Walking with sightseeing in India
13 nights
Jan, Feb - Dec
Grades 3
13 nights from
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In February-March and October-November, the humidity levels in Kerala will be significantly lower than during the monsoon season (June to September). Typically 65%-70% humidity can be expected, although spending much of our trip in the Western Ghats, the altitude makes it generally more breathable and the climate is cooler and less humid than the coastal areas.
For those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, it is suggested that guests take necessary precautions like carrying inhalers or medications and stay hydrated. The maximum elevation during the tour is approximately 1,600 meters (around 5,250 feet), so there should not be any concerns about altitude sickness. The tour has been placed at level 3 to account for the added impact of humidity.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to India.
Arrive at the international airport of Kochi, meet your local Tour Manager and after a traditional welcome ‘Swagat’, we head to the hotel. After check-in you will have time to freshen up, and you might like to have some lunch through room service or at the hotel restaurant/coffee shop. This afternoon we head to Old Kochi and explore its Jewish heritage visiting the Parades Synagogue, the oldest in India. We then make our way to the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift to the then Maharaja of Kochi. We will wander down a historic narrow lane filled with antique shops, spice markets, art galleries and colonial-era architecture.
Late afternoon we take a sunset cruise on the historic harbor. We will pass iconic landmarks such the towering Chinese fishing nets. After this relaxing way to see Kochi, we return to our hotel for dinner.
After breakfast we will tour Fort Kochi which is known for its colonial-era architecture. We will visit St Francis Church and marvel at the Chinese Fishing nets up close. We will stop at the Dhobi Khana, a historic laundry station and a spice market. We get back on our coach for the drive to the serene island village of Poothotta for an exclusive experience which is part of a community based Responsible tourism initiative. Our local host will greet us on arrival, and we will travel by canoe through narrow canals and watch village activities as we float by. We will enjoy a home-cooked lunch provided by local families. This is an exclusive experience for our groups. Return to the hotel and relax before dinner.
Distance: 2.5 miles (4kms)
This morning we’ll drive from Kochi to Munnar. Once the summer resort of the British administration in South India, Munnar is a beautiful Hill Station on the Western Ghats that still retains its old-world charm. Famous for its tea plantations, the town is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudrapauzha, Naliathanii and Kundala. With its sprawling estates, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, picture-postcard hamlets and undulating valleys, Munnar is a spectacular place to explore.
Along the way, we’ll stop at the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary for a nature walk where we’re in with a chance of spotting kingfishers, storks, and hornbills. Afterwards, we’ll continue to Munnar, check into our hotel, and spend the rest of the day at leisure or visiting the local market.
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 300m (985ft)
Descent: 215m (700ft)
After an early breakfast, we’ll drive through the old town of Munnar and arrive to a tiny village of Nagarmudi, where we start our trek accompanied by a local guide. The trail commences with a gradual ascent through the tea plantations and then climbs into Seven Malai hills. Walking through cardamom and coffee plantations, we’ll reach the top and be rewarded with spectacular views over Annamudi Peak, Changulam Lake, Chittrapuram Dam, Munnar and & local villages. Later, we’ll descend on the same route and be transferred to our hotel.
Distance: 6.2 miles (10km)
Ascent: 350m
Descent: 420m
Departing the hotel after breakfast, we'll drive to Ellapetty where we'll start our walk to the top valley, a panoramic viewpoint at an elevation of 2,200 metres above sea- level. Led by a professional guide, this trek takes us through grasslands, evergreen shola and montane forest, and across many ridges of the Western Ghats. Along the way, we'll be rewarded with spectacular views over the lowlands of Tamil Nadu, plus the chance to spot some of the region's endemic bird species.
