Kalypso Adventures

Vast stretches of forests of the Western Ghats, spice farms that dot the countryside, indigenous tribal communities, varied accommodation that includes glamping and eco friendly resorts set amongst the mountains of the Western Ghats– all these await you as go on this off the beaten track multi activity adventure of hiking, biking and wildlife watching in pristine wilderness. That the hotels on this trip cater to vegans is a new beginning giving impetus to vegan travel across this part of the world. Highlights • Active vegan vacation • Sightings of endemic birds & wildlife • Cycling & hiking through one of the 36 bio diversity regions on earth • Meeting up with local tribal communities • Tea ...Read more >

Our family vacation focuses on nature, wildlife and local culture in Sri Lanka. Learning and fun are the themes of our vacation. The trip starts with heading into the heart of the cultural triangle, which also has two large national parks. Enjoy elephants on Safari, Sri Lankan history in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and learning about the local monkey populations. We then move towards the east of the country away from the tourist circuit. The east coast used to be out of bounds due the recent civil war, however is now completely open and vibrant. It’s a completely different culture from the rest of the country. The people are warm and friendly and are ready to welcome you in. You will get ...Read more >

The Western Ghats of Southwestern India, locally known as the Sahyadri Hills, is the chain of mountains running parallel to India's Western coast, about 30 to 50 kilometers inland. The Western Ghats intercepts the Southwestern monsoon winds. The Western slopes of the mountains experience heavy annual rainfall, while the eastern slopes are drier; rainfall also decreases from South to North. Dozens of rivers originate in these mountains, including the peninsula’s three major eastward-flowing rivers. The wide variation of rainfall patterns in the Western Ghats, coupled with the region’s complex geography, produces a great variety of vegetation types. These include scrub forests in the ...Read more >

This focussed walking vacation is designed to showcase the urban areas, nature and colonial history of Sri Lanka. The modern Sri Lanka can be seen in Colombo. Bustling markets, dense suburbs, tucked away parks and temples, tall buildings – all mixed together. We then contrast this by heading into countryside, with farms and small villages. Get a glimpse of village life and enjoy Sri Lanka’s nature and wildlife. Lastly, we head to Galle to see the Colonial impact in Sri Lanka. A mix of cultures co-existing and influencing each other. A lot of tourists but we shall try and show you the local life away from the normal touristy areas.Read more >

Running along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau in the states of Karnataka and Kerala, the Western Ghats mountains separate the Deccan Plateau from the narrow coastal plain which runs along the Arabian Sea. This is the setting for one of the 35 world’s designated “hottest biodiversity hotspots”. This region supports an astonishing 5,000 species of flowering plants, around 140 mammals, over 500 birds and nearly 180 amphibians, many of them threatened. More importantly, this hotspot is home to great endemism including about 20 endemic mammals. Among flagship mammals, the most prominent are the Lion-tailed Macaque, found in highly fragmented tropical rain forests of the Western Ghats ...Read more >

The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka Biodiversity Hotspot is extraordinarily rich in endemic species of birds, mammals & vegetation. Extending along the West coast of India, the Western Ghats contains more than 30 percent of all plant, fish, reptile, amphibian, bird and mammal species found in the country. This ‘hot spot’ extends into Sri Lanka giving rise to a profusion of endemic species especially birds. The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka endemic birding tour takes you through the lowland forests of Thattekkad, the mountains of Munnar and Ooty, the dry scrub forests of Chinnar, the rain forests at Singharaja & Kitulagala and the hill country at Nuwara Eliya which are all bird rich areas. The ...Read more >

If you really want to experience a wilder side to Kerala, birdwatching vacations in the Western Ghats open up a series of rainforest habitats teeming with bird species, around 24 of which are endemic to southern India. From lowland rainforest areas to the montane forests, found higher up the Western Ghats, Kerala birdwatching vacations take you into the most incredible environments considered by BirdLife International to be some of the most important endemic birding spots in the whole of the region. This particular week-long Kerala birdwatching vacation in the Western Ghats has been created purely with the region's indigenous species in mind as well as taking in hundreds of other species ...Read more >

Southern India presents a much more peaceful experience when compared with the hectic cities further north and there's no activity that epitomises laid back relaxation more than kayaking on the Keralan backwaters which is why this five day trip is such a joy for all the senses. The backwaters of Kerala have long been the preserve of traders and farmers with the historic port of Alleppey providing, perhaps, the perfect setting for kayaking on the Keralan backwaters on some of the region's most revered lagoons, lakes and picturesque canals and river systems. From friendly riverside villages and delicious Keralan cuisine to staying overnight in heritage villages and smaller locally-owned ...Read more >

This is a cycling vacation for all those looking to explore the green magic of the Keralan countryside. If you are looking for quiet roads, spectacular sceneries and friendly people, then this vacation is for you. As you cycle through the backcountry roads around the magnificent forests, the magical backwaters and the beautiful beaches, Kerala will mesmerize you. You will be cycling away from the crowded towns and cities and going through the very heart of Kerala - its wonderful villages and people who will greet you with warmth, making this a trip of a lifetime and the best way to take in the real Kerala. Historical places, dense forested roads, spice gardens, isolated hamlets, manicured ...Read more >

