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Tribes Travel

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Down to Earth: A Malabar Adventure

Do you want to get a real feeling for the beauty, diversity and culture of South India? Yes, you will see the 'must-see' sights of Cochin, enjoy a backwaters boat trip and a spice tour, but you will also meet local craftsmen, folk artists and musician, and stay in some very special heritage properties. This is a really lovely, varied adventure.

Travellers wanting an adventure holiday in India often end up seeing the more 'usual' sides of Kerala. This holiday is different. It takes you on an adventure which is much less ordinary, far more interesting, and which is utterly immersed in the culture of the area.

This is an Indian holiday which gives you a varied and fascinating look at the state of Kerala, including Cochin, the backwaters, the beaches of Kannur and the wildlife and spice gardens of Wayanad. But it also includes privileged insights into the culture and traditions of the local people - artists, musicians, dancers, and other craftsmen.

This is an excellently-priced holiday, especially when you consider the places you'll be staying, including eco-friendly cottages on a backwater island and in Wayanad, 4 nights homestay in heritage houses, and lovely beach cottages.

There are also some fascinating excursions and activities included which help bring the culture of the area alive for you, and give you your chance to really meet the local people.

This is one of Tribes' Down to Earth holidays. This is a great range of more affordable, set itinerary holidays, as opposed to our tailor made trips.
The Down to Earth holidays also have their own website where you will find lots more details about each trip.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE DOWN TO EARTH HOLIDAYS PAGE FOR THIS HOLIDAY

Gallery and trip information

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Included

9 nights full board, 4 nights breakfast, transfers, guided tour in Fort Cochin, houseboat trip, folk artist trips on days 4 and 6, music trip on day 5, cruise on day 6, safari on day 10.

Not included

Flights and taxes, visas, vaccinations, insurance, meals and activities not included, drinks, tips, items of a personal nature

Is it for you?

This trip is suitable for everyone.

Best time

From October to March. Other months are very hot.

Getting there

The trip starts in Cochin.

Weather and highlights

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  • See the highlights of Cochin.
  • An overnight cruise on a houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala.
  • Stay on a secluded island in the backwaters.
  • Meet the folk artists of the River Nila region.
  • Time with students and masters of the classical dance and music school of Kerala.
  • Stay on an organic farm in a 400 yr old heritage house.
  • A musical trail to learn about the percussion culture of River Nila.
  • Afternoon country boat cruise on an little-visited area called Tirur.
  • Stay at an ancient heritage property with a sacred grove.
  • Visit traditional bathing ghats.
  • Spice tour in the Wayanad hills.
  • Morning wildlife viewing in either Tholpetty or Muthanda wildlife sanctuaries in Wayanad.
  • Visit bamboo nursery and bamboo artists.
  • Enjoy three nights on some of the most idyllic beaches in the Malabar region near Kannur.

 

 

Itinerary

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Duration: 14 days

  1. Day 1: Arrive in Cochin. Afternoon sightseeing.
  2. Day 2: Transfer to Alleppey. Day's cruise on a houseboat through the backwaters of Kuttanad (Kerala). Overnight on houseboat.
  3. Day 3: Spend the day and night on a secluded island on the backwaters - cycling, village visits, canoe trips.
  4. Day 4: Travel to River Nila / Cheruthuruthy. Evening visit to nearby village. Meet folk artists and enjoy music and dance by young local performers.
  5. Day 5: Morning at a school for classical music and dance. Drive to Kooderi for a farm stay.
  6. Day 6: Spend time with a family of musicians to showcase the percussion culture of the River Nila area. Late afternoon boat cruise through stunning landscape.
  7. Day 7: Travel to Nilambur. Stay at heritage property with a sacred grove.
  8. Day 8: Either chill out today, or visit local bathing ghats and the farm.
  9. Day 9: Transfer to Wayanad. Afternoon spice tour.
  10. Day 10: Morning wildlife sanctuary visit. Afternoon visit to bamboo nursery, and meet artists.
  11. Day 11: Transfer to coast, to Kannur.
  12. Days 12-13: Relax on idyllic beach near Kannur.
  13. Day 14: Transfer back to Calicut airport for flight home

Pricing guidelines for India

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £450 to £700 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). India combines well with Nepal.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

  • Example tripPrice per person
  • 1 week Golden Triangle holidayBetween £800 and £2000
  • 2 weeks in northern IndiaFrom about £1500+
  • 2 weeks in southern IndiaBetween £2000 and £3000
  • 11 day wildlife safari (including tigers)From about £1250+

Pricing for Down to Earth: A Malabar Adventure

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14 days (16 inc. flights) - from £1335 per person

See the Down to Earth website for specific prices and dates.

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