Distance: 2 miles (3km)
Our sightseeing tour of Madurai begins with a visit to Meenakshi Amman Temple, a stellar example of Hindu Vijayanagara and Dravidian architecture. Admire the colourful stucco images on the gopurams (towers) and capture memorable photos. Next, explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, built in 1636 in the Indo-Mughal style by the Nayaka Dynasty it boasts intricate carvings and opulent interiors. In the evening, we’ll attend the Aarti ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. Witness this divine ritual as consort Lord Sundareswarar is carried on a palanquin to join Goddess Meenakshi the principal deity of the temple– a fascinating insight into India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Distance: 2.5miles (4km)
This morning we’ll make our way to the bustling village of Thekkady, one of India’s most important spice-growing regions. Enjoy a wonderfully scenic drive which climbs through the Western Ghats with fantastic views across Tamil Nadu before arriving at our hotel. Once we’ve checked in, there’ll be a tour of a spice garden where we’ll learn all about growing cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, peppercorns, chilies, and more. There will also be information about the spices uses in cooking and health therapies.
Your Local leader will take you on an orientation tour of Thekkedy then the afternoon is free for you to choose where to eat for lunch and have a wander. This evening, we attend a Kalarippayattu martial arts performance which demonstrates an ancient tradition including acrobatics, unarmed combat, displays of the use of weapons and poses to represent strong animals like lions. You sit on benches overlooking a sunken arena so you can see all the action.
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Embark on an early morning jungle walk in Periyar National Park, one of the largest in Southern India, for the chance to spot wild Indian elephants, wild boar, buffalo, and more with an expert guide. In the afternoon, there’ll be a boat ride on Periyar Lake, with opportunities to spot rare riverbank wildlife. Later, we’ll participate in a cooking demonstration with a local Keralan family and dine on our creations for dinner. It’s a fun beginner course where you'll be taught how to cook Indian food and use Indian spices—all while getting acquainted with family members of a traditional Indian home.
We’ll make our way from Thekkady to the coast for one of the highlights of the whole tour today. Climb aboard a traditional Keralan houseboat and cruise the backwaters of Allepey for an authentic snapshot of local life. Built of Anjili wood and bamboo, these enchanting houseboats, were the traditional mode of transporting goods across Southern India for centuries. Now they have been carefully converted into cruise boats. On board, you can try your hand at fishing, grab a drink from the bar or just sit back and savour the peace and quiet of this tranquil waterway. We’ll drop anchor on the beautiful Vembanad Lake and be served a delicious dinner before overnighting in your comfortable cabin.
After waking to the sounds of birds on the riverbank, we’ll enjoy breakfast on the houseboat, before a drive to beautiful Marari Beach and the fisherman’s village of Mararikulam. We’ll check into our hotel where you can enjoy the coastal setting before dinner.
Our final day is free for you to spend relaxing at the beach or joining your guide for a morning walk along the coastline. Our hotels have Ayurvedic spa treatments which you might like to experience. (pay locally) Along the seafront are some delightful cafes and restaurants often relaxing hut-style premises under palm trees with views of the ocean. They offer fresh seafood, traditional Kerala cuisine, juices, and some international options. Later this afternoon we’ll transfer back to Kochi for our final evening and dinner.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Medium Walks
Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.
Please inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday. This is important because our leaders must consider both group and individual safety at all times.
Whilst out with the group, we respectfully request that you:
Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you in your own kit (see Suggested Kit List).
In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services.. Please then call our emergency number (sent in your final dispatch) and let us know there is a problem.
Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements and we will do our best to meet your needs.
If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel.
This information is subject to change. In all cases, we highly recommend you consult your GP both for up to date details and for more information on what is appropriate to your situation. As a rule, travellers should be up to date with their routine vaccinations and boosters as recommended in the UK - including, for example, the MMR and diptheria, tetanus, polio vaccines.
Requirements can change, and we recommend you check in good time ahead of your holiday.
It is recommended for most travellers to have:
Malaria prevention is recommended too; consult your doctor for what is best suited to your specific needs. Generally, we recommend all guests to take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.
Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is banned in some countries.
