Spice Trails of Kerala

Spice Trails of Kerala

15 Days Starting and ending in Kochi (Cochin)

Visiting: India

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TGK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2848 $2700 Operator discount: -$148

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Traversing the Western Ghats, from the colonial hill station of Munnar to the colourful temple town of Madurai, we discover the two southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Kerala is a tropical paradise with idyllic beaches, fertile forests and plantations of spice and tea; here we reach our highest point, the peak of Meesapulimala (8,630ft/2,630m). We then cross into the barren landscape of Tamil Nadu and marvel at the intricately carved Sri Meenakshi Temple at Madurai. A trip to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boasts an array of wildlife and an abundance of colourful birdlife, and a cruise on a traditional houseboat offers the chance to relax on the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Our journey ends in historic Kochi (also known as Cochin), a port which has been luring traders and explorers for more than 600 years.

Highlights

  • Discover the beautiful hill station of Munnar

  • Trek through the historic tea plantations of Kerala

  • Visit the colourful Sri Meenakshi Temple at Madurai

  • Spend a night on a traditional houseboat in Kerala

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Start Kochi

The adventure begins in Kochi (also known as Cochin), a historic port city on the Malabar Coast. The evening is free for you to relax after your journey.



Accommodation: Grand Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 : Drive To Munnar Hill Station

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, we drive away from the coastal plain to Munnar, a town within the highest mountains in Kerala. The drive is approximately 100mi (160km) and should take about six hours. Munnar is a beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats, once used a summer resort by the British government due to the fresh mountain air. It 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 (8,840ft/2,695m), the highest peak in South India, dominates the skyline and the many smaller peaks are a walker’s paradise.



Accommodation: Issac Residency (or similar)

Day Trek In The Munnar Hills, Optional Tea Museum Visit

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we take a short 4x4 drive through old Munnar and travel down to the tiny village of Nagarmudi (4,920ft/1,500m), 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 (5,580ft/1,700m), we walk through cardamom and coffee plantations. Our hard work is rewarded with spectacular views over Munnar and other local villages. We then descend back to our vehicle. In the afternoon, there is an optional visit to the tea museum.



Accommodation: Issac Residency (or similar)

Day 4 : Trek In The Silent Valley

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have a beautiful one-hour drive to the Silent Valley, passing through tea estates and plantations in a valley surrounded by hills. Our trek starts with a gradual walk on the plains of the tea plantations at approximately 5,250ft (1,600m), 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 through eucalyptus trees. The terrain becomes steeper as we leave the tea plantations and finally reach our camp (6,560ft/2,000m), where we spend two nights.



Accommodation: Full-service camping

Day 5 : Ascend Meesapulimala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we trek to Meesapulimala Peak (8,630ft/2,630m), the second highest in South India (Anamudi is the highest but it is in a restricted area). From our camp, the trail ascends through rough shola grassland until we reach open ridges, bringing us to Meesapulimala Peak. From the top (which is also the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala), we enjoy breath-taking views all around. After a break at the top and our packed lunch, we return to camp.



Accommodation: Full-service camping

Day 6 : Trek To Yellapetty Village; To Campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we start our trek through the thick forest of Silent Valley and then through pine forests and along the streams of the Rhodo Valley. After, we pass through grasslands and shola forest, where we may be lucky to spot giant squirrels, wild boar and Indian gaurs. Following a packed lunch en route, we reach Yellapetty village, arriving late afternoon. From here, we are taken by 4x4 (20-30 minutes) and then walk to our campsite at Oorkadu (5,740ft/1,750m).



Accommodation: Full-service camping

Day 7 : Trek To Koviloor Via Vattavada Village

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have a fairly easy walk with some slight ups and downs as we trek to the beautiful village of Koviloor (6,235ft/1,900m). Along the way, we pass through the lush vegetable farming region of Pazhathottam and the ever-present tea plantations in this part of India. We 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 communities in this area make it an interesting place to trek. Our visit to Vattavada village provides an opportunity to meet the people and learn about their lifestyle. If we are lucky, we may also observe rare butterfly species. Continuing our trek, we cross a small canal before reaching our campsite at Koviloor village. It is here that farmers converge from miles around to sell their produce.



Accommodation: Full-service camping

Day 8 : Trek Through Plantation Ridge, Drive To Mundhan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On 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 due to the amount of fruit and vegetables grown. As we enjoy the scenery, we may meet farmers busy with their crops. We end our trek at Koviloor, where we have a tea break before taking a 20-minute 4x4 ride to the top station. Here, we meet our bus for our drive to Mundhan (2,135ft/650m). En route, we stop at a scenic spot for lunch. Please note, it is a five to six-hour journey (depending on traffic), which goes via Munnar.



