Camping in Munnar at the shola grasslands to discover some of the most stunning view points in the Western Ghats is the most exciting part of this program. You will get to stay in a Tree House, explore Periyar National Park, visit Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Finally visit Fort Cochin before you depart from Kerala.
PACKAGE INCLUDES
PACKAGE INCLUDES
| Destination | Hotel | Room | Meal Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thettekkad | The Hornbill Camp | Luxury Tent | Breakfast |
| Munnar | Ela Ecoland Nature Retreat | Tree House | Breakfast |
| Munnar | Camping | Dome Tents | Full board |
| Munnar | Arayerangal Camp | Deluxe Tents | Breakfast |
| Thekkady | Beaumont Plantation Retreat | Traditional Cottage | Breakfast |
| Cochin | Fort House | Standard | Breakfast |
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive at Cochin Airport and Transfer to Thattekkad ( 50 Kilometres 1.5 hours )
Arrival at Cochin International airport, on arrival transfer to Thattekkad where the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located. Check in at the camp on arrival where you rest for the day, evening take a stroll around the village or cycle to the near by hamlet. Overnight at the resort of Stay.
Day 2 – Visit Kodanad or Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Today depending on your interest either visit the Kodanad elephant Kraal or Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary for a birding expedition. Afternoon you can proceed to the river where you can try out Kayaking at River Periyar. Overnight at The Hornbill Camp.
Day 3 – Transfer to Tree House in Munnar (75 Kilometres 3 hours)
Morning after breakfast transfer to the resort in Munnar – Ela Ecoland for your stay at the Tree House. Check in at Ela Ecoland Nature Retreat, Rest of the day at leisure, probably you have an option to have a cold dip at the nearby waterfall. Overnight at Ela Ecoland.
Day 4 – Transfer to the Base Camp for Overnight camping
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the base camp where you would be briefed about the days activities, treks, hikes and about the entire route plan about camping in Munnar. Pick up from Munnar by 11am, then a jeep ride of 1 hour 15min to the trek starting location. A gradual ascent trek of 4 hours through tea plantations and micro carps. Delicious packed lunch enroute. Camp at Silent Valley at an altitude of 2000 m. Camp fire dinner and sleep in comfortable tents.
Day 5 – Continue the Trek
Trek starts by 8.30 am after breakfast, and passes through the valley of rhododendrons and pines. The trek then winds through streams and shola forests of tropical grasslands. The views are spectacular, and you will reach the 2nd highest peak of South India, Meesapulimala, at an altitude of 2635 m. Delicious packed lunch served enroute. Descending trek will reach the camp at silent valley. Camp fire dinner and sleep in tents.
Day 6 – Transfer to Anayerangal Camp
After breakfast, a 5 hour trek to Yellapatty where the trek ends. Board vehicle from Yelappetty and proceed to the Anayerangal Camp where you would be staying overnight. The camp is located at a beautiful view point close by. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 7 – Transfer to Thekkady
After breakfast transfer to Beaumont Plantation Retreat, where you will go for a Cardamom – from Farm to Market activity. By evening take a jeep ride to Beaumont Point where you get to see the valley of Cumbam and Theni in Tamil Nadu. Overnight at Beaumont Plantation Retreat.
Day 8 – Nature Walk at Periyar National Park
By morning have a packed breakfast and proceed for a 3 hours hike through the forest of Periyar National Park, you would be walking along the reservoir, grasslands and dense forests along with a trained forest guard. It would be a group and if you wish to upgrade to a bamboo rafting session instead of nature walk, that is also possible. by afternoon back to the resort for rest and overnight stay.
Day 9 – Transfer to Fort Cochin
Transfer to Fort Cochin where you would be staying at Fort House. Fort Cochin was the old colonial hub of Cochin and is referred to as the old Cochin. The colonial buildings here are very much charming amidst large rain trees. Evening witness the Kathakali dance form at the local theatre. Overnight at Fort Cochin.
