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Coastal scenery while trekking Southern India - Trails of Kerala & Tamil Nadu, India
Coastal scenery while trekking Southern India  | Jaclyn Loft
Happy family at Varkala Beach - Trails of Kerala & Tamil Nadu, India
Happy family at Varkala Beach  | Scott Pinnegar
Breathtaking views while trekking Southern India - Trails of Kerala & Tamil Nadu, India
Breathtaking views while trekking Southern India  | Jaclyn Loft
Local street in Cochin - Trails of Kerala & Tamil Nadu, India
Local street in Cochin  | Scott Pinnegar
Simple but beautiful Indian cuisine - Trails of Kerala & Tamil Nadu, India
Simple but beautiful Indian cuisine  | Jaclyn Loft
Stunning colour on the streets of Southern India - Trails of Kerala & Tamil Nadu, India
Stunning colour on the streets of Southern India  | Jaclyn Loft

Trails of Kerala & Tamil Nadu

Explore the scenic trails of this iconic part of Southern India

India

9 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: KRT
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 9 Days
Activities
  • 4 day hike
  • 2 days adventure touring
Accommodation
  • 8 nights comfortable hotel/lodge
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 8 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

71kg of CO2-e PP per day

(566kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

South India Hiking Adventure Trip highlights

  • Hike through the Cardamom Hills and Mathikettan Shola National Park, a South Indian biodiversity hotspot
  • Experience the Periyar Tiger Reserve on foot, with the chance to spot elephants and Nilgiri langurs
  • Explore colonial era Fort Kochi with its Dutch mansions, Chinese fishing nets and spice markets
  • Spot rare wildlife in their natural habitat, from the endemic Malabar Giant Squirrel to the iconic Asian elephant
  • Relax in hand-picked heritage lodges and boutique hotels that reflect the charm of South India

Overview

Southern India delivers no end of pleasant surprises on this wonderful trip. Our carefully crafted itinerary offers the highlights of the magnificent hill country of the Western Ghats along with time to relax in the historic coastal town of Kochi. Our hike in the Western Ghats takes us along the Mathikettan Shola rainforest track, an exciting and challenging trekking route that begins in Munnar and traces its path to the famed Periyar Tiger Reserve. If you want to be surrounded by the beauty of nature and venture on a unique trek, this rainforest trek is just what you are looking for.

Itinerary

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Upon arrival you will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the group hotel. The rest of the afternoon is spent at your leisure with a group arrival briefing held in the early evening. Overnight: Dutch Bungalow Hotel or similar Transport: Airport Transfer (1.5 hours)

Meals: D

Today, you will explore Kochi's cultural heritage through its museums and temples, and in the evening, enjoy a vibrant Kathakali dance performance a traditional Keralan art form that blends storytelling, music, and elaborate costumes. Kochi’s fascinating history comes alive in its colonial bungalows, an ancient synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, the oldest European church in India, and a medieval Portuguese palace. Founded in 1341 after a flood created a natural harbour, it quickly became the chief port on the Malabar Coast. In the 1400s, Jewish, Arab, and Christian settlers arrived, drawn by the royal family’s relocation from Muziris, 50 km to the north. From the 1500s, Europeans including the Portuguese, Dutch, and English competed to control the port and its lucrative spice trade. The city has three distinct areas: Ernakulam, the modern hub to the east, and the historic districts of Mattancherry and Fort Kochi on a western peninsula. You will stay in the heart of Fort Kochi, India’s oldest Indo-European town. Overnight: Dutch Bungalow Hotel or similar Activity: Guided Fort Kochi walk

Meals: B

Today, you will head to the hill town of Munnar, nestled amidst lush green mountains and home to some of the world’s highest tea plantations. Along the way, you will pass the spectacular tea estates that define this region. This is the land of Neelakurinji, a rare flower that blooms in these hills once every twelve years, and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, an ibex species found only in this area. After your transfer from Kochi, stretch your legs with the Sivanmalai Trek, a gentle afternoon walk through tea plantations and forested ridges near Munnar. Enjoy sweeping views of the Western Ghats before visiting the Tea Museum to learn about the region’s rich tea heritage. Later, you can unwind and relax, ready to begin your hiking adventure tomorrow. Overnight: Eastend Munnar or similar. Transport: 4 hours drive Activity: Sivan Malai Trek (±) 8km/5mi

