Recently returned from this tour and I wanted to give some quick feedback
This was my ninth tour with JY and I have to say one of the very best!
Kerala is a wonderful location- lush and verdant - we did have some heavy rain for part of the tour but that didn’t spoil the tour or dampen spirits!
I’ve travelled in northern India before but Kerala is very different
The itinerary was just the right mix of interest and “adventure”- having leeches removed after the Nature Trek being perhaps too high in the adventure scale admitted!
Transport and hotels were all spot on- the night on the houseboat being a particular highlight and an experience I won’t forget
Food was fabulous- there was always a mix of spicy and mild/ more western style food for those with delicate palette
Keralan people were without exception friendly welcoming and helpful- our bus driver and bus help and local guide were all excellent
Company was great- we were a group of 14- seemed just right in terms of the mix of interests and size and we all got on together
Above all our tour manager; Annemieke; was fantastic- this was my second tour with Annemieke - she is an absolutely great tour manager- there was never a time when we felt uninformed or taken care of- for example; we had to re route our journey through the Cardammon hills on day 4 due to flooding- there was never any panic; the itinerary progressed as planned ( albeit a late wet visit to the spice plantation and a late lunch!) and we were all able to take things in our stride and enjoy the ride!
An excellent tour- I would recommend!
A few tips- if you are doing the Nature Trek take sturdy walking shoes; remember to take Deet spray with you- rooms are air conditioned but you will need it when out and about;women- remember to take long trousers or cut offs/ knee length shorts/ trousers- India is in the main a conservative country and dressing in a respectful way helps;remember to contact your bank before travelling so you can use your credit/ debit card if you need to ( generally souvenirs are very inexpensive but you will need some cash) don’t be afraid to try the food- it’s delicious!