Day 10 – Departure transfer to Cochin Airport
Price Starting From INR 42,000 per person
Package - Spice and Plantation Trail in Kerala
Program Highlights
Spice and Plantation trail in Kerala is a Kerala tour package which takes you through the plantation hubs of Kerala that includes parts of the Western Ghats like Munnar, Thekkady and Theekoy where tea, coffee, pepper, vanilla, Cardamom and Rubber are cultivated in large scales. At Alleppey you get to see paddy cultivation that happens at the region of Kuttanad where you get to see paddy cultivation below the sea level close to the backwaters.
PACKAGE INCLUDES
ACCOMMODATION DETAIL
| Destination | Hotel | Room Category | Meal Plan | No. of Nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munnar | Ela Ecoland Nature Retreat | Luxury Tent | Breakfast | 02 |
| Thekkady | Beaumont Plantation Retreat | Valley view | Breakfast | 02 |
| Theekoy | Vanilla County | Deluxe | Full Board | 02 |
| Alleppey | Emerald Isle | Heritage | Breakfast | 02 |
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive at Cochin Airport and Transfer to Munnar ( 100 Kilometers 2 hours )
On arrival at Cochin Airport transfer to Munnar, check in at Ela Ecoland on arrival, rest of the day would be at leisure enjoying the surroundings at Ela Ecoland. There is small waterfalls just in front of the property, probably you can sit and try out angling, if you get to catch a fish we would cook it for you The property is also home to a lot of interesting birds. Rest of the day at leisure at Ela Ecoland.
Day 2 – Visit Around Munnar
Today you will visit the Eravikulam National Park, the Tea Museum at Talayar Estate and Probably have a glance of Mattupetty and Top station, that are places of scenic beauty. You would be reaching the property by evening. Rest of the day at leisure at Ela Ecoland.
Day 3 – Transfer to Thekkady ( 100 Kilometres 3 hours )
Transfer to Thekkady, The cardamom hills of Kerala. On arrival check in at Beaumont Plantation Retreat. The property is located right on a cliff with a wonderful view point from where one could see the Valley of Cumbam of Tamil Nadu. Evening proceed for a Jeep ride to Beaumont Point and enjoy the evening camp fire.
Day 4 – Morning proceed Periyar National Park
Morning keep your eyes opened for some bird watching and butterfly watching. Weather is very unpredictable here hence this will very much depend on your luck. By noon proceed to Thekkady, where you can experience an elephant ride and a boat ride at Periyar National Park at 1530 hours. Return to the Resort for overnight stay.
Day 5 – Transfer to Teekoy (60 Kilometers 1.5 hours)
After breakfast check out from the resort and transfer to Teekoy at the foothills of the the Peermede hills of the Western Ghats. On arrival check in at Vanilla County, an homestay run by Baby Mathew where he hosts guests at his plantation Estate Bungalow. Enjoy the surrounding of the plantation retreat and take part in in house activities.
Day 6 – At Vanilla County.
Today you will go for a Rubber plantation and spice plantation tour, you have an option to take a dip at a nearby natural pool and by evening visit a view point from where you have a very wonderful sunset view. Evening at the Estate Bungalow.
Day 7 – Transfer to Alleppey, the backwater town.
Check out from Vanilla county and transfer to Alleppey the backwater town in central Kerala. Check in at the Emerald Isle Heritage home stay. Enjoy the stay at the backwater village, rest of the day at leisure.
Day 7 – Enjoy a village walk around the paddy fields.
Morning after breakfast, take a tour around the village where you will visit the paddy fields and experience local village life. Board a country canoe to cruise along the canals where you get to see the backwater lifestyle.
Day 8 – Enjoy a village walk around the paddy fields.
Morning after breakfast, take a tour around the village where you will visit the paddy fields and experience local village life. Board a country canoe to cruise along the canals where you get to see the backwater lifestyle. Rest of the day at leisure at the backwater heritage homestay.
