Itinerary Expand all Cochin to Cochin Depart London Depart London for the overnight flight to Cochin. Day 1 Start Cochin The group flight arrives in Cochin in the afternoon and we transfer to our hotel. Those clients not travelling on the group flight will make their own way to the hotel and will join us there. The evening is free for dinner and for you to relax after your journey.Comfortable Hotel Arrive Cochin We arrive in Cochin and transfer to our hotel. Those clients not travelling on the group flight will make their own way to the hotel and will join us there. The evening is free for dinner and for you to relax after your journey.Comfortable Hotel Day 2 Drive to the beautiful hill station of Munnar In the morning we drive away from the coastal plain to Munnar, set amongst Kerala's highest mountains, they form a jagged line due east of Cochin. The drive is approx. 160km and should take approximately 6 hours. Munnar is a beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats at about 1600m above sea level. It was once a summer resort of the British Government in south India due to the fresh mountain air. The town is situated at the confluence of the three mountain streams Mudrapauzha, Naliathanii and Kundala and is surrounded by lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates. Anamudi (2695m), the highest peak in south India dominates the skyline and the many smaller peaks are a walker's paradise.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Day walk through Munnar's surrounding hills; optional visit to a Tea Museum After breakfast, we take a short drive through old Munnar and travel down to Nagarmudi (1500m), a tiny village, where we start our trek accompanied by a local guide. The walk begins with a gradual ascent through the tea plantations and then climbs into the Seven Malai Hills. Just before reaching the summit (1700m) we enjoy walking through cardamom and coffee plantations. Our hard work will be rewarded with spectacular views over Munnar and other local villages. We then descend back to our vehicle. There is an optional visit in the afternoon to the Tea Museum.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Trek in the Silent Valley with beautiful views of the tea estates We have a beautiful 1 hour drive to the Silent Valley, passing through some tea estates and plantations in a valley surrounded by hills. Our trek will start with a gradual walk on the plains of the tea plantations at approx 1600m, followed by a gentle climb to the grasslands. There are beautiful views all around, mostly of the tea estates, which gives us a good feel for the area. After lunch, we continue with the second part of our trek, which becomes steeper as we leave the tea plantation behind and finally reach our camp (2000m), where we spend two nights. Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Ascend Meesapulimala Peak (2630m), the highest in the area Today we trek to Meesapulimala Peak (2630m), the second highest in south India (Anamudi is the highest but it is in a restricted area). From our camp, the trail ascends through the rough shola grassland until we reach open ridges, bringing us to Meesapulima Peak. From the top (which is also the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala) there are breathtaking views all around. After a break at the top and our packed lunch, we will descend to our camp (2000m). Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Trek to Yellapetty Village; on to campsite In the morning we start our trek through the thick forest land of Silent Valley and then through pine forests and along the streams of the Rhodo Valley. After this, we pass through grasslands and shola forest where we may be lucky to spot giant squirrels, wild boar and the Indian Gaur. Following a packed lunch en route, we will reach Yellapetty Village, arriving late afternoon. From here we will be taken by jeeps, for approx. 20 - 30 mins, and then walk to our campsite at Oorkadu. (1750mFull-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Trek to Koviloor via Vattavada village (1900m) Today we have a fairly easy walk with some slight ups and downs as we trek to the beautiful village of Koviloor (1900m). Along the way we will pass through the lush vegetable farming region of Pazhathottam and the ever-present tea plantations in this part of India. We will find a shady spot for our lunch stop and then continue our trek to the tribal village of Vattavada. The customs, art forms and natural remedies of the tribes in this area make it an interesting place to trek. Our visit to Vattavada village will be an opportunity to meet the tribal people and learn about their lifestyle. If we are lucky we may also observe some rare butterfly species fluttering around. Continuing our trek we will cross a small canal before reaching our campsite at Koviloor village. It is here that farmers converge from miles around to sell their produce. Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Trek through the plantation ridge, drive on to Mundhan This last day of our trek we head through the plantation ridge. From our vantage point we have views over beautiful Koviloor village. This whole area is known as the 'market of India' because of the amount of fruit and vegetables grown. As we enjoy the scenery we may meet farmers busy with their crops. We will end our trek with a packed lunch under the trees while enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds us. After lunch we take jeeps for approximately 5 to 6 hours (depending on traffic) to our hotel in Mundhan. (650m) Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 To Madurai; visit the colourful Sri Meenakshi Temple Leaving Kerala behind we drive for approx. 2-3 hrs through the plains to the colourful temple town of Madurai, in Tamil Nadu. Madurai is one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in south India. The great Sri Meenakshi Temple, most of which was built during the Nayak period between the 16th and 18th centuries, is at the heart of the city and the life of the town revolves around it. It is a hive of activity and the scene of an almost continuous religious festival. Worshippers bathe in the tank of the Golden Lily and throng the Hall of a Thousand Pillars, where each one is uniquely carved. Madurai is a perfect place to wander around and experience Hindu culture.Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 10 To Thekkady (Periyar National Park); evening walk through spice gardens Leaving Madurai in the morning we drive to the small village of Thekkady. The drive is spectacular as the road climbs through the Western Ghats and we have fantastic views across Tamil Nadu. Thekkady is a small bustling village from where we visit the Periyar National Park. This whole area is a centre for spice growing and after lunch, there will be a short walk around a spice garden, where we can see many different spices growing. There is plenty of time in the afternoon to explore the bazaar, where we can visit the numerous shops selling cardamoms, vanilla, peppercorns, chillies, turmeric and other spices. Total driving time approx. 4-5 hrs.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 11 Morning nature walk; optional afternoon boat ride on Periyar Lake to see wild elephants The Periyar National Park is one of the largest in south India and is set around a large man-made lake. In the early morning we will have a short nature walk in the surrounding tropical forest and in the afternoon an optional boat trip and cruise on the lake (tickets for the cruise can be purchased online in advance. We recommend this in order to avoid long queues. Please inform your leader if you wish to purchase tickets in advance). This is an ideal opportunity to spot birds, such as kingfishers, storks and hornbills, and occasionally we may spot an elephant, otters, wild pig and buffalo. There is also the opportunity of an Ayurvedic massage (optional), which can be arranged in the nearby Ayurvedic massage centre, and also a cooking class (optional). The park will most likely be your last chance for souvenir shopping. Card payments are taken and there is also an ATM. Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 To Alleppey for overnight stay on a traditional Keralan houseboat Today we begin by transferring to Allepey on the coast. We board our houseboats and begin our cruise along the backwaters of Kerala. The houseboat cruise is one of the highlights of the trip - these enchanting houseboats, built of Anjili wood and bamboo, were the traditional method of transporting of goods for hundreds of years. Now they have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise boats. The network of rivers, streams, lagoons and canals occupies the alluvial plain between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean. As our boat meanders through areas of lush tropical vegetation we have the opportunity to view not only the prolific bird life but also gain a differing perspective on village life. All the houseboats are comfortably equipped and have 3 or 4 twin bedded rooms with ensuite bathrooms. There is a cook, boat driver and assistants for each boat and the food served is traditional Keralan fare using local produce. No trip to Kerala would be complete without the wonderful experience of the backwaters aboard these traditional Keralite vessels.Houseboat Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 13 To our homestay on the Malabar Coast; explore local fisherman's village After a relaxing breakfast on the houseboats, we will disembark and drive along the scenic Malabar Coast to our homestay, which is situated near a beautiful stretch of beach. There is plenty of time to relax here and explore the local fisherman's village.Homestay Meals included: Breakfast Day 14 To Cochin; afternoon sightseeing; Kathakali dance show (optional) We head back to Cochin and during the afternoon there will be a guided tour; this will include Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Cochin, the Jewish synagogue dating from 1568 and St Francis church. We also explore the town of Cochin, its bazaars and old harbour area. Fort Cochin is believed to be the earliest European settlement in India and was founded by the Portuguese in 1503. Warehouses filled with the smell of tea and spices are lime-washed bright green, yellow and blue; rickety old bikes and hand-painted trucks, piled high with goods fill the narrow streets and food stalls stand on every corner. Further along the road, you come to Mattancherry and the Dutch Palace. Next to the Palace is the synagogue, built in 1568 for the Jewish members of Cochin's trading communities (please bear in mind that the synagogue is closed on Saturdays). Most people choose to stay in Fort Cochin and wander around its fascinating streets. In the evening there is the chance for an optional visit to see a display of Kathakali Dancing, a form of dance unique to Kerala.Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 15 End Cochin If you are on the group flights you will have an early morning transfer to the airport for the flight back to London. Those not flying with the group will leave us at the hotel in Cochin. Meals included: Breakfast Fly to London If you are on the group flights you will have an early morning transfer to the airport for the flight back to London. Those not flying with the group will leave us at the hotel in Cochin. Meals included: Breakfast
India Visas are required if you are British and for most other nationalities. For UK residents full details of the visa process can be found here. Other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. If your trip visits Ladakh, in the very north of India, or Sikkim in the northeast, do not mention this on your Indian visa application. This can sometimes slow down or even cause the embassy to reject your visa. When you reach immigration, you are required to pick up an immigration form. If you have an e-visa, ensure you stand in the correct queue - please follow the signs to the e-visa booth (in Delhi this is at the back of the immigration hall). You will need to fill out an additional form at the booth - please make sure that you have the details of your start hotel ready (these details can be found on your Final Joining Instructions).
India There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approx. 2000m, there is low to no risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips going to altitudes of over 3000m there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the TRIP NOTES for further information.
Hotels, Camping, Homestay & Houseboat You will spend 8 nights in hotels with ensuite facilities, 4 nights in full-service camps, 1 night in a homestay and 1 night on a houseboat. Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are really only a couple of months in the year when the weather can be cooler. You can however request more blankets or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter. Houseboats are comfortable and all cabins have toilet facilities. The houseboat also benefits from a deck & dining area. The number of rooms per boat will vary depending on group size and availability. Whilst camping (full-service), the group will be provided with 2 man tents, mattresses, a dining tent, kitchen tent including all equipment, toilet tents including toilet rolls and camping chairs. Please note that single rooms may be limited at the homestay.