Accommodation: Green Royale (or similar)

Day 9 : To Madurai; Visit Sri Meenakshi Temple

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Kerala, we drive (approximately two to three hours) through the plains to the colourful temple town of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, 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.



Accommodation: Star Residency (or similar)

Day 10 : To Periyar National Park; Evening Walk In Spice Gardens

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 yet bustling village from where we visit Periyar National Park. This whole area is a centre for spice growing and, after lunch, we have 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 numerous shops selling cardamom, vanilla, peppercorns, chillies, turmeric and other spices. Our total driving time is approximately four to five hours.



Accommodation: Jungle Park Resort (or similar)

Day 11 : Morning Nature Walk; Optional Afternoon Boat Ride On Periyar Lake To See Wild Elephants

Meals Included: Breakfast

Periyar National Park is one of the largest in South India and is set around a large human-made lake. In the early morning, we have a short nature walk in the tropical forest. In the afternoon, you can join an optional boat trip and lake cruise (cruise tickets can be purchased online in advance. We recommend this 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 pigs and buffalos. There is also the opportunity of an Ayurvedic massage (optional), which can be arranged in the nearby Ayurvedic massage centre, and 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.



Accommodation: Hotel

Day 12 : To Alleppey For Overnight Stay On A Traditional Keralan Houseboat

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We transfer to the coastal city of Alleppey. 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 goods for centuries. 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 can spot numerous birds and gain a different perspective on village life. All the houseboats are comfortably equipped and have three or four twin-bedded rooms with private 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 is complete without the wonderful experience of the backwaters aboard these traditional Keralite vessels.



Accommodation: Houseboat

Day 13 : To The Malabar Coast; Explore Fishing Village

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a relaxing breakfast on the houseboats, we disembark and drive along the scenic Malabar Coast to our homestay, which is near a beautiful stretch of beach. There is plenty of time to relax and explore the fishing village.



Accommodation: Marari Beach Villa (or similar)

Day 14 : To Kochi; Afternoon Sightseeing

Meals Included: Breakfast

We head back to Kochi and, during the afternoon, there is a guided tour, which includes: Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi; the Jewish synagogue dating from 1568; and St Francis Church. We also explore the town of Kochi, its bazaars and old harbour area. Fort Kochi is believed to be the earliest European settlement in India, 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 Kochi’s trading communities (please note, the synagogue is closed on Saturdays). Most people choose to stay in Fort Kochi and wander around its fascinating streets. In the evening, there is the chance for an optional visit to see a Kathakali performance, a classical dance unique to Kerala.



Accommodation: Grand Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 : End Kochi

Meals Included: Breakfast

The adventure ends in Kochi and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners included

  • All accommodation

  • All transport listed within the itinerary

  • Entrances fees to monuments (as per itinerary)

  • Tour leader throughout

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • Single supplement

Food

All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners are included.



It is full board on trek (five days) and on the houseboat (one day).



Allow at least 1,650 rupees (approximately US$20) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount.



In most of the towns we visit, there is a good choice of restaurants with Indian and Western-style options. If you are vegetarian, India is probably one of the best destinations to visit. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap and a (large) bottle of beer is approximately 410 rupees (US$5). Please note, due to Kerala state laws, alcohol licenses are limited to one or two bars in each area and not all hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. The first day of every month and certain holidays in India are dry days, when no alcohol is permitted for sale.



Mineral water is available in the bus in large containers so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.

Accommodation

We spend eight nights in hotels, four nights in full-service camps, one night in a homestay and one 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 and dining area. The number of rooms per boat will vary depending on group size and availability. While camping (full-service), the group will be provided with two-person 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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  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

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    Exodus has been trading since 1974

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    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

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Reviews from travellers on this tour

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.

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

What an amazing trip; everything I hoped it would be and more!  I've done a few of these sorts of trips before and this one is up there as probably the best.