Day 9 – Departure transfer to Cochin Airport
Departure transfer to Cochin Airport, enroute depending on the flight timing, visit the Paradeshi Synagogue and the Dutch Palace at Fort Cochin along with the Chinese fishing nets and St. Francis church, the first church built by the Europeans in Indian.
Price Starting From INR 34,300 per person
Package - Western Ghats to Tamil Temples
Program Highlights
The Western Ghats is the chain of hill starting from South Kerala and extends all through the Malabar Coast upto Maharashtra. This tour is about traveling across the Western Ghats and move to the plains of Tamil Nadu where you pass by some of the most magnificient Temple Towns..
PACKAGE INCLUDES
ACCOMMODATION DETAIL
| Destination | Hotel | Room | Meal Plan | No. of Nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munnar | Ela Ecoland Nature Retreat | Luxury Tent | Breakfast | 02 |
| Thekkady | Beaumont Plantation Retreat | Traditional Cottage rooms | Breakfast | 2 |
| Madurai | Royal Court | Standard | Breakfast | 01 |
| Kanyakumari | Sparsha | Standard | Breakfast | 01 |
| Kovalam | Sagara Beach Resort | Deluxe room | Breakfast | 02 |
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive at Cochin Airport and Transfer to Munnar ( 100 Kilometres 3 hours )
Arrival at Cochin International airport, on arrival transfer to Ela Ecoland Munnar, a nature retreat in the Western Ghats 14 kilometers before Munnar town. There is a river and waterfall right across the property. Relax and enjoy the overnight stay at Ela Ecoland Nature Retreat.
Day 2 – Sightseeing tour of Munnar
Today morning you will start your sightseeing tour of Munnar, where you would be visiting the Eravikulam National Park and the tea Museum. Apart from these you have an option to visit the Top station around 35 kilometers away from Munnar town. Enroute drive is scenic through Mattupetty dam, and Echo point. Back to Ela Ecoland for overnight stay.
Day 3 – Transfer to Thekkady ( 100 Kms 3 hours )
After Breakfast, transfer to Thekkady – the cardamom hill is Kerala and where the Periyar National Park is located. On arrival check in at Beaumont Plantation retreat. Afternoon visit Chellarkovil waterfalls and by evening walk to the Beaumont Point, a view point close to Beaumont
Day 4 – Visit Periyar National Park
Morning proceed to Periyar National Park for a Nature Walk for 3 hours through the Forests of the National Park. By afternoon proceed for a Elephant ride, by afternoon reach back to Beaumont Plantation Retreat. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 5 – Transfer to Madurai ( 150 kilometers 3 hours )
Madurai is an ancient temple town and a trading post in the South Indian station of Tamil Nadu. On arrival at Madurai, visit the Madurai Meenakshi Amman kovil. Extend the visit until the Night ceremony happens (1900 hours) back to the hotel of stay in Madurai.
Day 6 –Drive to Kanyakumari ( 280 kilometers 4 hours )
Kanyakumari is the Southern most tip of the Indian Sub continent. Kanyakumari is where the the three seas namely, the Arabian sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet together. There are ferrys to Vivekananda rock where Swami Vivekananda meditated. back to the hotel of stay.
Day 7 – Transfer to Kovalam ( 90 Kilometers 2.5 hours )
After breakfast check out from Kanyakumari and driver to Kovalam, enroute visit the Thakalay palace, the palace of the Travancore Maharajas which is also the largest wooden palace in Asia. On arrival at Kovalam, check in at the beach hotel for overnight stay.
Day 8 – At leisure at Kovalam
Today you will have the day at leisure at the beach hotel. You have an option to visit the nearby Capital city of Trivandrum where you could see the Padmanabhaswamy temple from outside. Rest of the day at leisure at the beach hotel.
