Current as of: April 18, 2024 - 22:43
Spice Trails of Kerala Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: India
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 16 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 15 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TGK
- Carbon Footprint: 31kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Walk through the beautiful hills and tea plantations of South India
Traversing the Western Ghats, from the colonial hill station of Munnar to the colourful temple town of Madurai, we discover the two southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Kerala is a tropical paradise with idyllic beaches, fertile forests and plantations of spice and tea; here we reach our highest point, the peak of Meesapulimala (8,630ft/2,630m). We then cross into the barren landscape of Tamil Nadu and marvel at the intricately carved Sri Meenakshi Temple at Madurai. A trip to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boasts an array of wildlife and an abundance of colourful birdlife, and a cruise on a traditional houseboat offers the chance to relax on the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Our journey ends in historic Kochi (also known as Cochin), a port which has been luring traders and explorers for more than 600 years.
At a Glance
- Eight nights in hotels, four nights of camping, one night in a homestay, one night on a houseboat
- 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
Highlights
- Discover the beautiful hill station of Munnar
- Trek through the historic tea plantations of Kerala
- Visit the colourful Sri Meenakshi Temple at Madurai
- Spend a night on a traditional houseboat in Kerala
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
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.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference here.
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.
Group
The trip is led by a local English-speaking leader along with a local driver. Local guides are used at various sites. Our Indian team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Indian culture than letting an Indian guide show you around their country.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Kochi (Cochin)
- End City: Kochi (Cochin)
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
Depart London for the overnight flight to Cochin.
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)
Arrive Kochi
We arrive in Kochi and transfer to our hotel. Those clients not travelling on the group flight will make their own way to the hotel and will join us there. The evening is free for dinner and for you to relax after your journey.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel (or similar)
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 trek in the Munnar hills, optional tea museum visit
After breakfast, we take a short 4×4 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)
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
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
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 4×4 (20-30 minutes) and then walk to our campsite at Oorkadu (5,740ft/1,750m).
Accommodation: Full-service camping
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
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 4×4 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)
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)
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)
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: Standard hotel
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
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)
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)
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.
Fly to London
If you are on the group flights you will have an early morning transfer to the airport for the flight back to London. Those not flying with the group will leave us at the hotel in Kochi.
Accommodation
Hotels, camping, homestay and houseboat
We spend eight nights in hotels, four nights in full-service camps, one night in a homestay and one night on a houseboat.
Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are really only a couple of months in the year when the weather can be cooler. You can, however, request more blankets or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.
Houseboats are comfortable and all cabins have toilet facilities. The houseboat also benefits from a deck and dining area. The number of rooms per boat will vary depending on group size and availability. While camping (full-service), the group will be provided with two-person tents, mattresses, a dining tent, kitchen tent including all equipment, toilet tents including toilet rolls, and camping chairs.
Please note that single rooms may be limited at the homestay.
Single supplement from £ 330
Food & Drink
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.
Transport
The main transport is by private air-conditioned minibus except on certain parts of the trek where we use 4x4s. We also travel on a traditional houseboat for the overnight backwater cruise.
While on trek, your main luggage is transported by 4×4 to each of the campsites, with the 4x4s available as support vehicles during the trek as needed. Please note, the 4×4s are not fitted with seatbelts.
Weather & Seasonality
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.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Grand Hotel, Kochi, M.G Road, Ernakulam, Pin-682011, Kerala, India
Phone: +91 0484 2382061
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately.
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Kochi (Cochin)
Location end: Kochi (Cochin)
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Three-/four-season sleeping bag (while on trek, everyone is provided with a thick sleeping mattress)
- Warm jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight leather or waterproof synthetic boots with ankle support
- Socks (walking and thin)
- Waterproofs
- Headtorch (head lamp)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed sun hat
- Warm hat and gloves
- Refillable water bottle/water bladder (also known as a hydration pack/CamelBak, which are useful for re-hydrating on the go)
- Travel towel
- Insect repellent
- Anti-bacterial hand gel
- Small personal first-aid kit
- Water purification tablets for the trek (boiled water is provided when possible)
- Backpack – see note below
- Dark/neutral clothing (for the nature walk in Periyar National Park to help avoid mosquito bites)
On trek, your luggage is transported by 4×4 to all the campsites so you just need to carry a small backpack with what you need for the trek each day. You can then access your main luggage on arrival in camp.
