Selected: fully customisable Kerala’s Hills & BeachesThis is Kerala for the adventure-seeker: hiking, biking and rural culture in two wonderfully contrasting destinations.Kerela’s Hills & Beaches covers less ground by car so that you can cover more on foot — diving deep into two of the region’s most compelling rural landscapes.Contrasting a week in the lush, cool hills of Wayanad with a few days by one of India’s most blissed-out beaches – with plenty of included guiding to get you beneath the surface of rural Keralan culture – this active itinerary avoids hectic cities to focus on hiking, biking and boating through the epic south Indian wilds.Read more LocationIndia Suggested Length11 days /10 nights Activity Level Fully customisable Every trip is unique Ratings LightLight mobility requirements as sightseeing activities are done predominantly by vehicle, with light walking SteadyIdeal for most fitness levels. Sightseeing involves walking and being on your feet for a couple of hours at a time, with down-time included too ActiveRequires a moderate level of fitness. Activities and sightseeing will generally involve walking and being on your foot for much of the day. Often includes light activities such as cycling, kayaking, or hands-on experiences AdventureDemands higher fitness. Most days will include a substantial amount of walking and/or activity throughout the day. EnergeticFor people who love being active. We reserve this rating for active itineraries with substantial movement and adventure activities almost every day. Trip highlights Itinerary Is this trip for you? Reviews What's included FAQs Get your hiking boots dirty with lots of guided walks (through tea and spice plantations, local villages, temples and countryside) plus a full day of trekking in the Western Ghats Get to know the different cultures of Kerala with visits to tribal temples, a women’s co-op, and a home-cooked lunch with a local family Visit several wildlife sanctuaries for the chance to spot Wayanad’s elephants, bison and deer and go on a sunset cruise on the Kabini River ItineraryAll itineraries are fully customisable. Our destination experts created this trip as an example of a cultural adventure: combining remarkable sights, guided experiences and a slice of everyday local life. Choose us, and we’ll create you a custom holiday where every detail reflects your pace, passions and preferences. Take as much or as little from this trip idea as you want, talk to us when you’re ready. Plan my trip Image Image Day 1-3South Wayanad Highlights: Visit a women’s bamboo craft co-operative and have a go at making your own souvenir using traditional techniques Relax by the infinity pool at Pranavam Resort, with panoramic views of the Western Ghats mountains Relax by the infinity pool at Pranavam Resort, with panoramic views of the Western Ghats mountainsThe hill station of Wayanad is a really special destination. First planted by Scottish settlers during the colonial period, it’s a cool, lush landscape of scattered spice, tea and coffee plantations surrounded by deep forests ascending into the Western Ghats. For two full days you’ll be based at Pranavam Resort, where your hosts will introduce you to the area – identifying crops of vanilla, turmeric, ginger and pepper, and pointing out any exotic birdlife that crosses your path. A gentle sunset rafting trip on the Kabini River and an afternoon cycling through villages and paddy fields are just a couple of the ways you’ll get deeper into the lesser-visited parts of this beautiful region. TransportDay 1: Car transfer from Kozhikode Airport to Wayanad (Pranavam Resort) (2.5h) Day 4-7North Wayanad Highlights: Spend a full day cycling through the countryside, meeting plantation workers and learning about how tea is grown and processed Visit the wildlife-rich Kuruva river islands and learn about the tribal communities who still live in this remote region Look out for elephants, bison, deer and tigers as you traverse five different wildlife sanctuaries.Leaving Pranavam behind, you’ll head into the Western Ghats proper: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global biodiversity hotspot. Spend a full day trekking in the Banasura mountains, with challenging sections taking you through rainforest and across grasslands to spectacular views from the summit of Sahibkkunnu. From here, you’ll journey on to Parisons Plantations, a 200-year-old tea estate where you’ll spend the rest of your time in Wayanad, heading out for two full-day excursions to the Kuruva Islands, ancient tribal temples, wildlife sanctuaries, and a family home for a traditional Keralan lunch served on banana leaves. TransportDay 4: AM car transfer from Wayanad (Pranavam Resort) to Western Ghats (1h); PM car transfer from Western Ghats to Wayanad (Parisons Plantations) (1h) Day 7-11Neeleshwar Highlights: See a totally different side of Kerala with an optional half-day cruise on the backwaters Relax by one of India’s loveliest beaches, swim