South India makes the ideal eco destination.

KERALA ECO TOUR (Eco & Culture Tour 6 DAYS)

If you are looking for a genuine experience of life in Kerala, this is the tour for you. Highlights include dance, temple festivals, over night on a rice boat on the backwaters, small elegant villas and beautiful countryside.

Trip Highlights

Traditional dances and temple festivals.
Luxury cruise on the backwaters on a rice boat
Stay at an organic farm in traditional Keralan style.
Experience village life by the backwaters

At a Glance

A six day tour that gives you an opportunity to experience the heritage, hospitality, culture and the life of the local people living on the banks of the river – village men engaged in activities like fishing, toddy tapping and cultivation. The programme starts at the historic town of Fort Kochi, a day on the houseboat, the backwaters of Alleppey and the spice plantations of Thodupuzha. 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fort Kochi

We will check into a Heritage Hotel right in the midst of Fort Kochi and discover this historic city of ancient churches, synagogues and palaces. In the evening we will attend a traditional dance performance – Kathakali

Day 2: Rice boat

We travel to Alleppey to embark on one of Kerala's speciality accommodation - the rice boat. This will be an ever memorable cruise through the lagoons, lakes and rivers that make up the beautiful backwaters of Kerala.

Day 3, 4: By the backwaters

We would be spending the next couple of days at a riverside heritage home near Alleppey, by the beautiful waterways and backwaters of the Kuttanad region. This heritage home is situated in an island resplendent with exotic flora, breathtaking flowers, myriad birds and butterflies to make a memorable holiday, affordable and unforgettable. A truly wonderful way to spend your time on the banks of the backwaters of Kerala! You can roam around the local village, go canoeing with your friendly boatman or watch the toddy tapper at work. There is also the opportunity to visit the ancient local temples or the old church along the backwaters. If you are in the mood to learn a little of Keralan cooking, you have come to the right place.

Day 5: At a Spice Villa.

We will move to a home stay tucked away in the interiors of Kerala, by the foothills of the Western Ghats. Professor Jose and his family live in the farm – an organic farm with goats, cows and buffaloes, pigs and chicken, turkeys, ducks and guineas fowls. From the patio of your room you can see the Sahyadri Mountains (the local name of the Western Ghats). This is indeed a retreat into quiet village solitude. A walk through the countryside, through rubber plantations or to the nearby river is salve to the tired senses. An ideal place to get a ringside view of growing spices or learn a little about the organic farming.

Day 6: Depart End of tour

Inclusions

• Accommodation in heritage villas, house boat & home stays• The historic town of Fort Kochi • The spice plantations of Thodupuzha • Most Meals     • All Transfers by A/c Vehicle 

Exclusions

• Insurance –please take your own insurance • Tips • Beverages • Laundry

• Telephone bills • Expenses of a personal nature

What to Bring

Clothing:

• Cottons • Warm Clothes (Fleece, Gloves, Caps) • Casual Shirts/T-shirts

Others:

• Binocs & Camera (optional) • Torch • Insect repellent • Sunglasses cap

• Sun screen of SPF at least 35 • Canteen Day pack 

General Info

VISA

Visitors to India must obtain a Visa before departure. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the nearest Indian Embassy/ High Commission/ Consular Office for the same.

AIRPORT TAX

Airport or departure taxes are not applicable if you depart from Kochi.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

You can exchange your money at most major towns. ATMs are found in most Keralan towns. Credit cards are not accepted during this tour.

INSURANCE

It’s advisable to take personal travel insurance policy to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, cancellations, etc.

COMMUNICATION

Internet Access: If you need to be in touch with your friends & relatives while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the region. Telephone: It is possible to make international calls in most phone booths in Kerala towns. Most hotels have facility for international calls.

CLIMATE

The South Indian subcontinent is tropical - warm, humid and often wet. During the main monsoon, (July to September) there is heavy rain. Best time to visit Kerala is from October-March.

FOOD

Food is a very important part of these journeys and we have ensured that the Kerala Cuisine is a part of this adventure besides both North Indian & South Indian food - vegetarian and non vegetarian. All meals and bottled mineral water are provided on all days. Any special food requirements could be met if sufficient notice is given.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

We hope to be trend setters in the area of responsible tourism; we are genuinely committed to issues of conservation and fully respect the dignity of the communities that we have the privilege to interact with.

