Spicelands & Elephants Trip Notes

At Imaginative Traveller we always aim to provide accurate information for our travellers. Unfortunately information such as the price of optional activities is occasionally subject to change, and this means that we are constantly revising our trip notes. In order to ensure that you have the most up to date information for your trip we suggest that you check the trip notes for your tour around one month before departure.

Trip code: FFTR
Trip length: 14 days

Highlights

• Cruise the backwaters on a converted rice barge
• Play on beautiful, golden palm-fringed beaches
• Visit ancient & colourful Hindu temple cities

Overview

The southern state of Kerala consists of a range of jungle-covered hills which undulate gently towards the Indian Ocean - a perfect tropical getaway! Your adventure starts in the colourful 'spice town' of Cochin, where you get a glimpse into the region’s rich and multi-cultural history. You'll also visit an elephant training camp and eco-farm to walk amongst fields of spices. Next you travel via the beautiful ‘hill station’ of Munnar, to the one of India’s oldest cities, Madurai – a centuries old centre of learning and pilgrimage. Periyar National Park offers a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life, with over 300 square miles of lush tropical forests. It’s the perfect place for getting up close and personal with animals such as wild elephant and otters. You'll continue to the beautiful Kerala backwaters, exploring the area’s villages on an overnight cruise on a comfortable houseboat. With beautiful unspoilt beaches to finish, this trip provides a great insight into the delights of southern India and this wonderfully friendly and easy-going area.

Itinerary

Trip starts Cochin

After time to freshen up and relax, your Group Leader will brief you on what to expect in the days ahead. The rest of the day is free for you enjoy as you please. Today or tomorrow perhaps you’ll also take in a Kathakali show, a traditional dance drama in which performers wear an incredible amount of colourful costume and make-up. They sway to the music as local legends are retold by this art form dating back 500 years or more (optional).

The Grand Hotel (AAA) - 2 nights (B)

Cochin exploration

Today you’ll take a sightseeing tour of Cochin’s main attractions. Cochin (now known by the local name Kochi) – is built around a saltwater lagoon on the Arabian Sea, and remains the commercial capital of Kerala. From the tightly packed streets the scents of cinnamon, cloves and countless other spices mingle in the sea breeze. On the western shore of the Fort Cochin peninsular, rows of cantilevered Chinese fishing nets remind us of Kerala’s trade links with the outside world. The area is also home to a small community of Jews whose descendants sailed into exile some 2,000 years ago - a synagogue still remains. Close by is Mattancherry Palace originally built by the Portuguese and given to the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. Here you’ll see the remarkable series of murals, which illustrate tales from the sacred epic of the Ramayana.

There is plenty of time to wander through the narrow lanes lined with houses built by the Portuguese, Dutch and British in their own distinctive styles. However it’s not only the extraordinary assortment of architectural styles that can be found but also an array of interesting and tasty local dishes. Still strong on rice, coconuts and fish, local cuisine also embraces influences from Europe and the Arab world. This evening we have included a harbour cruise, a relaxing end to the day! (B)

Cochin to Guruvayur

This morning you leave Cochin and head to Guruvayur where you'll check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax. Later you visit the Punathir Kota Elephant Camp – undoubted fun for the kids who will be able to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Elephants are are loved, revered, groomed and are an integral part of Kerala culture and daily life. Over forty elephants are groomed at the Punathir kota ( kota means 'fort') and are brought as ritual offering to the temple. You can spend a whole afternoon with these huge mammals here. Watching the naughty baby elephants' playful antics is an entertaining experience. The place provides you an opportunity to watch how the sick elephants are medically treated in the traditional manner. You can also watch the training given to the elephants for various ritualistic performances.

Kanoos Residency Hotel (AAA) - 1 night (B)

Munnar

After breakfast you’ll board your charter bus for the journey eastward (approx 5-6hrs) to Munnar. You’re now in hill country and should notice the difference in both temperature and humidity from Cochin. Munnar was developed by British tea companies in the early 20^th century and many buildings still reflect the town’s days as a British ‘hill station’. Today you can visit a local family and share lunch with them. The following day you explore Eravikulum National Park. This park was established in the 1970’s, primarily as a means of protecting an endangered species of wild goat, the Nilgiri Tahr. The terrain in the park is quite rough and steep but you’ll take a gentle trek along good paths, to spot these animals along with possibly elephants, sambar and macaques. This afternoon there’s time to wander around Munnar’s bazaars.

