Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 22:55

The Tropical South

The Tropical South Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: India
  • Programmes: Culture
  • Activity Level:

    1 out of 7 - Leisurely

  • 15 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 14 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: AIT
  • Carbon Footprint: 21kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Discover Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the two southernmost states of India

The tropical south of India is a land of fertile forests, sweeping grasslands and tea plantations. We visit Kerala and Tamil Nadu, states with distinctive cultures and contrasting scenery. Kerala is a true tropical paradise with an idyllic coastline and lush mountains, which is evident as we travel between the old spice town of Cochin and the beautiful hill station of Munnar. A trip to the wildlife sanctuary at Periyar boasts an array of animals and an abundance of colourful birds, and dinner with a local family provides a unique insight into Keralan life. In Tamil Nadu, we explore Madurai, the most vibrant city in the state, and marvel at the intricately carved Sri Meenakshi Temple. The climax of the trip is a traditional houseboat cruise on the Kerala lagoons before we relax on the sweeping beaches of Kovalam and sample fresh seafood.

At a Glance

  • 11 nights in hotels, one night in a homestay, one night on a houseboat
  • Travel by private air-conditioned bus
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Highlights

  • Explore the old spice town of Cochin
  • Marvel at the tea plantations in Munnar
  • Discover the Sri Meenakshi Temple of Madurai
  • Sample traditional home-cooked food in a family home
  • Cruise the Keralan backwaters on a traditional houseboat

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 1 (Leisurely). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

Although not a demanding tour, it is a busy and active itinerary with lots to see. Driving time is kept to a minimum and is not normally longer than four to five hours except on Day 5 when the drive to Madurai can take up to seven hours. You should also be prepared for some early starts. The roads are generally pretty good, but traffic and/or road damage can sometimes slow us down.

A slightly more difficult trek (Activity Level 2) in Munnar requires a good level of fitness, as the trail can be steep in places, although the route mostly winds gently up through the plantations. Walking shoes (or trainers/sneakers) with a good grip are recommended for this trek and you may also wish to bring walking poles or get hold of a stick locally if you have problems with your knees. The approximate walking time is three hours, and the distance around 3.4mi (5.5km).

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

Diwali

Some departures take place during Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This is a great festival to witness and some very minor itinerary alterations may be made locally to make the most of this occasion. During Diwali, people typically illuminate their houses, shops and streets, and celebrate on the streets with fireworks for a 24-hour period.

Group

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

AIT Map

Land Only

  • Start City: Cochin
  • End City: Kovalam

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Cochin; afternoon optional harbour cruise around Fort Cochin and explore historic spice port

The adventure starts in Cochin (Kochi) on the Malabar (or Pepper) Coast. It’s believed to have been the first European settlement in the country and retains a relaxed atmosphere, despite recent growth.

You can arrive at the hotel at any time, but check-in is normally from 2pm. After, we have free time to explore or relax after your travels. Alternatively, for those arriving in time, join an afternoon harbour cruise around Fort Cochin (please arrive at the hotel by 1pm to join the cruise).

Accommodation: Abad Atrium Hotel (or similar)

Day 2
Sightseeing around Cochin

Today we take a sightseeing tour of Cochin, taking in the adjacent historic neighbourhoods of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. In Fort Cochin, we’ll visit St Francis Church, where Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama died in 1524; see Santa Cruz Cathedral, originally used as a warehouse by the British; and wander past fishing nets lining the harbour entrance, which were introduced by the Chinese in the late-14th century.

In Mattancherry, we visit Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in the mid-1500s in a traditional Keralan style, and Jew Town, once home to a Jewish community and now a great place to peruse antique shops and warehouses. Those interested can visit Thomas Chettan in the Little Queen Embroidery shop to learn about hand lace work, a dying art using bobbin lace.

There is the option in the late afternoon to see a Kathakali dance performance. Please note, a similar show is also available in Periyar on Day 8.

Accommodation: Abad Atrium (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
To Munnar; afternoon visit to Srishi, a social service organisation for tea pickers

After breakfast, we drive away from the coastal plain to Munnar, which is set among the highest mountains in Kerala. The drive is 100mi (160km) and should take approximately five to six hours.

