Backwaters & Beaches - An Adventure for teens in Kerala - 2010/11 Itinerary
12 days - from $1570
• Explore the Backwaters by bikes & on a houseboat cruise
• Stay with an Indian family, enjoy jungle trekking & time at the beaches
• Special August departures visit the exciting snake boat racing festival
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Bikes & Houseboats in the Backwaters
Our adventure begins on the tropical Malabar Coast in Varkala, a stunning spot where cliff meets beach. Behind us lie the Backwaters- a maze of islands and villages linked by rivers and canals. First we set out to explore by bikes; although it's always hot in Kerala, the seemingly never-ending canopy of palm trees shade us as we ride through villages to a camp where festival elephants are trained. The following day we board houseboats converted from rice barges and cruise through the waterways. Our final day in the Backwaters is spent at a comfortable island resort from where we can visit the famous Manarasala Snake temple! Special August departures will visit the famous snake boat racing festival.
Plantation Home stay & Periyar
The 'Vanilla County' plantation home stay in the cooler inland hills of the Western Ghats, is a firm favourite with our customers. Our welcoming hosts, the Matthew family, offer us a unique opportunity to learn about life in Kerala - from learning to cook a spicy coconut curry in Rani's kitchen to discovering the uses for all the different spices and trees grown on their farm. In this unspoilt haven we'll enjoy picnics in the countryside, swimming in natural river-cut rock pools and visit the Poonjar Palace. A short drive away at the Periyar National Park, we make an afternoon trek in the jungle and if we're lucky could spot sambar deer or even a wild elephant!
From Kathakali to Kovalam's crescent beach
Back on the steamy coat we stay in the heart of the old Portuguese Fort of Kochi where we're ideally placed to visit the picturesque Chinese fishing nets, old churches and synagogue or shop for some interesting souvenirs and curios. Cruising the harbour at sunset, is also a popular option. We visit a Kathakali show where as well as watching the performers apply their intricate paints - will get a chance to try a design on our own face! We catch an early morning train south to our final destination by the beach at Kovalam. As well as relaxation at the end of your adventure, there's the chance to have a massage, cook a curry or visit India's southernmost tip at Kanyakumari.
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Itinerary:
Day 1 Join the tour at our beachside hotel at Varkala. Day 2 Bikes & Elephants We enjoy a leisurely cycle ride along palm- fringed country lanes to visit an elephant training camp. Day 3 Houseboats Cruising through the beautiful backwaters by houseboat, we stop off to learn about life in the villages. Day 4 Backwaters From our base on an island, we can visit nearby beaches and a temple devoted to snakes. Special August departures will visit the famous snake boat racing festival. Days 5/6 Plantation Home stay As guests of the welcoming Matthew family on their plantation, we,swim in river rock pools and learn to cook a curry in the family kitchen. Day 7 Jungle trek In Periyar National Park we trek through jungle and if we're luck may spot an elephant. Days 8/9 Kochi & Kathakali From our base in the heart of Fort Kochi we explore the fascinating colonial quarter by foot and auto-rickshaw. Get your face painted like a Kathakali actor or take a sunset boat cruise (optional). Days 10/11 Kovalam Beach An early morning train ride takes us south to Kovalam for a couple of nights by the beach, chance to have a massage, cook a curry or do some serious souvenir shopping. Day 12 Tour ends in Kovalam.
Accommodation: 8nts hotel, 2nts plantation home stay, 1nt houseboat - houseboats have twin rooms with en suite bathrooms or you may choose to sleep out 'on deck'. Our plantation home stay has a variety of traditionally furnished rooms spread over two houses- due to space limitations adults and children within families may need to share a room; 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 4 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Train/Bike/Auto rickshaw.
Comment: Cycle ride on day 3 is around 13 kms. Our bus follows the route and can be taken if preferred. Jungle trekking in Periyar lasts around 3 hours. Kerala is hot and humid year round. Due to strong currents in the Indian Ocean - great care needs to be taken if swimming in Kerala. Always follow local advice.
Group: Approx. 13 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver, National Park guide, houseboat crew and cycle mechanic.
Trip Reference: FKB2010
