South India: Explore Kerala Adventure Tour

Get a taste of the Indian tropics on a compact seven-day trip to India's southwestern coast. Stroll Kerala's sandy shores, glide through its backwaters along quiet canals on a houseboat, explore villages and farms, and savour some of the country's most incredible flavours. Venture into a part of India that's truly off the beaten path amid the cool, luxuriant greens of this tropical paradise.

Highlights

Learn the true meaning of relaxation on a houseboat cruising Kerala's backwaters, discover how fishermen's nets can be an attraction in their own right, learn about spices with a local expert, drool over delicious South Indian cuisine with a cooking demonstration

What's Included

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Spice Experience, Thekkadi Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Family Cooking Demonstration, Thekkadi Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Visit Vembanad Wetlands Conservation Program, Kumarakom. Arrival transfer. Walking tour of old Kochi. Visit a tea factory. Wildlife viewing on Periyar Lake. Kalaripayatt performance. Walking and boat tour of rural villages. Houseboat trip on the Kerala backwaters. Kathakali cultural performance. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Accommodation

Hotels/resorts (6 nts).

Meals Included

6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Minibus, houseboat, taxi, walking.

About our Transportation

Road Road travel in India is certainly not what people are used to in Western countries. Rules are not always followed, drivers appear to speed, do not stay in their lanes, overtake in seemingly dangerous situations, and rarely use their mirrors or driving lights at night. The horn however is used frequently and can range from the latest Bollywood tune to Britney Spears! Although the government is investing large sums of money to improve the road infrastructure, there is a lot more to be done. As a result some of the roads are poorly maintained, pot holed and uneven. This gets even more pronounced particularly during and after the monsoon. Travel time is very long in comparison to Western countries and short distances can take much longer than at home. You have the comfort of an air
conditioned Private vehicle, but be prepared to take an odd ride in a local transport for the experience.

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi
share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

What to Take

We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15
20 mintues with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10
15kg/22
30lb. Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.