Spice Trails of Kerala

4.8Based on

Carbon neutral

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Chennai, India

Ends

Chennai, India

Highlights

Discover the beautiful hill station of Munnar

Trek through the historic tea plantations of Kerala

See the communities customs, art and natural remedies at Vattavada village

Visit the colourful Sri Meenakshi Temple at Madurai

Spend a night on a traditional houseboat in Kerala

Itinerary

Venture deep into southern India on the Spice Trails of Kerala—a moderate trekking and hiking tour designed for experienced travelers seeking a blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Over 15 days, traverse the lush Western Ghats, from the colonial charm of Munnar to the vibrant temples of Madurai. Scale Meesapulimala’s lofty peak, trek through spice and tea plantations, and cross into Tamil Nadu’s dramatic landscapes. Highlights include spotting wildlife in Periyar Sanctuary, a serene houseboat cruise along Kerala’s backwaters, and exploring historic Kochi’s storied port.

What sets this trip apart is its harmonious mix of natural beauty, authentic local encounters, and active exploration. For those ready to walk, discover, and connect with the essence of southern India, this journey offers a truly rewarding adventure.

day 1 - Adventure starts in Kochi

The adventure begins in Kochi (also known as Cochin), a historic port city on the Malabar Coast.

Around 6pm, say namaste to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Want more time in Kochi? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals:Dinner

Accommodation:Grand Hotel (or similar)

day 2 - Drive to Munnar hill station

In the morning, we drive away from the coastal plain to Munnar, a town within the highest mountains in Kerala. The drive is approximately 100mi (160km) and should take about six hours. Munnar is a beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats, once used a summer resort by the British government due to the fresh mountain air. It is situated at the confluence of the three mountain streams Mudrapauzha, Naliathanii and Kundala and is surrounded by lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates.

Anamudi (8,840ft/2,695m), the highest peak in South India, dominates the skyline and the many smaller peaks are a walker’s paradise.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Eastend Hotel (or similar)

day 3 - Day trek in the Munnar hills, optional tea museum visit

After breakfast, we take a short 4x4 drive through old Munnar and travel down to the tiny village of Nagarmudi (4,920ft/1,500m), where we start our trek accompanied by a local guide. The walk begins with a gradual ascent through the tea plantations and then climbs into the Seven Malai Hills. Just before reaching the summit (5,580ft/1,700m), we walk through cardamom and coffee plantations.

Our hard work is rewarded with spectacular views over Munnar and other local villages. We then descend back to our vehicle. In the afternoon, there is an optional visit to the tea museum.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Eastend Hotel (or similar)

day 4 - Trek in the Silent Valley

We have a beautiful one-hour drive to the Silent Valley, passing through tea estates and plantations in a valley surrounded by hills. Our trek starts with a gradual walk on the plains of the tea plantations at approximately 5,250ft (1,600m), followed by a gentle climb to the grasslands. There are beautiful views all around, mostly of the tea estates, which gives us a good feel for the area.

After lunch, we continue with the second part of our trek through eucalyptus trees. The terrain becomes steeper as we leave the tea plantations and finally reach our camp (6,560ft/2,000m), where we spend two nights.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Others:Full-service camping

day 5 - Ascend Meesapulimala

Today we trek to Meesapulimala Peak (8,630ft/2,630m), the second highest in South India (Anamudi is the highest but it is in a restricted area). From our camp, the trail ascends through rough shola grassland over seven hills, with each hill ranging from 50 to 100m of ascent and descent.

We reach an open ridge, bringing us to Meesapulimala Peak. From the top (which is also the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala), we enjoy breathtaking views all around. After a break at the top and our packed lunch, we return to camp.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Others:Full-service camping

day 6 - Trek to Yellapetty village; to campsite

In the morning, we start our trek through the thick forest of Silent Valley and then through pine forests and along the streams of the Rhodo Valley. After, we pass through grasslands and shola forest, where we may be lucky to spot giant squirrels, wild boar and Indian gaurs. Our trail reaches the top of a hill (7,545ft/2,300m) and makes several ascents and descents before reaching the lunch stop.

Following a packed lunch, we continue until we reach Yellapetty village, arriving late afternoon. From here, we are taken by 4x4 (20-30 minutes) and then walk to our campsite at Oorkadu (5,740ft/1,750m).

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Others:Full-service camping

day 7 - Day hike to Vattavada village

Today we have a fairly easy walk with some slight ups and downs as we hike to the beautiful village of Vattavada (6,235ft/1,900m). Along the way, we pass through the lush vegetable farming region of Pazhathottam and the ever-present tea plantations in this part of India. We find a shady spot for our lunch stop and then continue our hike to the tribal village of Vattavada. The customs, art forms and natural remedies of the communities in this area make it an interesting place to hike.

