Internationale groepsreis Spice Trails of Kerala

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

This was my 1st trip with Exodus. I was a sole traveller. I found the team leader exceptional, even when under pressure - due to the weather our trek didn't go to plan. However I was made to feel secure and safe throughout. I will be travelling with Exodus again.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Feeling part of the culture from the local guides.

What did you think of your group leader?

Shail - expert, diplomatic, informative, patient under pressure. Generous with his jokes !

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take all items that are suggested in the useful Trip Notes and other 'just in case' items.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I worked out my budget for the time I was away from the Trip notes - I was still £20 in pocket at the end. Very helpful, from the size of tips to the price of a local beer !

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

A great country to visit with very friendly people.  The scenery was beautiful and varied from the quiet misty cool hills down to the hot busy towns.  Many new experiences over the two week period.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking up to the Meesapulima peak and seeing (briefly) the magnificent views when the mist lifted. Walking through the tea plantations. Sailing in the backwaters of Kerala and watching the world go by. Taking a rowing boat down the numerous waterways around the Coir Village resort. Playing chess during the evenings in a local café by torch light which seemed to be of great interest to the local people, who I think, probably played a much better game than I did. Learning a little about the religions of India, visiting temples and experiencing the noise of India.  

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader, Santosh, was great – very helpful, overcame all problems and helped to make the group bond together.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Not sure if the water purification tablets were required as the drinking water on the camp was double boiled and bottled water was readily available. Some of the experienced camper had brought with them a small sheet of plastic for taking off ones boots before going into the tent, something I would include on my next trip. If you are going in December waterproofed trousers are useful, something I forgot also a travel sink plug would have been most useful as there were no plugs available in any of the hotels. I found it most interesting to add a few days on at the end of the holiday and visited Mumbai on my way home.  It was suggested to me that to avoid stomach problem it was best to avoid meat in resturants, as it was uncertain where the meat had been stored. I became a reluctant vegetarian for the two week period and suffered no problems with the food.    

Is there anything else you would like to add?

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

An absolute classic despite torrential rain, earthquakes, strikes, leeches etc etc, all of which were handled with great calmness by our superb guide Santosh Kumar!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The wonderful Indian people who couldn't do enough for us!!

What did you think of your group leader?

Santosh Kumar was an inspired leader who with dilligence and humour lead us on this fantastic adventure. Santosh went out of his way to ensure that every individual had a fantastic holiday, he was kind and fair to all and the whole group got on like a house in fire, due to his great attention to detail. A star!!!!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Expect anything and everything on this trip, don't ever go on an Exodus holiday and expect to follow the itinerary, the holiday's themselves always turn out to be much better.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Another amazing Exodus holiday for us! We have been on at least four and they have all been amazing, We wouldn't go with anyone else! Everything has always been superb and we have met friends for life on these trips. Bring on the next one!!!!!!!

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

A great introduction both to India and to trekking holidays. Hills, greenery, tea, curry, boats, rain and leeches - something for everyone!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing a full Indian meal being cooked from start to finish

What did you think of your group leader?

Santosh was brilliant - enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and taking in his stride all the myriad small (and large) crises that came our way. A lovely guy who really made the trip special.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring decent waterproofs and plenty of dry socks. You might not get a sun tan!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The trip was a lot of fun, but we were unlucky with the weather. It may be worth making sure you go well into the dry season. Despite that, the walking was good, and there was a poor weather alternative to camping on a couple of nights, so we had the chance to dry off.  Kerala seems to be regarded as 'India-lite' - not too much in the way of visible extreme poverty, begging, rubbish etc, that is more common elsewhere in the country. If you're not sure whether you'd like India, give Kerala a go. And the food is fantastic - curry two (or even three) times a day!

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

For me this was an introduction to India. During the trekking partof the holiday, I saw areas of wild beauty, closely connected with a farmed rural landscape. The luxury of the house boat on the waterways of Kerala, enabled us to see traditional life without feeling intrusive.The fod was a vegetarian's dream.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Our walk through miles of lemon grass in Tamil Nadu and seeing the craggy peak of Meesapulima, through whispy clouds. We had previously climbed Meesapulima from the soft grassy Keralan side and the change in its appearance and the terrains marked the difference between the territories in a dramatic way.   The Sri Meenakshi temple at  Madurai was an assault on the senses. There was loud beating music, smells of Jasmine and incense, emotive pilgrims dancing, all existing together with a museum and shops, within one of the most architecturally astonishing buildings I have seen. The  intrically worked multi-coloured towers were astonishing in themselves.  Outside in a rickshaw we thought we were being attacked until we realised we were being were showered in holy water.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was charming and delightful.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't forget to take antiseptic wash, sun cream and mosquito deterrent. With ample use of all three, I suffered no il efects from the trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It was a very good holiday!

