Kerala on Tuk Tuks – Kerala Rikshaw Tour

Day 3: Meesapulimala Trek

Drive to Base camp and trek the second highest peak of South India

Early morning, leaving the valley behind, we will drive to the high-altitude tea-growing hills of Munnar. The terrain again will be hilly and undulating as we drive through the manicured tea plantations, with a view of the misty and scenic valleys. You will park the Tuk Tuks and hop on to the Jeeps for the drive towards the Base Camp, the trek start point. En route, we will be clearing the documentation at a forest checkpoint. After alighting from the jeeps, we will start hiking to the Meesapulimala Base Camp first. Further start hiking through the picturesque landscapes along streams and patches of Shola forest to reach Rhodo Valley – a scenic valley with grassland, pine trees, flowers and small rivulets. Meesapulimala, the second highest peak in South India is well known for the typical Shola Forest and grassland ecosystem. You will witness pine, rhododendron trees, blooming flower beds and patches of the forest while the trek. You can view the Nilgiri Thar, endemic birds, butterflies and small rivulets with fresh water on your way. While summitting the peak, huge waves of mist will blow upon you and the vibrant morning colors of the sun can be seen from above the clouds. After spending a comfortable time, we will descent all the way back to the Base Camp for an overnight stay and our guide will do arrangements for your dinner. You can also stargaze from the valley on a clear night sky or enjoy a peaceful night away from the monotonous urban dwelling.

Day 4: Drive to the wilderness destination – Thekkady

Drive through the cardamom hills and boating in Periyar Tiger Reserve

Morning, it’s time to set course to Thekkady. To start with the vast tea plantations of Suryanelli, you will navigate on a combination of uphill, downhill and undulating hilly roads. We will pass along the picturesque Anaerangal lake and numerous viewpoints. Anaerangal lake with a small earthen dam is the centrally located lake between the hillocks of Suryanelli. It is the key source of water for the wildlife especially for elephant herds and the villages in this remote hilly region. Further, we drive through the cardamom forest roads of Shantanpara. You will start to see various spice plantations like cardamom and pepper and patches of tea and coffee plantations en route. The wet and cold climate here is ideal for wild cardamom and supports other cash crops like pepper and coffee. We reach Thekkady, and go for a boat safari in the Periyar national park to spot the unique wildlife of the Western Ghats. The biodiverse forest reserve is abundant in flora and fauna with 35 species of Mammals including the majestic Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic elephant, more than 260 Bird species including the Great Indian Hornbill. This abundant forest is also home to many species of Amphibians, reptiles, insects, fishes etc. Done with the forest activities, we head to a peaceful and comfortable homestay with a welcoming and warm-hearted host. After freshen up, we go for a cooking class to learn how to prepare a few traditional Keralan dishes and have them for dinner at the place.

Day 5: Drive to placid Backwaters of Alappuzha

Drive through scenic valleys, lowlands, agrarian villages and backwater Kayaking

Today, we drive through the final stretch of Western Ghats during the tour. The terrain will be a combination of inclined and undulating winding roads through cardamom and tea plantations with the view of scenic hills and valleys with dancing meadows in the refreshing breeze. You will pass through small settlements and small towns of Vandiperiyar and Elapara towards the midlands. Further, we drive through the rubber country of Pala and the agrarian village of Erattupetta along valleys of rubber, spices and pineapple plantations, small temples and churches towards our next destination, remote into the meandering water world. You will drive the final stretch along the lush green paddy fields, fish and duck farms, coconut lagoons and canals to reach Champakulam Village. Here, you will be greeted by the friendly host at the traditional homestay situated right on the banks of Vembanad lake. A visit to the backwaters is incomplete without a kayaking adventure through its narrow intrinsic canals. Afternoon, we will hop on to the kayaks to paddle lazily across the small islands and wetlands to see up close, how the village life wakes up to life with the golden lights of the sun. You can see toddy tappers climbing up the high coconut tree, the local fishermen harvesting clamshells and pearl spot fishes on their canoe, women washing clothes and children walking to the school, while flocks of ducks paddling across the narrow canals, the patient kingfishers, egrets and cormorants keeping a watchful eye on their next catch.

Day 6: Drive to the pristine beach of Marari

Snake Temple visit, drive through fishermen villages and coconut groves

Before winding up the rustic experiences of the backwater village, we drive to the ancient Snake Temple of Mannarasala. The serpent god Nagaraja is worshipped here and the history of the temple is old as the land of Kerala itself. After the temple visit, we drive towards the pristine beach destination of Marari. The road will again be flat with some high bridges over the backwater canals. You will be passing along paddy fields and coconut lagoons. We will visit the coir factory en-route to know how various products are made out of coir fiber. The coir cottage industry was once a prime source of income for the locals, men and women alike. At the factory, you will get to know how every part of a coconut tree is used for various purposes and has been blended into the culture of the land. We will end our drive at a serene beach homestay, close by the Marari beach. The rest of the day can be spent at leisure along the beach or we can walk to the fishermen’s village nearby and meet the brave sea warriors trying to know more about their intense life. Afternoon, we will have a martial art (Kalari-payettu) workshop at a traditional Kalari School nearby or a yoga session at the quaint beach.

