Fly into Cochin airport and drive for 2 hours to Thattekaad. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and familiarise yourself with the area.
Kerala – God’s Own Creation
Wellness in Wilderness
South India
Your Journey
A journey through the state of Kerala, witnessing all of its most spectacular habitats. Traverse through the lush forests of the southern Western Ghats, a range older than the Himalayas harbouring large tracts of virgin rainforests and high-altitude grasslands. Some of these microhabitats are endemic to this region and are home to very interesting wildlife found nowhere else in the world, to name a few – Nilgiri Tahr, Brown mongoose, Nilgiri Marten and other species such as the Asiatic elephant, leopard, wild dogs, sloth bear and over 400 species of birds. Travel to the dreamy tea growing hills of Munnar, an area that is surrounded by national parks on all sides. A hikers paradise with stunning trails that go through various landscapes, whilst looking out for interesting wildlife on the way. Walk through the rainforests of Thattekaad and Periyar with expert naturalists to unveil hundreds of lesser-known creatures that often go overlooked. End the trip on a note of utmost peace and tranquillity in Kumarokam – the backwaters of Kerala.
On this trip, we travel through coconut farms and paddy fields, plantations of coffee, tea and cardamom and finally to the rocky peaks where the people survive on subsistence farming coupled with forest produce. We explore avenues of nature, conservation, people and lifestyles thrown in with elements of true adventure making for an in depth understanding of this vast wilderness.
wildlife
Nature walks through rainforests, grasslands and cloud forests in search of big and small wildlife. Birding walks to see species endemic to the southern western ghats.
adventure
Hike through various habitats including some of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats at 2500 m, track tigers and elephants on foot inside Periyar Tiger Reserve.
habitat
The landscapes on this journey are spread between a 2500 m altitude, with the grasslands, shola forests and tea gardens in the higher altitudes to the low altitude scrub, deciduous forests, coffee and cardamom plantations and finally to the coastal forests, mangroves and the brackish estuaries.
tribes
Learn the ways of the local forest communities, how they walk through the forests and use ancient techniques of understanding the tracks and signs of animals. Their medicinal usages of the rainforest flora.
conservation
Kerala has taken great initiatives in sustainable tourism practices by training ex-poachers to become guides in Periyar and earn an income through tourism. They have also trained many of the forest rangers to work as naturalists.
Unique Experiences
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Thattekaad, or Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is one of the top birding hotspots of the country. The 25 square kilometer sanctuary plays host to almost 350 bird species, including most of the forest endemics of the Western Ghats. Observing how the birds are found in the dense foliage through their sounds, subtle habitat differences and behaviour is extremely interesting to witness.
The grasslands and cloud forests around Munnar are habitats found nowhere else other than the southern western ghats. Hiking through these pristine areas is a truly special experience.
The tourism model in Periyar is unique and the guides themselves are ex-poachers who have been rehabilitated by the park authorities. Exploring the wilderness with them on foot is one of the best ways to experience these forests. The Periyar Tourism body has also set up night trails in the forest with the guides to experience the night life of the jungle.
Spend the day exploring the wilderness and the small fishing villages that dot the backwaters of Kumarokam. The guided walks into the islands and the birding boat rides are a great experience.
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Itinerary Snapshot
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RECOMMENDED
Stays
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UNDERSTATED LUXURY
Windermere Riverhouse, Thattekaad
Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Western Ghats, sitting on the banks of the River Periyar, Riverhouse echoes tranquility and old-world charm. Located in a serene little village adjacent to reserve forests, thispatch of 2 acres of land was once part of a sprawling rubber plantation.
WILDERNESS
Windermere Estate, Munnar
Windermere Munnar exudes charm and a tranquilly that relaxes. With stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset, leisurely days sipping jungle tea are the ideal way to unwind. Munnar and the mists have something in common. With views of the mists coating the mountains like a truffle cake, one feels as if one is walking in the clouds. Munnar is the largest tea-growing region in South India, named after the confluence of three rivers (Moonar).
CONSCIOUS LUXURY
Spice Village
Spice Village features thatched-roof cottages with minibars. It has a pool, tennis court, and Ayurvedic doctors. The cottages' private verandas overlook fruit trees and herb gardens. Cottages have park benches and private bathrooms. The Woodhouse Bar has pool tables. A tour desk, laundry services, and airport shuttles are available at an extra charge. Local spices flavour the restaurant's Kerala cuisine.
WILDERNESS
Niraamaya Thekkady
Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club is a remote hideaway nestled in a cardamom plantation that offers adrenaline-fueled adventure and a peaceful retreat. Amidst 9 acres of cardamom plantations, verdant groves, and lush foliage, our cottage retreat exudes privacy. The crisp mountain air, exotic bird calls, and beautiful scenery of Thekkady will enchant you.
UNDERSTATED LUXURY
Philipkutty's Farm
Philipkutty's Farm is a wonderful place to stay if you want to get a taste of authentic Keralan hospitality in a beautiful setting and be taken care of by a warm and welcoming family. It's the ideal retreat for the discerning traveller because it caters to their specific needs and desires, and it's a great place for people who like small, cosy hotels. Both the main house and the waterfront villas are detached from one another, so your privacy is ensured.
UNDERSTATED LUXURY
Windermere Riverhouse, Thattekaad
Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Western Ghats, sitting on the banks of the River Periyar, Riverhouse echoes tranquility and old-world charm. Located in a serene little village adjacent to reserve forests, thispatch of 2 acres of land was once part of a sprawling rubber plantation.
WILDERNESS
Windermere Estate, Munnar
Windermere Munnar exudes charm and a tranquilly that relaxes. With stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset, leisurely days sipping jungle tea are the ideal way to unwind. Munnar and the mists have something in common. With views of the mists coating the mountains like a truffle cake, one feels as if one is walking in the clouds. Munnar is the largest tea-growing region in South India, named after the confluence of three rivers (Moonar).
CONSCIOUS LUXURY
Spice Village
Spice Village features thatched-roof cottages with minibars. It has a pool, tennis court, and Ayurvedic doctors. The cottages' private verandas overlook fruit trees and herb gardens. Cottages have park benches and private bathrooms. The Woodhouse Bar has pool tables. A tour desk, laundry services, and airport shuttles are available at an extra charge. Local spices flavour the restaurant's Kerala cuisine.
WILDERNESS
Niraamaya Thekkady
Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club is a remote hideaway nestled in a cardamom plantation that offers adrenaline-fueled adventure and a peaceful retreat. Amidst 9 acres of cardamom plantations, verdant groves, and lush foliage, our cottage retreat exudes privacy. The crisp mountain air, exotic bird calls, and beautiful scenery of Thekkady will enchant you.
UNDERSTATED LUXURY
Philipkutty's Farm
Philipkutty's Farm is a wonderful place to stay if you want to get a taste of authentic Keralan hospitality in a beautiful setting and be taken care of by a warm and welcoming family. It's the ideal retreat for the discerning traveller because it caters to their specific needs and desires, and it's a great place for people who like small, cosy hotels. Both the main house and the waterfront villas are detached from one another, so your privacy is ensured.
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