KERALA HOMESTAY TOUR (Eco & Culture Tour 12 DAYS)

Kerala lies on the west coast of India and is characterized by its tropical climate and swaying coconut palms. We will start our journey at Fort Kochi - an apt introduction to the multicultural ambience of Kerala.

Trip Highlights

Heritage walks in Fort Cochin.
Experience rural India in an organic farm.
Trek in a tiger reserve and spot wildlife.
Village life by the backwaters 

At a Glance

A twelve day tour covering some of Kerala's best homestays.The programme starts at the historic town of Fort Kochi covers the spice plantations of Thodupuzha, the tiger reserve of Periyar and ends at the backwaters of Alleppey. The package is made in such a way that each day is different and one gets the complete feel of the Kerala village life.

Detailed Itinerary

Days 1, 2: Historic Fort Kochi

Explore and discover a hamlet which the explorers made their home - Kochi. You are sure to feel welcomed in this city of winding lanes, Chinese fishing nets, colorful shops, great food, ferry boats and ships docked by the harbour. Walk through the old part of town where several Portuguese style houses, cobbled lanes, St Francis Church, The Cochin Clubhouse, the Dutch palace (Mattancherry palace).the Synagogue, Jew town and many other vintage sights will charm you. A live Kathakali performance would be a fitting finale to a perfect day.

Day 3, 4, 5: At a Spice Plantation Villa & Spa

We will move to a homestay tucked away in the deep interiors of Kerala, at the foothills of the Western Ghats. Professor Jose and his family live in the farm – an organic farm with goat, cows and buffaloes, pigs, chicken, turkeys, ducks and guineas fowls. From the patio of your room you can see the Sahyadri mountains (the local name for the Western Ghats), beyond the river and the forest. 

Days 6, 7, 8: Wilderness at Periyar

With over 900 sq Kms of thick rain forests, Periyar is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Herds of Elephants, Tigers, Indian Bisons, Sloth bears are common sightings here. Surrounded by spice plantations, Periyar makes ideal country for forest treks, wildlife safaris and visiting indigenous tribes. The night trek into the Periyar Tiger Reserve with the company of the forest guards will reveal much of the wildlife in the area.

Days 9, 10, 11: Backwaters at Alleppey

We will drive to an interior village located on the backwaters near Alleppey. Our destination today will be a beautiful Keralan style heritage villa along the banks of the river Manimala. Cycling along these quiet friendly villages we visit the farmlands, watch the local brew ‘toddy’ being tapped or see the local artisan weaving coir ropes or coir mats. For those interested in a visit to the beach, we can take off for a walk along the local beach which is just a few minutes away. A delicious Kuttanadan dinner awaits you back at the home stay.

Day 12: Depart End of tour.

Inclusions

• Accommodation in heritage villas& home stays • The historic town of Fort Kochi • The spice plantations of Thodupuzha • The tiger reserve of Periyar

• Backwaters of Alleppey • Most meals • All transfers by A/c vehicle

Exclusions

• Insurance –please take your own insurance • Tips • Beverages • Laundry

• Telephone bills • Expenses of a personal nature 

What to Bring 

Clothing, Cottons, Warm Clothes (Fleece, Gloves, Caps), Casual Shirts/T-shirts

Others:

• Binocs & Camera (optional), Torch, Insect repellent, Sunglasses cap, Sun screen of SPF at least 35, Canteen Day pack ,General Info

VISA

Visitors to India must obtain a Visa before departure. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the nearest Indian Embassy/ High Commission/ Consular Office for the same.

AIRPORT TAX

Airport or departure taxes are not applicable if you depart from Kochi.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

You can exchange your money at most major towns. ATMs are found in most Keralan towns. Credit cards are not accepted during this tour.

INSURANCE

It’s advisable to take personal travel insurance policy to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, cancellations, etc.

COMMUNICATION

Internet Access: If you need to be in touch with your friends & relatives while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the region. Telephone: It is possible to make international calls inmost phone booths in Kerala towns. Most hotels have facility for international calls.

CLIMATE

The South Indian subcontinent is tropical - warm, humid and often wet. During the main monsoon, (July to September) there is heavy rain. Best time to visit Kerala is from October-March.

