Vegan Holiday in Kerala, Multi activity

Tour Overview

Vast stretches of forests of the Western Ghats, spice farms that dot the countryside, indigenous tribal communities, varied accommodation that includes glamping, colonial tea plantation bungalows, eco friendly resorts set amongst the mountains of the Western Ghats– all these await you as go on this off the beaten track multi activity adventure of hiking, biking and wildlife watching in pristine wilderness. That the hotels on this trip cater to vegans is a new beginning giving impetus to vegan travel across this part of the world.

Vegan Holiday in Kerala, Multi activity

Day 1: Athirapilly: Arrival at Kochi International airport. Transfer to Athirapilly at the foothills of the Western Ghats. The drive through plantations of rubber, oil palms and spices as we gradually gain in altitude to your destination near the magnificent waterfall at Vazhachal and one of the largest in all of Western Ghats. This area is ecologically fragile there are projects to link the fragmented forests to ensure that the migrations of the Asiatic elephants are not hindered. Your stay has been arranged in a scenic resort located near the river and a stone’s throw away from the falls. Here you will go on a walk in the afternoon through the riverside to the waterfalls – a refreshing exercise. There is also another walk in the morning to discover the rain forests with endangered birds like the Malabar Pied Hornbill – being one of its last protected reserves.
Day 2: Valparai: Today’s destination is a tea town of Valparai up in the mountains & on cycles. Here you will discover the rugged mountains of the Western Ghats, known as the crucible of endemism and one of the earth’s 35 bio-diversity hot-spots on earth. The ride is through high altitude rain forests, tribal villages, farm lands, spice plantations, coffee estates & finally tea estates. Your stay will be in colonial tea bungalows, tastefully done up to cater to tourism. In the afternoon, take a walk through the rain forests and grasslands here to watch the Lion tailed Macaques in their natural habitat. Other wildlife like elephants, gaurs, sloth bear and leopards are commonly sighted here.
Day 3: Pollachi: Cycle down through 44 ‘hair pin’ curves on the mountain roads to the plains near the rural town of Pollachi. The road has abundant wildlife & birds. A ride through rural countryside and villages meeting up with the farmers makes this ride an ever memorable journey. Here farms grow coconuts, spices and fruits that make their way into the cities far afield. Your stay will be in a resort set amidst a coconut grove. You have many choices of activities in the afternoon – walks through the countryside, a visit to the local bazaar or visit a local temple.
Day 4: Talayar: Once again it is time to saddle up & ride – this time towards the highlands near the tea town of Munnar. Here while riding, you will be passing through the dry scrub forest at Chinnar where you will have an opportunity to have a wildlife walking safari through the riverside looking out for elephants, gaurs, Grey tufted Langurs, Malabar Giant squirrels and Grizzled giant squirrels – last three being endemic to the region. By noon arrive at a beautifully located tea estate bungalow set amidst tea estates. From your garden you should see the towering mountains of the Western Ghats & if lucky sight some wildlife too notably elephants that come often while migrating to greener pastures.
Day 5: Talayar: Walking to discover the cultural diversity of the local tribal populations living amongst the highlands is the day’s highlight. The muduvan tribes have made these high altitude areas their home for millennia. Their way of life is interesting and they know the flora & fauna of these ecologically important areas. Their livelihood is farming and living effortlessly off the forested areas where they have rights. You will also be visiting the tribal village, their way of preparing raw jiggery (unrefined sugar) and their traditional organic farming techniques while minimizes energy consumption. There would also be a tea making process – from plucking to making tea while staying here.
Day 6: Munnar: After a morning transfer, it is time to look around Munnar, notably the tea bazaar & the tea museum. Munnar is at the heart of tea-growing region of Kerala, set high on the seaward slopes of the Western Ghats. The scale of the country, the enormous panoramas, the lush colours, the craggy vertical heights all contribute to making this area one of the most beautiful regions of the southern highlands. After a brief sojourn here, ride to your bikes to a spectacularly located eco resort set amidst the rolling highlands of the Western Ghats.
Day 7: Muthuvankudi: You will be with the local communities that live and thrive here and belong to the farming community. A walk in the morning will take you around the village, meeting people, seeing them at their work and even visiting their homes. A picnic lunch will be arranged at the lakeside. An evening vegan cooking demo will in true Keralan style will be the crowning end to a busy day with the people of the local community.
Day 8: Thattekkad: The last day’s ride is to the plains to the lowland forests at Thattekkad. The ride passes through numerous spice plantation homesteads, rubber and coconut plantations. In the afternoon you will get 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 & sometimes elephants. 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.
Day 9: Depart: After the week long adventure, it is time to say farewells and you will be dropped to the airport or the city of Kochi.

Holiday Feedback

My wife and I booked Kalypso's "Vegan Holiday in Kerala" and it was amazing! The company was very accomodating of our timeline (and our poor organisation in terms of the booking process) - they were able to adjust and arrange the tour as needed.Our guide Jeffin and driver Vivek were both incredibly friendly, professional and knowledgeable and arranged and incredible sightseeing and cycling experience. Would absolutely book with Kalypso again!Kade Neale 2023-11-26