Conscious Journeys

Unexplored Kerala

Conscious Journeys ABOUT THE ITINERARY 14 Days Kerala attracts tourists for various reasons. Cuisine, culture, pristine forests and beaches, backwaters and canals are some of the popular ones. In the recent past, Kerala has been popular with international tourists. The reason behind this is that the place has so much to offer. This tour has been designed to visit classic destinations, providing you the ambience of highlands, rivers, backwaters and beaches, and at the same time to discover several rural destinations that seem untouched by many tourists. Apart from visiting prime tourist attractions like Kochi, Thrissur, Kumarakom and Periyar, you will have the chance to discover various unexplored places that a tourist might miss during a first visit to Kerala. This trip will give you insights into interior Kerala, little known territories, cultural richness of a river, spices

and aroma of forests, ancient heritage of an island and the famed backwaters of Kerala along with its most beautiful beaches. Some of these rural destinations are relatively unexplored, such as Wayanad, Nilambur, Nila River and Marari beach. During these visits you will have a direct experiences with local communities, farmers, artists and artisans who will make a real immersion into Kerala culture and traditions. Depending upon the season of your visit, we can include activities like jungle trek and rain forest camping to the trip. This trip will give you the touch and feel of Kerala in all its richness. All throughout the itinerary, the trip focuses on its people, culture and wilderness. Various accommodation options ranging from home stay, heritage resorts, hotels and wilderness camping are offered.

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ACTIVITIES • • • • • • • • • •

visit the beautiful tea, coffee and spices plantations in Wayanad interaction with local farmers of Tharikappetta village forest walk in Banasura forest Dam visit bamboo handicraft and products at the Bamboo village explore a traditional sacred grove in Nilambur enjoy a Thoni cruise in the Nila river interaction with students and masters of the Kerala Kalamandalam, a classical dance and music school enjoy a traditional performance of the folk group Vayali visit the Elephant camp at Punnathurkotta visit the famous Guruvayoor (Krishna) temple from outside

• • • • • • • •

walk in the street of the traditional Hindu town of Trissur explore the ancient city of Fort Kochi experience a Kathakali performance in a theatre go for nature walk in the Wildlife Sanctuary of Peryar experience cruising in the Vembanad Lake, spotting numerous migratory birds enjoy the charm of heritage houses in Trissur and Kumarakom experience a sunset cruise on a houseboat in the canals of Alleppey backwaters unwind or have a relaxing walk on the beach of Marari

“Fantastic country, beautiful, friendly people. Peace and calm a tonic for the soul. An outstanding cultural and historical experience with the added charm of a warm welcome everywhere”. Carla Giusti, 2013 “The flexibility of being in a small group meant that unscheduled stops at points of interests could be made without much impact on the event or surroundings… Every day was different and very well organised the right balance of arranged excursions and free time. A wonderful experience not just a holiday” Linda Garibaldi 2013

SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

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All the itinerary has been designed in order to promote direct or indirect benefits for local communities, environment and cultural heritages. When possible we have selected traditional accommodations sensible to social and environmental issues, following general principles and practices of responsible tourism. In Wayanad spice tours were initiated to support small time farmers and spice planters in and around Wayanad areas to find alternative, supplementary source of income. This provides a glimpse of the issues surrounding the struggles of spice farmers in terms of price crash and issues of globalization. In Wayanad you will visit the Bamboo Village, a community-based tourism initiative started by two local organizations – Uravu and Kabani – with the aim of providing alternate sources of income to the residents of Thrikkaipetta, through tourism. In particular, Kabani promotes a homestay program, including hospitality training for the local residents. Homestays are chronologically rotated among the host families to provide an equal opportunity to host guests. Uravu promotes social enterprises based on value addition of local, natural resources, especially bamboo, the “green gold”. Uravu implements integrated, end-to-end programs in the bamboo sector, which include providing skill training in bamboo processing, establishing micro enterprises, marketing of bamboo handicraft, cultivation of bamboo and promotion of ecotourism. In Nila the boats used for Thoni Cruise as well as

