Spice Trails of Kerala & Tamil Nadu Walk15D14N, Fully Guided

The adventure begins in Kochi (also known as Cochin), a historic port city on the Malabar Coast. Settle into your accommodation for the night, the Grand Hotel. This 4-star 1963 hotel in the heart of Ernakulam is committed to providing exceptional service that makes the experience unforgettable. You can choose to step out briefly and explore the bustling high street, visit the Centre Square Mall for some shopping before your adventure begins, or just relax in your cosy room till evening.

Around 6 pm, say namaste to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a warm welcome by organising a group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

If you would like to extend your stay in Kochi pre-tour, please contact us.

In the morning, we drive away from the coastal plain to Munnar, a town within the highest mountains in Kerala. The drive is approximately 100mi (160km) and should take about 6 hours. Munnar is a gorgeous hill station in the Western Ghats, once a summer resort for the British government because of its fresh mountain air. It occupies the confluence of the three mountain dreams Mudrapauzha, Naliathanii and Kundala, and is surrounded by lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates. Anamudi (8,840ft/2,695m), the highest peak in South India, dominates the skyline, and the many smaller peaks are a walker’s paradise.

Retire at the Eastend Hotel, a well-known landmark property occupying the centre of Munnar and offering sumptuous views of the town and surrounding hills. If you opt for the hotel’s dinner buffet, you can enjoy North Indian staples like dal tadka and paneer gravies alongside continental and standard Indo-Chinese dishes. Or choose to go into town to explore the nearby eateries.

Approx. 7km (4 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 200m (656ft)

After a delightful breakfast, your adventure begins with a short but thrilling 4x4 drive through the historic lanes of old Munnar. The journey takes you down to the tiny, tranquil hamlet of Nagarmudi, nestled at 4,920 feet (1,500 m). Here, you will meet your local guide and commence a captivating trek into the heart of the region's famed landscapes.

The walk begins with a gentle ascent through emerald-green tea plantations, the very essence of Munnar's beauty. As you climb higher into the Seven Malai Hills, the path winds through aromatic cardamom and coffee plantations, a true feast for the senses, just before you reach the summit at 5,580 feet (1,700 m).

Your efforts are rewarded with spectacular, sweeping vistas over the town of Munnar and the cluster of local villages dotted across the valleys below. After soaking in the panoramic views, you will descend back to your waiting vehicle. In the afternoon, you have the option to deepen your understanding of the region with a visit to the Munnar Tea Museum, where you can explore the history and production of the area's most famous export.

Approx. 14km (9 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 400m (1,312ft)

Prepare for a breathtaking one-hour drive to Silent Valley, a journey that weaves through lush, emerald-green tea estates and verdant spice plantations nestled in a valley cradled by rolling hills. Your trek begins with a leisurely walk across the plains of the tea plantations, starting at an elevation of approximately 5,250ft (1,600m). From there, we will make a gentle ascent into the open grasslands, where magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding tea estates unfold, offering a true sense of this enchanting landscape.

Following a delightful lunch, the second part of our trek commences, leading you through a fragrant forest of eucalyptus trees. The terrain will gradually become steeper as we leave the manicured tea plantations behind, finally guiding us to our secluded campsite. Here, at an elevation of 6,560ft (2,000m), you will settle in for two nights under the stars, fully immersed in the tranquility of the mountains.

Approx. 15km (9 miles), 7-8 hours walking, Elevation gain: 635m (2,083ft)

Today, we embark on a remarkable trek to Meesapulimala Peak, standing proudly at 8,630 feet (2,630 meters) as the second-highest peak in South India. Our journey begins from the camp, guiding you along a trail that climbs through rugged shola grasslands and over a series of seven distinct hills. Each hill presents its own unique challenge, with ascents and descents ranging between 50 and 100 meters, adding a dynamic rhythm to our ascent.

