My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our time on this tour! The scenery throughout was incredible, and it was a great contrast to time spent in India’s North visiting the Golden Triangle. Walking in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a tour of a spice farm, and time on the houseboat in the backwaters were particular highlights. Pacing of the trip was good, with multiple nights in some of the towns, in between longer drives.
Our driver, Noufel, had a good grasp of English, and was very helpful. The tour company and their staff were also very communicative via WhatsApp, and checked in throughout to ensure everything was going well. Our hotels were comfortable and served good food. Most had AC (though it wasn’t really needed in Munnar due to the altitude).
Visiting in Summer, there wasn’t so much wildlife, but the scenery everywhere was still amazing!
The trip included Kerala and Goa lasted for 14 days. It included Kochi, Water canals, house boat, healing treatment, nature, tea plantations and more. All the hotels were first rate as well as the drivers and guides long the way
Explore the highlights of Southern India, from Chennai to Kochi on this 14-day tour. Visit some of the most intricate and beautiful UNESCO world heritage temples of Southern India and uncover the delights of tropical Kerala in India's deep south. Visit the former hill station of Munnar and its sprawling tea plantations, spot elephants in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spend a night aboard a houseboat, gliding along the tranquil, palm fringed backwaters.
It was absolutely beautiful and the experience specifically in Sri Lanka was amazing. There was a ton of adaptability that allowed everyone's voice to feel heard while still staying to the roots of the country's significance.
Travel to the far-flung corners of India on this epic adventure. In the north, journey through Jaisalmer's desert, lose yourself in the electric bazaars of Jodhpur, witness pilgrims performing ancient ceremonies on the ghats of Varanasi and marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Then bask in the tropical southern climate, cruise along the Kerala Backwaters, come face-to-face with local customs in small rural towns, and laze on the gorgeous beaches of Goa – India's idyllic holiday destination. Enjoy the freedom to be immersed in the diverse cultures of colourful, chaotic and enchanting India on this small-group adventure.
Excellent trip to Kerela. Such variety in this trip. Feels like we’ve been away for a month rather than two weeks we saw and did so much. Absolutely brilliant. The contrast between the beach, the midlands and the highlands was fabulous. The home stay was top rate. Felt so relaxed and comfortable and the home cooked food by Grace was incredible. Highly recommend.
Having travelled extensively in Northern India, this was my first time in the South. It proved a hugely enjoyable tour combining walking and sightseeing. The scenery in the hills above the bustling town of Munnar is stunning with the landscape sculptured by centuries of tea growing and the higher peaks offering panoramic views over the Western Ghats. The camping was well organised with good sized quality tents equipped with comfy mates. We were expertly looked after by Sheila and her team who produced large quantities of excellent South Indian cuisine. Be prepared for all weathers - we encountered sunshine and rain on our end of November departure. Much has been made of the local leeches. They are around particularly in damp conditions, but by wearing long trousers and tucking them into my socks they were no big deal. The walking in Periyar Park was also excellent and with the help of knowledgeable rangers we were able to see elephants, mongoose, giant squirrel and a profusion of bird life. If birding is your thing don't forget to pack your binoculars.
The biggest 'shout out' must go to the tour leader Abhi who was top notch. Nothing was too much trouble, he arranged lots of extras (visits to a tea factory, spice farm, rubber plantation, stops at the off license for beer supplies, male grooming at the local barbars and oily ayurveda massages (a must do!). He kept our small group informed and entertained and it was a pleasure to spend time with him. As a solo booker, traveling with Abhi felt like holidaying with a mate.
In summary, a highly recommended, great introduction to the Kerala region of Southern India. I'll certainly be back for more.
Hi Ritu,
I'm sorry for my delay in responding.
Our experience was fabulous! Your company did a truly wonderful job in making sure that all parts of the trip went smoothly. We appreciated how staff checked in on us and saw us to our next destination. Karan our driver was incredibly kind and professional. We really enjoyed spending time with him. The guides were good as well; we had exceptional guides in Agra and Jaipur.
Thank you for a great trip.
Best,
Jodi Marcus
PRIVATE TOUR: Chennai, Pondicherry and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Kochi, colonial hill stations and a rice boat cruise on the Keralan backwaters. An action packed fortnight in the Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, that simply has it all!
I will never forget my experience on this tour. I’ve witnessed so many incredible and life changing experiences, from seeing the Taj Mahal to watching the sun set on golden beaches Goa, from cycling through the early morning chaos of Jaipur to hiking up through the peaceful forest on Ella Rock to reach breathtaking views, from stargazing in the desert to picking tea in the mountains, from monkeys to elephants, from samosas to dosas to hoppers, from masala chai to fresh green tea, this tour has been a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and tastes, and I’ve made so many incredible friends along the way, who I’m sure will be friends for life.
PRIVATE TOUR: Combining historic Kochi, the hill station of Munnar and a houseboat cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. In nine sunfilled days feast upon the amazing natural wonders, wildlife, beauty and diversity of stunning Kerala - God's own country.