Kerala Naturally !

Tour Overview

Kerala, located along the West coast of India, boasts of lush tropical monsoon forests teeming with wildlife, midlands of spice farms and the 600 kms long ‘backwaters’ and beaches all through the length of the State. The region is adorned with the highest peaks of the Western Ghats mountain range, ranging from 1500 to 2600 meters, where verdant tea and cardamom plantations dominate the landscape. Embark on a journey from the Coast to the mountains, where Kerala's vibrant greenery welcomes you. Immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine, experiencing highlights such as staying at resorts which blend into the countryside. After your sojourn in the mountains, glide lazily through the backwaters on a traditional rice boat and unwind with a few days at a heritage villa nestled along the backwaters.

Day 1-2 : Kochi

The ancient seaport of Kochi is one of Kerala’s delightful little cities. Here you may either relax or stroll through the old town’s maze of small streets and experience Fort Kochi’s ancient quarter with colonial flair. In the evening we would recommend you to go for a little walk along the coastal path where you can enjoy an amazing sunset at the famous Chinese fishing nets. The St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church, the impressive Santa Cruz Basilica as well as the Mattancherry Palace and the synagogue are all worth a visit on your walks through the narrow roads. In the evening we will attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a mixture of dance and theatre.

Day 3-4: Thattekkad

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Thattekkad, a lowland forest. 57 species of fishes, 12 species of amphibians (4 are endemic to western Ghats), 30 species of reptiles, 38 species of aquatic macro vertebrates have been recorded from sanctuary, besides 275 species of birds and 76 species of butterflies, many endemics among them. Wild animals like Elephant, Sambar, Wild Dogs, Civet Cat, Jungle Cat are sometimes also seen. Thattekkad Bird sanctuary is indeed a field laboratory for conservation education. Your stay would be at a resort set along the shores of the river Periyar opposite the bird sanctuary. Here you will you will have an opportunity to go on the kayaks for a journey through to the rain forests on the opposite side of the river. Here if you are lucky, there are chances of sighting the Malabar Giant Squirrel & many of the 275 species of birds that congregate here. The lush rain forest also harbours endemic birds like the brilliantly colorful Malabar Parakeets & the Malabar Trogons. After your return, there is a walk planned through the local village to see how the farming community lives amidst their plantations of rubber, coconuts & various spices like pepper and ginger. The villages are friendly places and you will be welcomed in their midst. You will also go on an early morning walk to the rain forests in the company of a naturalist. Here you see a wide variety of birds & butterflies, many of them like the Whitebellied Treepie, the Malabar Grey Hornbill or butterflies like the Southern Birdwing not sighted anywhere else in the world.

Day 5-7: Munnar

A 3-hour drive will take you to the cool hill station of Munnar. On an easy walk of 1 to 2 hours we will walk through the lush tea plantations while watching the local tea leaf pickers doing their work. The area offers good chances of watching wildlife. Spotting different kinds of rare birds and animals, some of them being endemic to the region, will certainly be a very rewarding experience. There is also a fascinating full day walk through the higher reaches of the Munnar mountains to experience the shola-grassland eco-system that is so prevalent here. A visit to the local tribal village will give you a chance to interact with these indigenous people and learn about them, including manufacture of raw sugar, aromatic oils and their methods of cultivation. There is also a chance to visit and walk through the to the nearby wildlife sanctuary at Chinnar.

Day 8-10: Periyar

We leave the highlands of Munnar behind us and head to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The closest you can get to the forest and its wildlife is exploring the area on foot. On our day-walks which are organised by the local communities, we will have very good chances of spotting different kinds of wildlife. We will hike through dense forest, enchanting valleys and hills. Be on the lookout for wild animals such as Nilgiri Langurs, Elephants or the Gaurs (Indian Bison).

Day 11 : Alleppey

After breakfast, transfer to the backwaters of Kerala near the ancient trading city of Alleppey for a night’s stay in a houseboat (drive time 4 hours – Embarkation time 12:30). The houseboats are luxuriously furnished and consist of a thatched covered lounge and dining area, and depending on the size a number of bedrooms that usually consist of a twin or double beds (with mosquito nets) and a bathroom with toilet and washbasin. Thatched awnings on both sides of the boat allow the breeze to flow through. In the back there is a small service area where the cook prepares simple meals using fresh produce that can be caught, bought, or taken from the water. As you embark the boat at noon, you will be received in the traditional backwater style with garlands and a refreshing drink of coconut water straight up from the coconut itself – a really refreshing start to a great cruise. The crew of the boat is from the local community. They may not know your language but their hospitality is amazing & their culinary skills legendary. Settle down for some great sea food cooked in the aromatic flavours of Keralan spices (not too ‘hot’ of course). The cruise takes you through narrow canals where you can watch life of the backwater people go by women pound their washing, families work in the fields, ducks being reared, men collecting shells for making local ‘cement’ or linger at the local 'chai' shop, and canoes and ferry boats. This is a highlight - relaxing, romantic, and a chance to get to know one another better. (The cruise ends before sunset and the boat goes alongside till the next morning. Aircon is available in the bedroom from 6 pm till 6 am next day).

Day 12-13 : The Backwaters

Disembark at 09:00 and transfer to a heritage villa. The homestay with rooms converted for taking in guests has the original Keralan architecture with sloping roofs and built in the Vaastu style to withstand the elements and retains its original grandeur with river facing verandas. The heritage villa standing proudly on the serene on the banks of the sacred river Pampa & endless paddy fields at the backyard, serves delightful Keralan food and is a soothing escape into the lap of nature. You can learn from the kitchens, visit the local temple travelling on tuk tuks or go on canoe rides.

Day 14 : Depart

Fond farewells as you depart for your next destination, carrying cherished memories of Kerala's diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural treasures.        

Inclusions

• Accommodation in Boutique hotels, resorts, Forest Lodges & home stays
• Most meals
• All transfers by aircon SUV
• English speaking driver
• All visits, walks & safaris
   

Holiday Feedback

Route Maps

FAQs

Q. Do I Need A Visa To Travel To India?
Yes. Please see : https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html

Q. When Is The Best Time To Visit Kerala for this tour?
The best time to visit is from August to May.

Q. Should I take out Travel Insurance Before travelling for this tour?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before travelling to India, covering any medical situation, hospitalisation, cancellation and loss of your baggage. We cover your causality evacuation to the nearest hospital which is included in the cost. However, this does not cover the cost of medical treatment at the hospital.

Q. Do I have a guide for this tour?
You would have a driver cum guide who is proficient in spoken English. For sightseeing & special side tours, we provide specialist guides.

Q. What are the health risks ?
There are very minimal health risks if you follow our instructions on drinking only certified bottled water and food from safe sources identified by us.

Q. Is First Aid available?
Yes, the driver carries a comprehensive First Aid bag. For those suffering from allergies or require any special medication will need to bring those along. All our staff have undergone St John’s Ambulance First Aid Training course and are qualified. In case of serious injuries or emergencies, we have identified hospitals nearest to the tour routes to safely evacuate you to the nearest hospital.

Q. Are banking services easily available in areas visited?
Yes. Banking services and numerous ATMs available throughout South India

Q. Can I use my credit Card during this trip?
Yes, all the resorts & most shops in locations mentioned in this itinerary accept credit cards

Q. Is Kerala a good destination for a Beach Holiday?
Definitely yes & we can arrange extension tours for you.

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