TROPICAL TREKKING ADVENTURE TOUR

12 Nights / 13 Days

Trekking in the Tropics!! Meander through coffee and spice plantations, elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat, campfire cooking, luxury tents. Ascend to the peaks of the Western Ghats, above the clouds, surrounded by the fragrance of the Cardmom Hills. Descend into the tropical backwater paradise of Alleppey and cruise the waterways in a private houseboat. End the tour on the shores of the Arabian Sea on the pristine beaches of Marari. A refreshing tropical trekking tour!!

Cochin – Munnar – Suryanelli – Lakeside Camp – Santhanpara – Chaturanga Para –
Periyar – Varkala – Alleppey – Mararikulam – Cochin

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Cochin Arrival

You will be met in Cochin by a Tour Packages India Representative who will then escort you to your hotel where you'll spend the next two nights. In the evening enjoy a Kathakali dance show on the harborfront overlooking the Chinese Fishing Nets.

Day 2: Cochin

Spend the day seeing the sights which may include a visit to the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica or a boat tour of the harbor islands.

Day 3: Cochin to Munnar (5 hour drive)

After breakfast, you'll be driven through the Cardamom Hills to Munnar - famous for rolling hillsides of tea plantations. Dinner and overnight in Munnar.

Day 4: Munnar to Suryanelli -  14 km trek / ~7 hours

Start the day off with a pleasant morning trek ascending along grassy mountain paths to the second highest peak in the Western Ghats at 2,635m - Meesapulimala. Wildlife freely roams the ghats and you'll more than likely spot elephants, sambar, sloth bear and the Nilgiri tahr. At the summit, take a break to enjoy the panoramic views of the world’s highest tea estate - Kolukkumalai - blanketing the hills below in emerald greens. In the distance lies the hill station of Kodaikanal and the plains of Tamil Nadu. After lunch, make your descent back to camp.Spend the night at Anaerangal Camp enjoying fresh roasted barbeque over an open campfire, sleep in plush tents with en suite baths.

Day 5: Lakeside Camp - 14 km trek / ~4 hours

The morning's short ascent will take you to Phantom's Head for the spectacular view of the Western Ghats; return to the camp for breakfast. Spend the afternoon trekking around Anaerangal Lake (Lake Where the Elephants Come Down) to observe elephants in their natural habitat. Along the way, pay a visit to the village of the tribal Muduvans. Later, return to camp for a late lunch. The evening will provide a pleasant stroll around the lake and a get together around the dinner campfire.

Day 6: Lakdeside Camp to Santhan Para - 14 km trek / ~7 hours

A morning jeep ride around Anaerangal Lake leads to the starting point of the day's trek - near Thondimalla. Trek through the cool forests of the Cardamom Hills through cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations. Expect to share the way with elephants! Reach Santhan Para by evening. Enjoy a campfire meal before settling into your tent for the night.

Day 7: Santhan Para to Chaturanga Para - 11 km trek / ~7 hours

The day's trek leads to Chaturanga Para - the border region between Tamil Nadu & Kerala. The ascent is somewhat difficult but the reward is a panoramic view of the neighboring Tamil Nadu plains along with a cool mountaintop rest. The surrounding mountainside, where a camp will be set up for the night, is a mix of forest, grassland, spice plantations, and homesteads. Relax around the evening campfire with a barbeque meal.

Day 8: Chaturanga Para to Periyar (2 hour drive)

Drive down to Periyar/Thekkady and pay a visit to the Wildlife Sanctuary during the afternoon. Evening brings a guided plantation tour demonstrating the processing of spices.

Day 9: Periyar to Alleppey Backwaters (3 hour drive)

Descend the Cardamom Hills to the world of the tropical backwaters in Alleppey. Check in to the Green Palms Home - on a tiny island of its own - where you'll be catered to and invited to learn about local culture from the friendly owners. Spend the afternoon cycling, walking, canoeing, fishing or birdwatching. Enjoy a "hands on" cooking class in the evening. Fall asleep to the sounds of the backwaters night.

Day 10: Alleppey

Transfer to your own deluxe houseboat for an overnight cruise. All houseboats, regardless of category, have highly personalized service including an on-board chef who will no doubt create some of the best food you'll find on the entire tour. Meander around the boat, perch yourself on top and observe the peaceful way of backwaters life, pull up next to a fishing boat and buy a fresh catch, stop off for fresh coconut juice, relax in the back open-ended sitting room and watch the world drift by. Visit "houseboats" for more details about the "houseboat experience"

Day 11: Alleppey to Mararikulam (2 hour drive)

Leave the backwaters behind and arrive at one of the most isolated and pristine beaches of Kerala - Marari.

Day 12: Mararikulam

Golden sand, swaying palms, sounds of the surf, a wonderful resort to cater to your every need, fresh seafood...pure relaxation on the shores of the Malabar Coast.

Day 13: Mararikulam to Cochin for Departure

Transfer to Cochin to your point of departure.

Extend or Customize Your Tour: We would be happy to assist with additional travel and hotel arrangements. Changes to this tour can be added as an inclusive part of the package.

Tour Price Includes

Accommodation on twin sharing rooms at listed hotel or equal
All meals including trekking packed lunches/refreshments
AC Car/Driver
Entrance fees
Camping equipment & facilities
Trekking guides & camp cook
First aid & standby jeep for emergency evacuation
Point-to-point luggage transport
Kathakali dance show in Cochin
All applicable taxes

Tour Price Excludes

Meals other than those specified in the Itinerary
Camera fees, tips