Kerala Active Adventure

Day 1 - Welcome to Kochi! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrivals hall of the Kochi Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. In the evening you can choose to venture out for a Kathakali dance performance, a classical dance form unique to Kerala. (At your own expense).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - In the morning we leave Kochi and drive to Munnar, a quaint hill station nestled on the verdant slopes of tea plantations. Formerly known as the High Range of Travancore, it flourished as a tea-producing region from 1880 onwards. Today, it serves as the commercial hub for some of the world's highest tea-growing estates. With its contoured hills, sparkling waterfalls, vast tea plantations and picture-postcard hamlets, the area is perfect for some leisurely hiking. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel and spend the day at leisure enjoying the ambiance of the town.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - After an early breakfast we drive through the old town of Munnar and arrive at a tiny village of Nagarmudi. From here, accompanied by a local guide, we start our trek. The trail commences with a gradual ascent through the tea plantations and then climbs into the Seven Malai hills. As we reach the top, we are rewarded with the spectacular views of the Annamudi Peak, Changulam Lake, Chittrapuram Dam, Munnar town and some local villages. After enjoying the view and taking photographs we descend down through the same route and head back to the hotel. In the evening we explore the colourful market of Munnar. Optional Visit of tea museum if time allows. Duration of Hiking: 3/4hrs

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - In the morning we drive to the silent valley, passing through tea estates and plantations in a valley surrounded by hills. From here we start our trek with a gradual walk on the plains of the tea plantations at approximately 1,600 metres, followed by a gentle climb to the grasslands. Beautiful vistas, primarily of tea farms, surround us. After lunch, we continue with the second part of our trek, which becomes steeper as we leave the tea plantation behind and reach our camp/ guest house situated near a forest hut, where we spend the next two nights. Approximate duration of walking: 4 to 5 hours

Overnight - Camp

Day 5 - After breakfast we set out on a half day trek to the Meesapulimala Peak (2,630 m), the highest point in this area and the second highest in South India (Annamudi being highest, but falls under restricted area). From the camp the trail ascends through rough Shola grasslands until it reaches open ridges from where it winds across wide meadows and then gets steeper closer to the summit. Our efforts are rewarded with breathtaking views of Kerala and Tamil Nadu from the summit, since the Meesapulimala Peak also serves as the boundary between these two states. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit, and after a little rest, we descend to our guest house for a late lunch and have the rest of the day free at leisure. Approximate duration of Hiking: 7 to 8 hours

Overnight - Camp

Day 6 - Today we embark on a relatively longer day we hike through the Western Ghats, crossing red Rhododendron plantations that add to the grandeur of the region. The plateau of Western Ghats is home to numerous indigenous flora and fauna, including the Atlas Moth, Wild Goat, and Wild Boar. We break to eat a packed lunch en route and then head to Pachakkadu village. From here we travel by a jeep for 45 minutes, after which we walk to our campsite at Top Station (Oorkadu) (1,900m). Approximate duration of Hiking: 5 to hours, Transfer : 45 min

Overnight - Camp

Day 7 - It’s a fairly easy walk today with some slight ascents and descents as we make our way to Koviloor via Vattavada Village the village of Koviloor (1,900m). Along the way we pass through the lush vegetable farming region of Pazhathottam as well as the ever-present vegetable plantations of (beans, carrots, beetroot, cabbage and more.). Then we continue our journey to Vattavada, an ancient tribal hamlet. We break for packed lunch here. Our visit to Vattavada village gives an opportunity to interact with the local farmers and get a better understanding of their lifestyle. We might even see some uncommon butterfly species flitting around if we are lucky. Post lunch we continue our journey by crossing a little canal with one to two feet of water before arriving at our campsite / Guest House at Koviloor. You can also skip this river crossing by choosing a shorter route, depending on your walking pace. Farmers come from far to sell their produce in this village. Overnight stay at Koviloor. Approximate duration of Hiking: 5 to 6 hours

Overnight - Camp

Day 8 - After breakfast we begin a short trek through the plantation ridge for around two hours. During the hike we witness beautiful views of Koviloor village. When we get to Top Station, a packed lunch will be served, and we will board the vehicle for the five-and-a-half-hour drive to the colourful city of Madurai. One of the oldest and most fascinating cities in India, Madurai has a thriving cultural centre, rich heritage and intricate temples. Apart from architecture, the city is famous for spicy South Indian food including scrumptious beverage called jigarthanda and fluffy idly (rice cake). The aroma of jasmine flowers fills the air of Madurai as we arrive in Madurai and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - Today we head out for a local sightseeing tour of Madurai. We first visit the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace built in 1636 in Indo-Mughal style by the Nayaka Dynasty, known for its rectangular dance floor. Madurai is the perfect place to wander around and experience Hindu culture with temples and bazaars. Afterwards we visit the famous Meenakshi Temple - an outstanding example of Vijaynagar temple architecture. The gopurams (towers) that surround the temple are known for their colourful stucco images of gods, goddesses, and animals, and offer plenty of photo opportunities. In the evening we attend the Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual of worship where candles are lit and songs are sung in the honour of the gods. (Aarti: the "Shiva Sunset" ceremony carried on a palanquin to join Meenakshi).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 10 - We drive back to Kerala today to reach Thekkady. The drive is spectacular as the road meanders through the Western Ghats with fantastic views and a chance for brief stops at some local markets and grape plantations along the way. We arrive at the small bustling village of Thekkady and check-in at the hotel. The entire region is a spice growing centre. In the afternoon, we head for a guided short walk through spice gardens and plantations. During the tour, we learn about the history of the reign and the growth and development of wonder spices like cardamom and pepper. Other crops of the regions include tea, coffee and vanilla. We also learn how these spices are used in local cuisine and their medicinal properties. Return to the hotel and stay overnight in Thekkady. Walk Duration: - 1-2 Hours

Overnight - Hotel

Day 11 - Experience the serene beauty of the Periyar National Park with a half-day of guided trekking and rafting adventure. We start with a nature walk at 8 AM. During the jungle trek we get to catch a glimpse of its abundant birdlife such as kingfishers, storks and hornbill. The trek leads us to the banks of the Periyar Lake. Following a breakfast break, we head out onto the waters aboard a bamboo raft. From the raft we spot local wildlife such as elephants, gaur and sambar. We then return back to the starting point and by late evening we are back at the hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 12 - After leisurely breakfast, we drive to Alleppey. Also known as Alappuzha, the town is the principal centre for backwater cruises in Kerala. We get to experience Kerala's backwaters on-board a traditional thatched roof houseboat. These beautiful boats have been renovated and converted into pleasant cruise ships. We meander along the waterways flanked by lush tropical vegetation, catching glimpses of dazzling tropical birds and watching idyllic villages. Our overnight stay is on a boat in the middle of the famous Vembanad lake.

Overnight - Houseboat

Day 13 - Today we drive to Kovalam, a destination popular for its golden beaches. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm water ideal for sea bathing. The beaches are backed by precipitous headlands and lined with lush coconut palms. Here we enjoy sunbathing, swimming, herbal body- toning massages, special cultural programmes, catamaran cruising and more. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel in Kovalam.

Overnight - none

Day 14 - We have a free day to explore Kovalam’s beautiful beaches or do some last-minute shopping and enjoy fresh seafood available at the many small beach restaurants.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 15 - Our tour of Kerala Active Adventure comes to an end and it’s time to pack your bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and get a transfer to the Trivandrum Airport for onward travel.

Tour Ends