Day 9 – Departure transfer to Trivandrum Airport
Price Starting From INR 29,000 per person
Program Highlights
The hills and the backwaters tour of Kerala is a 4 nights and 5 days popular tour of Kerala covering the most popular destinations in Kerala – Munnar, Thekkady and the backwaters cruise in a houseboat with an overnight stay. The package is ideal for honeymooners and family holidayer to explore Gods own country with a minimum time period that is available for a vacation.
Package Includes
Accommodation Details
| Destination | Hotel | Room | Meal Plan | No. of Nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munnar | Ela Ecoland Nature Retreat | Luxury Tent | Breakfast | 02 |
| Thekkady | Beaumont Plantation Retreat | Traditional Cottage rooms | Breakfast | 01 |
| Alleppey | Deluxe Houseboat | Deluxe room | All Meals | 01 |
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive at Cochin Airport and Transfer to Munnar ( 100 Kilometres 3 hours )
Arrival at Cochin International airport, on arrival transfer to Ela Ecoland Munnar, a nature retreat in the Western Ghats 14 kilometers before Munnar town. There is a river and waterfall right across the property. Relax and enjoy the overnight stay at Ela Ecoland Nature Retreat.
Day 2 – Sightseeing tour of Munnar
Today morning you will start your sightseeing tour of Munnar, where you would be visiting the Eravikulam National Park and the tea Museum. Apart from these you have an option to visit the Top station around 35 kilometers away from Munnar town. Enroute drive is scenic through Mattupetty dam, and Echo point. Back to Ela Ecoland for overnight stay.
Day 3 – Transfer to Thekkady (100 Kms 3 hours)
After Breakfast, transfer to Thekkady – the cardamom hill is Kerala and where the Periyar National Park is located. On arrival check in at Beaumont Plantation retreat. Afternoon visit the Periyar National Park for a 1.5 hours boating at the National Park Reservoir to sight animals. Shop spices and enjoy an Elephant ride and back to the resort for overnight stay.
Day 4 – Transfer to the backwaters of Alleppey (140 Kms 3.5 hours)
After breakfast, Check out form the resort and drive to Alleppey, the backwater town in central Kerala. on arrival board a traditional Kerala houseboat for a day cruise followed by overnight stay. Check in at 1200 hours and cruise until 1700 hours through the narrow canals of the backwaters and witness one of the most fascinating water worlds on earth. By 1700 hours the boat docks for overnight stay at the banks of the backwaters. Dinner on board!
Day 5 – Departure transfer to Cochin International Airport.
After breakfast, disembark the houseboat and departure transfer to Cochin Airport to board flight back home! In case if you have an evening flight. visit Fort Cochin the ancient port town, see the Dutch palace, the Synagouge and the St. Francis Church.
Price Starting From INR 16,000 per person
Kerala Endemic
Birding Tour (6 Days) Tropical rain forests are primary centers of species richness and endemism within the Western Ghats in and around India. There are more than 460 known bird species from this hotspot, of which 17 are endemic, most of them found in the lowland rainforests and high altitude montane forests of the Kerala. This tour covers the lowland forests at Thattekkad and the hill ranges of Munnar. On this trip species sighted are the Whitebellied Treepie, Rufous Babbler, Crimsonbacked Sunbird, White Bellied Blue Flycatcher, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill besides owls like the Mottled Wood Owl, Oriental Bay Owl, Oriental scopes owl, Brown Fish Owl, Oriental Scopes Owl and Spotbellied Eagle Owl. You will also be able to sight the Red Spurfowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Pitta, Black-throated Munia and the Grey headed fishing eagle. At Munnar you should sight the endemics Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Pipit, Whitebellied shortwing and the Broadtailed Grassbird. We will also take a tour to the Bodi Ghats for Yellow Throated bulbul, Indian robin, Sirkeer Malkoha, Short Toed Snake Eagle, Blue Faced Malkoha and the Black eagle. Aprrox US $ 600 per person
Western Ghats Endemic Birding Tour (8Days)
