Walking in Kerala

11 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Explore God's Own Country on foot on this walking tour through the diverse tropics of India's far south state of Kerala. Trek amongst the forest and grasslands of the mountains of the Western Ghats, walk in search of wildlife in the Periyar National Park and meet locals rambling through the villages of the famous Backwaters. Meesapulimala Peak - Take on t...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Explore the diverse beauty of God's Own Country on this moderate grade Kerala walking tour
    • Hike through tea and spice plantations, Periyar National Park and the Western Ghats Mountains, getting closer to local life
    • Enjoy a relaxing float along the famous Kerala backwaters on a traditional houseboat

What's this trip about?

    Explore God's Own Country on foot on this walking tour through the diverse tropics of India's far south state of Kerala. Trek amongst the forest and grasslands of the mountains of the Western Ghats, walk in search of wildlife in the Periyar National Park and meet locals rambling through the villages of the famous Backwaters. Meesapulimala Peak - Take on the highest peak in South India and take in the astounding views at the top. Float along the Backwaters - Recoup with a float along the famous Kerala backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Explore on foot - Walk and hike through tea plantations, forests and park, getting closer to local and village life each step of the way.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityKochi
End CityKochi

Travel Themes

  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

Attractions

  • Alleppey
  • Cochi
  • Kerala
  • Kochi
  • Munnar
  • Periyar
  • Western Ghats

Activities

  • Trekking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour in Kochi

Our trip starts in Kochi, a port city on India's Malabar Coast. Also known as Cochin, it's been a port since 1341, when it was used by Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Built across several islands with criss-crossing waterways, the city has a relaxed feel that sp...

Day 2 Tour of Kochi and drive to Munnar

This morning, we'll take a walking tour of India's oldest European settlement, Fort Kochi. Beginning with the arrival of Jewish and Arab spice traders in the first century AD, Kochi's prosperity increased with the arrival of the Portuguese, who were later followed by...

Day 3 Hike to Seven Malai Hills through tea, coffee and spice plantations

Today, we'll head out for a hike in the Ghats. Our trail begins at the small village of Nagarmudi (1500 meter/4922 feet), just a short drive from old Munnar. Starting with a gradual climb, we'll ascend through the tea plantations up into the Seven Malai Hills, passing...

Day 4 Trek to Silent Valley through tea estates and shola forest

This morning, we'll journey on to begin our 3-day point to point hike. Our walk takes us through a landscape blanketed with tea plantations and sholas of eucalyptus. The beautiful views and tea estates give a real flavour of the area. Stopping to enjoy a picnic lunch ...

Day 5 Trek to Meesapulimala Peak

Leaving camp after breakfast this morning, we'll begin the ascent of the Meesapulimala Peak, the second highest in South India. The trail towards the summit takes us from rough grassland and up onto the ridge line, where we continue climbing through patches of open gr...

Day 6 Hike to Top Station

Today will be our longest day walking, as we meander through a stunning backdrop of verdant plantations and vivid red rhododendron forests. This part of the Western Ghats is home to a staggering array of life, with wild boar and Atlas moths sharing the stage with a da...

Day 7 Drive to Thekkady

Breaking camp for the last time today we'll drive back towards Munnar and on to Thekkady, the gateway to the Periyar National Park. Taking up much of the morning, the 160 kilometre/99.40 mile drive weaves across the Western Ghats before reaching Thekkady later this mo...

Day 8 Trek in Periyar National Park

This morning, we'll take a walk to discover the flora and fauna in the Periyar National Park. Set around the picturesque shores of Lake Periyar and one of the largest parks in South India, it is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife including elephant, tiger (al...

Day 9 Drive to Alleppey and backwaters cruise

Driving to the coastal town of Alleppey, this morning we'll head for the myriad canals and channels that make up the Kerala Backwaters. There, we'll board a traditional houseboat for an overnight cruise through the region. A time-honoured form of transport, these wo...

Day 10 Backwaters village walk and return to Kochi

After a relaxing breakfast onboard our floating home, we'll drive on to the village of West Chennamkary in the heart of the Backwaters for a walk around some of the local villages. This is a great opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of a region that provided Arundha...

Day 11 Trip ends in Kochi

Our tour of Kerala ends at our hotel in Kochi. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Cochin International Airport (COK).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,700
Price per day$155
Last Updated: 3/15/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
02 Nov 2025
12 Nov 2025
$1,770
$2,220
23 Nov 2025
03 Dec 2025
$1,800
$2,250
08 Feb 2026
18 Feb 2026
$1,700
$2,160
22 Feb 2026
04 Mar 2026
$1,700
$2,160
08 Mar 2026
18 Mar 2026
$1,700
$2,160
01 Nov 2026
11 Nov 2026
$1,800
$2,270
22 Nov 2026
02 Dec 2026
$1,800
$2,270

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,321
Great
3,322
Average
522
Disappointing
158
Terrible
79
J

Jonathan

Dec 2024

Written on

Walking in Kerala

Having travelled extensively in Northern India, this was my first time in the South. It proved a hugely enjoyable tour combining walking and sightseeing. The scenery...

J

Jules

Dec 2024

Written on

Walking in Kerala

The trip was excellent and with a small group size it made it easier to get to know other guests The tour guides, food and transport were excellent The only down sid...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2024

Written on

Walking in Kerala

Classed as a walking tour but limited walking and nothing memorable. Really only 2 days walking in a 10 day tour so the itinerary could be extended to include better...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2024

Written on

Walking in Kerala

A really enjoyable trip led by Abhi our lovely young guide. Kerala is beautiful and we were able to experience the contrast between the mountains and the backwaters....

Write a Review

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Driver(s), Ranger(s), Trek Crew
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
India: Holders of passports endorsed British citizen, as well as Australian, New Zealand and US passport holders may be eligible for the e-Tourist Visa to enter India. Unfortunately the Indian government are not currently granting visas for anybody travelling with a Canadian passport. The visa can be applied for through the official Indian government visa website only - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . Please check all eligibility criteria that can be found on the website but important points are listed below - You must be arriving into one of 29 selected entry points which can be found via the official Indian Government website link above. However, you can exit from any of the authorised immigration check posts in India. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages for stamping. Visa applications will take approximately 4 days to process. There are different validity visas and the costs are as follows: 30-day validity (travelling between April and June) - $10 30-day validity (travelling between July and March) - $25 1-year validity - $40 5-year validity- $80 Those applying for a 30 day electronic visa can only apply within 30 days of arrival for your visa to be valid. Furthermore double entry is permitted and you can only obtain two 30-day visas in a calendar year. Please note these costs are subject to frequent change so you should check on the official Indian government visa website mentioned above. Biometric data will be collected on arrival in India. If you are not eligible for the e-Tourist Visa, please refer to VFS Global to apply for your Indian visa - https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/how_to_apply.html Whilst the online form offers a relatively quick way to apply for a visa, some applicants have reported difficulty in completing the form. If you do require assistance, then you may consider applying through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. They can complete the online visa on your behalf for a service fee + the visa cost. See www.travcour.com http://www.travcour.com If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com http://www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 10
  • Dinner : 4
  • Lunch : 5
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-WIK

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