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Reviewed December 2019 David and Lesley Knass Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala 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! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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. What did you think of your 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. Do you have any 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! Is there anything else you would like to add? 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.
Reviewed January 2019 Sally Sokoloff Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala 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. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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. What did you think of your 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. Do you have any 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. Is there anything else you would like to add? Thanks to all at Exodus. My holiday would have been ruined without the support of an experienced team.
Reviewed January 2019 Margaret Meyers Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Spice Trails of Kerala Loved the trip with the mixture of walking and sightseeing. Would highly recommend. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Trekking through the hills around Munnar What did you think of your group leader? Excellent! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The walks are a little bit harder than you think they are going to be. Is there anything else you would like to add? Great trip, would highly recommend.
Reviewed January 2019 Beth Lord Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala 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. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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!!) What did you think of your 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. Do you have any 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.
Reviewed December 2018 Paul Arnold Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala 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. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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. What did you think of your 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..... Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't be too concerned if the plan has to change.....it will most likely lead to even better alternatives! Is there anything else you would like to add? We were also fortunate in being part of a very relaxed and laid back group of people!
Reviewed December 2018 Karen McIlravie Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Colourful India A truly comphrehensive tour of Kerala with just the right amount of contrast throughout the 2 weeks. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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.. What did you think of your 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. Do you have any 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.
Reviewed November 2018 Helen Torode Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Fantastic trip First trip to India, and would travel there again. And recommend to others Excellent mix of sightseeing, culture, trekking and wildlife. A sensory overload of sight, sound and aroma. Hadn't anticipated the distances to travel between destinations What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The trekking, some harder than anticipated, particularly in the heat and the altitude, so feel a sense of achievement. Happy faces. Humbled by the stay at the school, and seeing what the pupils have compared to pupils in schools here. Hindu temples Colour Wildlife at first hand What did you think of your group leader? Excellent tour leader, certainly did a tremendous job, when the coach broke down between Munnar and Mundhan, finding alternative dining, and another coach/minibus to continue our journey. Came away with much more insight into Indian/Keralan life, ways, etc Supportive when we struggled with some of the trekking, and had a humorous side. Went out of his way to source a birthday cake for one of our travelling companions, and fireworks for us to celebrate Diwahli. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Leech socks, may not look good, but a necessity. A number of our group were affected by leeches, including myself. They're smaller than I expected. However it wasn't a painful experience, just expect some bleeding. Be prepared for early starts, particularly if you want to get the most out of this trip. Is there anything else you would like to add? A wonderful experience, with a group of strangers at the start of the trip, and who become friends within a matter of days. I went with no expectations and have come back wishing to go again.
Reviewed November 2018 Robert Tuddenham Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala An wonderful trip! This was a superb and varied trip with so many experiences and all in two weeks! A lovely group and with an excellent leader. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? So many it's difficult to be specific - all the walks, Madurai temple, Periyar Reserve, the Houseboat... ............. The top two are getting to the top of Meesapulimalai and the many interesting and informative stops on our coach journeys. What did you think of your group leader? Sam Benjamin was brilliant -a great guy always prepared to go the extra mile. He got on well with all the group and with a lovely sense of humour. He is very well informed and his talks on the bus journeys and the interesting stops were highlights for me. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It's a great introduction to Southern India. - recommend with no reservations at all. The walks in the Western Ghats are quite demanding so you need to be reasonably fit and up to walking on rough and steep terrain. Is there anything else you would like to add? A truly memorable trip!
Reviewed March 2018 Lisa Brollo Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Extraordinary Holiday I had the most amazing and extraordinary holiday and most of that was down to the lovely people in the group and our wonderful guide Sam Benjamin. From start to finish it was out of this world. The holiday proper started at our hotel in Cochin and ended there two weeks later when I actually felt very emotional - it was all over! The trek and camping were just incredible- our cook should be on Masterchef. Food was out of this world. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? When I had to use the hole to do my toilet in! 😂😂😂 What did you think of your group leader? Sam Benjamin was the most inspiring and thoughtful and decent young man ever, he made the trip. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Keep your expectations low! 😂😂😂😂 Is there anything else you would like to add? If you never visit India then you have never lived!
Reviewed February 2018 Chris Parker Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Great experience Our trip was the first visit I'd made to India and so having a guided tour was brilliant. Our tour leader was really good at his job and in addition was willing & able to discuss India and Indian life & society. This made our experience so much more than just a series of visits to tourist spots. I felt that the very best part of the trip was the trekking in the hills, which was hard work but well within my capability. We did experience unusual weather during this, with rain when it was totally unexpected. This meant a change to our schedule as one camp site became inaccessible. Our tour leader had this under control very quickly, and we had a night in a local hotel and a revised trek next day. This got us back on track by the end of that day. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Probably the achievement of reaching the summit of Meesapulimala, though seeing Indian Gaur and elephants in Periyar Park was very impressive too. What did you think of your 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. Do you have any 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.
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