- The beautiful hill station of Munnar
- Trekking through the historic tea plantations of Kerala
- The colourful Sri Meenakshi temple at Madurai
- A night on the traditional houseboats of Kerala

Spice Trails of Kerala
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- Spice Trails of Kerala
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Reviews
Add your own reviewAmazing trip
This is a very active trip and full of different experiences. Max in Head Office provided excellent advice and customer service before the trip. It’s actually a trip of 2 halves. The first week is spent hiking in the Western Ghats, with 4 nights camping. For me, this was probably the highlight. Each hike covered different types of terrain/landscape, and as others have mentionned, you need to be reasonably fit. But don’t worry if you don’t feel up to a long hike on a given day- you can sometimes do a shorter one or just relax. The guides were fantastic, and they even carried tiffin boxes on the treks for us to enjoy a full lunch ! The food on camp was out of this world- seriously some of the best food I’ve eaten in my life, creatively prepared by the executive chef and his small team in the middle of nowhere. Unbelievable! The second week is more of a sightseeing extravaganza, with several long 5/6 hour coach rides, as per the itinerary.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking to the top of Mt Meesapulimala Madurai - to experience the buzz and frenetic pace of a big Indian city, as well as the temple of course! The kindness and hard work of all the staff involved. They all went above and beyond what was required in so many ways to make this trip truly enjoyable and memorable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
San was the best group leader ever! He made sure everything went smoothly, sorted out any problems and entertained us with his knowledge of Kerala and India in general, along with personal anecdotes around campfire !
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take everything on the trip note list, but also a 3 pin round plug adaptor for India, and some eco baby wipes plus small soap bars for camping. Make sure you sanitise your hands after you've touched anything and everything (money,seats, toilet handles/doors etc) - that way you'll minimise the risk of getting tummy problems! The water on the coach is filtered, and at camp is always boiled, so fine to drink, but otherwise use a water filter, even for hotel water. I bought a Grayl Geopress which I used all the time and never got sick. If you are unhappy about anything, don't keep it to yourself-just talk to San and he will do his utmost to fix the problem. The hotel accommodation ranges from really good to a bit basic- we only asked to change rooms once. The toilets for 2 of the night camps were holes in the ground within a tall square tent and soil to shovel over the contents-great to get back to nature! If you want to change money once you arrive at the airport, you'll need to take cash. For £200, the commision was around 2% .Otherwise,San will take you/direct you to the nearest working ATM. As we hadn't booked the group flight, we also used the pre paid taxi service which worked well- even at 4 am- and cards are accepted for this service.
Suggestions
There's an Air India direct flight to Kochi from London which leaves on a Saturday and arrives in Kochi on the Sunday. It takes 9.5 hours out and 10.5 back. We decided to choose this flight rather than the indirect group flight. Air India was fine- little choice from the drinks trolley ( just beer or whiskey) , food ok, but flight on time both ways. If you book economy, they also allow you to 'bid' on business class seats/flat beds if they are available ! The minimum bid was £400 per person per flight.
Fantastic trip
This trip has it all. A wonderful variety of adventure, challenges, culture, stunning scenery, friendship, busyness and relaxation. South India is stunning.
Most Inspirational Moment
There’s too many to limit it to one. Climbing Mount Meesapulimala, House boat in the backwaters of Alleppey Madurai, Cooking class, Beach
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was excellent. He had so much knowledge it was unbelievable. I felt very looked-after. Santosh Kumar arranged extra cultural visits to break up the journeys. And pointed out interesting features which we would have missed otherwise. He clearly had a lot of experience and prevented problems by anticipating and advising ahead. He had the right balance of authority needed to make it run like clockwork but perfect sense of fun to make it enjoyable. Nothing was too much trouble.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the itinerary, kit list and trip notes. Take a flannel- it really helps with the camping 🏕️ and washing. It’s a bit chilly in the tents overnight so make sure you have a thick enough sleeping bag. I felt cold in a two seasons one. Embrace it all, accept the differences!
Suggestions
Thank you Exodus. This trip is perfect for couples and especially for singles and/or people who want an adventurous trip but don’t have the time or local knowledge to plan it.
A varied trip
Excellent varied trip , very few early starts which is unusual for exodus but it is quite tiring given you are only staying 1 or 2 nights in places. Trekking was the highlight and it very integral to the trip so don’t underestimate it . If you are a regular walker you will be fine but it isn’t flat and can be quite challenging underfoot. The mileage in the trip notes is also not correct , we walked 5km in Munnar then 11km, 16km, 14km, 10km and. 4 km. what makes the walking so special is that there is very few others around….yiu get the place to yourself! People are so friendly, a very easy country to get around as most speak English. You feel very safe
Most Inspirational Moment
The trekking.
Thoughts on Group Leader
San was exceptional, exodus are very lucky to have him. His English was very good as was his local knowledge He ensured everybody was happy as our group had a very wide age range 35 to 76. He never stopped, in all the hotels he was there in breakfast ensuring we got what we wanted and ensuring the waiters delivered. He even ensured we had porridge!
