7 independent reviews for Kerala backwater vacation, India
Reviews for Kerala backwater vacation, India
Louise Hoult review 13 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We enjoyed almost every moment of our vacation in Kerala. The highlights included two sunset backwater boat trips, swimming in freshwater pools, an elephant ride, fabulous fresh homecooked meals, the beach and spice tours. We loved the wonderful homecooked fresh Keralan meals and the conversations around the table with the homestay owners.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Have a look at the map and the range of activities. We chose not to go to Periyar and we were very happy with our itinerary.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I certainly felt that this vacation benefitted local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This vacation was absolutely fantastic in every way. Possibly the best family vacation that we have ever had. Jos organised everything perfectly.Mary Richards review 30 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole vacation was truly memorable and exceeded expectations from beginning to end. All the home stays, plus the boat, were very comfortable with lovely surroundings and wonderful home cooking. Our hosts were very welcoming and gave us insight into life in Kerala.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The first week in October proved to be a good week before the main tourist season gets underway. We were fortunate with the weather with only one rainy day while we were traveling. Jos tailor made our itinerary and we were pleased that we chose to spend two nights on the boat.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Using home stays rather than hotels meant that our money went straight into the local community rather than a hotel chain. The local guides, cooks and others employed by the home stay owners took pride in their work and there seemed to be genuine respect between the employers and the employees.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation was excellent. I would certainly recommend it to others.Andrew Patrick review 24 Feb 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting around Munnar with time to see nature and lots of bird life, made more memorable as we had a knowledgeable driver who showed us many birds. The Kathakali Dance event in Cochi gave an interesting insight into the historical parts of the area and was well worth seeing all the make up as well as the dancing.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Mosquito repellant definitely needed in and around Cochin especially at night and if visiting prawn farms. Consideration of amount of tip if you have a driver/guide for several days.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our benefits to local people were a visit to a prawn farm,taking a local boat ride,seeing the Kathakali dances, eating out in local restaurants and stopping to see a lady making rope from coir.. If we did reduce impact or support conservation we were not aware of it.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Programme was well put together and managed considering our rather short time in the area.Linda Crowder review 19 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all wonderful but I think the time we enjoyed most was at Vanilla County, Teekoy. We found Baby Matthew and Rani to be the most wonderful hosts and their staff were lovely. After arriving we had lunch then we were told to come quickly to see an elephant working in the forest nearby, so we all piled into a jeep and witnessed such wonderful teamwork between elephant and men as they moved tree trunks down a difficult forested slope. We also went on an amazing trek through the hills and swam in fresh water pools. Also, Rani's cooking was amazing! The converted rice boat was another highlight.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
To take cool clothes, mosquito repellant and a good camera.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I think it benefitted local people, especially plantation owners who had found it necessary to diversify into opening up their homes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was an excellent vacation and a real privilege to accept hospitality from hosts at homestays. Our driver was also very helpful and kind (Mr. Shahul). The other thing we appreciated was visiting different areas of Kerala.Read the operator's response here:
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Christian Conrad review 1 Mar 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were too many memorable highlights to select a single one, mostly the beautiful and friendly people of India, the contact and exchange with them will stay in our hearts2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
- Ask for trekking oppurtunities in Munnar, and explain what kind of trekking you are interested in - Some of Fort Kochis most interesting sights (Synagogue and Dutch Palace) are closed on Fridays - Try to get bikes while on a homestay in the backwaters, here traffic is relaxed enough to try for a European ;)3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, locals were involved nicely. We didn't ask how much they were paid, but it seemed very ok Environmental impact was not especially low or high, we were discussing the possibility for having Solar Panels with some of the homestay owners, which - given the sun situation in southern India - would be a great thing for them... but they are pretty expensive still in India...4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a wonderful vacation, very well organized by our local host. Everything went seamlessly and especially the contact with the locals and the homestays was fantastic. There is not one negative thing I could come up with. THANK YOURobert Lorimer review 25 Apr 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our final stop, for three days at the coast, in northern Kerala. As the road became smaller and smaller we felt sure the car had taken a wrong turn. Fewer and fewer houses to be seen and no sign of the sea. Then the road came to an end. From here you walk, we were told! Out with the suitcases and on with a search for a likely path, in which direction we were unsure. Then came our host, through the trees to guide us. A 10 min scramble but once down to the beach thatīs where we stayed. Remote is the word. Three km of empty beach except for a few fishermen, excellent curry three times a day and.....WiFi!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
In Kerala go north. Away from the bulk of the tourist crowds. Take a long train ride. Unbelievably cheap. Enjoy the food. Curry for breakfast is the best way to start the day.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We booked through and used local people and that helped. Gramam Homestay was not only a beautiful place but Jos and his wife that run it and who organised our trip were the perfect hosts and brilliant organisers and co-ordinators.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was just about the best vacation ever, though of course not long enough. Everything went like clockwork. The people we met were friendly. Kerala is wonderful.Jonathan Green review 25 Nov 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It's really hard to pick a single highlight, there were so many. For all the incredible sights, it was probably something quite simple - a sunset canoe ride around the lagoon at the back of the home stay is something I think that will stay with me forever.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Homestays are without doubt the way to see Kerala. These are some of the best places I have ever stayed - secluded, comfortable and beautiful with a feel of luxury usually only found for significantly higher price, combined with personal, friendly service that made you feel you were staying with friends.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, all the accommodation was in homestays, benefitting independent businesses who in most cases were just families.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I had high expectations, based on previously exceptional vacations with Responsible Travel, though this exceeded every one. The itinerary was perfect, and once we were there, everything flowed flawlessly and we were made to feel that the whole experience was very tailored and personal. The accommodation, the food, the people... all fantastic. Even when things had to be changed, there was no stress. In our case, a general strike meant we had to be whisked out of our final homestay in the small hours of the morning to avoid being stranded, with Jos kindly putting us up again for the final day. If we had travelled independently, we would likely have missed our flight. If we had travelled with a large company, we would probably have been dumped at the airport 12 hours early. In this case, we felt we had all the benefits of independent travel (flexibility, time etc.) with the knowledge that Jos was looking after us and would take care of us come what may.Holiday Reviews
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