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Introduction
India's far southern state makes
an excellent introduction to the riches of the subcontinent with
an easily accessible diversity of landscapes
and famously well-educated and welcoming people with a relaxed
approach to life. We experience all the highlights during this ten
day trip, from sweeping sandy beaches to spicy curries!
Tour
information
Tropical Malabar
Our adventure begins on the tropical Malabar coast in Kochi, with
its unique architectural blend of Indian and European styles. We
take a boat trip to explore the old Portuguese fort with its Chinese
fishing nets, churches, synagogue and old godowns, now occupied
by some interesting antique and curio sellers. A chance to eat freshly
caught seafood straight from the net or visit a performance of the
colourful Kathakali dancers are a must.
Elephants & Spices
Heading up the coast we visit
the famous temple elephants at Guruvayur, housed in an old Zamorin's
palace, they take part in many of the state's important festivals.
At the Periyar National Park we hope to see these majestic creatures
in their natural habitat, grazing the shores of the massive lake
which we traverse by boat. An opportunity for an early morning trek
provides the chance to spot the sambar deer and myriad bird species
that live here. This cooler upland area is dotted with lush spice
gardens; we take a tour to learn more about where many of our daily
condiments come from!
Backwaters, houseboats &
Beaches
Behind the long sweep of Kerala's
sandy beaches lie the “backwaters” - a maze of islands
and villages linked by rivers and canals. We glide through the waterways
by houseboat, these converted rice-barges provide an ideal vantage
point from which to observe the everyday lives of the friendly Keralans
for whom fishing and farming the fertile soils provide the mainstay
of life. Coconut palms are everywhere and their humble nuts are
of major importance to the economy. We'll get the chance to eat
them in many forms, straight off the tree or in the delicious and
delicately spiced local cuisine! Our trip finishes on the beach
where the options are to just relax on the warm sands and in the
sea or, for the more energetic, there's the chance to journey south
to the very tip of the subcontinent at Kanyakumari.
Accommodation
and Meals
7nts hotel, 1nt houseboat; 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch
& 1 dinner included.
Transport
Bus/Boats/Train/On Foot.
Comments
This easy-going tour covers the best of a compact
yet scenically diverse region, with time to both explore and relax.
The Keralans are famed for their welcoming and cosmopolitan outlook
on life and refer to their home as “God's Own Country”!
Group Size
Approx. 13 to 18.
Tour Staff
Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), boatmen and
some local guides.
Minimum
Age
5 years.
Swimming
All hotels have swimming pools except in Periyar.
Our hotel at Poovar is right on the beach
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