6 independent reviews for Kerala hiking vacation in India
Reviews for Kerala hiking vacation in India
Muriel Moore review 26 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were so many... I loved the trekking - setting out in the early morning from camp, accompanied by the Forestry Dept guide who was so knowledgeable and generous with his information... arriving back to Sheila's cooking and the campsite ready for us; it was exhilarating. The guide through the Temple in Madurai was fabulous, and the Temple itself was an eye-opener; our earlier visit to the Temple in Munnar was a good preparation for what to expect. The spice plantation was beautiful, and I replaced the contents of my spice cupboard... The arrival on the boathouse was spectacular and exceeded expectations... a lovely evening.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would recommend that they read the travel notes well (I should have read them better to be better prepared!). My experience was that I could trust the guide (Sam) implicitly - so go with the flow! Be ready to meet new people and be open to new experiences - and then just let it happen; everything is prepared for us, and even the unexpected was dealt with fabulously by Sam. 0 stress for us.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I did, and I really hope it did; licenses were obtained for the National Parks and forestry personnel came with us (Anaimalai Hills), the guides in Periyar National Park were fabulous also; 2 of them went ahead to "scout" for animals and presumably lookout for danger too. Sam was good for pointing out that where we didn't need to spend money, and what shops or outlets were government or where money was going straight back to the actual manufacturers. He also filled us in on local unions and how they operate.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Exceeded all expectations and the star was our guide, Sam Benjamin who was expert on the treks, and knowledgeable in so many fields, able to reference where phenomena was common in other places in the world, and how the experience was different from our countries; he was very knowledgeable in the history of the places we visited.Lisa Brollo review 19 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
From the moment we arrived in Cochin to the moment we left every second was memorable.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go with an open mind and let your senses be astounded3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I think that we had a positive effect on the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Five stars all the way.Erika Bühler review 29 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The trekking and the temple in Madurai2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for the hot and the cold.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The tour provided local guides with an income.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very nice tour, good mix between physical activity, culture and life in Southern India.Mite review 10 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The trek and camping experience particularly wonderful. Visiting a school in Silent Valley. The houseboat excursion. Staying in Munnar. Wandering the tea plantations. A tour of Abraham's beautiful Spice Garden. A cookery class. The Indian team were so engaging and fun and informed; delicious and plentiful Keralan food home-cooked on the trek; we were looked after incredibly well.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't pack too much. You will be constantly on the move, much better to travel light. Clothes can be hand-washed and the hotels offer a quick laundry service if desired. Also, there are tiny shops all over the place. I didn't wear many t-shirts, largely shirts with collars to avoid sunburn.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the team surrounding us were all local and we of course stopped off all along the way.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I had the most wonderful time. I want to credit our guide Santosh Kumar who was absolutely superb, as were his local team.Linda Blanchard review 5 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The trek, climbing Meesapulima mountain especially. Beautiful walks through tea plantations, forests and grasslands with knowledgeable, courteous and attentive guides. I had a problem with breathlessness and was escorted every step of the hills. We learnt so much about the wildlife, landscape, agriculture and the local people.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
India's cash free policy is a nightmare and in rural areas ATMs are rare in urban areas queues can be 15 deep. I used Barclays whose policies left me penniless for two days so take a card from a provider who will register your trip before you depart.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, staff tried very hard to avoid all the pitfalls of overuse of plastic.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Just brilliant trip of a lifetime, no stomach upset, no insect bites, nice hotels, lovely staff.Leila Suwwan review 3 Jan 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Reaching the top of the Meesapuli Mountain, after days of trekking, was an amazing feeling of accomplishment! The whole camping half of the trip allowed for complete de-stress, with great staff, food and equipment to support long hours of hiking during the day in beautiful and extremely varied scenery. Waterboat and warm waters of Marari Beach were also amazing!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Some of the hotels were not very clean and I would recommend lowering expectations in this sense. Also recommend independent reading since some of the guides not that knowledgeable/fluent.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure if some of the hotels had this preoccupation, although I understand it must be a tough balance with quality. Eating at the hotel restaurants almost exclusively was also unlikely to help locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a great vacation but not consistently so.Read the operator's response here:
We are pleased that Leila had an enjoyable vacation, but we were sorry to read that she was disappointed with some of the accommodation and local guides. We use locally owned and run accommodation to help ensure that the local community benefits from our business. We endeavor to include free time for meals during this trip so that clients are not restricted to eating in hotels only; all the properties used during this tour are on a Bed and Breakfast plan only, other than when on the houseboat and during the trek (camping).
We usually explore the Keralan cuisine and visit local vendors, cafes and restaurants in the area as it is a great opportunity to delve into the local cuisine; there is a good selection of restaurants in most of the towns we visit. We are glad that Leila enjoyed much of her vacation and we value all feedback and ensure we act upon it.
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