Most Inspirational Moment
Walking in the tea plantations in the Western Ghats. Beautiful scenery. Loved sailing down the waters in the various boats, walking in the nature reserve with the unexpected way of getting across the water. Witnessing the various ways taken to travel and how many they get on a motorbike.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Biju was exceptional. One of the best I’ve experienced. An awareness of the group needs, willingness to help out in any way, including cooking lunch when the kitchen staff were short staffed. Very honest and open about his own way of life, and the culture of the country. Gave us lots of information often during the long journeys, so we learnt a lot about Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It is hot and can be humid. Take binoculars, there are lots of opportunities for bird watching. Ladies, make sure you put a few sheets of toilet paper in your pocket from the hotels, as outside of them there isn’t any. Stick to the rules,” if you can’t peel it or cook it don’t eat it”, and no ice in drinks and you’ll be fine. We did and no one was ill on our trip. Take some sterling and a preloaded Visa card. Don’t use the money changers at the airport, there’s an ATM just before you go outside and anyway, you won’t need money until the first full day when you’ll be given opportunity to us an ATM. I paid for majority of optional excursions with the sterling. There are plenty of opportunities for ATMs throughout the trip.