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

The trip was well organised, the group we were with mixed well and the group leader worked hard making the holiday a great success.   

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Bali, what can you say, he made the holiday an experience and a pleasure, allowing us to appreciate the full wonders of India and at the same time learn about the more subtle parts of the religion, politics and every day life of Indians today and in the past.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and it definitely ticked all the boxes. I discovered that Exodus has changed a lot since my last trip 23 years ago (!). I was pleasantly surprised by how soft camping has become (chairs!?!) and struck how old the group were. Having said that, age is just a number. Our group was without exception fit and good fun. I worked out that when not camping I would rather stay in a boutique hotel, but one can always pick on detail.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

1 Getting through the trecking without injury or blisters 2 The craic round the campfire 3 Chillling in style on the houseboat

What did you think of your group leader?

I was initally sceptical as he did not walk with us and seemed quite remote from us. However as the trip wore on and I had discovered a complete inability to order and receive a cup of tea within two hours (delivered to me at my table - not someone else's bedroom!), I realised he was nothing short of a miracle worker in getting buses, hotels, porters etc to perform correctly and on time. Respect!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just do it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

a good mix of walking, sightseeing and relaxing made this a very enjoyable holiday.  Wonderful to get off the beaten track in the Western Ghats and to experience this area of India.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

walking through the lush green tea estates and beautiful scenery of the Western Ghats, seeing the sunset and sunrise on the hills. meeting a family of elephants in Periyar park  relaxing on the houseboat on the backwaters 

What did you think of your group leader?

Looked after our every need and made sure everything ran to plan.  Ashok went out of his way to make sure we had everything that we needed.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It was warm in the daytime, but take layers of clothing so that you can keep warm at camp at night.   

Is there anything else you would like to add?

a great introduction to India, I found Kerala a very relaxed place to visit and will definitely be returning to explore more of India.

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

An excellent introduction to Southern India, a good mix of some gentle trekking and an insight into the country, culture with a few cherrypicked tourist highlights.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I really enjoyed the companionship of the trek, the awe inspiring Sri Meenakshi temple and the laidback atmosphere of the houseboat trip

What did you think of your group leader?

Bali was superb he was attentive, helpful and knowledgeable, able to explain and educate us about Indian culture without "lecturing" us. His anecdotes were highly entertaining and when the chips were down able to cope with difficulties arising from some unseasonal weather he rose to the challenge calmly and cheerfully. He had an very good relationship with trek crew , drivers and local guides

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be well prepared for cold and damp as well as hot weather.  The High Range area is not also called the Misty Mountains without good reason. Don't ignore leech socks when advised but try to make them fit better in your boots with flexible sock combinations, I got blisters one day as my socks were too thick to wear the over socks without pressure points  Be prepared for curry for breakfast! not compulsory

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Well done Exodus, another great trip well researched, nice blend of opportunities with excellent in country support and using ideal accomodation for the purpose.  I added on a short stay to Ooty and travelled on the national rail system, now that was an eyeopener too!(and another story)

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

I thought the trip had a good balance--sightseeing and trekking--and a good deal of variety. Good introduction to South India.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Actually I liked the temple and Madurai, which I had visited years ago. Also the summit day on the trek.

What did you think of your group leader?

Nice guy, very efficient.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Not really!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

This trip offered so much: beautiful Kerala - a non-threatening introduction to India, trekking in stunning &  remote areas of the Western Ghats, temples, markets, excellent food, a houseboat trip, great guides and very pleasant hotels. As a first-timer (with Exodus and as a solo traveller), I loved everything! 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The 5 night trek - being able to fairly easily manage the physical aspects - plenty of stops & snacks and opportunities to admire the views; camping- and managing without a shower or washing my hair for 6 days

What did you think of your group leader?

Ashok was great - sorted everything without fuss, from de-leeching, to taking us shopping for beers, to picking up walking sticks that someone always left behind, to retrieving our double-booked rooms (hotel error)! 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a camera - some of the group fairly easily managed to carry digital SLRs. It is cold on first 2 nights of trek - don't forget warm clothes, hat & gloves, and warm sleeping bag. Don't forget your torch.    

