Thank you very much for your care in organising our trip. It has all gone very well so far. I have to say that Joji has been incredible. He has made sure the days have run smoothly and has ensured that we have had excellent food and even snacks in the car but most of all he is, as one of the PTS guides said, 'the master of bird discovery and identification’.

He went to great lengths to seek out more and more unusual birds and had the patience to help us see a bird that was obvious to him but to us was hidden in a bush until he managed to reveal it to us. His driving should also be mentioned. He navigates the busy mountain roads with care and efficiency - I am not surprised that he has driven lorries and buses before. I have said to him that he appears to have superhuman eyesight and hearing - he heard the call of rufous babblers as we were driving through tea plantations near to Kattappana earlier today! 

We loved the days we spent in the Western Ghats. It was an education as well as an indulgence for us. We loved the varied landscape and seeing and hearing the sounds of the many birds and animals. There were many 'First times" for us and our enjoyment was enhanced by our guide and our driver as well as well as the many other people with whom we came into contact. It was a fabulous holiday and one we shall not forget. On departure our cases contained many different spices and coffee to remind us of our holiday in Kerala. 

Anders and I are back in Sweden again after our holiday. I write to you to express our gratitude for amazing days with Joji. I’m a journalist and have been working all over the world for more than 30 yrs, lately in the tourism field. So I know how valuable a great guide is. But. Joji was so much more. He was humble, always on time, caring, a great driver and on top of that - a person with so much skills in birds and nature!!

My husband Anders and I just want to express how happy we are to have met Joji and all the joy he as a person shared with us. If I had a company, I would only employ people like Joji. Because it’s lovely to see someone who is passionate about not only his job, but who also loves to share his knowledge and experiences.

Thank you so much again for a great experience and trip thanks to Joji!!

Wish him and you a Happy New Year!! With hope for a 2026 to bring more love and peace to the world than 2025. 

Thank you most sincerely for organising our trip so well. The whole group enjoyed it enormously. We saw an huge amount and each day was very varied. The accommodation and food were excellent.

Starting in Karnataka, travelling through Tamil Nadu on onto Kerala, I really felt that we got a taste of the three southern states – and so very different from Northern India (which I visited in 1986).

We left loving India and the Indians, who could not have been more hospitable. Deepu and Shrikan made an excellent team. Not only did they both look after us so well, but they were excellent company and ambassadors for Kalypso and India.

We will all be recommending Kalypso to any friends who express an interest in going to Southern India.

With very best wishes and more thanks,

 

There are some big differences in 20 years such as a wider choice of accommodation and busier roads. But two things remain the same - the people and the beauty of the land. The people of Kerala recognise what they have and are looking after it well - even with the challenges of growth and climate change. Kalypso have always been at the forefront of this with your vision of Eco-tourism.

We cannot speak highly enough about Santhosh. He is the very best of Kalypso. On the bikes he is a great guide looking ahead and behind for issues while spotting a bird or other interesting thing at the side - he is very knowledgeable! I’m sure those are qualities you expect. And maybe you expect great organisation from morning to night whether it’s hotel check in, bike setup/ maintenance, finding an ATM, etc. Again he delivers here too - at 110%.

It’s when things don’t go to plan that great people standout. We had to alter our tour due to elephants. But he managed two great alternatives including a wonderful walk - described by our daughter as her “best ever walk”. More importantly he dealt super-efficiently with our daughter’s tonsillitis that came on. He is a wonderful human being in every respect - great integrity, diligence, empathy and humour among his traits. 

 We are back from our wonderful holiday to Kerala. I'd like to thank Kalypso Adventures for organising such a great itinerary. Special thanks to Rahul & Joji, who really did go out of their way to ensure everything went well and we got the maximum experience possible. Rahul was a great guide, without him and his ability to take every opportunity to show us and introduce us to the kind and friendly people of Kerala we would not have had the immersive experience that we did. Joji was an excellent and safe driver who also gave us insights into the wildlife and culture of your country. Both together made an excellent team which we were lucky enough to have the privilege of being looked after by for our whole holiday.
We shall of course pass on our great experience of this holiday with friends and family.
Once again many thanks to Kalypso Adventures!