Kovalam Tours in Spring

This was a busy itinerary with some early starts and long transfers, but it meant we saw so many amazing places every day. Our memory of the first week in the north, was of the noisy mayhem that is India, with quite a lot of sightseeing to monuments. In contrast the week in Kerala was more relaxed either by the sea or in the mountains. Being a 'Premium Adventure' meant we were in good standard hotels, and about half the dinners and some lunches were included in the price, which was appreciated. Also, our leader saw to all the tipping for the whole trip, so we didn't have to have a kitty (a bit of a bugbear on previous Exodus trips).

As a first time visitor to India I was not disappointed. This is a full on trip with lots of time spent travelling between locations but this means you get the full flavour of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu from the stunning tea plantations in the North to the Southern Tip of India where three oceans meet.

If I could give this trip 10 stars I would! It was perfectly paced and covers a fascinating range of locations. Our tour guide, Biju, was quite simply the best tour guide ever. So patient, knowledgeable and helpful. Normally the time spent on the bus between locations would be unwelcome but he made it something to look forward to as it was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the politics, religion and history of this amazing place. Highlights for me included the tea plantation trek, the houseboat on the backwaters, and the snake temple.

A brilliant holiday, I can’t think of anything that could have been improved. The guide Biju was perfect, he had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the area, and nothing was too much trouble. The balance between organised excursions and free time was ideal in our case with plenty of time for wandering around, or ferreting out restaurants and hidden bars. The optional excursions were explained clearly and those we selected, which was most of them, perfectly matched or exceeded expectations. The whole holiday, South India, Biju and Exodus thoroughly exceeded my expectations.

A wonderfully varied holiday contrasting the hustle and bustle of Kochi and Madurai with the peace and quiet of the Western Ghats and the backwaters of Kerala. There is a lot a travelling on the coach but the views through the windows and always interesting and the destinations when they are reached, well worth the travel time.

My first trip to India and with Exodus, this certainly wont be my last. Everything ran smoothly and was so informative and magical due to the charismatic and thoughtful tour leader Sam G Benjamin.