Spice Trails of Kerala

Transport

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Transfer

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Cruise & seiling

Søk & reserver cruise og seile opplevelser over hele verden. Opplev verden fra dekket på at av våre mange alternativ. Her finner du alt fra verdens ikoniske elver, seile opplevelser, ekspedisjonscruise og tradisjonelle cruise →

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Leiebil

Få friheten og muligheten til å utforske din drømmereise i ditt eget tempo. Her finner du gunstige priser om du er på forretningsreise, planlegger en «road trip» i USA, Australia og Afrika eller bare trenger egnet transport i en kortere periode

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Fly & Drive

Friheten med å utforske verden på egenhånd passer utmerket for en rekke reisemål i verden. Med vårt verktøy kan du lett finne de beste leiebilløsninger, bobilutleie og til og med leie av motorsykkel mo du vil gjennomføre noen av de legendariske veistrekningene i verden. ¨ Benytt deg av vårt interaktive kart og sett sammen den perfekte rundreisen.

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Tema & Gruppereiser

Oppdag vår spennende verden med gruppe og temareiser til over 177 land og territorier. Oppdag populære og obskure reisemål, bisarre festivaler, dyreopplevelser og aktive reiser. Her finner du reiseforslag for alle interesser og ønsker med bryllupsreiser, sol & bad til ukjente strender og ekstreme ekspedisjoner for den eventyrlystne eller for familien. Se alle våre reiser her

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Utflukter

Oppdag ukjente sider i noen av verdens mest kjente byer og utforsk nye steder. Bli med oss og oppdag nye sider i kanskje kjente byer. Vi gir deg alt fra fantastiske matopplevelser og gatekunst til ikoniske landemerker og tradisjonelle utflukter. Se alle våre utflukter →

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Hotel & Overnatting

Finn ditt favoritt hotell eller leilighet over hele verden. Vi gir deg muligheten til å bestille ditt drømmeopphold og velg mellom en mengde ulike leverandører for å garantere best mulig tilgang og pris. Bestill ditt bosted →

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Skreddersy din reise

Vi er alle individualister og av og til passer det best å utforske verden i eget tempo. Her finner du forslag til bryllupsreiser, eksotiske strender og ukjente tropiske øyer, dykkereiser og tusenvis av skreddersydde reiseforslag. Se alle reiseforslagene →

Eventbilletter

Planlegg reisen og få med deg konserter, sportsarrangement og inngangsbilletter. Unngå å miste ditt favoritt band på konsert eller lange køer til inngang på severdigheter. Bestill heller dine billetter på forhånd. Bestill billetter her →

Annon Informasjon

Enhver reise krever nøye planlegging og vi har samlet en del informasjon som kan gjøre reiseforberedelsene litt enklere. Har du en riktig forsikring til den reisen og formålet med reisen dekker? Har du sjekket visumregler?

Itinerary

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Day 1: Start Kochi
The adventure begins in Kochi (also known as Cochin), a historic port city on the Malabar Coast. The evening is free for you to relax after your journey. 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. Accommodation: Issac Residency (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. Accommodation: Issac Residency (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. Accommodation: 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 until we reach open ridges, bringing us to Meesapulimala Peak. From the top (which is also the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala), we enjoy breath-taking views all around. After a break at the top and our packed lunch, we return to camp. Accommodation: 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. Following a packed lunch en route, 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). Accommodation: Full-service camping
Day 7: Trek to Koviloor via Vattavada village
Today we have a fairly easy walk with some slight ups and downs as we trek to the beautiful village of Koviloor (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 trek 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 trek. Our visit to Vattavada village provides an opportunity to meet the people and learn about their lifestyle. If we are lucky, we may also observe rare butterfly species. Continuing our trek, we cross a small canal before reaching our campsite at Koviloor village. It is here that farmers converge from miles around to sell their produce. Accommodation: Full-service camping
Day 8: Trek through plantation ridge, drive to Mundhan
On this last day of our trek, we head through the plantation ridge. From our vantage point, we have views over beautiful Koviloor village. This whole area is known as the market of India due to the amount of fruit and vegetables grown. As we enjoy the scenery, we may meet farmers busy with their crops. We end our trek at Koviloor, where we have a tea break before taking a 20-minute 4x4 ride to the top station. Here, we meet our bus for our drive to Mundhan (2,135ft/650m). 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. Accommodation: 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. Accommodation: Star Residency (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. 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. Accommodation: Hotel
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. Accommodation: 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. Accommodation: 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. Accommodation: Grand Hotel (or similar)
Day 15: End Kochi
The adventure ends in Kochi and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Important Information

The trip destination

Accommodation: 9 Classic nights (8 hotel, 1 houseboat), 5 Simple nights (4 full-service camping, 1 homestay)
Five days of trekking with full porterage plus two shorter walks
Altitude maximum: 8,630ft (2,630m); average: 5,250ft (1,600m)
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Food

All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners are included. It is full board on trek (five days) and on the houseboat (one day). Allow at least 1,650 rupees (approximately US$20) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In most of the towns we visit, there is a good choice of restaurants with Indian and Western-style options. If you are vegetarian, India is probably one of the best destinations to visit. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap and a (large) bottle of beer is approximately 410 rupees (US$5). Please note, due to Kerala state laws, alcohol licenses are limited to one or two bars in each area and not all hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. The first day of every month and certain holidays in India are dry days, when no alcohol is permitted for sale. Mineral water is available in the bus in large containers so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.

