Coastal scenery while trekking Southern India | Jaclyn Loft
Coastal scenery while trekking Southern India  | Jaclyn Loft
Happy family at Varkala Beach  | Scott Pinnegar
Breathtaking views while trekking Southern India  | Jaclyn Loft
Local street in Cochin  | Scott Pinnegar
Simple but beautiful Indian cuisine  | Jaclyn Loft
Stunning colour on the streets of Southern India  | Jaclyn Loft

Trails of Kerala & Tamil Nadu

Explore the scenic trails of this iconic part of Southern India

9 Days from

$2150 USD

Trip Code: KRT
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement
$500 USD

Duration

  • 9 Days

Activities

  • 4 day hike
  • 2 days adventure touring

Accommodation

  • 8 nights comfortable hotel/lodge

Meals

  • 5 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 8 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

South India Hiking Adventure Trip highlights

  • Hike through the Cardamom Hills and Mathikettan Shola National Park, a South Indian biodiversity hotspot
  • Experience the Periyar Tiger Reserve on foot, with the chance to spot elephants and Nilgiri langurs
  • Explore colonial era Fort Kochi with its Dutch mansions, Chinese fishing nets and spice markets
  • Spot rare wildlife in their natural habitat, from the endemic Malabar Giant Squirrel to the iconic Asian elephant
  • Relax in hand-picked heritage lodges and boutique hotels that reflect the charm of South India

Overview

Southern India delivers no end of pleasant surprises on this wonderful trip. Our carefully crafted itinerary offers the highlights of the magnificent hill country of the Western Ghats along with time to relax in the historic coastal town of Kochi. Our hike in the Western Ghats takes us along the Mathikettan Shola rainforest track, an exciting and challenging trekking route that begins in Munnar and traces its path to the famed Periyar Tiger Reserve. If you want to be surrounded by the beauty of nature and venture on a unique trek, this rainforest trek is just what you are looking for.

Itinerary

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Upon arrival you will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the group hotel. The rest of the afternoon is spent at your leisure with a group arrival briefing held in the early evening. Overnight: Dutch Bungalow Hotel or similar Transport: Airport Transfer (1.5 hours)

Meals: Nil

Today, you will explore Kochi's cultural heritage through its museums and temples, and in the evening, enjoy a vibrant Kathakali dance performance a traditional Keralan art form that blends storytelling, music, and elaborate costumes. Kochi’s fascinating history comes alive in its colonial bungalows, an ancient synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, the oldest European church in India, and a medieval Portuguese palace. Founded in 1341 after a flood created a natural harbour, it quickly became the chief port on the Malabar Coast. In the 1400s, Jewish, Arab, and Christian settlers arrived, drawn by the royal family’s relocation from Muziris, 50 km to the north. From the 1500s, Europeans including the Portuguese, Dutch, and English competed to control the port and its lucrative spice trade. The city has three distinct areas: Ernakulam, the modern hub to the east, and the historic districts of Mattancherry and Fort Kochi on a western peninsula. You will stay in the heart of Fort Kochi, India’s oldest Indo-European town. Overnight: Dutch Bungalow Hotel or similar Activity: Guided Fort Kochi walk

Meals: B

Today, you will head to the hill town of Munnar, nestled amidst lush green mountains and home to some of the world’s highest tea plantations. Along the way, you will pass the spectacular tea estates that define this region. This is the land of Neelakurinji, a rare flower that blooms in these hills once every twelve years, and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, an ibex species found only in this area. After your transfer from Kochi, stretch your legs with the Sivanmalai Trek, a gentle afternoon walk through tea plantations and forested ridges near Munnar. Enjoy sweeping views of the Western Ghats before visiting the Tea Museum to learn about the region’s rich tea heritage. Later, you can unwind and relax, ready to begin your hiking adventure tomorrow. Overnight: Eastend Munnar or similar. Transport: 4 hours drive Activity: Sivan Malai Trek (±) 8km/5mi

Meals: B,L,D

Today transfer to Suryanelli and begin your trek. Your walk starts in the high-altitude forests near Papathy Shola, or ‘Butterfly Forest’ named for the thousands of butterflies that migrate here each October. These cloud forests are also home to a rich diversity of birdlife and endemic species such as the striking Malabar Giant Squirrel. As you trek through stretches of grasslands and thick forest, take in the remarkable biodiversity and panoramic views. The walk concludes with a descent towards the tranquil Anaerangal Lake, whose name means “the lake where the elephants come down.” This peaceful waterbody draws wildlife and sustains local communities. Around its banks, tribal settlements farm cardamom and other spices, thriving in the cool, misty climate of the region. Overnight: Sienna Village or similar Activity: Butterfly Forest Trek (±) 7km/4.5mi Transfers: Approx. 1 hour to and from trail head

Meals: B,L,D

Today, you will trek through Mathikettan Shola National Park, a haven of biodiversity teeming with endemic plants, animals, and wildlife such as Asiatic elephants and Nilgiri langurs. Your journey leads to Santhanpara, nestled among lush vegetation and cardamom spice plantations, earning the region its name, the 'Cardamom Hills.' This area is the heart of Kerala's spice cultivation, renowned for centuries and a magnet for traders from across the world. Overnight: Shola crown or similar Activity: Mathikettan Shola Trek (±) 11.5km/7mi

Meals: B,L,D

Today, you will trek from Santhanpara to Chaturangapara, marking the final stretch of your rainforest journey in Munnar. The route follows a prominent ridge along the eastern edge of the Western Ghats, offering breathtaking views over the plains of neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Transfer to Periyar after the trek. Overnight: Forest canopy or similar Activity: Chaturangapara Trek (±) 9km/5.5mi Transfer to Periyar: 2 hours after the trek

Meals: B,L,D

Today you will explore Periyar Tiger Reserve on foot. Periyar is one of India’s best-managed wildlife reserves, covering 777 sq km of lush forest in the Western Ghats. Breathing in the crisp mountain air, you’ll immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wilderness. The reserve’s centrepiece is Periyar Lake, a man-made reservoir formed over a century ago by damming the Periyar River. Surrounding the lake, the open grasslands and varied terrain provide a haven for a remarkable range of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, gaur (Indian bison), sambar, barking deer, Nilgiri langurs, lion-tailed macaques, wild dogs, and with luck, even a tiger around 40 are thought to inhabit the park. You’ll spend the day hiking through the forest alongside local guides and tribal trackers. This is a true highlight of your journey a chance to experience the forest up close, listening, watching, and learning from those who know it best. Overnight: Forest canopy or similar Activity: Border Hiking (±) 11km/6.5mi

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you will head back to Fort Kochi. Once back in Fort Kochi you will have the afternoon to relax in your comfortable accommodation or perhaps venture out for one last stroll in this iconic colonial city. Overnight: Dutch Bungalow Hotel or similar Transport: 5.5 hour drive

Meals: B

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
  • comfortable accommodation on a twinshare
  • airport transfer on day 1 and 9
  • all internal transport and support vehicle whilst trekking
  • local specialist guides
  • sightseeing and entry fees as listed in the itinerary
  • drinking water while trekking

Not included

  • International or domestic flights
  • bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
  • tips
  • airport & departure taxes
  • visas
  • travel insurance

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