Deshadan Mountain Resort (AAA) - 2 nights (Bx2, Lx1)

Nb. Eravikulum National Park is normally closed in April due to breeding season and for a part of the summer, when it's monsoon season. In these instances, you will visit a tea museum and take a guided walk around the town. In addition to this, the lunch with a local family will either take place with a family in Munnar or a family in Periyar, depending on their commitments.

Madurai

This morning you continue your journey westward by bus to Madurai, a city with an illustrious history The journey usually takes around four hours and you should arrive at your hotel around lunch time, however road conditions on this journey may mean the time taken is longer. Madurai is the largest of what are collectively known as ‘The Temple Towns’. South India’s temple architecture is very different to that of the north, but these are iconic structures in their own right. On the northern plains, temples are graced with slim sikaras (towers) whereas here in the south immense gopurams (gateways) carved with thousands of painted Hindu gods are the most striking elements of the Dravidian temples.

Meenakshi temple is no exception - inside is a maze of halls, pillared cloisters and sanctuaries - all of which seem to be decorated with a profusion of murals, carvings and inscriptions. The heady fragrance of incense is everywhere, as is the chanting of priests whose deities are garlanded with colourful flowers. Outside the temple complex the streets are no less enthralling and seem to resemble one huge bazaar with hawkers, stalls and even the occasional passing elephant! Every morning Shiva is taken from his resting place with Meenakshi to the main temple shrine and returned in the evening with great ritual. Tonight, after an afternoon’s exploration, you should have the chance to visit the Meenakshi temple to witness the daily ceremony of ‘Putting Shiva to Bed’. You’ll return to your hotel by cycle or auto rickshaw.

The following day is set aside for you to choose your own activities. You might choose to laze by the hotel pool, or if you’re feeling more energetic, take an auto rickshaw to the impressive Thirumalai Nayak Palace. Built in Indo-Mhugal style, the Palace was restored by the British in the 19th century and retains some beautiful examples of Tamil decoration. Alternatively you may decide to venture further afield, with a visit to Trichy. The focus of Trichy is the towering Rock Fort Temple. You make your way to the entrance and from there climb the 400 plus steps past several shrines onto a rock plateau. From the plateau there are stunning views over the city, coconut palms and paddy field patchwork of the Cauvery River plains. Back down the steps and you can make your way to the old town where the labyrinth of narrow, 18th century streets are lined with craft workshops and small textile shops.

Hotel Germanus (AAA) - 2 nights - Swimming Pool (Bx2)

Periyar National Park

You cross from Tamil Nadu into Kerala and drive the five or so hours to Periyar National Park, one of the main wildlife sanctuaries of southern India and one of the countries largest. Situated in the Cardamom Hills region of the Western Ghats, the park covers 777 square kilometres, at an altitude of between 914 and 1,828m. At its centre lies a large artificial lake, built by the British in 1895 to supply water to the region around Madurai and over 15 square kilometres in area. In 1973 the park became part of Project Tiger in an effort to save this wonderful animal from extinction. The park has a rich variety of wildlife - both mammals and birds. You would indeed be lucky to see the elusive tiger and leopard - both of which inhabit the forest, but should certainly see sambar, chital, otter, wild boar and gaur along with a rich variety of birdlife (and the odd leech!). In addition, wild elephants are often seen in the park.

You'll have some free time to relax and get used to the sounds of the wildlife in the park. You might like to take the opportunity to take a bullock and cart ride as part of a community-based eco-tourism project where locals will take you around their village in the valley behind the mountains of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. You could also hire a bike in the village of Kumily and explore the area, visiting the local tea and spice markets, or cycle amongst the cardamom-covered hills. Later on, you’ll spend time at a nearby elephant camp where you can see these majstic animals at close quarters again before rounding the day off with a visit to a local market.

The next day you’ll continue your exploration of the park on foot in a small group; this is one of the few wildlife parks in which visitors are able to walk. You make regular stops to watch for elephant and gaur, as well as monkeys and birds.

