Kerala vacation, tailor made

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
This itinerary avoids additional internal flights, with the journey between Cochin, Munnar, Madurai, Thekkady, the Kerala backwaters and Marari Beach made by road. The itinerary therefore keeps the internal journey to a single overland route rather than adding avoidable domestic flights.
Spice Village, included in Thekkady, has documented environmental measures including solar energy, water recycling, food-waste composting and an organic vegetable and herb garden. Its 50 Mile Diet sources ingredients from within 50 miles of the property, while produce is also grown in its organic garden, reducing food miles. Philip Kutty’s Farm produces coconut, bananas, spices, fruit and vegetables for its own use, with meals based mainly on local Kerala dishes. Vegetarian food is available, while vegan and more complex dietary requirements should be requested in advance, particularly for the farm and houseboat stays.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
The accommodation choices include properties with documented environmental practices. Spice Village uses solar energy and water recycling, composts significant quantities of food waste for its vegetable and herb gardens, recycles paper and other materials, maintains an organic garden and uses locally made, natural building elements. The property also maintains planted areas used by birds, butterflies and other small wildlife. Philip Kutty’s Farm uses intercropping suited to its reclaimed backwater land and reports reducing chemical inputs by approximately 75–80 percent while expanding natural and organic farming. The farm also keeps Vechoor cattle and is a member of the Vechoor Cow Trust, supporting this indigenous cattle breed.
The itinerary includes a visit to Eravikulam National Park, where travelers may see the endangered Nilgiri ibex, and a stay in Thekkady near the protected Western Ghats landscape. Customers are encouraged to stay on marked routes, avoid disturbing wildlife, take reusable water bottles, minimise plastic and follow local guidance in protected areas. Local guides are used for sightseeing on the itinerary.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
The itinerary creates local economic opportunities through a family-operated farm stay at Philip Kutty’s Farm, local accommodation, a locally operated houseboat, local guides, a private Indian driver and regional food and hospitality services. Philip Kutty’s Farm is specifically associated with local employment and the farm produces food for its own use. Spice Village also supports surrounding communities through local employment and purchasing produce from nearby farmers. Its 50 Mile Diet gives local farmers a regular market for their produce.
The itinerary also supports living local culture through a traditional Kathakali performance, visits with local guides and spending in destinations such as Cochin, Madurai, Chettinad and the Kerala backwaters. The Chettinad visit includes a local meal, helping retain visitor spending within the region.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
The trip creates employment for an India-based chauffeur, local guides, accommodation staff, houseboat crew and the families operating farm or homestay-style accommodation. Philip Kutty’s Farm identifies employment generation as one of the benefits of developing its island farm. Spice Village employs people from surrounding villages and supports local producers through its food-sourcing model.
Accessibility requirements can be discussed before booking, and the itinerary can be considered for modification to accommodate travelers with accessibility requirements. This may include adapting activities, transport, accommodation or the pace of the itinerary to suit individual requirements.
India is a culturally diverse country, and LGBTQ+ travelers are warmly welcomed. We encourage all visitors to travel with sensitivity towards local customs, particularly in more conservative communities, while enjoying the country’s rich culture and hospitality. We are happy to discuss individual requirements privately and tailor the experience wherever possible.