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The South India Mountain Adventure takes you from the historic Fort Kochi to the mountains of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and Munnar. This is an ideal holiday for families interested in wildlife and birds while trekking through these mountains in the company of trackers and naturalists. Here is a chance to sight herds of elephants, gaurs and Nilgiri Tahrs while meeting up with indigenous tribes and follow their customs & traditions in their isolated villages nestled amongst these mountains.
Day 1: Kochi
Your South India Mountain Adventure tour will begin at Kochi where you will be picked up from the airport and dropped at a hotel in Fort Kochi where you can check in. Set on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Kochi is a city of cultural diversity consisting of winding streets, shady trees, Kathakali dance, modern Indian art, 500-year old Portuguese houses, mosques, a tiny Jewish community with ancient roots and ferry boats scuttling backwards and forwards. Once you are settled in the hotel, you can take on a backstreet tour of the city by foot or tuk-tuks, visiting the spice market, the fishing harbour and, in the evening, enjoying the city's Kathakali dance performance.
Day 2, 3 & 4: Parambikulam
You'll be taking a 4 hour drive across the Tamil Nadu border to Indira Gandhi National Park, a place known for its great swathes of forests and wildlife such as birds, butterflies, elephants, sloth bears, leopards, gaurs (Indian Bison), dholes (wild dogs), king cobras and the lion-tailed Macaques in their natural habitat, all within the areas known as Top Slip & Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. You will be staying within the forest at Parambikulam in cottage tents. Jeep safaris around the park and walks through the dense forests for wildlife watching & understand the dynamics of the rain forests will also be done. Your trackers during the safaris will be from the indigenous tribes & members of the local communities.
Day 5, 6 & 7: Munnar
From Parambikulam, you will be taking a spectacular 3 hour drive along the climbing road, through forests and tea gardens, to the hill station of Munnar which is situated 1500 metres high in the mountains. The combination of crisp mountain air, craggy peaks and tall red wood trees make it a peaceful retreat. Here, endemic species of birds & animals find their home. Your stay will be at a small family owned resort set within a cardamom forest. Here, you can explore the plantations, tea estates and meet the workers who pick tea for a living. You can also make your way to the enclave of the Nilgiri Tahr at Rajamala, go on treks into the mountains or cycle to some of the remote villages.
Day 8: Depart
Today, your South India Mountain Adventure will come to an end leaving you with fond memories to take back with you.
Visa
Visitors to India must obtain a Visa before departure. You can consult the nearest Indian Embassy/ High Commission/ Consular Office for the same.
Accomodation
Most of your time you will be spent in the mountains & forest areas giving an opportunity to interact with the local communities, taking part in controlled adventure activities like trekking, cycling, kayaking, birding and wildlife safaris. The accommodation is carefully chosen so that they are child-friendly and has a large grounds around it for space and recreation.
Activities
All activities are included as shown in the itinerary and you will not be required to pay anything extra.
Climate
The weather is tropical and warm except in the hills where it is much cooler. In December and January the night temperatures in the hills could be between 5 to 10 Deg C. Hence woolens are recommended. Monsoons months are July to August.
Transportation Guides
Transportation including airport transfers are included in the cost.
First Aid
Our guides have been adequately trained in first aid and always carry a comprehensive first-aid kit. In case of any medical emergency we have facilities to transfer you to the nearest hospital immediately.
Food
Food is a very important part of these journeys and we have ensured that the Keralan Cuisine is a part of this adventure. Refreshments and bottled mineral water are provided during all activities. Any special food requirements can be met if sufficient notice is given.
Children's Age
Min age 5 years.
Precautions
· Drink plenty of fluids. Use only bottled mineral water provided by us.
· Carry your personal medical kit and insect repellent.
Spending Money
During the tours there will be opportunities to do some shopping and money spent along the way goes directly into the hands of the local communities.
Airport Taxes
Airport or departure taxes are not applicable if you depart from Kochi.
What to bring
Footwear:
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Extra pair Socks
Clothing:
Warm sets of clothes (Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves) are required for trips going through Munnar and other high altitude areas
Hiking shorts
Hiking pants/track pants
Waterproof jacket
Casual Shirts/T-shirts
Other:
Binoculars for viewing wildlife/ birds (optional)
Torch
Insect repellent
Sunglasses
Cap
Sun cream of spf at least 35
Canteen
Day pack
