Travel, experience, conserve with
Walks Worldwide Jump to main menu

This is the definitive trip to explore the tropical south of India. Trek in the Cardamom Hills and Western Ghats, enjoy a backwater cruise, visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and more!

  • Cruise the tropical lagoons of the backwaters
  • Explore the colourful temples of Madurai
  • Trek in the fragrant Cardamom Hills
  • Stay on a traditional houseboat
  • Ascend Meesapulimala peak

It’s no surprise that this varied trek and tour is a favourite at Walks Worldwide. Starting in Kochi, it’s easy to discover the many different cultural influences of ‘The Queen of the Arabian Seas’. Moving to the magnificent mountains of the Western Ghats, the cool, fragrant mountain air delights the senses with the scents of spices, coffee and tea. Here you can explore the lush forests, tranquil plantation trails and former British hill stations.

The high point of Meesapulimala is reached by crossing the Silent Valley plateau, before heading to the temple city of Madurai.

A visit to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants and tigers, is complemented with a relaxing trip to the lush tropical lagoons of the Kerala Backwaters, staying on a traditional houseboat.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Depart UK

    Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Kochi.

  2. Day 2: Arrive Kochi

    Arrive Kochi International Airport. Rendezvous at the group hotel in Kochi in time for a vist to Fort Cochin at 1500.

  3. Day 3: Transfer to Thattekkad

    Drive to Hornbill Camp near the lowland forests at Thattekkad. Walk the trails in the forest and through the villages that dot the area. There is also an opportunity to take an optional kayaking trip on the River Periyar.

    Walking distance: 3 km

  4. Day 4: Drive from Thattekkad to Munnar

    Leave the plains and head for the hills. Enjoy an interesting drive as you climb up into the Western Ghats, passing tea and spice plantations along the way. Sitting at an altitude of 1,600 metres, Munnar was very much an idyllic haven for the British in the 19th century, with crystal clear lakes, waterfalls, forests and, of course, the tea estates spread out like rolling, lush, green carpets.

  5. Day 5: Meesapulimala trek

    Drive to the trail head and walk through tea estates to reach the natural, wild grassy areas higher up. Ascend the peak of Meesapulimala, the highest point in the area, with fine views across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. After a relaxing lunch you continue up through pinewoods, with views of the tea estates below offering a welcome distraction. By late afternoon, you will be transferred by jeep back to your hotel in Munnar.

    Walking distance: 14 km

  6. Day 6: Cross the plateau of the Western Ghats

    Trek across the plateau of the Western Ghats, enjoying the magnificent scenery along the way. Reaching the higher parts of the plantations and tea estates, you’ll pass through authentic villages and friendly locals. Continue trekking to your campsite at Top Station with a fantastic view of the Western Ghats.

    Walking distance: 12 km

  7. Day 7: Mathekettan Shola Trek

    Today begins with a vehicle transfer from the camp to the start point of Bl Ram where you will initially be trekking through grasslands until you reach the boundary of Mathikettan Shola National Park.

    Walking distance: 13 km

  8. Day 8: Chaturangapara Trek

    Today is the most technically demanding, with the terrain being steep. Beginning with a climb of approximately 150 metres to the top of the mountain pass, at approximately 2,200 metres altitude. Weather permitting, from the summit you will have fantastic views over the vast plains of Tamil Nadu state.

    Today's route involves a gradual incline, followed by a steep incline, a steep rocky descent, another steep incline protected by shrubbery and finally a slow, gradual descent through elephant territory.

    Walking distance: 13 km

  9. Day 9: Drive to Madurai; explore colourful temples

    Drive across the plains to reach the colourful city of Madurai, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in south India. The main attractions here are the musical pillars and the grand pathway. One of the temples - the Koodal Alagar Temple - is devoted to Vishnu and is as old as Madurai itself. It is a perfect place to wander around and experience Hindu culture.

  10. Day 10: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Spice Gardens of Kumily

    Drive to the small village of Thekkady, a centre for spice growing where you can visit the numerous shops selling cardamom, turmeric and other spices. Continue to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where it is possible to see large herds of Indian elephant as well as nilgiri langur near Aranya Niwas, and the liontail macaque in higher areas. In the afternoon a local guide will join you for a short walk through the spice gardens at Kumily near Thekkady.

  11. Day 11: Jungle walk through Periyar

    Take a jungle walk with forest guides in the Periyar National Park and admire an abundance of birdlife, including kingfishers and hornbills. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax or you could take an optional boat trip on the Periyar Lake, an ideal opportunity to get close to the wildlife here.

  12. Day 12: To Kumarakom; board houseboat

    Descend through fruit and rubber plantations to Kumarakom – Alleppey, on the banks of the inland backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Here you board your houseboat and begin your cruise along the backwaters of Kerala. As your boat meanders through areas of lush tropical vegetation,  you will have the opportunity to view the prolific bird life and gain a different perspective on village life, watching the local people scare-line fishing.

  13. Day 13: Return to Alleppey

    Leave the houseboats and travel to your Heritage hotel/homestay, idyllically situated in isolation on the banks of the backwater canals, surrounded by coconut palms and rice paddies.

    The rest of the day is free to relax. You could explore the village and see coir making (ropes made from coconut fibre), one of the main sources of income for the area. This is an ideal spot for walking through picturesque rural Kerala with its local temples and ancient churches.

  14. Day 14: Return to Kochi, afternoon at leisure

    Return to Kochi, where the rest of the day is at your leisure to relax and explore.

  15. Day 15: Depart Kochi

    Depart Kochi on an overnight flight back to the UK.

  16. Day 16: Arrive UK

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 14 days from £1,499 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 16 days from £2,199 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £350
  • Walking grade: Moderate
  • Guiding: Guided Group Private-Guided
  • Max alt: 2,640m
  • Group size: 4-16
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • O
    • N
    • D
  • Route map:
    Route map for
  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 8 nights, houseboat x 1 night, camping x 4 nights
    • 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
    • Experienced English-speaking guide
    • Airport transfers

Next Steps

View All India Trips

Guided Group

We will be happy to help arrange a departure for you according to seasonal conditions and your own specific needs.

For availability, prices and details of suitable times to travel, please contact us.

If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.