FOOD

Food is a very important part of these journeys and we have ensured that the Kerala Cuisine is a part of this adventure besides both North Indian & South Indian food - vegetarian and non vegetarian. All meals and bottled mineral water are provided on all days. Any special food requirements could be met if sufficient notice is given.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

We hope to be trend setters in the area of responsible tourism; we are genuinely committed to issues of conservation and fully respect the dignity of the communities that we have the privilege to interact with.

An eco and cultural journey through Kerala featuring Fort Kochi, the mountains and tea plantations of Munnar, the wilderness at Periyar and the spectacular backwaters of Alleppey.

Kerala Naturally Eco & Culture Tours 14 days 

Trip Highlights

Wildlife viewing,Tea Gardens of Munnar,Stay in varied type of accommodation,Exquisite local cuisine,Rice boat cruise,The historic town of Fort Kochi,Stay at a spice plantation villa

At a Glance

An eco and cultural journey through Kerala featuring Fort Kochi, the mountains and tea plantations of Munnar, the wilderness at Periyar and the spectacular backwaters of Alleppey.

In India ,we now offer an unrivalled selection of suggested itineraries for tours that can be taken as shown or tailor-made,

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1, 2: Kochi

The ancient seaport of Kochi is one of Kerala’s most delightful cities. Here you may either relax or stroll through the old town’s maze of small streets and experience Fort Kochi’s colonial flair. In the evening we would recommend you to go for a little walk along the coastal path where you can enjoy an amazing sunset at the famous Chinese fishing nets. The St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church, the impressive Santa Cruz Basilica as well as the Mattancherry Palace and the synagogue are all worth a visit on your walks through the narrow roads. In the evening we will attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a mixture of dance and theatre. O/N: Heritahe Hotel in Fort Kochi (B)

Day 3, 4, 5: Munnar

A 4-hour drive will take you to the cool hill station of Munnar. On an easy walk of 1 to 2 hours we will walk through the lush tea plantations while watching the local tea leaf pickers doing their work. The area offers good chances of watching wildlife. Spotting different kinds of rare birds and animals, some of them being endemic to the region, will certainly be a very rewarding experience. There is also a fascinating full day walk through the higher reaches of the Munnar mountains to experience the shola-grassland eco-system that is so prevalent here. A visit to the local tribal village will give you a chance to interact with these indigenous people and learn about them, including manufacture of raw sugar, aromatic oils and their methods of cultivation. There is also a chance to visit and walk through the to the nearby wildlife sanctuary at Chinnar. O/N: Plantation Resort (B, L, D)

Day 6, 7: Periyar

We leave the highlands of Munnar behind us and head to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The closest you can get to the forest and its wildlife is exploring the area on foot. On our day-walks which are organised by the local communities, we will have very good chances of spotting different kinds of wildlife. We will hike through dense forest, enchanting valleys and hills. Be on the lookout for wild animals such as Nilgiri Langurs, Lion-tailed Macaques, Elephants or maybe even the elusive Tiger! O/N: Eco Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 8, 9, 10:

We will now make our way to the foothills of the mountains and will be greeted by the sprawling rubber estates, spice gardens, paddy fields and the greenery of the Keralan plains. Our destination is a organic spice plantation villa set upon the banks of the Kannadi river. Here in this organic farm, spices and ayurvedic herbs are grown besides fruit trees like papaya, mangoes, jackfruits and numerous other tropical delights. Here we visit the local farms, meet the farmers & interact with them, go to the local school & maybe even try some Keralan cooking learning from the friendly chef. O/N: Organic Plantation Villa (B, L, D)

Day 11: Alleppey

Our next destination is travel to Alleppey to embark on one of Kerala's most special forms of accommodation - the house boat. Silently cruising through the enchanting canals and lagoons that make up the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. Passing remote villages we can relax and take in the beauty of the backwaters, so special to Kerala ! O/N: Houseboat (B, L, D)

Day 12, 13: the Backwaters

Today we will disembark the houseboat and transfer the short distance to a villa set on the banks of the backwaters – a heritage villa replete with its own rich history of the place and people. One can see the magnificent century old wood work on the walls, the ancient granary – now converted to a beautiful suite - and the tropical garden that surrounds the villa. Here we take it easy with Ayurvedic massages or if the mood takes you visit the local villages on foot or cycles. O/N: Heritage Villa (B, L, D)

Day 14 : Depart-End of tour

Inclusions 

Exclusions,

Insurance - please take your own insurance,Tips,Beverages,Laundry,Expenses of a personal nature