Advice for Potential Travellers
No need to get money out at kochi airport as commission rates are high. There is a prepaid taxi service in the airport which is open 24 hours and takes credit card. It will cost about 1,200 rupees to get to the Grand Hotel. There are plenty to AT!’s near the hotel. I used SBI and HSBC both of which didn’t charge me any ATM fees. I have a barclaycard rewards card which is worth having as they don’t charge for ATM withdrawals or ex fees on transactions. Ladies - carry loo roll and bags to put used loo roll in as there isn’t always a bin and yiu shouldn’t put it down some of the more remote toilets
A must do
I’d looked forward to this trip for such a long time and my expectations were high but these were easily met and far exceeded, what a truly fantastic trip. Each day offered new and enchanting vistas, challenges, tastes, smells, people, temples, wildlife, smiles, colours, sounds, food and spectacles – book up immediately.
Most Inspirational Moment
This is a tricky one, too many moments... the trekking was beautiful and exhilarating at every turn, especially as this was the first trip since the virus outbreak so some trails required a man and a machete - I felt very intrepid. Madurai and it's incredible temple complex was stunning, jostling and serene all at once, the slow churn along the Backwaters a golden treat and the people - so calm, cheerful and welcoming even in the tightest of motoring spots. Ooh and the wild elephants and mongooses, all a bit special really.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were blessed with San (Santosh Kumar) a top leader and top fixer of a man. We never had to ask for anything, he was always 3 steps ahead correctly anticipating and organising everything to make the trip interesting and memorable. He lead us with intelligence, integrity, generosity and good humour, loving to impart his vast knowledge of India and Keralan culture in particular. Plus his use of the English language would put most of us to shame. I must also mention his selection and support of the local guides who were all terrific (carrying and serving our delicious lunches up and down hills each day) and our splendid camping crew and patient, giggly driver Bijou - all a delight
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just to read and re-read all the Exodus blurb and take everything suggested, they know what they're on about. Also why not try to go without paper sometimes, the water method is pretty efficient once you get the hang of it.
Suggestions
An exciting and memorable trip, I can't recommend it enough.
A Great Experience
This was a very varied trip and we took part in all the activities as did the rest of the party. The overall pace over the 14 days was very good and the only early start was at Periyar which is necessary to catch the wildlife and we were lucky to see an elephant whilst on the walk. We experienced some mist at the peak so that restricted our views but coming from England we’re used to that at much lower levels!
Most Inspirational Moment
It is difficult to pick out one thing but seeing the Western Ghats for the first time and the houseboat were up there. Also all our party really enjoyed the visit to the spice plantation and preparing a meal, Kerala style. And seeing some endemic birds species plus tahr, gaur, giant squirrel and elephant.
Thoughts on Group Leader
First rate. The 10 of us and Santo James clicked right away. He ensured everything ran smoothly and was likeable, good fun and everything needed from a trip leader. He organised all the activities perfectly and anticipated all our needs.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trek is the central part of the tour and don't underestimate it. If you are a regular walker at the distances covered it will be fine but otherwise do some preparation. November is the end of the rainy season so don't be surprised if you get the odd shower. Take wet overtrousers with you not just in case it rains but for walking through the Shola grasslands if it has been wet eg on walking down from the peak. One or two walking poles should be used even though we don't always use them ourselves when walking at home. Also leech socks were needed on our walk after it had rained overnight but these are provided and don't be put off by coming across these creatures!
Suggestions
We were lucky in that the rest of our party were a delight to be with and everyone was very positive and enjoyed all the activities. The trip met all our expectations.
A Great Trip
All the positives about this mix of walking and touring in beautiful South India that others cite are true. It’s a feast for the eye and the mind. To add that the group, the guides, and Exodus responded really well when I had the misfortune to fracture my wrist on day 2. Practical help was at hand and I was able to complete the tour apart from two nights of camping and the tougher walks. Week two – seeing Madurai and the Periyar forest – was fascinating.
Most Inspirational Moment
No one moment, but the daily experience of travel across a fascinating region, while practicalities were sorted for us, was very good. Just looking takes you a long way in India. The choice of little places such as museums, cattle market, and eco spice woodland, even ordinary tea shops, was good, and there was never pressure to buy, except - inevitably - in a carpet shop in Madurai.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Santush Kumar is a great leader and a born fixer, concerned that we should know Kerala and have fun. Choice of restaurants was good too. Santo James was also a good communicator and his personal account of the Keralan floods in 2018 was remarkable. Other local guides were OK too.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Have a torch or headlight to use in towns at night and not just when you are camping. Take Exodus' advice about getting fit before the trip. A flask of whiskey is good to have when camping for those out-of-energy moments. Be prepared for a lot of early starts: the daily pace is quite intense when you're touring, however, slow drives in the coach are relaxing.
Suggestions
Thanks to all at Exodus. My holiday would have been ruined without the support of an experienced team.
Spice Trails of Kerala
Loved the trip with the mixture of walking and sightseeing. Would highly recommend.
Most Inspirational Moment
Trekking through the hills around Munnar
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent!
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walks are a little bit harder than you think they are going to be.
Suggestions
Great trip, would highly recommend.
Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of South India
This is a fantastic trip with a lot of variety. From trekking in the mountains to relaxing on a houseboat; from bird- and animal-spotting to touring a magnificent Hindu temple; from seeing tea and spices growing to tasting the most wonderful Keralan cooking; and generally seeing, hearing, and learning about the rich variety of South Indian life and culture. This was my first trip to India but it certainly won’t be my last.
Most Inspirational Moment
There is no one moment that stands out for me. The day-to-day interaction with south Indian culture - whether through food, commerce, walking in the heavily congested cities, stopping at village tea-houses, meeting people and guides, spotting wildlife, and just looking through the bus windows at people working and living were all inspirational. All life is here! I have to say that I didn't really enjoy the camping. I am not a "camping" person and for me it was to be tolerated rather than enjoyed. However, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the trip overall. And it is true that the food on trek is wonderful (including a cooked lunch for 12 that the guide carries up the mountain!!)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Santhosh is the best tour leader I have met on any organized tour. This kind of trip involves a huge amount of logistics and management - in India things do not always run to plan and the tour leader has to have a very high level of local knowledge and a plan B (and plan C) up his/her sleeve. Santhosh was just oustanding: hugely informative, generous, and good-humoured, so much so that you don't realize just how much work he is doing behind the scenes to make sure the trip runs smoothly. We all felt very well taken care of on this trip, thanks to him and all the local guides and camping/cooking crew that we met.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take everything that is recommended in the trip notes. Also take tissues, wet wipes, and the recommended dog-poo bags (you'll need them). The weather is cool for a surprising amount of this trip, and can be cold on trek, so bring several pairs of long trousers and warm layers. Flip-flops are useful for bathrooms, which are often wet. A deck of cards or a board game would be a good idea; there is not much to do in the evenings after dinner. Mostly, bring your curiosity and you will not be disappointed.
An excellent two weeks
A good mix of hiking in the Western Ghat mountains was followed by visits to interesting historical sites, a trip on a houseboat and a swim in the Indian Ocean. The trip had a change of itinerary from the original planned version due to damage from the earlier monsoon. However, Sam, our leader took us along some different trails, which with the special interaction needed with the local people probably made the holiday even better.
Most Inspirational Moment
When we were asking about a suitable place in the shade for lunch, we were promptly invited into a local's house (a complete stranger), to eat there.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good indeed. He did particularly well in sorting out our bus, which had broken down late at night in the middle of nowhere.....
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't be too concerned if the plan has to change.....it will most likely lead to even better alternatives!
Suggestions
We were also fortunate in being part of a very relaxed and laid back group of people!
Colourful India
A truly comphrehensive tour of Kerala with just the right amount of contrast throughout the 2 weeks.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to mention but amongst them has to be seeing elephants in the wild up close and personal, the magical temple in Madurai at sunset, the relaxing houseboat in Allepey, watching fruitbats flying overhead in their hundreds, pulling up a fishing net in Cochin...Oh, I could go on and on..
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sam was amazing and went above and beyond the call of duty. He even went out and bought one of our group a cake when it was her birthday. He was a mine of information and always wore a smile no matter what was thrown at him. Our coach broke down one night in the back of beyond and Sam handled the whole situation very swiftly and with great professionalism. He is a charming man and a credit to your company.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trekking is quite hard in places so make sure you are fit enough. Take extra sd cards because there is a photograph around every corner!! Just go...and enjoy the beauty of southern India and all of her wonders.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Saturday
29 Oct 2023 28 Oct 2023
Sunday Sunday
12 Nov 2023 12 Nov 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 3,445
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 589
Diwali Festival
Diwali Festival
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
12 Nov 2023 11 Nov 2023
Sunday Sunday
26 Nov 2023 26 Nov 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 3,445
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 589
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
07 Jan 2024 06 Jan 2024
Sunday Sunday
21 Jan 2024 21 Jan 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 3,545
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 589
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
04 Feb 2024 03 Feb 2024
Sunday Sunday
18 Feb 2024 18 Feb 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 3,745
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 627
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
10 Mar 2024 09 Mar 2024
Sunday Sunday
24 Mar 2024 24 Mar 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 3,745
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 627
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
27 Oct 2024 26 Oct 2024
Sunday Sunday
10 Nov 2024 10 Nov 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 3,545
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 627
Diwali Festival
Diwali Festival
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
10 Nov 2024 09 Nov 2024
Sunday Sunday
24 Nov 2024 24 Nov 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 3,545
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 627
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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