Adventures in Kerala

In accordance with our itinerary, we visit the Fort of Kochi. This edifice was founded by the Portuguese in 1503, which is surely the first European colony to have settled in Inde. Our visit will take place according to the aromas of teas and spices, discovering colorful warehouses, aged bicycles and hand-painted trucks filled with merchandise, as well as food stands present in every corner. 
In the afternoon, we visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi. A visit to the 16th century Jewish synagogue is also on the agenda, as well as a detour to the Saint-François Church - the resting place of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. We explore the city of Kochi, its bazaars and the old port area. 
Then, we move away from the coastal plains towards Munnar, located in the Western Ghats, approximately 1,600 meters above sea level. Once a beautiful hill station of the British administration, it has retained its colonial charm. It is also known for its tea plantations. The town is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudrapauzha, Naliathani and Kundala. With its undulating hills, sparkling waterfalls, tea plantations and picture-postcard hamlets, the region is ideal for peaceful hiking. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel.

We are transferred to Silent Valley from where we begin the trek with moderate stages that wind through the tea plantation plains followed by a gentle ascent to the natural wild grasslands that climb up to the ridges, crossing the sholas with stunning views of the tea plantations around us. Continuing our trek after a good lunch, we descend to our first stop where we will set up camp near a stream for two nights.

Walking Time: 3-4 Hrs

This relatively longer day offers a trek through the plateaus of the Ghats Western, magnified by red Rhododendron plantations, which enhance the beauty of the entire region. This plateau is the habitat of many endemic species of flora and fauna such as wild goats and wild boars. Passing by the highest peaks of tea plantations, we cross authentic villages where we can interact with friendly inhabitants.

Another long day of trekking ahead. We cross coffee plantations, dense forests and cotton plantations to reach the central station. The land is much richer and more fertile in Tamil Nadu. We continue crossing the village of Kotakuddi where the landscape gives way to rice fields and vast stretches of mango plantations. The final section of our trek takes us through coconut and mango plantations and ends near the village of Mundhan.
Trekking Time: 5 Hrs
Distance: 9 Kms

After breakfast, we leave Kerala to cross the plains to reach the colorful city of Madurai, famous for its temples.

The rest of the day is free to explore the city. Madurai is one of the oldest and most fascinating cities of Tamil Nadu. It is also a cultural center that thrives thanks to its rich heritage and history. Its great temple Meenakshi Amman - Temple of Sri Meenakshi Sundarewarar, built during the Nayak period between the 16th and 18th centuries, is at the heart of the city and is one of the largest temple complexes in India.

The five gopurams surrounding the temple are known for their stucco work. The southern gopuram is the tallest, measuring 48.8 m high. Worshippers bathe in the Golden Lily tank and crowd into The Hall of a Thousand Pillars, both finely decorated. Madurai is the ideal place to stroll and discover Hindu culture.

In the morning, we head to Thekkady, where we enter the state of Kerala. The journey is spectacular. We climb through the <Western Ghats which offer magnificent views of Tamil Nadu. We then arrive in the bustling small village of Thekkady and check in at the hotel.

This entire area is renowned for <spice cultivation. After lunch, we stroll through a spice garden. We have time in the afternoon to explore the bazaars. We find many shops there that sell <cardamom, vanilla, peppers, chili peppers, turmeric and many other spices.

After breakfast we head to Alleppey. Also known as Alappuzha, the town is the departure point for backwater cruises in Kerala. We board one of the pleasure boats and begin our cruise along the Kerala backwaters, one of the highlights of the trip. These enchanting boats have been decorated and transformed into comfortable cruise ships. We meander along waterways bordered by lush tropical vegetation, observing dazzling tropical birds and passing through idyllic villages. Our night on board is centered on the famous Vembanad Lake.

After a relaxing breakfast on the houseboat, we disembark to head to Kovalam. Kovalam is an extremely popular beach resort due to its shallow waters and low tide waves. It offers diverse activities for all tastes. A huge rocky headland is located on the beach forming a magnificent bay, ideal for some peaceful swimming moments. The beaches are backed by headlands dotted with coconut trees. The southernmost part of the beach, where the lighthouse is located, is the most beautiful. Various activities are possible including swimming, invigorating plant-based massages, sunbathing, cultural programs, or even catamaran cruises.

In the morning, we are transferred to Trivandrum International Airport to catch a flight to our next destination.