Please note: The Indian government has banned e-cigarettes and related products. You can’t buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country. Please ensure you do not pack these in your luggage.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Optional Equipment
- Walking poles
- Gaiters
- Umbrella (for sun and rain)
- Swimwear and towel
- Earplugs
- Travel pillow
Practical Information
Visa
India
To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.
Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html
Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
For more information on applying for your Indian Visa, including details required for your start hotel and local reference contacts, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information
Vaccinations and Health
India
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some travellers. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Additionally, dengue, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, is a known risk in India. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Local Time
India's time zone: Asia/Kolkata (UTC +05:30)
Electricity
India's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
India’s currency: Indian rupee (INR). Please note, it is illegal to import or export rupees. Do not accept torn or very dirty Indian banknotes from banks or in change as they will almost certainly not be accepted as legal tender in India. Ask for low denomination notes of 100 and 500 rupees as the 2,000 rupee note can be difficult to use outside of Delhi.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available over the course of the trip (Visa and MasterCard are best). However, you should not rely on these 100 percent of the time, so please take some cash with you. Please inform your bank before departure that you are travelling to India and carry the relevant telephone number with you in case they block your card. You can pay with credit cards in bigger shops all over India. You can bring US dollars or British pounds to exchange.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Entrance fees to monuments, museums and sites mentioned in the itinerary are included, except where it says ‘optional’. The optional extras are a visit to a tea factory and tea museum (which are sometimes closed) and a Kathakali dance show in Kochi. The optional boat trip in Periyar is approximately 830 rupees (US$10).
Most museums charge extra if you take in a camera. Allow at least 580 rupees (US$7) per day for small personal expenditures. Shopping opportunities are endless and we suggest you take as much as you can afford for souvenirs.
During your trip, it is highly likely your local guides will take you to emporiums and workshops where goods are made. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewellery and carpets. Guides often assume visitors want to go shopping; however, if you do not wish to go, please make this clear to your local guide at the time.
Tipping
Tipping is part of the culture in India and usually expected. Tipping can often be an awkward affair, especially when in an unfamiliar country where you are not sure when or how much to tip. As such, your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, local sightseeing guides, bus drivers and any other support staff used during the trip. Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, but it is usually around 3,200 rupees (US$40) per person based on the maximum group size of 16 passengers. For smaller groups, the leader may ask to collect more than the suggested amount relative to the group size, this is to assist with covering the standard tipping expectations for things like the local guides, drivers, and hotel/trekking staff (which, are generally fixed amounts no matter the group size).
At any time during the trip, your leader will happily show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed. Tipping of leaders is not included in the kitty and is at your own discretion.
If you wish to show your appreciation a tip of around 415-500 rupees (US$5-US$6) per person per day would be appreciated. By definition, gratuities are not something that can be included in the tour price.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- The use of a local guide means our customers are well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and by supporting other local enterprises.
- The hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this benefits the surrounding community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
- Our local partners share a commitment to projects that benefit their communities.
- This tour encourages guests to visit local cafes and restaurants and use markets to purchase traditional crafts.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
- By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We visit national heritage sites and the entrance fees included generate income which is used to upkeep and develop these important monuments and nature parks.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.
- Where possible on this trip, paper bags are used as an alternative to single-use plastics.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- In some restaurants, there is the option to have plant-based meals.
- This trip favours locally owned and run accommodation.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Cultural respect
- It is best to ask before photographing people, ceremonies or sacred sites.
- It’s polite to use only your right hand when eating something without cutlery and when handing money and small objects to someone.
- Before entering a holy place, remove your shoes and give them to the shoe minder. When you collect your shoes again, give the minder a few rupees. You’re permitted to wear socks in most places of worship.
- Religious etiquette advises against touching the heads of local people, even children, or directing the soles of your feet at a person, shrine or an image of a deity. You should not touch a carving of a deity.
- Dress and behave respectfully when visiting religious sites. Don’t wear shorts and sleeveless tops – this applies to both men and women. A head cover for women and sometimes men is required in some places of worship.
- Generally, it is best to dress modestly throughout your time in India as a sign of respect.
- Making the effort to fit in is invariably appreciated so being aware of these aspects of cultural respect will assist you during your travels in India.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.