Munnar is a beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats, once a summer resort for the British government. It is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams (Mudrapauzha, Naliathanii and Kundala) and is surrounded by lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates. Anamudi, the highest peak in southern India at 9,725ft (2,695m), dominates the skyline and the many smaller peaks are a walker’s paradise.

In the afternoon, we visit Srishti, a charitable trust aiming to improve life for disabled people from the tea planter families of Munnar. They are trained for three industries – deli (bakery), aranya (cloth dyeing) and atulya (paper making). It’s wonderful to see their work and learn about the organic products used for dyeing and making paper. Please note that Srishti organisation will be closed on public/religious holidays and may also close at short notice due to operational reasons. Your Leader will update you on any changes to the program in these instances.

Accommodation: Eastend hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Morning trek through tea plantations and the Munnar hills

After an early breakfast, we take a short drive through old Munnar and travel down to the tiny village of Nagarmudi, where we start our trek accompanied by a local guide. It begins with a long, gradual ascent winding through tea plantations and then climbs into Seven Malai Hills. Our hard work will be rewarded with spectacular views over Chittrapuram Dam, Changulam Lake, Anamudi, Munnar and other villages (weather dependent). We then descend back to our vehicle. Please note, there are a couple of steep ascents and descents on this trek, but the pace is slow and steady with plenty of rest stops along the way.

In the afternoon, there is also an optional visit to a tea museum followed by an optional tea-tasting session.

Accommodation: Eastend hotel (or similar)

Distance covered: 4mi (6km)

Activity hours: 3

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
To Madurai; optional closing ceremony at the Sri Meenakshi Temple

Leaving Kerala, we drive 100mi (165km) through the hills to the colourful temple town of Madurai, in Tamil Nadu. The drive should take approximately six to seven hours, arriving mid-afternoon.

After an early dinner, you can join an optional tour to witness the nightly closing ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman temple. You will be whisked into the city centre in a tuk tuk convoy, led by your local guide, to a historic Hindu temple on the bank of the River Vaigai dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareshwara. The ceremony can happen at any time after the temple closes for the night (approximately 9:30pm), so you may need to wait for an hour or so to witness the extraordinary procession but it’s well worth it. Your local guide will walk you through the temple explaining the purpose of the ceremony and bringing the temple history and culture to life. We recommend applying mosquito repellent before leaving for the temple (including feet as you will be barefoot inside). You will likely be back at the hotel, depending on the ceremony time, between 10:30pm and 11pm.

Accommodation: Germanus hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Dawn city walk with Meenakshi Temple visit. Afternoon Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and Flower Market Tour

We rise early morning for what many consider a highlight of this trip! Walking in small groups through Madurai as the sunrises and the city wakes, we’ll observe the community going about their everyday life: milking cows, creating kolams (intricate artworks on the floor) and preparing breakfast at roadside food stalls. Along the way you can try some local drinks and a snack to keep you going. Ending the morning walk at the city’s most famous landmark, we visit the Meenakshi Temple, an outstanding example of Vijayanagar temple architecture, built between the 16th and 18th century. It‘s a hive of activity and the scene of an almost continuous religious festival. You’ll arrive back at the hotel this morning in time to catch a late breakfast and relax.

This afternoon we delve back into the city, this time taking in the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, built in 1636 in the Indo-Mughal style by the Nayak dynasty, and the Gandhi Memorial Museum, where you can see a visual biography of Gandhi containing photos, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and copies of his letters. After the Memorial visit we will stop by at the local flower market before returning to the hotel.

In the evening, there are many restaurants to visit; some of the best are on rooftops with fantastic city views.

Accommodation: Germanus hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
To Thekkady; cooking demonstration in local family home

Leaving Madurai in the morning, we drive to the small bustling village of Thekkady. The drive is spectacular as the road climbs through the Western Ghats and we have fantastic views across Tamil Nadu (driving time approximately four to five hours). In the afternoon, we have free time to explore the village and bazaar, where we can visit shops selling cardamom, vanilla, peppercorns, turmeric and other spices.