This 8 days journey is an intense birding trip. The tour covers the lowland forests at Thattekkad, the famed Periyar Tiger Reserve, the shola-grasslands of Ooty & Munnar, the scrub forests at Chinnar and the dry deciduous forests at Mudumalai. This is a longer more exhaustive trip which also includes species such as Nilgiri laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Thrush, the shy Wayanad Laughing Thrush besides Whitebellied Drongo, Blue faced Malkoha, White-naped woodpecker, Blue-beared bee-eater, Sirkeer Malkoha, Jungle Bush Quail and the Yellow-legged Button quail. At Mudumalai we could also sight the Jerdon's Bushlark, Sirkeer Malkoha, Indian Blue Robin, White-bellied Minivet, Banded-bay Cuckoo, Thick-billed Warbler, Malabar Lark and Painted Bush Quail. US$ 1300 per person
South India Endemic Birding Tour (13 days)
Southern India is the real home to some of the very best National parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Most of these parks are located on the sides of the Western Ghats, one of the 35 bio-diversity 'hot spots' on earth due to its large volume of endemic species and diversity. Our journey will take us through the lowland forests of Thattekkad to Periyar Tiger Reserve and onwards through Munnar, Chinnar, Ooty, Mudumalai to Mysore. On this tour, we hope to cover over 100 of the Indian Peninsular specialities besides the Western Ghats endemics. This tour is an intense birding tour with little time for sightseeing side trips. US$ 1800 per person
Kayaking Tour in Kerala( 5 Days)
If you want to experience the renowned backwaters of Kerala in depth with a bit of physical workout, the Kayaking tour in Kerala is what we would recommend for you. This tour will take you to the near and far end of the backwaters, kayaking through canals, rivers, lakes and lagoons. With the waterways being a means of transport in the remote villages of Kerala, you should be able to interact with the local community and get an idea about their livelihood and lifestyle, also making them friends. You can get the best of both nature and culture in this trip.
Day 1 : Alleppey
On arrival, you will be meeting up with our kayaking guide at Alleppey who will brief you about the tour and other responsibilities. You will then start paddling through the palm fringed waterways and countryside into the interiors of the backwaters. With the quiet villages on either side, you can watch the peaceful village folks, smiling children on their way to school, farmers hard at work and of course the chirping water birds. We will cross a few small wooden canoes on the way, laden with people, home appliances, vegetables, fish or even livestock which are being transported from one place to another. After a picnic lunch en-route at a beautiful location, you will paddle on to a small family owned resort.
Day 2 : Pulinkunnu
After breakfast, you will kayak through the narrow canals of Pulinkunnu to the island of Kavalam, an erstwhile headquarters of affluent agrarian families. The majestic homes that you come across here stand in testimony to their grandeur past. It is an excellent opportunity to see village life at close quarters with the local people who are engaged in farming, fishing, duck rearing and shell collection. You may also see the traditional toddy tappers at work on coconut palms. Toddy shops are the local "wine shops" and it is the traditional meeting place for men after a grueling day at work. You will stop for lunch at a beautiful coconut grove on a bund on the lakeshore and continue kayaking till you cruise into the beautiful heritage home where a delicious Kuttanadan dinner awaits you followed by a well-deserved rest. In the evening, you can walk to a nearby market and enjoy the serenity of real calm village.
Day 3 : Pulinkunnu
After breakfast , you will continue paddling through the tranquil backwaters. You will make a stopover at a local tea shop or a spice garden that borders the backwaters. You can have a nice picnic lunch on the banks of the Vattakayal Lake. After lunch, you will continue kayaking through small canals back to the backwater heritage villas.
Day 4 : Muhamma
Today, you will set course after breakfast to a small but beautiful "Tharavadu" (Ancestral traditional home) situated on the backwaters. As you paddle along these waters, you will be mesmerized by the beauty and tranquility of the backwaters and realize why it has become world famous and endeared itself to millions of tourists visiting this area. At noon, you will have a picnic lunch on the way. On arrival at our destination you will be able to relax and enjoy the serenity of this stately Home.