Silver Crest Hotel - 2 nights (Bx2)

Malabar Backwaters

This morning you descend from the hills and make the three hour drive to Kumarakom. Here you board a houseboat to begin a cruise through the complex system of beautiful lagoons and canals known as the ‘Malabar Backwaters’. These waterways are the principal means of communication and trade for scores of homes and villages. Along the banks, at jetties and ferry stops, there's often a wonderful array of produce ready for market - sacks of cashews are piled high next to coconuts.

Your houseboat is a converted kettuvallam (rice barge) constructed in a traditional way from anjali (jackfruit) wood. ‘Kettu’ means knot and ‘vallom' means boat. These giant 80-foot long crafts have been adapted to provide simple but comfortable accommodation. The decks are carpeted with coir matting and furniture made from cane which is of typical southern style. Each boat has air conditioning, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew, usually comprising two oarsmen and a cook. Traditional lanterns are used as lights.

Houseboat - 1 night (BLD)

Backwaters of Aleppy

Your cruise on the backwaters is coming to an end. Before it does, soak up the surroundings and tranquil atmosphere. Yuo may pass houses, perched on strips of land only a few metres wide. Lined with swaying palms, with shimmering green paddy fields beyond, the backwaters make a beautiful and peaceful setting. You may even encounter traditional boats with their huge sails and dragon-carved prows.

Many people are employed in the coconut industry, where the coir (fibres) and copra (white meat) is processed in numerous small, often family-run, mills. Cashews are an important cash crop, and fishing plays an obviously vital role in the economy. After breakfast on board, your houseboat cruise ends at Aleppy where you'll take a transfer to your hotel accommodation.

Coir Village Resort (AAA) - 1 night - Swimming Pool (BD)

Kovalam beach stay

This morning transfer to Kollam railway station and catch the train to Trivandrum (2hrs). Approximately 25 minutes drive from Trivandrum lies your accommodation for the next two nights at Kovalam Beach. You’re free to spend your time here lazing on the beach or by the hotel pool. Alternatively you could have a traditional ayurvedic massage, where oils extracted from plants with medicinal properties are worked into the head, arms, shoulders and back – a perfect trip end for parents. Or what about making a full day journey to the very south of India, to Kanyakumari and look south towards Antarctica! You can explore locally on foot and sometimes bikes can be found to rent out.

On your last evening the Group Leader will no doubt organise a traditional ‘last supper’.

Sagara Beach Resort (AAA) - 2 nights - Swimming Pool (Bx2)

Trip ends

The trip ends this morning. (B)

About The Imaginative Traveller

Our aim has always been to provide exceptional travel experiences. We believe that adventure travel should be stimulating, and that it should give you an authentic experience of a place. We want our travellers to relish the amazing diversity of countries and cultures the world has to offer. Our focus is on innovation, not imitation.

Obsessed with quality

One of our strengths has been our obsession with quality. We've always believed that our commitment to you doesn't end as soon as you've paid for your holiday. On the contrary, it is just beginning. Whilst most operators simply get a local company to handle the day to day operation of their tours, we do it all ourselves. We have managers for each of our key destinations around the world and all our small groups are escorted by our own leaders. Our local teams include guides, drivers, administration staff and contacts in the local community who help us ensure that our adventures are active and involving.

For comparability, all prices in this dossier are quoted in one currency. We use the US Dollar since that is familiar to most. However, once on tour you will need to pay for all goods and services in the local currency. See your Country Dossier for details of exchange rates.

Trip grades

Beach / coastal
Jungle Wildlife
Lakes
Mountains
Palaces
Rivers
Souks / Markets
Cultural

Fitness

This trip is suitable for anyone in reasonable health. There is no real physical difficulty involved although humidity can be high, especially on the coast. India is a developing country and the tourist infrastructure in the south is in its infancy. Be prepared to leave Western expectations behind; piping hot water may not be available at all times of the day and cooling fans may well rattle! A little patience and a sense of humour are essential. Minimum age: 7 years

Included

Transport - Charter vehicle, houseboat, on foot, train.

Accommodation - Hotels (12nts), houseboat (1nt).

Meals - 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners.

Single room supplement

A single supplement is available for this trip priced from 569 GBP. This does not guarantee a single room for all accommodation. please contact us to discuss this.