As we traverse this undulating terrain, the path eventually leads us to an expansive open ridge, heralding our final approach to the summit of Meesapulimala. Upon reaching the peak, which marks the natural border between the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, you will be rewarded with breathtaking, panoramic views that stretch out in every direction. After savouring the moment and enjoying a well-deserved packed lunch amidst the stunning scenery, we will begin our descent, returning to the comfort of our camp.

Approx. 16 km (10 miles), 4-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 300m (984ft)

As morning light filters through the canopy, our journey begins with a trek through the dense, whispering woods of Silent Valley, a pristine expanse known for its untouched natural beauty. The path then leads us into fragrant pine forests, where the air is crisp and cool, and continues alongside the gentle streams of the Rhodo Valley, a place renowned for its vibrant rhododendron blooms in season. We'll then ascend through rolling grasslands and into the unique ecosystem of a shola forest, a mosaic of montane evergreen forest nestled in the valleys. Keep a watchful eye, as this is where we may be fortunate enough to spot the elusive giant squirrel, wild boar, or the magnificent Indian gaur in their natural habitat. Our trail winds to the summit of a hill at 7,545 feet (2,300m), presenting a series of rewarding ascents and descents before we pause for our midday meal.

After enjoying a packed lunch amidst the serene landscape, we press on towards the quaint Yellapetty village, a settlement surrounded by tea plantations, where we expect to arrive in the late afternoon. From this point, a rugged 20-30 minute journey by 4x4 will transport us closer to our destination, followed by a short walk to our exclusive campsite at Oorkadu (5,740ft/1,750m), your resting place for the evening.

Approx. 10km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 100m (328ft)

Today, we embark on a gentle trek to the enchanting village of Vattavada, nestled at an elevation of 6,235 feet. Our path meanders through the verdant landscapes of Pazhathottam, a region renowned for its lush terraced vegetable farms, and alongside the iconic, manicured tea plantations that define this corner of India.

After pausing for lunch in a shaded haven, our journey continues to the tribal village of Vattavada itself. Here, you will have a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, learning about the community's distinctive customs, traditional art forms, and ancient natural remedies. Known as "the market of India," Vattavada thrives with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, painting the fields in vibrant colours. Keep your eyes peeled, for if fortune favours us, we may glimpse some of the rare and beautiful butterfly species that inhabit this area.

From the village, we will take an alternative route, continuing our hike through the captivating scenery until we reach our serene campsite at Oorkadu, our resting place for the evening.

Approx. 7km (4 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 100m (328ft)

On the last day of our trek, we pack up and leave our campsite for a morning walk in the area surrounding Oorkadu to Koviloor. This peaceful walk leaves directly from the campsite and passes through tranquil eucalyptus plantations and shaded forest paths. A gradual ascent of approximately 100 metres leads us to a flat stretch before we descend to the charming Koviloor village.

Our trip ends at Koviloor, where we have a tea break before boarding our bus for the drive to Mundhan. On our way, we stop at a scenic spot for lunch. Please note that it is a five- to six-hour journey (depending on traffic) via Munnar. Our home for tonight is the 3-star Green Royale hotel, situated in the scenic foothills of the Western Ghats, offering a serene, relaxed atmosphere. Settle in before we meet for a delicious dinner.

Leaving Kerala, we drive (approximately 2-3 hours) through the plains to the vibrant temple town of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in South India.

The great Sri Meenakshi Temple, most of which was built during the Nayak period between the 16th and 18th centuries, is at the heart of the city, and the life of the town revolves around it. It is a hive of activity and the scene of an almost continuous religious festival. Worshippers bathe in the tank of the Golden Lily and crowd the Hall of a Thousand Pillars, where each one is uniquely carved. Madurai is a perfect place to wander around and explore the Hindu culture.

Nestled in the heart of the ancient temple city of Madurai, the Germanus Hotel offers a sanctuary of comfort. Indulge your senses at the rooftop restaurant with its panoramic city views, rejuvenate your spirit at the serene wellness spa, or simply retreat to the tranquil elegance of your room.