Day 5 : Muhamma
Depart
You will depart after breakfast for your next destination.
Inclusions:
Prijon Capri Kayaks (Tandem/Single), Accompanying Guide, Accommodation in Home stays, Motor Boat Backup, Refreshments & Mineral Water and All meals.
This trip can also be tailor-made to suit your interests, time schedules and budget requirements.
Tour Cost : US$ 500.00 per person
Inclusions : Imported Prijon Kayaks (Twin/Single), Accompanying Guide, Accommodation in Home stays, Motor Boat Backup, Refreshment & Water, All meals. All our tours can also be tailor-made to suit your interests, time schedules and budget requirements.Trekking Tour in Kerala- 04 Nights & 05 Days
The Mathikettan Shola Rain Forest Trek is an exciting and challenging trekking route that begins in Munnar. It traces a path through Meesapulimala, the second highest peak in the Western Ghats, through the Cardamom forests of Santhanpara and Chaturangapara, where you get to stay within the forest. If you wish to be surrounded by the beauty of nature and venture on a challenging trek, this rainforest trek at Munnar is exactly what you are looking for.
Day 1: Suryanelli
Our rainforest trek at Munnar begins early, as you to have to ascend to a height of 2740 metres, where the peak of Meesapulimala is located. Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats and your rainforest trek at Munnar involves navigating through the high altitude cloud forests and grasslands to get to this peak. After a brief stop to feast your eyes on a brilliant view of forests and tea estates down in the valleys below, you will trek down to the tiny hamlet of Suryanelli.
Day 2 : BL Ram
You will wake up to the melodious strains of the Malabar Whistling Thrush singing in the cloud forest next to your camp early in the morning. If you are adventurous enough, an early morning climb to the Phantom's Head will be an ever remembered walk atop the tallest feature nearby from where you can take in the spectacular sunrise over the Papathy Shola (Butterfly Forest – so named for the mass migration of butterflies in October & November). The hills come alive to the morning sun. Today you also have a chance to visit the tribal village of the muduvans – a tribe who have for centuries colonized the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Their peculiar habit of carrying their children on their backs have earned them their name as muduvans or the 'back people'. The tribal village located near the Anaerangal lake ("The lake Where the Elephants Come Down") where elephants have come down for millennium for grazing and water. Snaking across a large area, this lake is placid and beautiful and a source of water for farmers downstream. Many tribal colonies have sprung up around it to farm for spices and cardamom which grow abundantly in the salubrious climate here.
Day 3 : Santanpara
Today's trek is through the Mathikettan Shola National Park. A treasure trove of biodiversity, this national park is home to endemic flora and fauna and to wildlife like the Asiatic Elephants and Nilgiri Langurs. Your destination is Santhanpara, set amidst luxuriant vegetation and cardamom spice plantations that give the surrounding area the name 'Cardamom Hills'. This is the capital of the spice cultivating areas that have made Kerala famous through the ages and attracted multitudes of traders from all parts of the world.
Day 4 : Chaturangapara
You will be trekking from Santhanpara to Chaturangapara, the final part of your rainforest trek at Munnar. This route is a challenging one and goes through the ridge of the Western Ghats. There is a tough climb involved to the view-point from where the plains of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu are visible. Your camp will be set up within the confines of the forest, allowing you to spend the night amidst the wilderness and experience a sense of peace that comes with the sounds of the wild.
Day 5 : Depart
This day marks the end of the Mathikettan Shola Rain Forest Trek. You will depart after breakfast, taking with you the memories of the challenge and the sheer natural beauty of your rainforest trek at Munnar.