Baggage

For your comfort we recommend you travel as light as possible; many airlines impose a maximum weight limit of 20kg – we advise you to take 10kg as you will be on the move a good deal! For domestic flights using light aircraft the usual weight limit is 15 kg.
One main piece (a soft bag or rucksack, not a hard suitcase).
A daypack (25-30 litres), large enough to carry what you need for the day including camera, water, etc.

Travel tips

India must be one of the most photogenic countries in the world but take care before you start snapping away. Taking pictures at airports and railway stations is usually prohibited and although many people may like having their photograph taken, others may not; ask with a smile and you’re more likely to get results.

SOME INTERESTING READING:
Your Child’s Health Abroad - Matthew Ellis and Jane Wilson-Howarth
Travel with Children – Maureen Wheeler
India in Slow Motion – Mark Tully
A Suitable Boy – Vikram Seth
Daughters of Kerala: 25 Short Stories – Achamma C. Chandersekaran
Inner Spaces: New Writing by Women from Kerala – K M George

FOR YOUNGER READERS:
Seasons of Splendour: Tales, Myths & Legends of India – Madhur Jaffrey
The Puffin Book of Classic Indian Tales – Meera Uberoi
Tales of Kalila and Dimna: Classic Fables from India - Ramsey Wood

SOME USEFUL MALAYALAM PHRASES:
Vanakkam – hello, greetings
Nanni – thank you
Kollaam – okay or good
Ninte peru enthanu? – what is your name?
Enti Peru Chris – my name is Chris

Local Costs

Local Costs - India

Approx. costs are given for guidance only, and may vary widely according to location and establishment.

• 1ltr mineral water £0.40 (INR 25)
• Tea/Coffee £1.00 (INR 65)
• Soft drink £0.80 (INR 55)
• Medium beer £3.00 (INR 200)
• Local snack lunch £5.00 (INR 400)
• 3-course dinner* £10.00 (INR 700)

*reasonable mid-range tourist class restaurant.

Visas

Visas & Permits - India

Travellers from the UK MUST get a visa for India before travelling. If you do not have a valid visa before departure you will not be allowed to enter the country. Nationals of all other countries should contact their local embassy or consulate. Information can also be found at www.travcour.com.

This information is given in good faith, but may be subject to change without warning. Please note that where appropriate, obtaining a valid visa is ultimately your responsibility. Please consult a visa agency or the consular authorities 4-6 weeks before departure for the most up-to-date information.

Important information for passengers travelling on the XSK, 'Darjeeling, Sikkim & Kanchenjunga' trip: Please do not mention Sikkim on your application form. If you do so your application will be rejected. A Sikkim permit application form will be sent to you on booking. This needs to be filled in and returned to us at least 5 weeks before departure along with 2 passport photographs. Please also send us a photocopy of your passport details page and the Indian visa at least 5 weeks before departure, as these are required for the permit.

Further important information for passengers: Please note that if you are applying for a double entry tourist visa you now need to complete an additional form (it’s a very short form asking you to confirm the need for the double entry visa).

Vaccinations

Vaccinations - India

The following are recommended:
† Hepatitis A † Malaria † Tetanus † Typhoid † Polio
† Diphtheria † NB: Yellow Fever vaccination is required if travelling via an infected country.

For detailed information and advice concerning vaccinations go to:www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Vaccination requirements change periodically so we advise that you check with your nearest specialist travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure to get up-to-date information.

International rules for carrying medicines vary. Some countries do not allow certain medicines to be imported, or require official documents, such as a doctor’s letter, to prove drugs have been prescribed by a doctor and obtained legally. It is sensible to contact the relevant embassy or high commission of your destination to check what their drug transportation rules are before you travel.

The itinerary and supplementary information has been compiled with care and provided in good faith. However it may be subject to change, and does not form part of a contract between the client and The Imaginative Traveller.

Responsible Travel - Travellers' Guidelines

At Imaginative Traveller we love helping our clients experience the beauty and cultures of the destinations we visit. However, hand in hand with this we have always been aware that we have a responsibility to minimise any negative impacts that tourism can bring.

Responsible Travel is twofold. It’s about taking people to the places they want to go in a safe and responsible manner but also about respecting and maintaining the natural and often delicate balance of the destination. Economic gain from tourism is often fundamental to a country, but should never be at the expense of its culture or the environment.

