Current as of: April 15, 2025 - 06:25
Highlights of Kerala Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: India
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: AIE
Trip Overview
Easy-going, exotic and entrancing – explore a totally different side to India in the tropical state of Kerala
Serene backwaters. Thriving rubber plantations. Idyllic coastlines. Kerala is India at its most laidback and inviting. Join one of our much-loved Indian tour leaders to immerse yourself in the scenery and meet the local people. Along the way, you’ll stay on a backwaters houseboat, explore the old spice port of Kochi, share a meal with a family in Thekkady and spot wildlife in Periyar National Park. We finish by the sandy shores of the Arabian Sea – an idyllic ending to an unforgettable trip.
Want to expand your India adventure? Speak to your sales representative to combine this trip with India’s Golden Triangle, Colours of Rajasthan or Sri Lankan Highlights.
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At a Glance
- Accommodation: 4 Superior nights (hotels), 3 Classic nights (2 hotel, 1 houseboat)
- Travel by private air-conditioned bus
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Combine with other adventures in India and Sri Lanka
Highlights
- Experience laidback Kerala with a guide who knows it better than anyone
- Witness remnants of India’s colonial past in the historic spice port of Kochi
- Meet the rubber tappers of Kanjirappally and share a Keralan meal with the family
- Look for tiger tracks and spot monkeys on a nature walk in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cruise the backwaters and lakes on a traditional rice barge – a classic experience in South India!
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Suitability: 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. Prepare for some early starts. The roads are generally pretty good, but traffic and/or road damage/maintenance can sometimes slow us down.
Monuments: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India; 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
Our Indian team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the adventure. 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: Kovalam
Land Only Itinerary
Adventure starts in Kochi • Optional Fort Kochi harbour cruise
Begin your adventure in the spice port of Kochi, where the remnants of colonial rule can still be seen in the historic buildings.
If you arrive in time, join an afternoon harbour cruise around Fort Kochi (arrive at the hotel by 1pm to join).
At 6pm, say namaskaram to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Keralan welcome by arranging dinner at a local restaurant.
Want to explore Kochi further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: The Killians Hotel (or similar)
Explore the colonial landmarks of Kochi
Join your tour leader for a sightseeing tour of Kochi, taking in the adjacent historic neighbourhoods of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.
In Fort Kochi, we 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.
If you’re interested, 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 – a similar show is also available in Periyar on Day 4.
Accommodation: The Killians Hotel (or similar)
To Thekkady • Rubber plantation walk followed by lunch
Leave Kochi in the morning and transfer to the bustling village of Thekkady, gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Breaking up the five to six-hour drive, we stop at a traditional Keralan bungalow in the serene rubber plantations of Kanjirappally. Take a walk through the plantations, watching our guide as they show us how to tap rubber, while also seeing regional trees such as rambutan, mangosteen, nutmeg, pineapple, banana and coffee. After, we enjoy lunch served at the plantation house.
Post lunch, we complete our drive to Thekkady. The whole area is a centre for spice growing, and this evening there is a short walk around a spice garden, where we see many different spices growing.
Accommodation: Peppervine Hotel (or similar)
Nature walk in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary • Cooking demonstration in family home
Before breakfast, join a nature walk (approximately two to three hours) in Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, in which your expert local guide points out tell-tale wildlife signs, including tiger tracks, animal droppings, and trees marked by sloth bears. You’re also like to spot monkeys in the trees and bird life.
In the afternoon, you have free time to explore the village and bazaar, with the chance to visit shops selling cardamom, vanilla, peppercorns, turmeric and other spices.
Alternatively, join an optional boat cruise on Periyar Lake to look for elephants, otters, wild pigs and buffalos. There is also an abundance of bird life – kingfishers, storks and hornbills are the most spotted. Other optional activities include an Ayurvedic massage, Kathakali dance show, and a martial arts performance.
We then join a family in their home for a cooking demonstration followed by dinner. We normally eat in their garden, under cover, among a variety of spices, which we have explained to us during the demonstration.
Accommodation: Peppervine Hotel (or similar)
To Alleppey • Houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters and lakes
Today, we drive (four to five hours) to Alleppey to board our houseboat at midday and begin our cruise between the backwaters and larger lakes.
The 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 you meander 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
To the old hippie beach town of Kovalam • Visit the Coir Museum and Mannarasala Temple
After breakfast, we leave our houseboat in Alleppey and visit the Coir Museum, learning how coconut husks were historically manufactured and how so many products we use daily are created. Later, we continue our drive (approximately four to five hours) to Kovalam, along the scenic Malabar Coast.
Visit Mannarasala Temple en route, which is decorated with more than 100,000 snake images. Couples seeking fertility come here and your tour leader explains 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, and we have time to explore the restaurants this afternoon.