Tour Cost : US$ 400.00 per person
Inclusions :
Trekking, camping, guide, accommodation in dome tents & cottage tents, refreshments, bottled water while trekking, all meals
Cycling Tours in Kerala – ( 14 Days)
Much more than just a cycling trip, the Plains, Hills, Beaches, River & Backwater Cycling tour is an opportunity to experience Kerala's culture, food and traditions. As you cycle quietly on the back roads of this green state, you will get a chance to wander off the usual tourist trails through the rugged beauty of its mountains of Munnar, the wildlife-rich rain forests of Periyar, the fascinating backwaters near the ancient port of Alapuzha, the spice gardens in the lowlands and the historic city of fort kochi. Food is an essential component of this cycling holiday in Kerala. You will be amazed at the different types of cuisines in such a small geographic area, each characterized by the local spices and herbs of the micro-region through which you will be passing, like the kuttanadan duck of the backwaters, the mappas curry of the lowlands or the rice appams along this route and let's not forget the scented tea at Munnar. Your stay in very comfortable heritage hotels, luxury camps, organic spice farm villas, and Homestay and rice boats during this amazing trip through the Green magic of Kerala
Day 1: Kochi
On arrival, you will meet up with our executive who will brief you on the tour and later you will check into a heritage hotel at Fort Kochi. After lunch, the rest of the afternoon and evening can be used to discover this amazing city of Kochi. Kochi (Cochin as it was known in colonial times) is a major port on the west coast of India, set on a cluster of islands surrounded by sparkling blue lagoons and backwaters. Its historic links can be seen in the Colonial bungalows, an old Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, the oldest European church in India and a medieval Portuguese palace.
Day 2 : Thattekkad
After breakfast you will take off on your cycles making the most of the pleasant temperature early in the morning, heading towards the foothills of the Western Ghats towards the lowland forests of Thattekkad. You will start a little off the city limits to avoid the morning city traffic and reach a quiet countryside where the roads are mostly level. You will pass through a scenic countryside of temples, rivers, spice gardens, paddy fields and rubber plantations. After a leisurely lunch en-route, you will reach the spectacular eco-lodge on the banks of the River Periyar.
Day 3 : Munnar Muthuvaankudi
After breakfast, you will take off again, along the Periyar riverbank, through the dense low altitude forests of Neriyamanagalam. These are the forests where reed is extracted for manufacture of traditional household items like baskets and mats. The view is filled with forests, redwood trees and mountain peaks, making it an ideal holiday destination. Towards the end, it's the time to challenge yourself as the roads get much more steeper. Cycle through different settlement to reach your stay at Muthuvaankudi, in a well appointed Eco boutique resort, and it will bring you some well deserved rest after the day's uphill cycling. Explore more; this village has many stories to unfold. Go for a guided walk in the village to know about the culture, tradition and the spices they are cultivating. You can spot many varieties of birds and fruit trees. Use your opportunity to learn tips from the local people while they prepare food in their traditional methods.
Day 4 : Munnar Pothamedu
Today after breakfast you will Pedal towards your next destination after breakfast. Start your journey through the small village roads, then the scenery slowly changes to small farms of spices like pepper and cardamom, tea estates and finally towards the main road heading towards Munnar. "Welcome to the land of Neelakurinji 'the flower which showers the hills once in twelve years' and the Endangered Neelaghiri Thar, where you will be welcomed by hills carpeted in lush green tea plantations". Pedal all the way up to an altitude of 1650-1850Mts above sea level. Visit Tea museum afternoon, to learn some interesting facts about tea plantations and tea production in Munnar. Return back to hotel to retire to your bed at the lap of nature.
Day 5 : Suryanelli
Today, you will cycle through the Grahams land Tea Estate and the daunting mountain pass at the "Lockhart Gap", a testimony to the perseverance of the early planters. We will arrive at the Anaerangal Camp, Suryanelli, where we will stay in a treehouse.