Leaving Madurai in the morning, we drive to the small village of Thekkady. The drive is stunning as the road climbs through the Western Ghats, offering fantastic views across Tamil Nadu. Thekkady is a small, lively village from which we visit Periyar National Park. This whole area is a centre for spice growing and, after lunch, we have a short walk around a spice garden, where we can see many different spices growing.

We have plenty of time this afternoon to explore the bazaar, where we can visit numerous shops selling cardamom, vanilla, peppercorns, chillies, turmeric, and other spices. Our total driving time is approximately four to five hours.

Tucked away in the serene embrace of a lush spice garden, Jungle Park Resort invites you to discover a tranquil haven just a stone's throw from the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Surrender to the allure of a getaway where you can rejuvenate with a dip in the pristine swimming pool, indulge in exquisite multi-cuisine dining, and find your inner peace amidst the verdant wilderness of Thekkady.

Approx. 5km (3 miles), 1-2 hours walking

Embark on an early morning nature walk through the lush tropical forest of Periyar National Park, one of South India’s largest wildlife sanctuaries, which unfolds around a vast, man-made lake. In the afternoon, you have the option to join a serene boat cruise across the lake, offering an ideal vantage point for wildlife observation. To avoid long queues, we recommend purchasing your cruise tickets online in advance; please inform your leader if you would like assistance with this.

As you glide across the water, keep an eye out for the park's diverse birdlife, including kingfishers, storks, and hornbills. With a bit of luck, you may also witness elephants, otters, wild pigs, and buffalo along the shoreline. For those seeking relaxation, an optional Ayurvedic massage can be arranged at a nearby centre. You might also choose to immerse yourself in local flavours with an optional cooking class. This will likely be your final opportunity for souvenir shopping, and conveniently, both card payments and an ATM are available.

We transfer to the coastal city of Alleppey. We board our houseboats and begin our cruise along the backwaters of Kerala. The houseboat cruise is one of the trip’s highlights – these captivating houseboats, built of anjili wood and bamboo, were the traditional method of transporting goods for centuries. Now they have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise boats. The network of rivers, streams, lagoons and canals occupies the alluvial plain between the Western Ghat and the Indian Ocean. As our boat winds through verdant tropical vegetation, we can spot numerous birds and gain a different perspective on village life. All the houseboats are comfortably equipped and have three or four twin-bedded rooms with private bathrooms.

There is a cook, a boat driver, and assistants for each boat, and the food served is traditional Keralan fare made with local produce. No trip is complete without the wonderful experience of the backwaters aboard these traditional Keralite vessels.

After a leisurely breakfast aboard the serene houseboats of Alleppey's backwaters, we disembark and begin our journey south. Following the scenic Malabar Coast, a route fringed with coconut palms and glimpses of the Arabian Sea, we travel to the tranquil fishing village of Mararikulam. Here, life moves at a gentle pace, dictated by the rhythm of the tides. Our accommodation for the night is a welcoming, community-run homestay, offering an authentic taste of Keralan hospitality. You'll find yourself just a stone's throw from the golden sands of Marari Beach, with the afternoon free to unwind on its beautiful shores, explore the local village, or simply relax in your peaceful surroundings.

We head back to Kochi and later in the day enjoy a guided tour that includes Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi; the Jewish synagogue, dating from 1568; and St Francis Church. We also explore the town of Kochi, its bazaars and the old harbour area. Fort Kochi is believed to be the earliest European settlement in India, founded by the Portuguese in 1503. Warehouses filled with the smell of tea and spices are lime-washed bright green, yellow and blue; rickety old bikes and hand-painted trucks piled high with goods fill the narrow streets, and food stalls stand on every corner.

Further along the road, you come to Mattancherry and the Dutch Palace. Next to the Palace is the synagogue, built in 1568 for the Jewish members of Kochi’s trading communities (please note, the synagogue is closed on Saturdays). Most people choose to stay in Fort Kochi and wander around its fascinating streets. In the evening, you can attend an optional Kathakali performance, a classical dance unique to Kerala.

Savour one last breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible Spice Trails adventure before a transfer to the airport for your onward journey home.

Should you wish to prolong your exploration in Kochi, please contact us.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.