Accommodation: Soma Palmshore (or similar)
Free day in Kovalam • Optional village tour at Mannadikonam or daytrip 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 can opt for an optional half-day village tour at Mannadikonam (approximately one-hour drive) near Balaramapuram.
Alternatively, join an optional full day’s sightseeing from Kovalam to Kanyakumari, the end point of India where three seas 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)
Adventure ends in Kovalam
The adventure ends today. Begin your return journey home or, if you’d like a bit more time to relax on the sandy shores of 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.
Accommodation
Hotels and a houseboat
We spend most nights in hotels and one night on a traditional Keralan houseboat. Our hotels are all in the heart of the towns in which we stop. The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip.
Fort Kochi: The Killians
Within the Fort Kochi neighbourhood, this boutique hotel is in the heart of the action, close to the shores of the Arabian Sea. It also has an outdoor swimming pool, while the architecture is inspired by ancient and modern Portuguese, German, Dutch and Indian styles.
Thekkady: Peppervine Hotel
The four-star Peppervine is conveniently located for our adventures, close to Kumily town (the local 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 an outdoor swimming pool and open-air restaurant. So close to wildlife, you won’t find it hard to spot monkeys swinging in the trees as you relax.
Alleppey: Keralan houseboat
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. All cabins have private bathrooms, and the staff 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
- Single rooms are very limited on the houseboat so cannot be guaranteed and you may be required to twin share for this night.
Food & Drink
The included meals are detailed on the day-to-day itinerary. Allow at least 1,650 rupees (approximately US$20) per day for lunch and dinner where these are not included. 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 towns, there is a good choice of restaurants and a mix of 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, while a large bottle of beer is approximately 500 rupees (US$6). 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.
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 are 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 has a pool.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: The Killians, Post box 22, River Road, Fort Kochi, 682 001, Kerala
Phone: +91 484 22 17 245
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: Kochi Airport (COK)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 1hr 15min drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to Trivandrum Airport (TRV), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
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: Kovalam
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Light casual clothing
- Warm sweater/fleece
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Backpack to carry water, camera etc
- Anti-bacterial hand gel
- Small first-aid kit
- Mosquito repellent
- Swimwear and towel
- Water bottle
- Dark/neutral clothing (for the Periyar nature walk)
Additionally, out of respect to tradition, we recommend you pack clothes that cover the shoulders and go on or below the knee. This is particularly important when visiting temples and holy places.
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 backpack as they tend to be easier to manage. You should also bring a small backpack for your valuable items and for overnight items during the houseboat stay.
Optional Equipment
- Light waterproofs
- Umbrella (for sun and rain)
Prohibited items to travel with in India
- 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.
- Satellite communications devices, for example (but not exclusively) Garmin inReach or any other brand GPS tracking device, are illegal in India without a license. Please do not bring them with you.
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
You 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 visitors. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
You may also 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.
Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya are known risks in India. 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.
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.
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 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 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 and workshops where these goods are made. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk and carpets. Guides often assume visitors want to shop, 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, which are detailed in the daily itinerary. For an overview of the optional extras, please see below:
Fort Kochi:
- Fort Kochi harbour cruise: 1,800 Indian rupees per person (US$21), based on a minimum of four people
- Kathakali dance show: 700 rupees (US$9) per person, based on a minimum of four people
Periyar:
Entrance fees to monuments, museums and Periyar Park are included.
- Lake cruise: Approximately 900 rupees (US$11) per person, minimum four people – must be confirmed within the first two days of the trip. This is a shared boat ride as private boats are not available. Your onboard guides can help you capture great photos, using clever techniques with their binoculars. Tickets can be purchased online or through your leader in advance. We recommend doing this to avoid a long wait 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.
- 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
Kovalam:
- Daytrip to Kanyakumari: 10,500 rupees (approximately US$120) between three people travelling together, or 13,820 rupees (approximately US$156) between four to eight people travelling together
- Padmanabhapuram Palace visit en route to Kanyakumari: 360 rupees (approximately US$4) per person
- Village tour at Mannadikonam: 4,750 rupees (approximately US$ 59) per person based on minimum two people. 4,200 rupees (approximately US$ 52) per person based on three to five people. 2,850 rupees (approximately US$ 36) per person based on six to eight people. 2,200 rupees (US$ 28) per person for nine or more people in a group. This off-beat village experience provides an insight into local life, culture and traditions. You’ll visit the 2,000-year-old Siva Temple and stroll through the village’s tropical plantations. You also have the chance to plant a tree in the village to safeguard the biodiversity of the region. Seasonal fruits and tender coconut are served as refreshments during the tour.
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 is used to tip hotel staff, local guides, bus drivers and other support staff.
Your tour leader suggests how much to contribute, but it is usually about 2,200 rupees (approximately US$13-US$15) 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 tour leader will happily show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed.
Tips for the tour leader are not included in the kitty and are 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.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
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 us 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.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
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.