Southern India - Magical Kerala
TREK SOUTHERN INDIA- MAGICAL KERALA
With optional Taj Mahal Celebration!
Naturally lush and emerald green, the Southern state of Kerala is India's most promising destination. Our trekking challenge will take us through some of this scenically diverse region from the world’s highest tea estate, to the second highest mountain South of the Himalaya,. through spice plantations, to the wilderness at Periyar before reaching the backwaters. Experience this fascinating country, its incredible wildlife and its culture - with a ringside view of the lives of the Keralan people; famed for their welcoming and cosmopolitan outlook on life and their land - referred to as the land of the ‘Green Magic’. As if this isn’t enough, choose to extend your trip at the world famous Taj Mahal - a finale befitting this truly magical challenge.
Day 1: London Heathrow– Cochin (via Doha)
Depart London Heathrow Airport for your scheduled economy class flight to Cochin Via Doha.
Day2: Cochin - Munnar
Arrive into Kochi Airport and transfer (approx 3 hrs) to the picturesque hill station of Munnar – where you will spend your first night. After you have freshened up, take a walk down the winding roads amidst the Tea Estates to acclimatise ourselves.
Overnight: Hotel – Munnar (L,D)
Day 3: Munnar
After breakfast make the short road journey (approx 30 mins) to the starting point of the trek near the Silent Valley Tea Estate. Today you will be trekking through lush tea gardens, gradually gaining altitude as you move through the grasslands & sholas – high altitude cloud forests towards your camp for the night - at over 2200 m. The streams which surround the camp are a magnet for the wildlife in this area, but don’t worry you will be well looked after by the local team and a fire will be keep alight throughout the night!
Overnight: Tents (B,L,D)
Estimated Trekking time: 5-6 hrs
Day 4: Kolukumalai
Today is a real HIGHlight! Not only will you climb the second highest peak South of the Himalayas – Meesapulimala you will also trek through the world highest tea estate - Kolukumalai. This spectacular trek takes you through pristine wilderness to the valley of rhododendrons, through vast grasslands & sholas. The microcosm of life here can be seen along the trail, interspersed with the grasslands making hundreds of streams which are the lifeline of millions in the plains below. As you move along the undulating mountains on this forlorn plateau, you will have to descend gullies & valleys to reach the world’s highest tea estate – Kolukumalai. After a good trek through the tea gardens, you reach your accommodation for the night and a well earned rest!.
Overnight: Hotel/Lodge (B,L,D)
Estimated Trekking time:7-8hrs
Day 5: Anaerangal Lake
Our trekking route today takes you to a tribal village and incredible spice plantations before reaching the Anaerangal Lake – meaning ‘The Lake where the Elephants Come Down’. Enjoy Lunch at the edge of the lake before continuing on towards your campsite for the night. Don’t panic about the name of the lake - your expert trackers will be looking after you every step of the way!
Overnight: Tents at the edge of the Anaerangal lake (B,L,D)
Estimated Trekking time: 5-6hrs
Day 6: Periyar Nature Reserve
This morning we meet our vehicles and drive towards the famed Periyar Nature Reserve (approx 3hrs) a great chance to relax those weary legs on route! Periyar is one of the best tiger reserves in the country, renowned for its wildlife sightings. The tropical rain forests here are some of the densest in India and still hold mysteries and many species which are unique. The well laid out trails are an excellent way to explore these marvels of nature. See wild spices growing under the canopy – wild pepper, ginger, cardamom and view hundreds of herbal plants from where Ayurveda started to evolve into a potent curing force known the world over.
From the edge of the reserve you will be transferred on jeeps (approx 45mins) to Gavi, deep inside the forest, from here you trek to your campsite under the forest canopy. Camping in the heart of the rain forest promises to be a truly incredible experience!
Overnight: Tents in the middle of the rain forest (B,L,D)
Estimated Trekking time: 3-4 hrs
Day 7: Periyar Nature Reserve
Rise early and enjoy the forest surroundings - early mornings are a great time for wildlife sightings. After breakfast enjoy your final day trekking as you pass through the evergreen canopy deep in the heart of the reserve. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the endangered and rare endemic Lion tailed Macaques as they move through the canopy and hopefully sight the majestic Great Hornbills. After a picnic lunch you head to Gavi station the end of your trek! Jeeps will be waiting here to whisk you away to Thekkady (approx 45 mins) – the home of your accommodation for the night and where you can end your adventure with a celebratory meal.
Overnight: Hotel (B,L,D)
Estimated Trekking time: 6-7 hrs
Day 8: Kerala Backwaters
As a finale befitting a fantastic challenge, today you transfer (approx 3 hrs) to the area’s well known backwaters. Spend the afternoon on a rice boat meandering down these shallow, palm-fringed networks of waterways, made up of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. Seeing this distinct lifestyle and fascinating thoroughfare is deservedly relaxing after a hard week of trekking. By sunset set course for our hotel near Cochin airport (approx 1.5 hrs).
Overnight: Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 9 Cochin – London Heathrow (via Doha)
Depart Cochin for your return flight to London Heathrow. Arrive UK the same day.
OR… Optional Taj Extension (additional cost)
Day 9: Cochin - Delhi - Agra
Today set on your journey to Agra – to witness the glory of world famous Taj Mahal. Agra is also known for its Fort –Red Fort and bazaars.
Transfer early morning to Cochin Airport and board your flight to Delhi. On arrival, transfer (approx 4 hrs) to your hotel in Agra.
End the day with a relaxed evening by the poolside.
Overnight: Hotel, Agra (B)
Day 10: Taj Mahal
Visit of Taj Mahal. Post breakfast, visit Agra Fort. Rest of the day at leisure to go around the bazaars or relax at the resort.
Overnight: Hotel, Agra (B)
Day 11: Agra – Delhi
Drive from Agra to Delhi (approx 4 hrs) for a chance to explore this amazing city before your early morning flight tomorrow.
Overnight: Hotel, Delhi (B)
Day 12: Delhi to London Heathrow (via Doha)
Early morning departure to London Heathrow via Doha. Arrive into the UK same day.
B = Breakfast L= Lunch D = Dinner
N.B This is a complicated itinerary and is subject to change. Therefore timings will be confirmed daily by the Expedition Leader. Trekking duration will also vary according to the group’s ability. Flight timings/airlines are provisional.
Challenge Grade: Moderate (see DESTINATIONS homepage for general guide)
This trek is graded as ‘Moderate’ and requires a good standard of fitness. It is imperative that participants follow a reasonably serious course of training in order to get the maximum benefit.
During the course of the trek you will cover a huge variety of terrain; climbing up and down mountains, through valleys, tea estates and dense Jungle. You will be briefed daily on the type of terrain to be expected the following day.
Over 5 days you will trek for between 4-8hours a day (average approx 6 hours a day); the highest point reached is at 2640m.