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I loved the whole trip - its varied itinerary with more relaxing days at the end worked well, Kerala is a relatively wealthy state so we didn't experience any hassle or begging and all local staff friendly. I think this is great introduction to India - I have already booked to return in 2010!  

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

This  trip was  excellent, my highlight was the 5 day walking in  the Western Ghats and  camping. We were looked after extremely well with good tasty food and snacks. The atmosphere sitting around the campfire was fun. the walking was not too strenuous  and  there were loads of  flowers.the rest of the trip was brilliantly  coordinated by our guide Santosh Kumar  who could not have done more  to help us.  

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

trekking to the 2nd hightest peak in Western Ghats, lovely views 

What did you think of your group leader?

excellent leader made our trip, ready to answer all our  questions and  let us know about his own life  which added to our experience. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Walking shoes or trainers  would be fine for the walking part, binoculars useful for  birdwatching in Periyar Nature Reserve.   

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We must have seen most  spices growing and were able  to purchase these at very reasonable  prices.  We missed out on putting the temple to bed in Madurai  which  is suppposed  to be quite spectacular,  would be good if this  could be included.  

Mountains, Remote Valleys, Wildlife and Waterways - this trip had it all

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Just simply the variety and the people

What did you think of your group leader?

He was par excellance!  Enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the culture, traditions, flora and fauna of his country. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take enough paper hankies - it seems they do not exist in Kerala!  We ended up buying table napkins.  Do have at least one Ayurvedic Massage!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is a varied and interesting trip with a comprehensive itinerary  giving a real flavour of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. 

Agreat adventure ...

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walking, despite the rain!  Banana fritters, hot and delicious, served round the camp fire each afternoon after the walk ... The local people   

What did you think of your group leader?

An excellent guide, friendly, fun and full of facts!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It can rain at any time of year:  take good waterproofs!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A very good trip, with an interesting variety of activities.  A friend who did the same trip in February this year commented that the original itinerary, which we followed, sounded preferable.

Spice Trails of Kerala - Nov 2014

A superb itinerary - well thought out & executed. Never a dull moment. The food provided throughout the trip was fantastic - you need to be a fan of curry though! The local communities are genuinely friendly and welcoming. The trip allowed for personal preference to be taken into consideration.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Some of the mountain landscape views on the trekking portion of the trip. It is a wonderful country with breathtaking views.

What did you think of your group leader?

Marvellous - absolutely faultless in judgement, communication and local knowledge. Tour guides do not come any better than this. Perfect.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It rains. Even at the tale end of the wet season there is plenty of precipitation and grey skies. Take adequate water proof clothing and some warm clothes for the cool evenings in the mountains.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The tents need to be updated as a matter of urgency - they leak and show many signs of wear and tear.

Spice trails of Kerala

We had a delightful time in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, an extremely competent and enjoyable local leader, very good accommodation, food and transport. Our itinerary was changed due to adverse weather conditions with the complete agreement of the group and excellent management of the leader. We found, however, that the hiking paths were not well formed and not "moderate", but rather steeper than expected and less through spice growing areas than through tea growing areas, but breath taking anyway.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Interactions with the locals

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent, responsive to the group, helpful, knowledgeable, fun

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Vibrant India

Beautiful, wonderful place and a very well organised holiday with a great combination of trekking and culture. Helps if you like camping!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. Kathakali dancing. Walking in the Western Ghats. Cows with painted horns in Tamil Nadu. And just the life on the streets as we drove through towns and villages - good humoured, colourful, traditional and modern at once.

What did you think of your group leader?

Santosh was a great group leader and a good companion. Intelligent, enthusiastic, organised and fun. He is an asset to his country and to the organisations he works with.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The grading is fair at grade 3 as the hiking challenges are not sustained. Be prepared for walking uphill in the heat and downhill on rough paths that were hard on some folks' knees. Camping is not my thing so I didn't expect to enjoy that aspect. However, I do think the camping could be made more comfortable: >Squatting is difficult in trousers and toilet tents in the dark are a nightmare I will avoid in future (remember to bring a head torch) - is there a better solution? >The tents were old fashioned, didn't close properly, were too cosy for two and had no cover sheet on the veranda for bags and shoes. Better tents would help. >Instead of providing a basin of water to hunker over in your tiny shared tent, it should be possible to set up some ad hoc showers on one or two nights. >You need a 4 season sleeping bag in January. It dropped to -2c on one night and few of us slept.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The staff on trek and throughout were charming and helpful. The food was delicious everywhere we stayed. The group was lovely. Apart from the camping (the pain of which I forgot as soon as it ended!) the whole holiday was one treat after another. I even enjoyed our coach trips, to my surprise, because there was so much to see.