The whole area is a centre for spice growing, and this evening there will be a short walk around a spice garden, where we see many different spices growing. We then have a special dinner and a cooking demonstration with a local family in their home.

Accommodation: Peppervine hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8
Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary; morning jungle walk followed by an optional boat trip on the lake

In the morning, before breakfast, we join our local guide for a nature walk in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest parks in India (approximately two to three hours) and return to our hotel for breakfast.

In the afternoon, there is the option to join a boat cruise on the lake. This is an ideal way to get close to the animals and we may spot elephants, otters, wild pigs and buffalos. There is also an abundance of bird life – kingfishers, storks and hornbills are the most commonly spotted. Tickets can be purchased online in advance (approximately 900 rupees/US$10.90 per person, minimum four people). We recommend doing this to avoid possible long queues at the ticket office. Please inform your leader on Day 1 if you wish to book this in advance as it’s also popular with domestic tourists and last-minute booking requests may lead to disappointment.

Other optional activities today include an Ayurvedic massage, Kathakali dance show, and a martial arts performance.

Accommodation: Peppervine hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9
To Erattupetta Planters Homestay

Leaving the hills, we head to the ecofriendly Erattupetta Planters Homestay, a 1930s home, where polished concrete walls, antique radios, gramophones and telephones offer a glimpse into a bygone era. This is a family home at heart, but you are a welcomed guest, greeted by Grace, the family matriarch who resides here with her son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.

Surrounded by tall rubber trees and tropical fruit trees, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore rural life in Kerala with an afternoon village walk and visit to a rubber plantation to see rubber-tapping techniques. With the bird songs, cool breeze and rustle of trees, this is also a great place to relax.

Optional yoga activities can be arranged locally on request (cost subject to group size).

Accommodation: Erattupetta Planters Homestay

(Please note, single rooms are very limited and cannot be guaranteed.)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10
To Kumarakom; Shikara boat ride and Village Walk

Today we head to Kumarakom, a cluster of small, picturesque islands around the Vembanad Lake. After checking into our hotel, we head out for the Kumarakom Village Walk.

Championed by Responsible Tourist mission of Kerala, this Village Walk aims to benefit the local communities we visit through introducing them to the economic and social benefits of tourism, educating and offering their products and services to visitors. It also provides locals with the opportunity to interact with tourists giving the local communities exposure to new ideas and cultures, and also a platform for showcasing their talents.

The village we visit is well acclaimed for its backwaters, delicious cuisines and greenery. Your journey begins in a Shikhara boat, cruising over the lake flanked by lush green foliage and birds flying overhead as we arrive at the banks of Manjira village. Through our local village Guide and the community, we learn about many of their local practices and products. Experts demonstrate ways of climbing a coconut tree, the laborious traditional way using a thalappu and the modern way using latest instruments. You’ll watch the fascinating process of coir-making and the art of weaving coconut leaves with a chance to try your hand at both crafts. Watch in awe as a skilled fisherman casts his net and catches a few fish with ease and enjoy a stroll by the lush green paddy fields. For some light refreshments, try a freshly cut coconut from their own grove before learning about the famed Kerala toddy, a specialty of the area. See how Toddy is made and taste it fresh from the pot. Throughout the walk we’ll learn about the unique plants and spices surrounding the village and be invited into their homes to see more traditional and unique crafts.

Accommodation: Renai Greenfields hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11
Board houseboat for backwater cruise

Before breakfast in the cool morning air, we have the chance to explore the surrounding villages by foot and gain an insight into traditional life finishing at a local Hindu temple.

After breakfast, we start our journey at the Coir Museum, learning how coconut husks were historically manufactured and how so many products we use on a daily basis are created.

We board our houseboat at midday and begin our cruise along the Kerala backwaters. The houseboat cruise is one of the trip highlights – these enchanting boats, built of anjili (wild jack) wood and bamboo, transported goods for hundreds of years. Now they have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise boats. As our boat meanders through tropical vegetation, we can see prolific bird life and gain a different perspective on village life. The cruise takes us along shallow, palm-fringed canals where coconut fibre, coconut meat, and cashews are loaded onto dugout canoes. In the evening, the boat is anchored by a bank and we watch the sun set over the paddy fields.

