South India - Kerala Dreaming Adventure Tour

Compared to the North, southern India is a different place working on a different pace. But you don't need to devote a month to get here; this compact trip offers a healthy taste of Kerala's stunning tropical beauty. Luxuriate on the beach and watch the sunset, explore the backwaters along quiet canals, and savour that last smidgen of flavour as you scrape your banana leaf plate clean. After only one night in the tropical south, you may never want to leave.

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, drool over that extra helping of delicious South Indian cuisine with a cooking demonstration, enjoy a homestay with a local family

What's Included

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Family Home Meal Experience, Alleppey. Arrival transfer. Walking tour in Kochi including Fort Cochin, the Dutch Palace, the Jewish quarter and the fishing market and famous Chinese fishing nets. Kathakali cultural show. Visit Tripunithura Hill Palace. Kumarakom canoe ride. Walking tour of the paddy fields and Chempu village. Houseboat day trip along the Kerala backwaters. Homestay with cooking demonstration and meal with local family. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Accommodation

Comfort hotels/resorts (5 nts), homestay (1 nt).

Meals Included

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Minibus, houseboat, canoe, 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 Description

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting
we think it's the best of both worlds.

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

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. 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. Hard suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! 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.