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Bus, Airlines
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Home Stay
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All meals during the trek
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English, Spanish, French, Chinese
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2-15
Overview
Embark on “The Emerald Trail,” a captivating 7-day journey through the heart of Kerala’s most iconic landscapes. Beginning in the bustling port city of Kochi, you will ascend to the misty tea plantations of Munnar, explore the wild jungles of Thekkady, drift through the serene backwaters of Alleppey, and finally unwind on the golden beaches of Kovalam. This tour is a perfect blend of nature, wildlife, culture, and relaxation, offering a comprehensive taste of “God’s Own Country” with the comfort of a private vehicle and expert driver.
Highlights
- Misty Mornings in Munnar: Witness the sunrise over endless, manicured tea gardens and visit a museum dedicated to the golden brew.
- Jungle Cruise at Periyar: Spot wildlife, including elephants and bison, on a serene motorboat cruise along the lake of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
- The Backwater Drift: Glide through the narrow, palm-fringed canals of Alleppey on a traditional Shikara boat, observing village life along the water.
- Beaches & Giants: Relax on the pristine sands of Kovalam's crescent beaches and marvel at the colossal rock-cut sculpture of the Jatayu Earth Center.
- Spice Trails: Inhale the intoxicating aromas of cardamom, pepper, and vanilla as you walk through a lush spice plantation.
Itinerary
Your journey is carefully paced to ensure you experience the best of Kerala without feeling rushed. Each day unveils a new chapter of the state's diverse beauty, from the high ranges of the Western Ghats to the shores of the Arabian Sea, with all logistics smoothly handled.
Arrive at Cochin airport/railway station, where you will be met and assisted. Begin your scenic drive to Munnar, a 4-hour journey ascending into the hills. En route, visit a fragrant Spice Plantation and stop at the picturesque Valara and Cheeyappara Waterfalls. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in the cool hill station. Overnight stay at Munnar.
After breakfast, set out for a full day of sightseeing in the stunning Munnar valley. Visit the lush Mattupetty Dam, the serene Kundala Lake, and the famous Echo Point. Drive through the tea-covered hills to Photo Point and the Elephant Arrival Spot. Conclude the day with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai) to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and the Tea Museum (closed on Mondays). Overnight stay at Munnar.
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, the spice capital of India. Upon arrival, visit a Spice Plantation to learn about the region's famous crops. In the afternoon, experience the highlights of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, including an optional motorboat cruise on the Periyar Lake, where you might see wildlife coming to the water's edge. The evening is free for optional activities like an Ayurvedic massage or a Kathakali performance. Overnight stay at Thekkady.
After breakfast, depart for Alleppey, the heart of Kerala's backwaters. Upon arrival, enjoy a memorable Shikara boat cruise through the vast Vembanad Lake. Drift through narrow canals, witness the paddy fields of Kuttanad, and observe daily life in the waterside villages. Later, visit the Alleppey Beach before checking into your hotel. Overnight stay at Alleppey.
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey to the coastal town of Kovalam. In the afternoon, visit the awe-inspiring Jatayu Earth Center, home to the world's largest bird sculpture. Then, arrive in Kovalam and spend the rest of the day exploring its famous beaches: Hawah Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Samudra Beach. Climb the Kovalam Lighthouse for a panoramic view. Overnight stay at Kovalam.
After breakfast, set out to explore the cultural capital of Kerala, Trivandrum. Visit the revered Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, followed by the Sree Chithra Art Gallery, the historic Napier Museum, and the adjacent Zoological Park. Return to Kovalam for a final evening by the sea. Overnight stay at Kovalam.
After a final breakfast, check out from the hotel. You will be transferred to either Trivandrum or Cochin airport/railway station for your departure, marking the end of a memorable Kerala holiday.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Transportation by Private Air-Conditioned Cab for the entire tour.
- Pickup from Cochin Airport/Railway Station.
- Drop at Trivandrum/Cochin Airport/Railway Station.
- All sightseeing, land transfers, and inter-hotel transfers as per the itinerary.
- Services of a professional, multilingual driver.
- Accommodation for all nights (hotels not specified, but implied).
- All driver expenses: Bata, toll, parking, road tax, and fuel charges.
The Cost Excludes
- All entrance fees at monuments, parks, and sightseeing spots.
- Any optional activities mentioned (e.g., Jeep safari, boating, Kathakali show, Ayurvedic massage).
- Any meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) unless specifically mentioned in the hotel offer.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, and souvenirs.
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "Cost Includes" list.
All About Your Trek
Embark on an exhilarating trekking journey that immerses you in the pristine beauty of nature and the rich cultural heritage of the region. This trek offers a perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and meaningful local encounters, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to connect deeply with the environment and people.
Route & Terrain:
The trek covers a diverse landscape, ranging from dense forests and terraced fields to rocky mountain paths and high-altitude meadows. You’ll traverse well-marked trails that challenge your endurance while rewarding you with spectacular panoramic views. Some sections may involve steep ascents and descents, so a good level of physical fitness and stamina is recommended.
Duration & Pace:
This trek typically lasts [X days], allowing you to enjoy a balanced pace that combines daily trekking with time to rest and explore local villages. Each day’s walk averages between 4 to 7 hours, giving you ample opportunity to soak in the scenery and capture stunning photographs.
Accommodation & Facilities:
Overnight stays are arranged in traditional teahouses or mountain lodges, offering basic yet comfortable amenities. These cozy accommodations provide a chance to experience the warmth of local hospitality, enjoy hearty home-cooked meals, and recharge for the next day’s trek.
Cultural Experience:
Beyond the natural beauty, this trek provides a unique window into the life of indigenous communities. You’ll meet friendly locals, learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life, and perhaps even participate in cultural activities or festivals depending on the timing of your visit.
Best Time to Visit:
The optimal trekking seasons are during the spring months of March to May and the autumn months of September to November. During these periods, the weather is generally clear and stable, with moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall, ensuring safer trekking conditions and breathtaking visibility.
Preparation & Packing Tips:
To make the most of your trek, pack wisely. Essential items include sturdy trekking boots, layered clothing for fluctuating temperatures, rain gear, sun protection such as hats and sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and personal medication. It’s advisable to keep your backpack light and prioritize comfort and functionality.
Health & Safety:
Your safety is our utmost priority. The trek is guided by experienced professionals who are well-versed in mountain safety and first aid. They continuously monitor weather and trail conditions to ensure a secure experience. Remember to stay hydrated, pace yourself, and communicate any discomfort to your guide immediately.
Environmental Responsibility:
We encourage all trekkers to practice responsible tourism by minimizing waste, respecting wildlife, and preserving the natural environment. Carry out all trash, avoid disturbing flora and fauna, and support local conservation efforts by purchasing souvenirs directly from artisans.
Additional Support:
Should you have any specific requirements or need assistance in planning your trek, our team is available to provide personalized advice and support. We also offer options for porter services or mule assistance to help carry your luggage, making your trek more comfortable.
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