Our visit to Vattavada village provides an opportunity to meet the people and learn about their lifestyle. This is known as the market of India due to the quantity of fruit and vegetables grown in the area. If we are lucky, we may also observe some rare butterfly species. Continuing our hike, we take an alternative route to our campsite at Oorkadu.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Others:Full-service camping

day 8 - Morning walk to Koviloor, drive to Mundhan

On the last day of our trek, we pack up and leave our campsite for a morning walk in the area surrounding Oorkadu to Koviloor. This peaceful walk leaves directly from the campsite and passes through serene eucalyptus plantations and shaded forest paths. A gradual ascent of approximately 100m leads us to a flat stretch before we descend to the charming Koviloor village.

We end our trek at Koviloor, where we have a tea break before boarding our bus for the drive to Mundhan. En route, we stop at a scenic spot for lunch. Please note, it is a five to six-hour journey (depending on traffic), which goes via Munnar.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Others:Green Royale (or similar)

day 9 - To Madurai; visit Sri Meenakshi Temple

Leaving Kerala, we drive (approximately two to three hours) through the plains to the colourful temple town of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in South India.

The great Sri Meenakshi Temple, most of which was built during the Nayak period between the 16th and 18th centuries, is at the heart of the city and the life of the town revolves around it. It is a hive of activity and the scene of an almost continuous religious festival. Worshippers bathe in the tank of the Golden Lily and throng the Hall of a Thousand Pillars, where each one is uniquely carved. Madurai is a perfect place to wander around and experience Hindu culture.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Germanus Hotel (or similar)

day 10 - To Periyar National Park; evening walk in spice gardens

Leaving Madurai in the morning, we drive to the small village of Thekkady. The drive is spectacular as the road climbs through the Western Ghats and we have fantastic views across Tamil Nadu. Thekkady is a small yet bustling village from where we visit Periyar National Park. This whole area is a centre for spice growing and, after lunch, we have a short walk around a spice garden, where we can see many different spices growing.

There is plenty of time in the afternoon to explore the bazaar, where we can visit numerous shops selling cardamom, vanilla, peppercorns, chillies, turmeric and other spices. Our total driving time is approximately four to five hours.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Jungle Park Resort (or similar)

day 11 - Morning nature walk; optional afternoon boat ride on Periyar Lake to see wild elephants

Periyar National Park is one of the largest in South India and is set around a large human-made lake. In the early morning, we have a short nature walk in the tropical forest. In the afternoon, you can join an optional boat trip and lake cruise (cruise tickets can be purchased online in advance. We recommend this to avoid long queues. Please inform your leader if you wish to purchase tickets in advance).

This is an ideal opportunity to spot birds, such as kingfishers, storks and hornbills, and occasionally we may spot an elephant, otters, wild pigs and buffalos. There is also the opportunity of an Ayurvedic massage (optional), which can be arranged in the nearby Ayurvedic massage centre, and a cooking class (optional). The park will most likely be your last chance for souvenir shopping. Card payments are taken and there is also an ATM.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Jungle Park Resort (or similar)

day 12 - To Alleppey for overnight stay on a traditional Keralan houseboat

We transfer to the coastal city of Alleppey. We board our houseboats and begin our cruise along the backwaters of Kerala. The houseboat cruise is one of the highlights of the trip – these enchanting houseboats, built of anjili wood and bamboo, were the traditional method of transporting goods for centuries. Now they have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise boats. The network of rivers, streams, lagoons and canals occupies the alluvial plain between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean. As our boat meanders through areas of lush tropical vegetation, we can spot numerous birds and gain a different perspective on village life. All the houseboats are comfortably equipped and have three or four twin-bedded rooms with private bathrooms.

There is a cook, boat driver and assistants for each boat and the food served is traditional Keralan fare using local produce. No trip to Kerala is complete without the wonderful experience of the backwaters aboard these traditional Keralite vessels.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Others:Houseboat

day 13 - To the Malabar Coast; explore fishing village

After a relaxing breakfast on the houseboats, we disembark and drive along the scenic Malabar Coast to our homestay, which is near a beautiful stretch of beach. There is plenty of time to relax and explore the fishing village.

Meals:Breakfast

Others:Marari Beach Villa (or similar)

day 14 - To Kochi; afternoon sightseeing

We head back to Kochi and, during the afternoon, there is a guided tour, which includes: Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi; the Jewish synagogue dating from 1568; and St Francis Church. We also explore the town of Kochi, its bazaars and old harbour area. Fort Kochi is believed to be the earliest European settlement in India, founded by the Portuguese in 1503. Warehouses filled with the smell of tea and spices are lime-washed bright green, yellow and blue; rickety old bikes and hand-painted trucks, piled high with goods fill the narrow streets and food stalls stand on every corner.

Further along the road, you come to Mattancherry and the Dutch Palace. Next to the Palace is the synagogue, built in 1568 for the Jewish members of Kochi’s trading communities (please note, the synagogue is closed on Saturdays). Most people choose to stay in Fort Kochi and wander around its fascinating streets. In the evening, there is the chance for an optional visit to see a Kathakali performance, a classical dance unique to Kerala.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Grand Hotel (or similar)

day 15 - Adventure ends in Kochi

The adventure ends in Kochi and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like to stay longer in Kerala please speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

All accommodation

Meals

All breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners

Transport

All transport and listed activitiesGroup arrival and departure transfers available

Guide

Tour leader throughout

What's Excluded

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