the oarsmen are from the local communities. This makes an alternative, supplementary source of incomes to sand miners, coconut processors, and small size property owners. Evening with the folk artists is part of revival of folk art and music forms. In Periyar, the programs are operated by local community members belonging to the Eco Development Committees (EDCs). The benefits are transferred directly to the community members. Trekking assistants and guides were mostly poachers and the entire program in Periyar was designed to rehabilitate them. By taking tourists along, they are involved in the conservation of the forests of Periyar and some valuable revenue is generated for community welfare. People who once made a living by illegal operations in the forests have since become forest protectors and earn their livelihood through these programmes. Hence, as a visitor, when you join them in any of these programmes, you are directly contributing towards forest conservation and community welfare. Moreover, your contribution of 70 euros will support development projects in favour of one of the most marginalised tribal communities of India. Tribal communities are still at the margin of Indian society and for this reason two are the main projects financed: 1) to conserve biological and cultural diversity 2) to promote the formal education of children belonging to Kattunaickan community of the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Conscious Journeys PROGRAM DETAILS DAY 1: CALICUT - WAYANAD Arrival into Calicut in the morning, meet our representative outside the airport terminal and transfer to Wayanad by road (3 hours). You may try lunch on own –Biryani at a local restaurant. Check in Plantation Home stay/Resort. Check-in time is 12noon. Wayanad is considered a green paradise, nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history, culture and nature. Time to relax and unwind after a long flight. Dinner and overnight in Wayanad. (D) DAY 2: WAYANAD Full day visit bamboo village at Tharikapetta. Visit Uravu, meet local farmers and lunch during the visit. Guests can visit the Bamboo workshop, interact with the artisans and designers and see how they create marvels out of different varieties of bamboo grown locally. The visit also includes interaction with the promoters, visit to the bamboo nursery and plant a bamboo sapling as part of a Traveler’s Forest initiative. A special lunch is organized for the guests with only products made of bamboo, from bamboo rice, to bamboo shoots to pickles. Unique experience. Overnight in Wayanad. (B,L,D) DAY 3: WAYANAD – NILAMBUR Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Nilambur by road (3 ½ hours drive). Check in the Homestay on arrival and have lunch with the host family. Maranat Mana Homestay is a several hundred years old heritage property reflecting the age old traditions of a Kerala Brahmin family. Focusing on sustainable living, this place strikes an excellent balance between traditional life style and modern living. The two acres of sacred grove inside the farm

is a representation of bio-diversity that is still sustained. Spend the afternoon exploring the sacred grove, bathing tub, paddy fields and the village areas. Overnight at the homestay. (B,L,D-veg meal only) DAY 4: RIVER NILA/CHERUTHURUTHY Checkout after breakfast and drive to Tirur (1.5hrs drive). Join our interpreter for a visit to the Literature Park (the language museum) and Thoni cruise (country boat cruise) that goes through a stunning landscape comprising small canals, rivers and backwaters of a relatively unknown area called Tirur. This trip goes through several small islands where various communities of toddy tapers, coir rope workers and fishing communities live. The boat trip concludes at a beach. Lunch with the community or a local household. Thereafter proceed onwards to hotel in Cheruthuruthy (1.5 hrs drive). River Nila, the Bharathappuzha (in Malayalam),also known as Nila, is the 2nd longest river in Kerala. The word “Nila” indicates the culture more than just a river. Nila has groomed the culture and life of the south Malabar part of Kerala. Check in at the hotel on arrival. Overnight at the hotel. (B,L) DAY 5: RIVER NILA/CHERUTHURUTHY After breakfast proceed to Kerala Kalamandalam for a day with the Masters programme, an interaction with students and masters of classical dance and music school of Kerala (Kerala Kalamandalam is closed over the weekends and public holidays, Xmas and Summer vacations; in case of closure we will adjust the rest of the tour accordingly). Late noon, join our interpreter for village visit. Visit handloom weaving center, Potter’s workshop, Bell Metal workshop and enjoy the sunset on the backdrop of the river and a riverside temple. You will get to see how potter weaves magic on clay. The session gives opportunity to work on pottery. Guests can give

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orders for small souvenirs and take it back home as a memento. A visit to the bell metal workshop will take you through the unique craft that is confined to few families in the region. One can watch the intricate scientific process of creating the bell metal and how they are used so artistically to create materials like traditional tea pots, unique door locks. In the evening spend time with folk artists showcasing the folk heritage of River Nila. This was started in partnership with the folk group Vayali in Arangottukkara. The Initial idea was to provide a platform for local folk artists to bring back many art forms which had gone into oblivion. The young group went around villages to document art forms from the older generation, in order to practice them and perform. Overnight in Nila. (B) DAY 6: RIVER NILA – TRICHUR After early breakfast transfer to Trichur via Guruvayoor (2.45hr drive). En route visit the Elephant camp at Punnathurkotta: The Elephant Camp is located in Punnathur Kotta, at a distance of 3 km from the Guruvayur Temple. This Elephant Camp is one of its kinds in the world and is considered to be one of the largest elephant sanctuaries housing around 60 elephants. The fascinating feature is that all the elephants are offerings that are made by the devotees at the temple. The camp also acts as a training school for the elephants. Most of the elephants are trained to participate in major processions and daily temple rituals. Visit the famous Guruvayoor (Krishna) temple from outside...(non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple!). This temple is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus of Kerala and is often referred to as “Bhuloka Vaikunta”, which translates to the “Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth”. The Krishna temple of Guruvayoor is one of the five famous Krishna\Vishnu temples in India. The presiding deity in the Sanctum sanctorum of the Guruvayur Temple is Lord Vishnu, worshipped in the form of Lord Krishna, his avatar. After the visit transfer to Trichur, the cultural capital of Kerala famous for its Elephant festival/Pooram. Overnight at a heritage home stay/Hotel (B) DAY 7: TRICHUR - FORT KOCHI After breakfast admire the famous Trichur temple from outside and walk in the street of this traditional Hindu town. Thrissur is one of the oldest cities in Kerala. The legend says, the city was the town created by Lord