Day 7: Tour ends at Fort Kochi

Drive back to Fort Kochi on scenic coastal road along the beach and wetlands

After breakfast, we will start our drive toward the colonial city of Fort Kochi. The road will be mostly flat throughout with a view of the Arabian Sea. You will be riding along the Fishing Harbour of Andhakaranazhi through coconut groves, patches of wetlands and coastal villages of Chellanam and Ezhupunna to arrive back at Fort Kochi. It’s time, we leave our Tuk Tuks to say Adieu, with fond memories of the Kerala Tuk Tuk Adventure drive.

Arrival

The tour starts and ends in Fort Kochi.

Frequently asked Questions

Do I need an adapter in India?

Yes, an adapter is necessary, as in India most of the plugs are used. More information here.

What is the climate in Southern India?

The climate is subtropical. In July/August is monsoon season, which manifests itself in short showers. The best time to travel is October to March.

In the south of the country, the sun’s irradiation is particularly intense due to its proximity to the equator. In order to avoid unpleasant and long-term dangerous sunburns, care must be taken to ensure good sun protection and adequate fluid absorption.
Dangerous currents continue to lead to bathing accidents on the coasts. Warnings on the beaches are essential.

What language is spoken in India?

The official national languages are English and Hindi. In Kerala, however, Malayalam is spoken. In addition, there are numerous regional national languages, all of which differ in word and writing, and there are also over a hundred dialects.

Is there a time difference?

Yes, there are:  (CET) + 4.5 hours, during European daylight saving time it is + 3.5 hours.

Notes on money/currency:

The local currency rupee may not be entered or exported. Travellers wishing to import more than 5000 cash or traveller’s cheques must indicate this on the currency declaration form you receive upon your entry. We recommend taking euros with you. It is easily possible to exchange money in hotels or banks and bureaux de change, with the exchange rate being uniform. It is recommended to keep the receipt to ensure a return at the airport. International credit cards are accepted by most hotels in major cities and tourist centres.

Notes on additional costs and tipping:

For meals, drinks and snacks not included in the price of the trip, you should calculate approx. 15,- (Euro) per day.

Tips are a voluntary service, which everyone should decide for themselves. Please note, however, that tipping is common in many cultures and is an important part of income due to the relatively low wage level. As a rule of thumb, 5-10% of the invoice amount is appropriate. India is a travel country where a tip is expected for each service. Be it the luggage carrier, the service staff in the restaurant and hotel, for the toilet or the rickshaw ride.

Here is a detailed orientation. Menus often include a surcharge indicated as a service batch. However, the waiters usually see little of this. An additional tip of 5-10% is appropriate. Porters, drivers and guides also expect tipping. For racks 20-30 Rs per bag is attached, for maids 20-30 Rs per day. Your tour guide will be happy to advise you.

Tip: Talk to your fellow travellers. It has often been proven that one of the group gives a reasonable tip on behalf of the whole group (e.g. for the tour guide and driver). Experience has shown that each traveller will receive a tip of around 60 € for the entire trip. But: Tips are voluntary and please communicate with the group on site how you want to deal with it.

Notes on vaccination:

There are no vaccination regulations for direct entry from Germany. The Foreign Office recommends checking the standard vaccinations when travelling to India. These include vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, mumps, measles, rubella and influenza, as well as pneumococci.

Vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid, long-term stays or special hazards are also recommended for travel vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies, meningococcal meningitis ACWY and Japanese encephalitis.

Please keep in mind that vaccination regulations may change in the short term. In addition to the family doctor, individual information is also provided by the health offices or tropical institutes.

What equipment you should think of?

• Passport
• Printing of the electronic tourist visa (e-TV)
• Cash/EC card/credit card
• Photocopies of the most important documents (keep separate from originals). Send a copy via PDF to your own email in advance.
• Travel documents
• Day backpack
• comfortable shoes and clothes for smaller walks and activities
• light sneakers or sandals (for aerating the feet)
• Long trousers and sweater/jacket (for the evening and/or rooms with air conditioning)
• Photo equipment
• bathing suits, bath towel
• Sun protection and headgear (cap, hat or headscarf, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Travel pharmacy, first aid kit, possibly personal medications, insect repellent
• Due to different socket types, we recommend taking an international adapter set with you.