Mind Blowing experience jam packed with activities and things to see and do Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
A varied trip taking in the landscapes, culture and architecture of a lovely part of India. Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
Extremely nice trip with a good balance of activities ( trekking), culture (temple, optional program Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
A mixture of trekking, culture and relaxation, this was probably one of the best Exodus trips I' Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
Well organised and led. A large number of additional activities and good variety of food Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
I enjoyed this trip very much; the accommodation was of a high standard throughout. Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
Just like previous Exodus trips everything was done to make our trip special. Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
Have just returned from the 14 day Spice Trails of Kerala tour with Exodus. Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
Itinerary Expand all 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 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 a Tea museum. Approx. 3-4 hrs walking, distance approx. 6.5km.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Trek in the Silent Valley with beautiful views of the tea estates. 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, that give 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. Approx. 4-5 hrs walking, distance approx. 14km.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). Approx. 7-8 hrs walking, distance approx. 15km.Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Trek through plantations and thick forest land to Top Station (1900m). 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 and 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 mins, and then walk to our campsite at Top Station (1900m). Approx. 7-8 hrs walking, distance approx. 16km.Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Descend to Nagamalai Coffee Plantation, overlooking Kolukumalai Tea Plantation. We start our trek towards Nagamalai Coffee Plantation (Central Station) with a steep descent through lemon grass. The route includes some challenging terrain but we are rewarded with views across the valley to the Kolukumalai Tea Plantation (known as the world's highest tea region). We continue descending to coffee plantations. Due to the price of coffee falling in the past few years the plantations and trails have become overgrown. From a distance we can see the tribal village of Kezhmuttap. The government has settled these tribes of Mudhuvans here and given them small houses with electricity and almost all of them are working in nearby estates as labourers. We then have the final stretch to reach camp (1700m). Approx 4-5hrs walking, distance approx. 7km (1-2 hrs walking if you take the shorter route).Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Explore the rich fertile area of Tamil Nadu; finish trek near Mundhan. The last day of walking is fairly easy as we descend through coffee plantations, dense forests and cotton plantations. We cross through Central Station Village and further down past Kotakuddi. At one point we pass a lovely waterfall where we stop for a rest to cool off our feet. Continuing on we finally reach the Betel Nut plantation at the valley bottom. The final stretch of our trek takes us through coconut and mango plantations, which spreads over hundreds of acres of land. We finish our walk near the village of Mundhan (650m), where a minibus will meet us for a 15 minute drive to our hotel. Please note that the hotel is subject to availability and on rare occasions, groups may have to camp. There is also the option today to go the shorter, easier pony route that will take around 2hrs. Approx 6 hrs walking, distance approx. 16km.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 To Madurai; visit the colourful Sri Meenakshi Temple. Leaving Kerala behind we drive for approx. 2.5 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. 4-4.5 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. Approx. 2-3 hrs walking, distance approx. 5-6km.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 bathroom. There is a cook and 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 fishermans 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 fishermans village.Standard Hotel 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
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 http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/travelink/India-visa-information.pdf. Other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies.
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, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. 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 en suite facilities, 4 nights in full service camps, 1 night in a homestay and 1 night on a houseboat. 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.
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Reviewed April 2017 Michelle Mellors Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Spice trails Kerala Mind Blowing experience jam packed with activities and things to see and do What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Meeting new people - experiencing their culture and visiting so many new places What did you think of your group leader? Extremely knowledgeable - fitted in so many extra visits and arranged anything we asked for Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Relax and enjoy the experience - everything arranged for you!!! Is there anything else you would like to add? Would recommend 100%
Reviewed March 2017 Stephen Taylor Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Kerala A varied trip taking in the landscapes, culture and architecture of a lovely part of India. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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. What did you think of your 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. Do you have any 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. Is there anything else you would like to add? If you are thinking of booking this trip you will not be disappointed. A good introduction to southern India if you have not been before.
Reviewed February 2017 Linda Tansley Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala A wonderful trip A mix of walking camping and sight seeing. A wide variety of landscapes and cultural destinations. Every day was new and different. The local guides were extremely well informed and constantly pointed out new plants, animal tracks or agricultural practices when we were trekking. In the Madarai, we learnt so much about the Hindu religion and practices brought to life by our temple visits where we had the privilege of witnesses local traditions including a betrothal What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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. What did you think of your 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 Do you have any 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 Is there anything else you would like to add? It was a wonderful trip for me and because of my personal circumstances it may be difficult for me to do another one. Trip of a lifetime with lovely fellow travellers and leaders, guides and crew. Loved it!
