Offbeat & Active South India

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We designed this route to help travellers like you escape the hustle and bustle and step back into a time where life revolves around the seasons.

You won’t visit any major cities, and each place you visit provides a unique insight into rural Kerala, and Tamil Nadu in the remote hills and the Western Ghats.

There are two peaks to climb above 2,000 metres, lots of walks for bird and wildlife viewing and time to explore exotic plantations. A few days on the beach at the end provide some down time after an extensive overland journey. It’s an ideal holiday for travelers who like to keep away from cities, don’t want to get templed out, and who love the outdoors and more simple accommodation.

Highlights include:

Trekking the 2^nd largest peak in southern India – Meesapulimala, at an impressive 2640m
Birdwatching with your private guide in one of the most important bird sanctuaries in India
Meet with local farmers at a unique homestay farm experience in very remote Sethumadai
Watch the sunset from a stunning beachfront location in rarely visited Neeleshwar
Taste glorious tea at a mountain hut as you trek around Kolukkumalai in the Rhodo valley

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK for your flights to Cochin.

DAYS 2 & 3 Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

On arrival at Cochin airport your English speaking driver will pick you up; he will be spending the next 13 days with you. They will transport you straight to Thattekad, one of the most important bird sanctuaries in India, where you will spend a few days exploring the area with village walks, bicycle trips and kayaking on the lakes.

DAY 4 - 6 Remote Munnar and Kolukkumalai trekking

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the tourist information centre in Munnar. From here you will pick up a jeep and drive into the Rhodo valley, to your eco-lodge at 2,286m. An early night awaits as you will rise early to begin your six-hour trek up to Meesapulimala peak. A reasonable level of fitness is required to reach the top (2,640m), but your local guide will carry drinks/snacks and a packed lunch for you. You’ll pass through carpets of tea bushes and swathes of pine forests on your ascent, and then, on your way down, you will walk to Kolukkumalai estate where you have some time to relax and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. You also have a chance to trek up Kolukkumalai Peak (2,280m) which is a beautiful walk in the Western Ghats. Make sure you visit one of the local tea plantations too.

DAY 7 & 8 Kodaikanal Hill station

Today you will drive through the hills to Kodaikanal, which will take around four hours. Your accommodation is situated in one of the old transit corridors for elephants. You have a day and a half to relax and enjoy the Palani hills, go for walks or visit a local organic farm.

DAY 9 & 10 Sethumadai Experience Rural Life

today you have a scenic four-hour transfer through the remote plains of Tamil Nadu to the temple village of Sethumadai on the edge of the Western Ghats. Here you’ll be able to relax on a peaceful, working farm and experience rural life in the local villages. Sit back and read a book, visit the Topslip bird sanctuary or take a cooking class at the farm with the owners.

DAY 11 & 12 Wayanad Homestay in western Ghats

A five-hour journey north takes you to Wayanad, one of the most beautiful areas of the Western Ghats. It’s famous for its exotic hillside plantations. You’ll find durable and distinct tribal populations here, and we recommended a guided walk locally. Your homestay on a pepper plantation is understated and is a fantastic place for walking. You have a whole day to enjoy the surroundings.

DAY 13 - 15 Neeleshwar Remote beach

The beautiful, remote and little-visited town of Neeleshwar, with its long peaceful stretches of sand, is the ideal place to finish your trip. It's about five hours' drive from Wayanad, but it is well worth the journey. You’ll be able to spend the next three days taking some time out at a peaceful haven right on the beach.

DAY 16 Fly home (Or stay!)

Today you'll travel to Calicut airport for your flight home, or perhaps you’d like to spend more time on the beach? All of our tours are tailor-made, which means it’s easy to change them to suit your requirements. Please do call one of our India specialists on 0207 924 7133 to discuss your ideas.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £3,000 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,500. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 or use the quote request form below for your personalised vacation itinerary.