Kerala and Karnataka small group vacation, India

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This itinerary does not include any internal flights within India. Travel between destinations is undertaken using shared road transport and boats, including minibuses used throughout the journey and traditional houseboats in Kerala's backwaters.

Group size is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, with transport shared throughout the tour.

The itinerary includes a number of opportunities to explore destinations on foot, including walking tours in Mysore and Kochi, village visits in rural Kerala, and optional activities such as canoeing.

Vegetarian meals are widely available throughout the trip.

Several meals are prepared by local hosts and accommodation providers. Highlights include a cooking experience with a local family in Kochi and meals served aboard traditional houseboats in Kerala's backwaters.

Travelers are encouraged to bring a refillable filtered water bottle that can be used throughout the trip where appropriate refill points are available, helping to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

The itinerary includes visits to a variety of natural environments, including the Western Ghats, Kerala's backwaters and Nagarahole National Park.

Wildlife viewing opportunities are included through guided safaris and boat excursions in and around Nagarahole National Park, where travelers may have the opportunity to observe species such as Asian elephants, deer, primates and a variety of birdlife. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Two nights are spent aboard traditional houseboats in Kerala's backwaters, providing opportunities to learn about the region's waterways, villages and aquatic environments.

Travelers visit a coffee and spice plantation in Coorg, where local staff provide information about agricultural practices and the cultivation of coffee, spices and tea.

Hortus Malabaricus Resort is described as a 27-acre garden estate containing more than 1,700 plant species.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

This itinerary incorporates a range of experiences delivered by local residents, artisans and community members throughout southern India. Activities include basket-making, cooking demonstrations, coconut-tree climbing, village visits and meetings with potters, weavers and toymakers.

Travelers participate in a cooking experience with a local family in Kochi, providing an opportunity to learn about regional cuisine and food traditions.

The itinerary includes visits to coffee and spice plantations in Coorg, where travelers learn about local agricultural production from plantation staff.

Community-based experiences in Vaikom provide opportunities to learn about traditional skills and daily life in rural Kerala. Activities may include rope-making, basket-making, mat-weaving and toddy tapping.

Accommodation throughout the trip includes a number of independently operated resorts, lodges, boutique hotels and traditional houseboats.

Meals are provided by local restaurants, accommodation providers, houseboat operators and family hosts throughout the itinerary.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

The tour is accompanied by a local tour leader, supported by local guides where appropriate. The itinerary also relies on local drivers, accommodation staff, boat crews, plantation staff, artisans, performers and family hosts.