Parasurama (6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu) soon after formation of Kerala, by creating a large Shiva temple. The entire city is formed around the grand Shiva temple known as Vadakumnathan Temple. Thereafter transfer to Fort Kochi. Fort Kochi is a Jewel in the crown of Kerala with its European heritage and true cosmopolitan temperament. A leisurely walk through its streets is one of the best ways to discover all that the city has to offer - its natural harbour and historical sites. In the evening attend Kathakali performance in a Theatre. Overnight in Fort Kochi. (B) DAY 8: FORT KOCHI After breakfast join our guide for a half day guided tour of Fort Kochi exploring the Jew town, Synagogue, Spice Markets, Dutch Palace, St Francis Church, Chinese Fishing nets. Return to the hotel by afternoon. Rest of the time free for shopping, cycling or just shopping (Jewish Synagogue is closed on Fridays and Saturdays; Dutch Palace is closed on Fridays). Overnight in Fort Kochi. (B) DAY 9: KOCHI - PERIYAR After an early breakfast transfer to Periyar- (5hrs drive). Arrive and proceed to Hotel in Thekkady. Periyar Tiger Reserve, sprawled over an area of 777 Sq.km, is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India and it is considered an example of nature’s bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. People oriented and park centered community based ecotourism is the hallmark of Periyar Tiger Reserve. These programmes are conducted by local people responsible for the surveillance of the vulnerable parts of the reserve. Spend some time to relax and walk around. Overnight in Periyar. (B) DAY 10: PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY After breakfast go for nature walk (max 5 person in a group). Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally 4 to 5 km. in length. This is an interpretive programme offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The programme is offered between 7.00 am. and 10.30 am. and between 2.00 pm. and 3.00 pm. and lasts for about 3 hours. A maximum of 5 persons can go for trekking at

Conscious Journeys a time along each nature trail, accompanied by a trained tribal guide. The Nature walk is the right programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers. After lunch proceed for boat ride in Periyarlake and return to the hotel by late evening. Overnight in Periyar. (B) DAY 11: PERIYAR – KUMARAKOM After breakfast transfer to Kumarakom (3.5hrs drive). Kumarakom is close to the Vembanad lake. Kumarakom offers exotic sightseeing, boating and fishing experiences. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the most important attractions of the place. Cruising along the Vembanad Lake one can get glimpses of the numerous migratory birds like the egret, darter, heron and teal. You will be staying close to a river channel at an old Kerala style Heritage house. Overnight in Kumarakom (B) DAY 12: KUMARAKOM – ALLEPPEY Check out after breakfast and proceed to Jetty to board the houseboat for a backwater Cruise. All meals are ser-

ved on board. View the village life while on boat cruise. Day and sunset cruise on the houseboat exploring the paddy fields and villages life along the backwaters. Small stop over to explore the coconut plantations, toddy tapping etc will be provided on request. The boat will anchor after sunset cruise. Overnight on the Houseboat. (B,L,D) DAY 13: ALLEPPEY – MARARI BEACH: Disembark from the houseboat at Alleppey after a short morning cruise and transfer to beach resort in Marari (45minute drive). Marari Beach is not only an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more: an authentic experience of the world of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life! Enjoy this last day of the tour for a full day relax or go for Ayurvedic treatment. Overnight at the beach resort. (B) DAY 14: MARARI - KOCHI AIRPORT Checkout by 12 noon. Transfer to Kochi airport for your international flight.

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TIPS BEFORE DEPARTURE Kerala, despite being a famous tourist destination, is a very orthodox and conservative state, therefore it is advised that you following carefully a code conduct which respects local culture to avoid any hassles or unwanted troubles along your journey. In particular, avoid to show affection in public places, such as hugging, kissing etc., as this behaviour is not appreciated by local people. Smoking also is considered an offence (punishable under law!!). Even though this may come as a surprise to many, Kerala has a strict ban on smoking in public places. If you smoke remember to do it only in your room if it is allowed by the rules of your own hotel… You are also advised to follow a certain dress code. There are basically two reasons why it is recommended to be careful about what clothes you wear while traveling to India. The first reason is to prevent you from hurting the sentiments of the local people and second, to protect you from the varied weather conditions prevailing in seasons. One more thing to keep in mind is mosquitoes...it is advised to keep your arms and legs covered because it provides protection (however, don’t forget to bring with you mosquito nets and repellents, especially for backwaters cruises). India’s time zone is GMT/UTC +5.30, so chances of jet lag cannot be ignored. It is advised that you get onto India’s time zone as soon as you leave home and try to eat and sleep on Indian time. Also, if you reach India early in the day, try to stay awake – this will help the body’s internal clock to reset. A conscious approach to travel requires a considerable capacity and willingness to adapt and adjust to the local environment and culture. If you wish to travel with us we request you to be open enough to experience local culture, religious and traditions without bias and pre-conceived ideas you might have before the departure and which belong to our Western cultural way of thinking. Exploring with fresh eyes, with patience and openness, you will be able to access the real essence of South Indian cultural heritages through the places and people you are going to meet; if you are ready to do this effort you will really enjoy the beauty of a completely different cultural tradition, the extraordinary of the nature, the solemnity of temples, the holiness of the waters of countless rivers and oceans that flow through this magic land…

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