, like - toddy tapping, coir making, crab farming etc.
- A traditional overnight houseboat cruise on the beautiful backwaters of Kerala.
- Kathakali dance performance.
- Day hike in Munnar through a Tribal village.
- Meet a woman entrepreneur for Dinner during the tour.
- 07 Nights Ayurveda retreat with massage therapies, Yoga & Meditation.
- Nature trek & bamboo rafting with tribal trackers in Periyar NP
Itinerary
FAQs
Although not a demanding tour, it is a busy and active itinerary with lots to see and we explore the forests on foot. Driving time is kept to a minimum and is not normally longer than four to five hours. You should also be prepared for some early starts. The roads are generally pretty good, but traffic and/or road damage can sometimes slow us down.
The hike in Munnar requires some level of fitness, as the trail can be steep in places, although the route mostly winds gently up through the forest. Walking shoes (or trainers/sneakers) with a good grip are recommended for the hike and you may also wish to bring walking poles or get hold of a stick locally if you have problems with your knees.
We use different types of accommodation throughout the tour. It’s a mix of hotels, Plantation bungalow, Jungle resort & Keralan Houseboat.
The ideal time to visit south India is from October to March.
Days will be hot and the nights warm, the average maximum daytime temperatures are 21°C-30°C and 6°C-20°C at night. In the hills, temperatures will be considerably cooler and may near freezing point at night.
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your Tour leader, who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by local guides in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Your Ayurveda retreat will not be excorted by the Tour leader. You’ll be looked after by the resort staff & Ayurveda doctor during the retreat, but we are always there for any assistance. At the end of the retreat you’ll be given airport transfers to Thiruvananthapuram.
During the course of your trip, overland journey will be in a private Coach/ Tempo traveller, depending on the size of the group. Vehicles with seatbelts are provided throughout.
Please note that Kerala has strict laws regarding the governance of the sale of alcohol in public places including hotels and restaurants. The sale and consumption of alcohol is therefore often restricted in hotels, varying from one establishment to another.
You’ll be hiking in Munnar & Thekkady. Carry a daypack with you, in which you will need to carry a rain jacket, water bottle, packed lunch, camera gear etc.
For better or worse, tipping is an accepted part of tourism in India, and – although it is always at your discretion – you will be expected to tip to reward services . Your tour leader will give you an indication of when and how much is appropriate.
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