Weather

The most important feature of the Indian climate is the wet season or monsoon. The main monsoon strikes the coast of Kerala in late May and sweeps northward over the next month or so. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from late November to March. Days are hot and the nights warm, the average maximum daytime temperatures are 21C-30C (70F-86F). However, in the hills and on trek, temperatures can be considerably cooler and, although the days on trek will be hot, expect temperatures to drop to a few degrees above freezing point or just below at night for three nights on trek. Also expect frequent rainstorms on November departures. These are usually quite short but have been known to be persistent as well. Campsites are sometimes affected by these adverse weather conditions.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Although this is not a demanding walking tour, it is a busy and active itinerary with lots to see. Driving is kept to a minimum and the roads are generally pretty good, though traffic and/or road damage can sometimes lengthen journey times. This trek is suitable for regular walkers who are used to hill-walking or prepared to put in some physical preparation.

Most days are not overly taxing although there are some more challenging day treks, particularly the ascent on day 5. Most of the trails are on well-made paths with some steep or rough sections, appropriate walking boots are essential, it can become slippery in places when wet. After rain, especially in spring, leeches may be present on short parts of the trek, you may wish to bring leech socks/gaiters or wear long socks to prevent bites.

Temperatures can be very hot in the middle of the day and the sun is very strong. Nights will be cooler and three nights of the trek can be very cold, particularly during December and January, with temperatures just below freezing. Walking hours stated are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and vary depending on the group’s pace.

Please note, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India and very occasionally this may mean work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI schedule is never published so it is not possible to forewarn when work is taking place.

sdsd AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 12 Jan 2025 / Sun, 26 Jan 2025	NOK 25 260	On request	NOK 4 495	Available
Sun, 16 Feb 2025 / Sun, 02 Mar 2025	NOK 25 260	On request	NOK 4 495	Available
Sun, 02 Mar 2025 / Sun, 16 Mar 2025	NOK 25 260	On request	NOK 4 495	Available
Sun, 06 Apr 2025 / Sun, 20 Apr 2025	NOK 25 260	On request	NOK 4 495	Available
Sun, 09 Nov 2025 / Sun, 23 Nov 2025	NOK 25 260	On request	NOK 4 495	Available
Sun, 23 Nov 2025 / Sun, 07 Dec 2025	NOK 25 260	On request	NOK 4 495	Available
Sun, 07 Dec 2025 / Sun, 21 Dec 2025	NOK 26 660	On request	NOK 4 495	Available
Sun, 11 Jan 2026 / Sun, 25 Jan 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	Available
Sun, 25 Jan 2026 / Sun, 08 Feb 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	Available
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 / Sun, 22 Feb 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	Available
Sun, 22 Feb 2026 / Sun, 08 Mar 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	Available
Sun, 08 Mar 2026 / Sun, 22 Mar 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	Available
Sun, 22 Mar 2026 / Sun, 05 Apr 2026	NOK 26 660	On request	NOK 4 985	Available
Sun, 05 Apr 2026 / Sun, 19 Apr 2026	NOK 26 660	On request	NOK 4 985	Available
Sun, 08 Nov 2026 / Sun, 22 Nov 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	Available
Sun, 22 Nov 2026 / Sun, 06 Dec 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	Available
Sun, 06 Dec 2026 / Sun, 20 Dec 2026	NOK 26 660	On request	NOK 4 985	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 12 Jan 2025 / Sun, 26 Jan 2025	NOK 25 260	On request	NOK 4 495	On request
Sun, 16 Feb 2025 / Sun, 02 Mar 2025	NOK 25 260	On request	NOK 4 495	On request
Sun, 02 Mar 2025 / Sun, 16 Mar 2025	NOK 25 260	On request	NOK 4 495	On request
Sun, 06 Apr 2025 / Sun, 20 Apr 2025	NOK 25 260	On request	NOK 4 495	On request
Sun, 09 Nov 2025 / Sun, 23 Nov 2025	NOK 25 260	On request	NOK 4 495	On request
Sun, 23 Nov 2025 / Sun, 07 Dec 2025	NOK 25 260	On request	NOK 4 495	On request
Sun, 07 Dec 2025 / Sun, 21 Dec 2025	NOK 26 660	On request	NOK 4 495	On request
Sun, 11 Jan 2026 / Sun, 25 Jan 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	On request
Sun, 25 Jan 2026 / Sun, 08 Feb 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	On request
Sun, 08 Feb 2026 / Sun, 22 Feb 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	On request
Sun, 22 Feb 2026 / Sun, 08 Mar 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	On request
Sun, 08 Mar 2026 / Sun, 22 Mar 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	On request
Sun, 22 Mar 2026 / Sun, 05 Apr 2026	NOK 26 660	On request	NOK 4 985	On request
Sun, 05 Apr 2026 / Sun, 19 Apr 2026	NOK 26 660	On request	NOK 4 985	On request
Sun, 08 Nov 2026 / Sun, 22 Nov 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	On request
Sun, 22 Nov 2026 / Sun, 06 Dec 2026	NOK 25 960	On request	NOK 4 985	On request
Sun, 06 Dec 2026 / Sun, 20 Dec 2026	NOK 26 660	On request	NOK 4 985	On request

Spice Trails of Kerala

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates