Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the achievement of reaching the summit of Meesapulimala, though seeing Indian Gaur and elephants in Periyar Park was very impressive too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sanhtosh was great, managing things brilliantly and telling us an amazing amount about India, it's people and society. I can't praise him highly enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes and other instructional material and follow the advice. We nearly missed our connecting flight in Mumbai due to the slow process for e-visas at immigration there. If travelling on an e-visa, get the immigration form at Heathrow or on the flight & complete it before arrival in Mumbai. Go straight to the e-visa queue and be prepared for delays.

Most Inspirational Moment

Trekking to the peak.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Santosh was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly. Lots of small interesting stops and diversions along the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

At our time of year you really needed at least two pairs of long trousers (leech area trekking and temple visit). The reason the trip notes mention thin socks is that you will likely be wearing the free issue leech socks on top. You will likely get a beer or two every day (if you need one) but a plastic bottle or two of duty free sprirts is not a bad idea.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the hills and varied vegetation during the trek

Thoughts on Group Leader

Managed the group well, organised and informative , made sure we all ate really well the whole trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get your own leach socks ,as one size fits all!

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting new people - experiencing their culture and visiting so many new places

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely knowledgeable - fitted in so many extra visits and arranged anything we asked for

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax and enjoy the experience - everything arranged for you!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the tea plantations. We never thought an agricultural area could be so lovely with waves of tea bushes stretching to the horizon. The trek section of the trip was good and not too arduous. The highest point was worth the climb for the views. The national park was scenic and plenty of wildlife incuding wild elephants. The houseboat cruise was a lovely relaxing way to wind down before a day in Fort Cochin and the journey home.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Umed was an excellent leader and very personable. Always on the ball and full of interesting anecdotes about the areas we visited. Umed made sure we were all looked after and well fed even in the remote camps. The local guides were also good and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not a hard trek, but we had good weather throughout. Can get a little cold at top station, so take a thermal.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the mountain and the trek as a whole. I found it difficult as I had a breathing problem but I was well supported by the assistant local guide (Edison) all the way. The food was excellent, when walking we had drinks and snacks every mile or so and an excellent three course lunch. Camp sites were good and interesting and the camp cook talented.

Thoughts on Group Leader

V Santosh Kumar was an excellent leader, quiet and modest he was able to anticipate our interests and needs. When we had the storm which washed out our next camp he arranged a decent hotel and for the next day an alternative walk to the local town which was fascinating. Several times he came up with a plan B when people where unable to walk which were thoroughly enjoyable. He also had sound eco principles

Advice for Potential Travellers

The cash free policy and ban in importing or exporting rupees is a nightmare. There is a limit on the amount you can withdraw ATMs are often empty. Please make sure you have your card with a bank that will allow you to register that you will be travelling in India (my bank Barclays doesn't and I was blocked and could have been in difficulties). Take two cards if you can and take every opportunity to withdraw cash in you first few days. The trip leader was helpful with this problem

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments that it is hard to select just one. Seeing elephants, making it to the top of the second highest peak in So. India, walking through the colorful markets, visiting a rural school, and meeting amazing fellow travelers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Santos Kumar was wonderful! He was so knowledgeable, patient, and fun. I can't imagine a better group leader, and would love to take another trip that he leads. Since getting home, I have told everyone I know to go on this trip, and hope that they get Santosh.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready for a couple days of challenging hiking! The walks were very fun and rewarding, but for some people, they might be difficult. Also, pack lightly, and bring walking sticks. Light weight long sleeve shirts are recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming close to a group of wild Elephants during morning walk in the wildlife reservation.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Santos's is a Very knowledgable guide with good feeling for the group dynamics and lots of stories to tell. All extra wishes were taken care of and always everything arranged a very proficient manner.

Most Inspirational Moment

Trekking through the Western Ghats. Different walks every day with different scenery and opportunities to see the local wildlife. Just one day was slightly more strenuous with lots of ascents and descents but the other days were fine. Also the sighting of wild elephants in Periyar NP was an added bonus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cannot speak highly enough of Santosh Kumar. One of the best. Professional, extremely knowledgeable, cool, calm and collected even under extreme pressure. At one point no-one in the group had any money because of the sudden demonitisation by the Modi government, Santosh did everything in his power to help everyone to obtain some money in every way possible. He was entertaining during our campsite evenings and informed us on a wide range of Indian customs and traditions. Sociable at all mealtimes. Informative of our day by day itinerary. Not for nothing he was voted best leader in India in 2011

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even if it's hot, don't wear shorts with your leech socks. Keep to long trousers. Or if you do wear shorts keep some insect spray handy. Nothing to worry about but not very pleasant to find leeches attached to you! Don't bother taking gaiters. The leech socks the trekking crew provide you with are much better.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the Western Ghats

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, well organised, good sense of humour, reacted to money crisis in India with practical and innovative counter measures. Provided many high quality additional activities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to enjoy the basic camping. Inspirational and attention to comfort