India Farm plantation visits Trips

Our leader Sam was very efficient, knowledgeable kind and totally first class I did feel that the advertising of the trip was misleading as leisurely the trip was not ! Sam guided and encouraged us all and the mechanics, drivers plus second leader first class also. Unfortunately I had a very bad accident. Sam was so kind and helpful

The greatest concern the tour itinerary was going to way too many Hindu temples. It would be greater value to add in different activities or free time in hotels. Highlights for us included the spice planation tour, the national park game drive, and eating in the different restaurants our guide arranged. The Kerala backwaters houseboat was very relaxing.

As stated in the trip notes, this is a fast paced tour that covers a lot of ground. There are some long drives although there are often stops to visit somewhere of interest. Overall the tour was excellent, there was plenty of variety in the programme. The only disappointments were that Puducherry was oversold and there wasn’t much French heritage to see and the trip on the houseboat in the Kerala backwaters was a cruise on the lake and didn’t venture into the canals. The hotels were very good, the final hotel in Mamallapuram was more basic but this was more than offset by its location in the centre of the town. Replacing the overnight train journey with a daytime express train is a good decision by Explore. The food was delicious throughout. We had an excellent tour guide. This tour would be ideal for someone visiting India for the first time.

Had a great time in Kerala, with a fabulous bunch of fellow Explorers and a very knowledgable guide in Sam. Weather was kind, despite rain being forecast for the whole trip, only one heavy shower which was quite welcome in the very hot and humid conditions which made the cycling a little tougher. Accommodation was of mixed standards, had more cold showers than hot! Often welcome tho. A/C or fans throughout and much needed. Backwaters just as expected, lush and green, teeming with flora and fauna, binoculars useful, also enjoyed blowy coastal rides and the start of the trip in hippie vibe resorts of Kovalam and Varkala, excellent restaurants overlooking beach and lots of shops selling clothing and fabrics. Trip ended in Fort Cochin, iconic fishing nets ‘Cheena Vala’ didn’t disappoint along with architecture left by Dutch and Portuguese, nice feel to the place - an excellent trip with lots of good and cheap food, a few G and Ts too.

I did the India and Sri Lanka combo experience and honestly had the best time in both. As my first time going away anywhere on my own it was so reassuring having intro do all the hard work, organising, planning, getting from place to place for me. In India my group leaders were Yoni and Mikes, both two absolutely beautiful human beings. It was so beautiful to see how they interacted with the locals which encouraged us and showed how we could also interact with them positively and respectfully. In Sri Lanka my group leader was Matt, who also was amazing. He was so knowledgeable on the incredible country Sri Lanka is and really helped us appreciate its beauty on a deeper level. All three of the group leaders gave a great sense of security to me allowing me to feel safe in both countries and able to relax and really appreciate and enjoy them for what they are.

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.