Kerala Trek & Kayak in India

Tour Overview

Experience the best of Kerala with this 6-day Trekking and Backwater Kayaking Tour, combining 3 days of guided trekking in Munnar's misty mountains with 2 days of kayaking through the tranquil Kerala backwaters. Hike across rolling tea plantations, evergreen forests, scenic ridgelines, and breathtaking viewpoints while discovering the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Then paddle through the serene canals of Alleppey and Kuttanad, exploring traditional villages, lush paddy fields, and coconut-lined waterways at a relaxed pace. Perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and eco-conscious travellers, this Kerala trekking and kayaking holiday offers an unforgettable blend of mountain adventure, wildlife, culture, and authentic local experiences.

Day 1: Chinnakanal

We will transfer to the mountains at Chinnakanal. After checking into your resort amidst the mountains, embark on the Phantom's Head Trek, an introductory trek through Kerala's spectacular Western Ghats. This scenic guided trek takes you through shola forests, rolling grasslands, fragrant tea estates, and rugged mountain trails, leading to the iconic Phantom's Head rock formation, renowned for its striking resemblance to a human profile. Along the route, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of mist-covered valleys and the surrounding highlands. Enjoy a spectacular sunset as the sun goes down over the mountains. The Phantom's Head Trek offers the perfect blend of challenge, natural beauty, and eco-friendly adventure, making it a fascinating introduction to the upcoming days' treks., where we start our hike. We will be walking through the tea estates and climb the nearby feature appropriately named Phantom’s Head for fascinating views of the Anaerangal Valley below & watch the sun go behind the towering mountains. 

Day 2: Mathikettan Shola Trek

  Mathikettan literally translates to “mind confusing” which is how the local tribes describe the layout of the forest. According to them, it is very easy to get lost here as the forest trails are quite baffling especially if you do not know the area. So a guided trek is definitely the answer. Declared a reserved woodland in 1897, it was certified a national park in 2003 in order to protect its rich biodiversity and its unique atmosphere. Trek through these magical rainforests; experience its unique environment and observe its endemic flora and fauna to carry back memories that will last a lifetime. The trek starts with a walk through a tribal village where you will be joined by two forest tribals to assist you for the trek. The initial walk is through grasslands where you will have a steep hike. The next 2-3 hours, you will be walking through the thick rainforests which is wet and cool. The trees are so thick that there are hardly any light that reach the ground. You will be surprised to see 100-500-year-old trees and a century old ferns on either sides of streams that you cross during the treks. Lot of endemic birds and variety of squirrels can be spotted during the trek. Towards the end of the trek, the walk is through cardamom plantations and you will reach settlement area. You wind up the trek with a fresh cup of tea from a local shop and return to you resort for a good night’s rest.

Day 3: Through the Western Ghats

Depart early for the day’s walk montane forests (sholas) and cardamom forests that abound here. The trek from Shantanpara through thick forests and grasslands and over the spine of the mountain range will leave you awestruck and get you fascinating views of the great plains of Tamilnadu. This area constitutes the world-famed ‘Cardamom Hills’ – the capital of the spice growing areas that have made Kerala famous through millennia. The highlight today is the climb atop the Chaturangapara peak with spectacular views of the plains of Tamilnadu thousands of feet below. After coming down the peak, transfer to a theme resort near the cardamom growing heart of the Western Ghats. 

Day 4: The Backwaters of Kerala

Leaving the mountains behind, transfer to the extensive backwaters at Alleppey. On arrival check into a homestay. After lunch, it is time to discover the backwaters with its large lakes, lagoons and rivulets that winds across this region, on kayaks. We will step ashore visiting bazars, villages, temples and meet up with the welcoming world of the backwaters.