Our Aims

• It is our aim to provide journeys that have minimal negative and maximum positive impact on the places we visit.
• We do not believe that, as visitors, we should impose our own cultures on others; rather that we should experience foreign cultures and appreciate them for what they are.
• Whilst it is our aim to show destinations and cultures in a positive light, we do not believe in papering over the cracks or shielding visitors from the realities of life. This does not mean, however, that we condone or endorse certain situations or regimes that may be in place.
  Our guidelines are meant not as rigid instructions but rather as suggestions to make our holidays more enjoyable – for everybody. As cultural and environmental sensitivities vary from country to country more specific guidelines can be found in our individual country and trip dossiers.

Travellers' Guidelines

Before you depart try to spend some time familiarising yourself with the destination you will be travelling to – their culture and customs. The country dossiers on our website offer detailed information about all the regions we visit. They also include some useful phrases in the local language for you to use on your trip! A few words of the local language can open up many more opportunities for you to interact with the people you will meet.

Although it is tempting to give out pens, sweets and money to people begging, and particularly tempting to give to children, we feel that this encourages a begging mentality and has a long-term negative impact on communities. If someone begging earns more than someone in the same community who works this can discourage local employment. If children regularly bring home money it may discourage their parents from sending them to school. It is of course your own personal choice but you could consider giving to registered charities or contributing to our Responsible Travel fund instead. Money donated through our fund to our worldwide projects is matched pound for pound by Imaginative Traveller and used to help local grassroots projects.

Always ask permission to photograph local people and respect their decision if they would prefer not to have their picture taken.

Respect local dress codes, especially at religious sites. Our tour leaders are always on hand to give you advice about this.

In many of the countries we visit you might see examples of animal cruelty (for example dancing bears, performing monkeys and snake charmers). Please do not take photographs of this or offer money as it encourages the activity.

Respect the environment you are in. It sounds obvious but do not throw litter, take it with you or use rubbish bins! You may see locals throwing rubbish on the street but do not follow their example!

When shopping in countries where haggling is the norm – enjoy it and only pay what you feel is a fair price for the goods you are purchasing. However, remember that the shopkeeper does have to make a living so do stop once you have reached a price you are happy with. Bargaining should be fun but always remember that a small amount can mean much more to the vendor than to you.

Endeavor to take home souvenirs made locally; the money you spend can be very important to the local communities. However, do use your common sense and don’t buy anything that you think might be made out of endangered animals or plants.

To help keep as much money as possible in the host country - try to eat in locally owned restaurants and order local drinks and produce rather than international brands.

In hotels do be conscious of how much water you are using. Many of the areas we visit regularly have shortages; try not to have hour long showers! Don’t leave lights, air conditioners or fans on when you leave the room – you wouldn’t at home!

Respect the environment you are in, especially when in national parks or reserves. Pay attention to rules about keeping on paths, keeping a distance from animals and not removing any of the natural habitat.

Relax and immerse yourself in the differences of the culture you are in – you’ll be back home in the familiar soon enough (and wishing you were still on holiday!). These cultural differences are part of what makes your experience special.

If you would like to offset the carbon dioxide that will be produced on your flights you can do this on our website (on our Responsible travel page). We work with climatecare, who will reduce the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide that you produce in another part of the World through their emission reduction projects. These projects are low carbon efficient technologies in developing countries and not only serve to reduce emissions but also help to spread the adoption of low carbon technologies and improve the quality of life for local communities. Details of climatecare’s projects can be found on their website.

If you would like to contribute to our Worldwide projects, helping communities all over the World, you can also do this on our website or with a sales consultant. Please refer to our responsible travel page on the website for details of our current projects. Any donation you make will be matched £ for £ by Imaginative Traveller (up to a maximum of £1000).

Have a great trip!

Please do let us know if you have any comments about responsible travel at rto@imtrav.net

The Imaginative Traveller & The Adventure Company. This trip is operated by our partner company, The Adventure Company. They have more than 10 years experience in adventure travel and they share our ethos for offering unique holiday adventures. As this is a codeshared departure you can expect there to be both Imaginative Traveller and Adventure Company travellers on your trip.