Accommodation: Houseboat

Please note, single rooms are very limited and can’t be guaranteed.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12
Leave houseboat and drive to Kovalam

After breakfast, we leave our houseboat in Alleppey and drive (approximately four to five hours) along the scenic Malabar Coast to the beach town of Kovalam. We visit Mannarasala temple en route, which is decorated with more than 100,000 images of snakes. Couples seeking fertility come here and your Leader will explain the origin of snake worshiping. Continuing, we pass through Quilon for a tea break before arriving at our destination.

Once a relaxing hideaway on the old hippie trail, Kovalam has now been discovered, but the influx of tourism has not diminished this beautiful setting. The hotel is within walking distance to Lighthouse Beach, and we’ll have time to explore the waterfront shops and restaurants this afternoon.

Accommodation: Soma Palmshore (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13
Free time to relax on the beach or join an optional trip to Kanyakumari

Today is free to unwind on the soft, sandy beach or visit the shops for last-minute souvenirs. This is a great chance to enjoy fresh seafood from one of the many small beach restaurants. Try tandoori dishes – the clay ovens add an exquisite taste to bread and curries.

You could also join an optional day’s sightseeing from Kovalam to Kanyakumari, the end point of India where three oceans meet: the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. If it’s open, the trip can also take in the old wooden palace at Padmanabhapuram (extra cost), a marvellous building with fantastic wood carvings, and the Hindu temple at Suchindran, with amazing stone carvings. This trip can be booked and paid for locally. Please note, it is a long day (approximately 8am-6pm) and roads can be prone to traffic delays, but it’s always a popular activity.

Accommodation: Soma Palmshore (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14
End Kovalam

The adventure ends today. Begin your return journey home or, if you’d like a bit more time to explore Kovalam, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Please note, airport security does not permit any spices/pepper to be carried in hand luggage so please pack these in your main luggage. Electronic devices and batteries should be packed in hand luggage as these are not permitted in your hold/main luggage.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels, Homestay & Houseboat

The Tropical South

We spend our nights in a mixture of hotels, a homestay and on a traditional Keralan houseboat. Our hotels are all in the heart of the towns we stop in. Your first hotel in Kochi is conveniently situated in the commercial hub, close to the main textile and jewellery shops plus plenty of restaurants. The homestay is a taste of rural life, while also being away from the bustle and a chance to unplug.

The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip.

Peppervine Hotel, Thekkady

The Tropical South

The four-star Peppervine is conventiently located for our adventures, close to Periyar Tiger Reserve and a short walk from Kumily town (the local town name of Thekkady) where you’ll find plenty of shopping options, including locally grown spices and an eclectic assortment of souvenirs. Surrounded by woodland, the hotel offers comfort and tranquillity, with spacious bedrooms, an outdoor swimming pool and open-air restaurant. So close to wildlife, you won’t find it hard to spot the monkeys swinging in the neighbouring trees as you relax.

Planters Homestay, Erattupetta

The Tropical South

Enjoy true Keralan hospitality at your homestay. The main homestay, where all meals and activities take place, is a cosy mansion from the 1930s. On arrival, we are greeted with a warm welcome by Mrs Grace, the family matriarch, who opens her home and kitchen to you. Due to the limited number of rooms at her home, we also use a second family home as needed, a five-minute walk down the path. All rooms are simple but homey, equipped with a wet room-style private bathroom and come with a fan (a few have air conditioning). You won’t find any porter service here, so you may wish to pack a smaller overnight bag for this stay.

Keralan houseboat, Alleppey

The Tropical South

No trip to Kerala is complete without a houseboat stay. Typically, the boats are converted barges (known locally as kettuvallam), once used to transport rice from farm to market. They are comfortable and unique. All cabins have private bathrooms and the staff will keep you well fed. The houseboats have a deck and dining area, although the style/layout varies between boats. There is a cook, driver and assistants for each boat and the food is traditional Keralan fare using local produce. Houseboats have two to five twin-bedded rooms. Larger groups may be split over several boats; however, the group reunites at riverside stops and the overnight anchor point where your leader will be available.

