Kerala tour on a shoestring

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Efforts to Reduce Flying:
Efforts have been made to minimize unnecessary flights by ensuring all travel within the tour is conducted via more sustainable ground and water transport. The tour does not include internal flights, focusing instead on overland travel in an air-conditioned minivan or minibus, which consolidates transport for multiple travelers, reducing per-person CO? emissions compared to private cars.

Additionally, a houseboat is used for part of the journey, providing both accommodation and transport in one, which further minimizes the need for additional vehicle use. While shared local transport options like public buses or trains are not part of the itinerary, the selected modes of transport effectively reduce overall environmental impact by maximizing passenger capacity and efficiency.

Human Powered Transport:
On Day 6, guests take a Shikara boat ride, a traditional wooden boat manually paddled by skilled boatmen, offering an eco-friendly way to explore the backwaters of Kumarakom.

Customer Guidance on Carbon Reduction:
We encourage travelers to make informed choices when booking their flights by comparing CO? emissions on Google Flights and Skyscanner. We also promote sustainable travel practices during the trip, such as supporting local businesses and reducing plastic waste.

Vegetarian and Vegan Food Availability:
Vegetarian meals are available throughout the trip, as Kerala has a strong vegetarian culinary tradition. Vegan options can be arranged upon request, though availability may vary depending on location.

Local and Seasonal Food:
A significant portion of the food served is locally sourced, particularly on the houseboat stay (Day 7) and in local markets (Day 4, Munnar). Kerala’s cuisine heavily relies on fresh, seasonal ingredients, including rice, coconut, and spices.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Accommodations and Environmental Impact
The houseboats used in this tour follow traditional eco-friendly construction methods, using coir rope and natural materials. The houseboats operate within Kerala’s fragile backwater ecosystem, helping sustain local livelihoods dependent on eco-tourism. Guests are encouraged to limit plastic waste and conserve water during their stay.

Contributing to Conservation:
The visit to Periyar National Park helps support conservation efforts through entry fees and responsible wildlife tourism. Our guides encourage responsible wildlife viewing and educate guests on local conservation practices, particularly in Periyar National Park.

Guided by Local Experts:
The tour is led by local guides who provide insights into Kerala’s culture, wildlife, and ecosystems.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Locally Owned Accommodations:
This tour primarily features locally owned accommodations, including mid-range hotels, heritage properties, and a traditional houseboat. The houseboat stay in the Kerala backwaters (Day 7) is particularly notable, as it is run by local boat operators, ensuring that tourism revenue directly benefits the community.

Maximizing Local Economic Opportunities:
Employing Local Guides & Tour Leaders: All guides on this tour are local Indian guides, ensuring an authentic experience while supporting local employment. For groups of four or more, a dedicated guide accompanies the group throughout the tour. For smaller groups (2-3 travelers), local guides are used in each destination. The tour leader is fully trained and English-speaking.

Visiting Local Markets (Days 2 & 4): Guests explore the spice market in Kochi and the Munnar market, known for handmade crafts, fresh produce, and locally produced spices and chocolate.

Village Visits & Traditional Crafts (Day 6, Kumarakom) – Travelers visit a local village to learn about coir making, mat weaving, and toddy tapping, helping sustain rural artisans and small-scale producers.

Cultural Experiences (Day 2 - Optional Extra) – Guests can attend a Kathakali dance performance, which supports local artists and Kerala’s performing arts traditions.

Agricultural Tourism (Day 3) – Visits to rubber and pineapple plantations showcase Kerala’s farming economy, allowing travelers to learn about traditional agricultural methods.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local Employment:
The tour is fully operated by local guides, drivers, and houseboat crews, ensuring that most staff members are from the Kerala region.

Empowering Marginalized Communities and Promoting Diversity:
This tour supports local artisans, farmers, and traditional craft workers, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Spice Market & Local Handicrafts (Day 2 & Day 4): Visits to local markets in Kochi and Munnar provide income opportunities for small-scale farmers, spice vendors, and artisans selling handmade products such as coir crafts, woven mats, and handmade chocolate. These markets help sustain women-led businesses and traditional craftspeople.

Rubber & Pineapple Plantations (Day 3): The tour includes visits to rubber and pineapple plantations, industries that provide employment to local agricultural workers, many of whom come from rural and lower-income communities.

Kathakali Dance Performance (Day 2 - Optional Extra): The optional Kathakali dance performance supports local artists who dedicate their lives to preserving Kerala’s cultural heritage. Many performers come from traditional performing arts families and rely on tourism for their livelihoods.

Traditional Crafts in Kumarakom (Day 6): The tour includes coir making, mat weaving, and toddy-tapping demonstrations, directly supporting local artisans and small-scale producers. Many of these craftspeople, particularly those in coir production and weaving, are women, helping to sustain employment in rural communities.

Houseboat & Shikara Boat Experiences (Days 6-7): The tour employs local boatmen and houseboat crews, ensuring that tourism revenue stays within the community and benefits families who rely on Kerala’s backwaters for their income.

Fair Staff Wages:
All employees and partners are paid fairly per local wage regulations.

Accessibility Considerations:
This tour may not be fully accessible for travelers with limited mobility, as some activities involve boat rides, uneven terrain, and steps at cultural sites. Please contact us for more details on accessibility.