Trails of Kerala & Tamil Nadu

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: Old Court House or similar Transport: Airport Transfer (1.5 hours)

Meals:  Nil

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: Old Court House 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. In the afternoon, you will visit a tea museum to uncover fascinating insights into tea cultivation and production in Munnar. Later, you can unwind and relax, ready to begin your hiking adventure tomorrow. Overnight: Eastend Munnar or similar. Transport: 4 hours drive Activity: Tea plantation visit and bazaar walk

Meals:  B,L,D

Today starts early to fit in the day's activities. Your rainforest trek in Munnar takes you to an altitude of 2,640 metres at Meesapulimala, the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats. The hike involves traversing cloud forests and grasslands to reach the summit. After a short break to take in the stunning views of forests and tea estates in the valleys below, you will descend to the small village of Suryanelli. Overnight: Sienna Village Activity: 9km approx. hike Transfers: Approx. 1 hour to and from trail head

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, you may wake to the melodic call of the Malabar Whistling Thrush from the nearby forest. The day begins with an early morning hike to a nearby peak, locally called "Phantom’s Head." This climb offers stunning views of Papathy Shola, or Butterfly Forest, named for the mass butterfly migrations in October and November. Later, you will have the opportunity to visit the Muduvan tribal village. The Muduvans played a role in historical events, such as accompanying the Pandya dynasty during their migration into the hills, and are reputed to have carried their belongings on their backs—hence the name "Muduvan," meaning "those who carry on their backs." Overnight: Sienna Village Activity: 8km approx. hike and tribal village visit

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: Gazelle villa Activity: 10km approx. hike

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. Overnight: Gazelle villa Activity: 9km approx. hike

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: Old Court House or similar Transport: 5.5 hour drive

Meals:  B

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B