Tour Title: South India – Kerala Dreaming tour
Tour Company: G Adventures
Tour Leader: Sajin Basil
Countries Visited: India (Cities: Kochi, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Cherrai Beach)
Dates: 26 April 2015 to 2 May 2015.
Note: I did this as part of the India Highlights Tour which also included the Northern India Highlights tour.
Tour Type
This tour is listed as one of G Adventures Comfort tours. In short the hotels you stay at will be very good and most of the activities are included in the tour with a little bit of free time for other activities.
Included Activities
Arrival transfer, Walking tour in Kochi including Fort Cochin, the Dutch Palace, the Jewish quarter, the fishing market and Chinese fishing nets, Kathakali cultural show, Tripunithura Hill Palace, Kumarakom canoe ride, Walking tour of the paddy fields, Houseboat trip along the Kerala backwaters, Cooking demonstration and meal with local family.
Accommodation
Hotels had most of the expected extras for good 3-4 star hotels like good showers, air conditioning (a must a this time of year). Wifi charged at some places. Stay in Alleppey was more basic, no internet or TV, but still they had air conditioning and the family great charm. Breakfast was included at each stop. Laundry was done a last stop Cherrai Beach for a reasonable cost, plus they have onsite massage facilities.
Tour Members
There were only two other tour members, Andreas (Switerland) and Kanae (Japan).
Tour Leader
Sajin Basil has over 4 years working for G Adventures and recently representatives the region at G event in Egypt. This was a very simple tour to organise only 3 passengers and a leisurely plan. Sajin tried his best to keep us all involved despite language issues and he definitely helped me when I needed something done.
Highlights
The backwaters were the highlights of this tour, anytime we we’re on water it was great especially the canoe trip under the stars in Alleppey. This part of India is very different to the rest, much more leisurely, everything seemed cleaner and everyone was friendly.
Unfortunately I was unwell for a fair proportion of their tour and stomach problems and humidity don’t go well. Still this area is almost a postcard of paradise and if you like a nice paced leisurely tour and time to reflect of life in beautiful surroundings this tour is for you.
Trip Photos Alleppey canoe trip , started in day ended under stars
Nathan's Insights 