Spice Trails of Kerala

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*

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*

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*

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*

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*

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. (1750m

*Full-service Camping*

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*

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*

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*



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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*

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*

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*

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.

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*

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.