Spice Trails of Kerala

A good introduction to trekking. Good that it was followed with a range other ativities in the second week, which made it feel longer that a 14 day holiday. Call me fussy but a hotel with a pool would have been good at some point - it was hot!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

All of the trek. Definitely off the tourist route and very beautiful

What did you think of your group leader?

Harish was a very good leader. We had a number of discussions on the cultural context of India, which opened up a number of insites. We also had a very helpful 'trainee' leader, (BIbi?) on the trek

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The trip notes are a very accurate summary

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Spice Trails of Kerala

Essentially two holidays in one, an energetic trek in the hills, sleeping under canvas, followed by a more leisurely period of sightseeing in towns, on a houseboat, and in the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, sleeping in beds, the whole admirably organised and led, partly in Kerala and partly in Tamil Nadu.   Good food throughout and no problems with hygiene.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The terrain during the trek, with its very steep heavily-wooded green hills with rounded tops, similar in some ways to parts of the English countryside, but on a much much bigger scale.   Meeting numerous Bonnet macaques, with their small but almost human faces, both outside and within buildings, and seeing that when they eat a banana they hold it and peel it exactly as I do, and being stared at by them, as I was staring back, and wondering what they make of us humans, a feeling I don`t have when encountering other non-domestic animals, nor indeed when meeting other kinds of monkey.  The visit to the Hindu temple at Madurai with its 14 great towers (the tallest 170 feet high), their entire surfaces covered with many thousands of brightly-coloured sculptures of gods, goddesses, demons, etc.   I find it hard to imagine how they manage to repaint them all every twelve years.

What did you think of your group leader?

Santosh Kumar was a supberb leader, always, at least outwardly, calm, friendly, alert and on top of every situation. He combined so many roles in an exemplary manner, as master of ceremonies, reporter/commentator, bag carrier, visionary teacher, domestic servant, general manger and producer of surprises, to mention just a few. Praise also for Siva, our main guide on the trek part of the holiday.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you have room, pack plenty of clothes suitable for the different requirements of the trek and the sightseeing part of the holiday.  If this is your first visit to India, remember that it is an enormous, ancient, and incredibly diverse country: try to leave all your preconceptions at home.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Changing planes and airports at Mumbai can be confusing.   Try to stick with the group.

Spice Trails of Kerala

Essentially two holidays in one, an energetic trek in the hills, sleeping under canvas, followed by a more leisurely period of sightseeing in towns, on a houseboat, and in the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, sleeping in beds, the whole admirably organised and led, partly in Kerala and partly in Tamil Nadu.   Good food throughout and no problems with hygiene.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The terrain during the trek, with its very steep heavily-wooded green hills with rounded tops, similar in some ways to parts of the English countryside, but on a much much bigger scale.   Meeting numerous Bonnet macaques, with their small but almost human faces, both outside and within buildings, and seeing that when they eat a banana they hold it and peel it exactly as I do, and being stared at by them, as I was staring back, and wondering what they make of us humans, a feeling I don`t have when encountering other non-domestic animals, nor indeed when meeting other kinds of monkey.  The visit to the Hindu temple at Madurai with its 14 great towers (the tallest 170 feet high), their entire surfaces covered with many thousands of brightly-coloured sculptures of gods, goddesses, demons, etc.   I find it hard to imagine how they manage to repaint them all every twelve years.

What did you think of your group leader?

Santosh Kumar was a superb leader, always, at least outwardly, calm, friendly, alert and on top of every situation. He combined so many roles in an exemplary manner, as master of ceremonies, reporter/commentator, bag carrier, visionary teacher, domestic servant, general manger and producer of surprises, to mention just a few. Praise also for Siva, our main guide on the trek part of the holiday.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you have room, pack plenty of clothes suitable for the different requirements of the trek and the sightseeing part of the holiday.  If this is your first visit to India, remember that it is an enormous, ancient, and incredibly diverse country: try to leave all your preconceptions at home.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Changing planes and airports at Mumbai can be confusing.   Try to stick with the group.