at the hotel pool and enjoy an ayurvedic spa treatment Explore the local area on a variety of optional excursions, including visits to mussel farms, coconut plantations, villages, forts and more.After a full week in the mountains, you’re in for a complete change of scenery as you head to Neeleshwar on the Arabian Sea coast. Down here at sea level it’s altogether steamier and more tropical, with montane forests replaced by coconut groves and jungle-fringed backwaters. The beach, meanwhile, is straight out of central casting: all uninterrupted golden sand; skinny palms marching along the shoreline, and crashing waves reflecting glorious sunsets. With four days here, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery – or you can fill your time with an afternoon houseboat cruise, a cycling trip to Kerala’s biggest fort, or a hiking trail with picnic on a beautiful peninsula. Accommodation Neeleshwar • India Superior Neeleshwar HermitageFound on a quiet strip of northern Kerala’s Malabar coast, Neeleshwar Hermitage is a small beach retreat set in 12 acres of palms and gardens. Not quite what you had in mind?We’ve plenty more to choose from, these are just a few of our favourite options. Chat with an expert to find stays that suit your style and budget. Make an enquiry TransportDay 7: Car transfer from Wayanad (Parisons Plantations) to Neeleshwar (2h)Day 11: Car transfer from Neeleshwar to Mangaluru (Mangalore) International Airport (2h) Is this trip for you? What's greatThis itinerary focuses firmly on Kerala’s beautiful rural landscapes and communities, with no city stays at all. It's adventurous, with lots of included walking, cycling, and some moderately challenging trekkingThat said, you’ll have several days to relax at the beach toward the end of your trip (or optional guided excursions if you can’t stay still)This itinerary takes its time, allowing you to really get beneath the surface of just two regions in Kerala. This means no long car journeys (the longest is 2.5 hours)We’ve included lots of guided experiences to give you the best possible insight into local wildlife, culture and landscapesThings to considerThis itinerary was designed specifically for active travellers, but all activities can be tailored to suit your level of fitnessThe focus is on landscapes and rural culture, so you won’t visit any cities or major historical sitesThere are lots of included experiences, as a guide is essential when venturing deeper into the countryside. If you like these destinations but would prefer more self-guided time, talk to one of our consultants about designing a trip to suit you. ReviewsOur trips start with listening. These honest, unedited reviews show how we put people first - because making customers happy is what we’re here to do.Read more reviews Our trip to South Korea exceeded our expectations. We cannot express enough how wonderful, kind, knowledgeable, patient and accommodating our local guides were. Their love of South Korea instilled in us a new found respect and admiration for their country. I personally left my cell phone in our hotel in [...] Trip went very smoothly. Drivers were reliable and punctual. Guides were personable, knowledgeable and flexible to accommodate our interests and preferences. Hotel accommodations were very comfortable and in good locations. Really enjoyed most of the activities- especially the Vespa and other food tours, biking and kayaking. What's included? What's includedBreakfast every day and four lunchesFour full-day experiences, two half-day experiences, and one morning experienceAll accommodationAll entrance fees to sites included in guided experiencesAll domestic transfers and transportNot includedInternational flightsAny necessary visasAny lunches or dinners unless statedEntrance fees to any sites not included in guided experiencesTipping and personal expensesTourist taxes & any National Park fees Frequently asked questions When is the best time to go? We recommend this trip from November to May, avoiding the summer heat and monsoon rains. India FAQs You'll find answers to the most common FAQs on our India page. More trip ideas India Fully customisable Northern Kerala ExplorerThe best of Kerala, without the crowds: jungle safaris, tribal festivals, and a little bit of royal history thrown in. 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Our trip to South Korea exceeded our expectations. We cannot express enough how wonderful, kind, knowledgeable, patient and accommodating our local guides were. Their love of South Korea instilled in us a new found respect and admiration for their country. I personally left my cell phone in our hotel in [...]
Trip went very smoothly. Drivers were reliable and punctual. Guides were personable, knowledgeable and flexible to accommodate our interests and preferences. Hotel accommodations were very comfortable and in good locations. Really enjoyed most of the activities- especially the Vespa and other food tours, biking and kayaking.