Fabulous Trip

This trip was just great on many levels. We had a very enjoyable holiday with a great small group and we all got on and laughed throughout the trip. Trekking for the first 6 days after arriving in Munnar, was through stunning scenery, tea plantations, mountains, views, a village seeing real local life. However it wasn’t always easy in 28-30 deg with some pretty steep ascents and I found it challenging at times even being quite fit although not at my peak! I think calling it a level 3 rating in difficulty underestimates the walking. We walked from 7-16 km each day. Camping was wonderful, excellent food was cooked in basic conditions and our hot lunch was carried by the guide each day. Just had to carry a lot of water & sun stuff. The second week was amazing too. As per itinerary we saw Madurai, temple is spectacular, we all did the street food tour & all ok after! Peniyar National park walk and the boat trip were great, saw elephants and other wildlife. The houseboat was so relaxing and the food was amazing. Out homestay was wonderful too, we were all together and spent time on the beach but it was v hot. Our guide Santosh was A** and looked after us so incredibly well, took us to all our dinners & lunches not included so we didn’t have to think at all!

Magical highlights of Southern India

The 'Spice Trail' gave us a wonderful opportunity to see the best parts of the Kerala and Tamil Nadu mountains. Our days of trekking were not too long and we were rewarded by the finest Keralan cuisine by Santosh's 'crew'. We have not had better food since we left the hills. Whilst we climbed 100m to 2630m over a few days the pace was slow and deliberate and none of the group found it at all difficult. Whilst we spotted tiger, leopard, deer and elephant prints and pooh we were not blessed with sightings! In Thekkady the Periyar tiger sanctuary guide was outstanding as was Abraham in his spice garden and Mr Sheril showed us how to cook up a feast at his Bar-B-Que cooking school. Back to the bigger cities was a bit of a shock from the quiet of the forests and tea plantations, however we thoroughly enjoyed the touristy bit of the holiday with temple visits and interesting highlights of life in Kerala. The trip took in all aspects of travel here with the tented camps, a houseboat stay, a beach side homestay and several very nice hotels. Overall the trip has given us a great feel for this part of India and a thirst for a return - perhaps to the North next time. Oh please don't let the leeches put you off - nothing that 'leech socks' and a handful of salt or snuff couldn't fix!!

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

This  trip was  excellent, my highlight was the 5 day walking in  the Western Ghats and  camping. We were looked after extremely well with good tasty food and snacks. The atmosphere sitting around the campfire was fun. the walking was not too strenuous  and  there were loads of  flowers.the rest of the trip was brilliantly  coordinated by our guide Santosh Kumar  who could not have done more  to help us. 

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.

Colourful India

A truly comphrehensive tour of Kerala with just the right amount of contrast throughout the 2 weeks.

Trekking needs an urgent revamp

It’s difficult to give an average rating for this trip as most of it was excellent, especially the food and the enthusiasm of the tour leader, Santos. However, I have serious concerns about the trekking/camping element. 1. We were on the 29 October departure, which I think is too early in the season for trekking in this area. We had heavy rain most days. Leeches were a big problem (everyone got bites) and the provided leech socks were too bulky to fit comfortably inside footwear. We ended up with very sore feet and will definitely lose a few toenails. Having the team leader take out leech pincers with a penknife was not a highlight! 2. The trekking guide’s English was not good. Only one guide was provided (the tour leader did not join us on the trekking) and at one point my husband got left behind and his absence was not noticed. Contrary to the trip notes, the walk on Day 3 was not on paths - the guide simply tried to find a route through the forest. This was not safe and everyone had a fall. It was lucky that no-one was seriously injured.

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

The trip was well organised allowing time to relax and discover some of south India after the more strenuous, though not too hard walking part of the trip. 

The good and the bad

Although the trip notes said hiking on clearly defined trails, I found this not to be the case - much of the time there was no visible trail and we were bush whacking through leech infested mud. At one point, stopping for a short pee break I became separated from the group and became lost. Despite shouting loudly and blowing my whistle it was a few nerve racking minutes before I was able to find the group. Once again the lack of any clearly defined path made the situation worse. We experienced heavy rain every day while trekking through the Western Ghats, which made the leech situation horrendous, everyone suffered multiple bits on their torso. The provided leech socks were effective around lower legs and ankles, but were bulky and made hiking shoes far too tight - black toe nails etc. Given the condition of the walking conditions, which were treacherous and slippery, I feel we should have been accompanied by a second guide to deal with any emergency situations and perhaps to prevent trekkers from becoming separated and lost. Our leader, Santosh Kumar, was excellent in trying to address our concerns and varied the last scheduled day of trekking to avoid any further leech encounters or injuries. He also ensured that given the weather conditions we made camp in the higher ground rather than the planned site which was waterlogged. The food whilst camping was exceptional - probably the best Indian food I've ever eaten. All the other aspects of the trip were very good and enjoyable.

Read all 59 reviews

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Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025
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Operator discount: -$148

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Prices last published on 08-Nov-2024

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