Day 6 : Vandanmedu
After breakfast start your mountain biking expedition after early breakfast. You will circle around the picturesque Anaerangal Lake, through the tea estates, to Vandanmedu. On this route, you will be able to set your sights on the cardamom estates that gave these hills their name. The thick aroma of the spice gardens and the beautiful forests will be the highlight of today's ride through the Cardamom Hills. Spend your night in a magnificent resort at Vandanmedu, set amidst cardamom and tea estates.
Day 7: Periyar Tiger Reserve
Next destination is the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is a famed protected area that is home to large herds of Asiatic Elephants, the Indian Bison, and the Tigers that India is renowned for. Periyar cycling involves roads surrounded by spice gardens and tea plantations. The ride is quite comfortably short and you will reach the reserve in time for lunch. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can take a walk with the local guides into the rain forest. The reserve is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists, with its rich fauna, which apart from the elephants, tigers and bison's, also includes has over 300 species of birds like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Blue-winged Parakeet, and the Crimson-backed Sunbird.
Day 8 : Periyar Tiger Reserve
The Mannans are among the oldest indigenous group of people to inhabit the Periyar Tiger Reserve. As late as the 1940s, they lived in the remotest areas of the Tiger Reserve. Their lifestyles were simple, and they made their living by fishing and cultivating a few crops. Today, they are the main conservators of the forest. You will get to walk and talk with them, as they will help you discover the tropical rain forests and wildlife. You will also gain some insight into their interesting way of life.
Day 9 : Vagamon
Today's biking tour, you will take the winding roads down to edge of the Western Ghats at Vagamon. The route is consists of a perfect mountain biking country with a great scenic view that consists of small spice growing hamlets dotting the landscape and undulating roads through tea estates and forests. Your destination is a resort set amidst the tea estates and a quiet retreat after a hard day of cycling.
Day 10 : Kumarakom
Today, you will be taking a downhill ride through the mountain passes to the plains and from there through the rubber country of Palai to Kumarakom, the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. Here, you will settle into a beautiful resort on the banks of the Kumarakom lagoon.
Day 11 : Alleppey - Houseboat
You will cycle through the roads towards the small villages set against the water world that makes up the backwaters. Here, you will clamber on to one of Kerala's most luxurious forms of accommodation and transport, the houseboat. Reclining on cushions and drifting through quiet canals, you will pass through paddy fields grazed by ducks, floating markets, local toddy shops, temples and churches.
Day 12 : Alleppey
In Alleppey, you will disembark and make your way to a heritage villa along the backwaters. Cycling through this route gives you a close look at the life of the people living along the backwaters. Upon arrival, you would know that this is the perfect spot to unwind. Whether it is reading in a hammock, dangling your toes in the water, getting an ayurvedic massage or trying out the local tea shop, you can shake off the exhaustion of your journey with great options presented to you in this villa. You can also visit the fruit and vegetable market, the ancient temple or the local pottery factory. A more adventurous choice would be to go cycling through the necklace of the villages of Kuttanadu, walking through the countryside or learning to cook in the family kitchens.
Day 13 : Marari
Pedal towards our next destination after breakfast. The route passes through country roads and small villages where we will see coconut husk being processed and made into coir ropes and mats. We will hit the beach road that will take us to our destination for the day, a beautiful beach villa. Today's ride will take us along the fishing villages and coconut plantations on one side and the sea on the other. You will reach in time for lunch at the villa. Wind down by spending the afternoon on the beach.
Day 14: Depart
Today marks the end of the Bike, Hike and Kayak in Kerala tour and you will be transported to the airport, with fond memories of your exciting Cycling activity holiday in India.
Day 14: Depart
Today marks the end of the Bike, Hike and Kayak in Kerala tour and you will be transported to the airport, with fond memories of your exciting Cycling activity holiday in India.
Tour Cost : US$ 1700.00 per person
Inclusions :
Accommodation, Most Meals, Transportation by AC car as per itinerary, Multi-geared bicycles, Accompanying Biking guide, Mineral water & Refreshments during cycling, All applicable taxes are inclusive.