Day 5: Exploration on Kayaks

Our destination today will be a heritage villa along the backwaters. We will paddle through the narrow canals of near Kavalam – an erstwhile headquarters of affluent agrarian families - the majestic homes standing testimony to grandeur past. An excellent opportunity to see village life at close quarters - local people engaged in fishing, duck rearing, shell and mud collection for the farms. You may also see the traditional toddy tappers at their work on coconut palms. Toddy 'shops' (bars), traditional meeting places for men after a grueling day at work dot the landscape. We will stop for lunch at a beautiful coconut grove on a ‘bund’ on the lakeshore. We will continue our kayaking till we cruise into the beautiful heritage home on the banks of the river Manimala to enjoy a delicious Kuttanadan dinner and a well-deserved rest.  

Day 6: Departure

Fond farewells to your hosts as you depart & will be transferred back to Fort Kochi. 

Inclusions

• Trekking and kayaking
• All meals
• Entry permits to forest areas
• Kayaks & flotation devices
• Accommodation in resorts & homestays with all meals
• Refreshments & bottled water during activities
• Vehicle for all transfers from Kochi and back to Kochi
   

FAQs

FAQs
Q. Do we need a VISA to travel to India?
Yes

Q. What is the type of terrain we trek through?
The terrain can be mountainous in Munnar to deep forests at places like Periyar.

Q. What about our main luggage?
We will take of your luggage & will reach you at your day’s accommodation. Carry only a day bag with your papers and valuables.
For Periyar: In case you are doing the Periyar Tiger Trail programme, you would have to leave your luggage in the hotel. You would have to take a small rucksack with your requirements for 1 (or) 2 day’s camping in the wild.

Q. What kind of food do you serve?
Ethnic food, both vegetarian and non vegetarian

Q. What about guides?
Qualified & First Aid certified outdoor guides and trackers will accompany you on the trek.

Q. Is First Aid available?
Yes, the guide carries a comprehensive First Aid bag. For those suffering from allergies or require any special medication will need to bring those along. All our guides 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 trek routes to evacuate you.

Q. What about Wildlife encounters.
They are likely to be wild animal encounters but our guides and trackers are trained and experienced enough to keep you out of harm’s way.

Q. Do you have a suggested kit list?
We do have a suggested kit list which we will send you when you have booked the trip. Suffice it to say that this is a highly mountainous area where nights are cold. Hence you will require woolens as well as good walking shoes.

Q. What kind of kayaks are provided?
Prijon I & II, flotation devices & dry bags. Luggage would be transferred on boats.


General Info

VISAS
Visitors to India must obtain a Visa before departure. You can consult the nearest Indian Embassy/ High Commission/ Consular Office for the same.

ACCOMMODATION
You will be put up in Heritage Hotels & Villas, comfortable Luxury cottage tents with en-suite bathroom, Plantation Villas, Homestays and riceboat.

CLIMATE
The weather is tropical and warm but most of the cycling is in the forenoon, when the temperatures are lower. Monsoons months are July to August.

TRANSPORTATION/ GUIDES
Transportation including airport transfers are included in the cost. The vehicle with roof top carriers will accompany throughout. We provide qualified guides for all activities in this tour.

FIRST AID
Our guides have been adequately trained in first aid and always carry a comprehensive first-aid kit. In case of any medical emergency we have facilities to transfer you to the nearest hospital immediately.

FOOD
Food is a very important part of these journeys and we have ensured that the Keralan Cuisine is a part of this adventure. Refreshments and bottled mineral water are provided on all activity days. Any special food requirements can be met if sufficient notice is given.

PRECAUTIONS
• Drink plenty of fluids. Use only bottled mineral water provided by us.
• Carry your personal medical kit and insect repellent.

SPENDING MONEY
During the cycling there will be opportunities to do some shopping and money spent along the way goes directly into the hands of the local communities.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE
You can exchange your money at most major towns. ATMs are found in most Keralan towns. Credit cards are accepted only at Kochi during this tour.

AIRPORT TAXES
Airport or departure taxes are not applicable if you depart from Kochi.

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