Cycling from coast to coast in Sri Lanka with an English speaking local guide is an absolute must for anyone wishing to expand their cultural horizons along with their leg muscles. This two week trip takes you over Sri Lanka's quiet back roads so as to provide a healthy balance of untouched natural scenery and ancient sites, including the ruined temple of Yapahuwa and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Discovering Sri Lanka by bike really allows you to get to grips with the terrain and although the majority of the cycle routes are pretty flat there are one or two slight inclines that will provide a bit more or a challenge, as well as great views. Optional safaris in Minneriya and ...Read more >

This walking and cycling vacation explores the central heartlands of Sri Lanka. Starting from the spice district in the plains, the trip moves into hill country. The route is off the normal tourist track. You walk through spice plantations, teak forests and tea estates. The cycling is on back roads. The guides work in the plantations in the area and this trip supplements their income.Read more >

This is a fully supported e-bike tour through the heart of rural Kerala. Starting from Kochi, this cycling vacation in Kerala covers almost every aspect of the culture and natural beauty that draws people to Kerala. This vacation has been specially designed for e-Bikes, making cycling easy with power assisted e-bikes. During your journey you will have a grandstand view of Kerala's lowland forests, the stunning views of the Western Ghat mountains, the magnificent backwaters of Alleppey and the grand beaches at Marari. We welcome you to this quite little corner of India to enjoy your trip along quiet country roads, the spice plantations, village life and fabulous Keralan cuisine. With ...Read more >

Southern India really appeals to adventurous families looking for an activity vacation and Kerala, especially, is an ideal region from where to experience India from a safe and secure first time perspective. This two week vacation in Kerala can be tailored to your family’s personal preferences with a range of activities, including wildlife watching, forest treks, backwater kayaking, cycling and visits to tea estates and spice farms, all great ways to become immersed in the laid back lifestyles of the south. From lush forested mountain foothills to Kerala’s world-famous back water canals and beautiful beaches, this is your opportunity to take your family into a world of tropical adventures ...Read more >

There’s just something about the sunshine, scenery and smiles of southern India that make a Kerala activity vacation all the more appealing with chances to hike, bike and kayak your way around the region’s historic backwaters, a real joy for those who are looking to keep active outdoors. From Fort Kichi and the Western Ghats to the hill station at Munnar and Periyar Tiger Reserve, this two-week Kerala activity vacation let’s you discover the very best of southern India in the most enjoyable way possible with kayaking close to Alleppey about as relaxing an experience as you can ever hope to imagine. Read more >

Cycling tours in southern India give you the ideal chance to combine exercise with cultural insight as you embark on an eight day tour that takes you in and around the backwaters and forests of Kerala. South India cycle vacations offer every opportunity to taste the essence of the area with culinary delights and historic fortifications both adding to an intriguing blend of cycling and sightseeing. The low lying Thattekkad forests make a fantastically scenic backdrop to this eight day cycling vacation in southern India with an amazing array of animals and bird species adding to the attraction of relatively level gradients and peaceful rural roads. As you cycle past vast rubber plantations ...Read more >

This six day mountain bike vacation in southern India is bound to put your pedals through their paces as you aim to conquer the awesome back roads of the Western Ghat mountains. As you'd hope from a destination for an mtb vacation, southern India provides an incredible backdrop to accompany some fairly rugged terrain with rainforests, agricultural landscapes, plantations and lush green tea gardens conjuring up some superb scenes to enjoy both on and off the saddle. From high-altitude trails to eco-accommodation, this six day mtb vacation in southern India offers an amazing opportunity to mountain bike off the beaten track with bungalows on tea estates and spice plantations offering VIP ...Read more >

This week-long walking and cycling vacation in Kerala gives you the chance to become inspired by India with tea estates, rainforests and rural villages surrounded by spice groves, providing untold trails from where to get out and explore in the tropical south. Munnar, Periyar and the Western Ghats provide natural habitat for an array of indigenous creatures with collections of wild flowers offering birds and butterflies sustenance whilst larger mammals, including elephants, make the most of cloud forests and grasslands, way off the typical tourist trail. As a walking and cycling vacation in Kerala you can expect to find yourself outdoors for much of the experience so prepare your mind, body ...Read more >

This Kerala walking, culture & wildlife vacation takes you on an Indian odyssey over the course of two weeks with some sublime settings, including luscious forests and mist-shrouded mountains, incorporated into a fascinating blend of wildlife, scenery and indigenous local villages. From Mysore to the Malabar Coast, as you’d hope from a Kerala walking, culture & wildlife vacation, every aspect of southern India is brought into the light with heritage train rides, tea gardens and coffee plantations providing ample excuses to rest and soak it all in. Visits to Mudumalai wildlife reserve will leave you in no uncertain terms as to the natural heritage of the region with Theyyam dances in the ...Read more >

Embarking on a two week south India cycling tour, coast to coast, is an incredible experience and one that's bound to find you with your head in the clouds as your feet stay firmly on the pedals. There's just something magically spiritual about cycling past farmlands cultivated for spice production where welcoming villagers wave at your arrival and offer respite in the form of boutique lodgings, tea gardens and shaded coffee, coconut and rubber plantations. From the Madurai and Tanjore temples to the Mahabalipuram rock carvings and French influence found within Pondicherry, taking your time to enjoy a south India cycling tour, coast to coast, is what life's all about with the easterly ...Read more >