Meals: B,L,D

Today transfer to Suryanelli and begin your trek. Your walk starts in the high-altitude forests near Papathy Shola, or ‘Butterfly Forest’ named for the thousands of butterflies that migrate here each October. These cloud forests are also home to a rich diversity of birdlife and endemic species such as the striking Malabar Giant Squirrel. As you trek through stretches of grasslands and thick forest, take in the remarkable biodiversity and panoramic views. The walk concludes with a descent towards the tranquil Anaerangal Lake, whose name means “the lake where the elephants come down.” This peaceful waterbody draws wildlife and sustains local communities. Around its banks, tribal settlements farm cardamom and other spices, thriving in the cool, misty climate of the region. Overnight: Sienna Village or similar Activity: Butterfly Forest Trek (±) 7km/4.5mi Transfers: Approx. 1 hour to and from trail head

Meals: B,L,D

Today, you will trek through Mathikettan Shola National Park, a haven of biodiversity teeming with endemic plants, animals, and wildlife such as Asiatic elephants and Nilgiri langurs. Your journey leads to Santhanpara, nestled among lush vegetation and cardamom spice plantations, earning the region its name, the 'Cardamom Hills.' This area is the heart of Kerala's spice cultivation, renowned for centuries and a magnet for traders from across the world. Overnight: Shola crown or similar Activity: Mathikettan Shola Trek (±) 11.5km/7mi

Meals: B,L,D

Today, you will trek from Santhanpara to Chaturangapara, marking the final stretch of your rainforest journey in Munnar. The route follows a prominent ridge along the eastern edge of the Western Ghats, offering breathtaking views over the plains of neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Transfer to Periyar after the trek. Overnight: Forest canopy or similar Activity: Chaturangapara Trek (±) 9km/5.5mi Transfer to Periyar: 2 hours after the trek

Meals: B,L,D

Today you will explore Periyar Tiger Reserve on foot. Periyar is one of India’s best-managed wildlife reserves, covering 777 sq km of lush forest in the Western Ghats. Breathing in the crisp mountain air, you’ll immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wilderness. The reserve’s centrepiece is Periyar Lake, a man-made reservoir formed over a century ago by damming the Periyar River. Surrounding the lake, the open grasslands and varied terrain provide a haven for a remarkable range of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, gaur (Indian bison), sambar, barking deer, Nilgiri langurs, lion-tailed macaques, wild dogs, and with luck, even a tiger around 40 are thought to inhabit the park. You’ll spend the day hiking through the forest alongside local guides and tribal trackers. This is a true highlight of your journey a chance to experience the forest up close, listening, watching, and learning from those who know it best. Overnight: Forest canopy or similar Activity: Border Hiking (±) 11km/6.5mi

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you will head back to Fort Kochi. Once back in Fort Kochi you will have the afternoon to relax in your comfortable accommodation or perhaps venture out for one last stroll in this iconic colonial city. Overnight: Dutch Bungalow Hotel or similar Transport: 5.5 hour drive

Meals: B

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

4 scheduled departures between 13 Dec 2026 and 19 Apr 2027.

  • Departs 13 Dec 2026 – ends 21 Dec 2026 (9 days)
  • Departs 10 Jan 2027 – ends 18 Jan 2027 (9 days)
  • Departs 21 Mar 2027 – ends 29 Mar 2027 (9 days)
  • Departs 19 Apr 2027 – ends 27 Apr 2027 (9 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
  • comfortable accommodation on a twinshare
  • airport transfer on day 1 and 9
  • all internal transport and support vehicle whilst trekking
  • local specialist guides
  • sightseeing and entry fees as listed in the itinerary
  • drinking water while trekking

Not included

  • International or domestic flights
  • bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
  • tips
  • airport & departure taxes
  • visas
  • travel insurance

Extra trip info

AccommodationWill My Trip Run?

Heritage and Comfortable Accommodation

Comfortable accommodation is provided throughout, ranging from quality heritage stays to well-appointed 3 to 4-star properties, offering a blend of character and modern amenities.

Trekking in Meesapulimala, Southern India | Scott Pinnegar

Single Supplements

World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we cannot match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. Please refer to our website for the additional cost.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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