Reviewed January 2017 Ellen Momsen Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Spice Trails A fantastic trip with a lot of variety! We enjoyed every activity. Our guide,Santosh Kumar was outstanding, and wow! The food while camping was amazing. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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. What did you think of your 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. Do you have any 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. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was one of the best trips I have ever been on! Truly an adventure of a lifetime.
Reviewed January 2017 Andreas Hoelscher Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Stunning South India trip Extremely nice trip with a good balance of activities ( trekking), culture (temple, optional programs) and relaxation (houseboat) with plenty of nature and wildlife to see. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Coming close to a group of wild Elephants during morning walk in the wildlife reservation. What did you think of your 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. Is there anything else you would like to add? Amazing food was prepared in the campsites.
Reviewed December 2016 Marian Watson Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Spice Trails of Kerala A mixture of trekking, culture and relaxation, this was probably one of the best Exodus trips I've ever done. Well organised with lots of extra 'surprises'. The trek, followed by some cultural discovery, then the mini cruise down the backwaters and ending up on the Malabar coast in a homestay and swimming in the Indian Ocean, couldn't have been a better itinerary. Even the hotels were better than expected. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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. What did you think of your 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 Do you have any 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. Is there anything else you would like to add? If it's your first time to India this is really a good introduction to the place. Quieter than the north and very laid back on all fronts, with spetacular scenery
Reviewed December 2016 Susan Toms Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Spice trails of kerala Well organised and led. A large number of additional activities and good variety of food What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking in the Western Ghats What did you think of your 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. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared to enjoy the basic camping. Inspirational and attention to comfort
Reviewed December 2016 John Willwohl Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Spice Trails of Kerala. I enjoyed this trip very much; the accommodation was of a high standard throughout. I paid the single supplement and had a tent to myself on the camping days, this was very acceptable. However those sharing would have to get very close to each other. The walking days are described as moderate but I thought a couple of the walks would more accurately be described as hard or strenuous, particularly as the average age of the group was probably in their sixties. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Getting to the top of the second highest point in Southern India. The temples at Madurai. The night on the Houseboat - I would have been happy with two nights. What did you think of your group leader? The group leader was very knowledgeable and was able to identify much of the wildlife. He always kept his cool and remained calm throughout the trip. Despite the extra pressure he must have been under due to India's demonetisation policy, i.e. the 500 & 1000 rupee notes were no longer acceptable currency and the shortage of lower value notes as a result. Is there anything else you would like to add? The local guide at Periyar National Park was very good and had good English and a broad knowledge of the wildlife and bird life. Unfortunately this was not the case with the other local guides. One in particular stands out as being a complete waste of time supposedly showing us round a tea factory.
Reviewed December 2016 Stephen Toms Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Spice Trails of Kerala Just like previous Exodus trips everything was done to make our trip special. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking in the Western Ghats, truly a magnificant experience. What did you think of your group leader? For a great holiday you need a great product and India has such a diverse offering and in order to be able to get the most from your experience you a good team of people to support the many needs of a diverse group of people, this we had in abundance. All of this needs a great leader and in Santosh Kumar we had one of the best and his organisational skills cemented the whole trip together. Added to this his knowledge and enthusiasm make him an exceptional guide who went out of his way to find extra added attractions during our days of travel. During our visit the Indian government made the decision to withdraw all 500 and 1000 rupee notes causing national chaos but Santosh took this all in his stride without any negative impact on our trip. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring some Gin, after two weeks and our case three we got fed up of inferior wine and bored with beer.
Reviewed April 2016 Margaret Williams Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala Spice Trails of Kerala Have just returned from the 14 day Spice Trails of Kerala tour with Exodus. Having travelled with Exodus before, we were familiar with the format and this trip certainly did not disappoint. Accommodation was good, the programme was varied and interesting and the support was excelellent. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were lots of inspirational moments on the trip but the 5 day trekking and camping was a highlight, along with the houseboat experience on the backwaters. The support group for the camps were amazing and produced the most fantastic meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner with additional 'snacks' along the way. Also, our travel companions were great company! What did you think of your group leader? The group leader was an inspiration and I cannot speak highly enough of him. He was experienced, patient, professional, knowledgeable and a lot of fun. We have travelled with the award winning Adventure Travel Guide of the Year when we were in Sri Lanka, and Santosh would be equally worthy of such an award. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Come to India with an open mind and be prepared for anything. Our drivers were exceptional, but the traffic is crazy. Camping is not going to be like staying in a 5 star hotel and food can be spicy. Having said that, our tour leader still managed to cater for all requests thrown at him! Is there anything else you would like to add? I would not hesitate to recommend this trip and definitely look forward to doing future trips with Exodus.