Worth knowing

  • Indian hotels usually do not have heating. However, you can request more blankets or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room (subject to availability). Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.
  • The electrical sockets at the homestay are the older-style Indian sockets so European/US plugs do not fit here. Be sure to charge devices/powerpacks fully before you arrive.
  • Please note, single rooms are very limited at the homestay and houseboat so cannot be guaranteed and you may be required to twin share on these two nights.

Single supplement from £ 425

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners are included.

Dinner is included at the homestay, and we also include a dinner and cooking demonstration with a local family in Periyar (Thekkady). The houseboat is full board. You should 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 there is a good choice of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western-style foods. If you are a vegetarian, India is probably one of the best destinations to visit. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap but a (large) bottle of beer is approximately 500 rupees (US$6). 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

All transport, unless otherwise stated, is by private air-conditioned car or minibus, and backwater cruising in typical Keralan houseboat.

Some optional excursions, particularly in Madurai, use tuk tuks to navigate the busy traffic. These are sourced by our Leader or local guide on the day.

Weather & Seasonality

The most important feature of the Indian climate is the wet season or monsoon. The main monsoon strikes the Kerala coast in late May and sweeps northward over the next month or so. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from October to March. Days will be hot and the nights warm, the average maximum daytime temperatures are 21C-30C (70F-86F) and 6C-20C (43F-68F) at night. In the hills, temperatures can be considerably cooler and may near freezing point at night.

Frequent rainstorms occur in November. However, they are usually quite short and the sun normally comes out quickly afterwards. Please note, swimming in the sea at Kovalam is not always possible, depending on recent weather conditions; however, the hotel we use in Kovalam will always have a pool.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Abad Atrium Hotel, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Shenoys, Kochi, Kerala 682035
Phone: +91 484 238 1122
Recommended arrival time: Check-in is typically from 2pm. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Cochin Airport (COK)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 45-60 minutes’ 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 at no extra cost, 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.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to Trivandrum Airport (TRV) 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.

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: Cochin
Location end: Kovalam

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for the Munnar walk
  • Sandals/flip-flops
  • Light casual clothing
  • Warm sweater/fleece
  • Sunhat
  • Sunscreen
  • Torch (flashlight)
  • Day bag to carry cameras etc
  • Anti-bacterial hand gel
  • Small personal first-aid kit
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Swimwear and towel
  • Water bottle
  • Dark clothing (for the nature walk in Periyar)
  • An old pair of socks for visiting temples is useful, as the ground can get very hot. Please note, bare feet only at the Madurai Meenaski Temple

Men and women’s clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee. Women especially should always dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention and not cause offence. Vests, tight-fitting trousers, short skirts and shorts are not recommended.

It doesn’t matter what type of bag or case you use on this trip although it is preferable to use a soft holdall (with wheels if necessary) or rucksack/travel sack as they tend to be easier to manage. You should also bring a small day bag for your valuable items and also, for overnight items during the homestay and houseboat where we recommend you take essentials for ease in carrying to your room and leave your main luggage locked in the coach (this is optional, not a mandatory requirement).

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.

Optional Equipment

  • Light Waterproofs
  • Umbrella (for sun and rain)

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

As well as caution with food and drinks when travelling in India, please also take care when washing your face, brushing teeth or showering not to swallow the tap water as this can often lead to sickness and stomach upset.

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. You can normally change money back from rupees into US dollars or British pounds at the departure airport, but you must produce an exchange receipt showing that you changed money in India.

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available throughout this trip (Visa and Mastercard are best). However, you should not rely on these 100 percent of the time, so bring cash too. 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 British pounds or US dollars, but travellers cheques are often difficult to exchange.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Many sites now charge a small fee for camera use. Allow at least 600 rupees (approximately US$7) per day for personal expenditure such as snacks, postcards and soft drinks.