If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country’s embassy/consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution, it is recommended to:
For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk.
Your passport must be machine readable, with 2 blank pages for your visa and valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of your visa application. India’s Bureau of Immigration has announced that with immediate effect, foreign nationals who arrive at an Indian port holding nonmachine-readable passports will be denied entry.
British, Australian, Canadian and US citizens require an e-visa to enter India. This can be done online. Please visit the following website for further information: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
Current cost is $100 (UK citizens; fee is non-refundable) plus a 2.5% credit card charge. You will need to upload a photo and complete the application form online; you may also be required to upload a PDF your passport photo page. You can apply for the e-visa a minimum 4 days in advance of your travel date, and as early as 120 days before you travel. The e-visa should be granted and emailed to you within 4 days.
You must confirm that the e-visa is granted before travelling and take a printed copy of the e-visa with you. Please ensure that you keep your passport and visa on you always, except when out walking
In addition to the Visa, foreign nationals arriving in India must complete an e-arrival card online before reaching immigration. This digital disembarkation form replaces the paper-based arrival card, although paper forms will continue to be accepted until March 2026.
The online e-arrival card can be completed up to 72 hours before you arrive. More details are available on the Indian visa website
Kerala has warm tropical weather all year round. There is a monsoon season, but we run tours in the dry and cooler times of the year. It is still a good idea to pack for showers which can happen any time of the year but usually they are less frequent and short lived if they come at all.
Essentials
Recommended
Optional
Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk
If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.
If you prefer to book the holiday without flights and make your own travel arrangements you will still be able to make use of the return group transfers between the airport and hotel, which are included in the cost of your holiday. You must contact us on +44 (0)20 3974 8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk at least 8 weeks before your holiday start date to provide your flight details if you wish to join the transfers. If you do not contact us, we will assume you are making independent travel arrangements.
If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays’ leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group.
1 piece checked-in luggage (max 30kg)
Please check details of your airline’s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked.
If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline’s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport on arrival. They will assess the damage; in some cases, the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately.
You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if an immediate settlement is not possible - in many cases, baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport.
Rupee (Rs). Debit/credit cards are accepted in major cities. In smaller towns, cash or Mastercard/Visa are accepted. The Indian Rupee is a restricted currency and the limit you can carry in and out of the country is 25,000 Rupee which is around £200 depending on exchange rates. US$ and GBP£ are the easiest currencies to exchange. Please carry some small rupee notes for shopping.
GMT/UTC +5.5 hrs
220V, round 3 pin plugs (larger top pin)
We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.
Learn moreCode: KER13-WHW10
Dates & Prices
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Flight Inclusive
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Non-members
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Land Only
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Single Price - Land Only
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Non-members
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Single Supplement
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Itinerary: 13 Nights - Itinerary
Trip Type: Walking with sightseeing
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Flight Inclusive
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Price - Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Supplement
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Itinerary: 13 Nights - Itinerary
Trip Type: Walking with sightseeing
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Flight Inclusive
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Price - Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Supplement
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Itinerary: 13 Nights - Itinerary
Trip Type: Walking with sightseeing
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Flight Inclusive
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Price - Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Supplement
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Itinerary: 13 Nights - Itinerary
Trip Type: Walking with sightseeing
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Flight Inclusive
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Price - Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Supplement
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Itinerary: 13 Nights - Itinerary
Trip Type: Walking with sightseeing
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Flight Inclusive
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Price - Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Supplement
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Itinerary: 13 Nights - Itinerary
Trip Type: Walking with sightseeing
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Flight Inclusive
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Price - Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Supplement
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Itinerary: 13 Nights - Itinerary
Trip Type: Walking with sightseeing
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Flight Inclusive
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Price - Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Supplement
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Itinerary: 13 Nights - Itinerary
Trip Type: Walking with sightseeing
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday
If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations
If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience
Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries
Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday
If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations
If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience
Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries
Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members
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