India has very good shopping opportunities, especially for locally made goods. During your trip, it is highly likely your local guides will take you to emporiums as well as workshops where these goods are made. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewellery and carpets. Guides will often assume that visitors will want to go shopping, it is very much part of the culture, but if you do not wish to go, please make this clear to your local guide at the time.

Optional Excursions

There are plenty of opportunities for local excursions and cultural experiences throughout this trip, which are detailed in the daily itinerary. For an overview of the optional extras, please see below:

Fort Cochin:

  • A harbour cruise around Fort Cochin: 1,650 Indian rupees per person (US$20), based on a minimum of four people
  • Kathakali dance show: 700 rupees (US$9) per person, based on a minimum of four people

Munnar:

  • Tea Museum and factory: Approximately 230 rupees (US$3) per person
  • Tea tasting: 410 rupees (US$5) per person, two people minimum

Madurai:

  • Night closing ceremony at Meenakshi Amman Temple with local guide: Approximately 1,520 rupees (US$19) depending on group size, minimum four people

Periyar:

Entrance fees to monuments, museums and Periyar Park are included.

  • Riverboat cruise: Approximately 900 rupees (US$11) per person, minimum four people – must be confirmed within the first two days of the trip
  • Ayurvedic massage: Approximately 1,800-2,250 rupees (US$22-US$27) per person
  • Kathakali dance show: Approximately 425 rupees (US$5) per person
  • Martial arts performance: Approximately 425 rupees (US$5) per person

Erattupetta:

  • Yoga at Planters homestay, minimum 4 persons:
    • 04-06 persons: 1450 rupees (approximately US$18) per person
    • 07-09 persons: 950 rupees (approximately US$12) per person
    • 10-12 persons: 760 rupees (approximately US$9) per person
    • 13-16 persons: 650 rupees (approximately US$8) per person

Kovalam:

  • Day trip to Kanyakumari: 9,900 rupees (approximately US$120) between three people travelling together, or 12,920 rupees (approximately US$156) between four to eight people travelling together
    • Visiting Padmanabhapuram Palace en route to Kanyakumari: 360 rupees (approximately US$4) per person

Tipping

Tipping is part of the culture in India. However, it can often be an awkward affair, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar country. As such, your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, local guides, bus drivers and other support staff used on the trip.

Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, but it is usually about 3,700 rupees (approximately US$50) 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 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.

Tips for the leader are not included in the kitty and is at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, around 330-415 rupees (US$4-US$5) per person per day would be appreciated.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips which 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 will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and 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 support of other local enterprise.
  • The hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this helps to benefit the surrounding community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
  • This tour encourages guests to visit local cafes and restaurants and use markets to purchase traditional crafts.
  • Our local partners share a commitment to projects which benefit their communities.
  • Supporting Srishti Trust in Munnar, a charitable trust aiming to improve life for disabled people from the tea planter families of Munnar.
  • In Kumarakom we support the Responsible Tourism mission of Kerala. Exodus contributes a fee on behalf of each passenger which goes directly to the community we visit on the village walk. The Responsible Tourism mission of Kerala has identified the following social issues raised by the local residence of Kumarakom and will work with local communities, using funds from the initiative to tackle these:
    •    Pollution of backwaters and small canals
    •    Displacement of local people
    •    Conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural land by filling paddy fields
    •    Denial of local access to the backwaters by tourism properties
    •    Pollution of public places
    •    Encroachment of backwater shores by tourism properties
  • Recent examples of successes from the Responsible Tourism mission include a Drinking Water Scheme, set up with the cooperation of the hotel industry at Kumarakom, directly benefiting the local community. Also, in collaboration with Panchayat, the street lighting in Kumarakom has been significantly improved.

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.
  • On this trip we visit national heritage sites and the entrance fees included generates income which is used for the upkeep and development of 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 here.
  • 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 re-usable 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 re-usable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.

Cultural respect:

  • 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 else.
  • 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 locals 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.
  • When visiting religious sites dress and behave respectfully, don’t wear shorts and sleeveless tops – this applies to both men and women. 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

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. 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.