India Kerala Experience

Day 1: Arrive into Cochin
Today you will be met at the airport and accompanied to your accommodation. It takes around 45 minutes to an hour to drive from the airport to your homestay so sit back, gaze out of the window and take in the sights, sounds and smells of Kerala. You’ll have some time to unpack in your new digs and meet your fellow travellers and in-country team before sitting down to your first Indian dinner.

If you aren’t able to arrange a flight to get you into Cochin on the designated arrival day then we’d recommend you fly in a day early. We can arrange an early airport pick-up for you including one night’s accommodation for an additional fee. Please call us for more information.

Day 2: Explore Kochi
Today you’ll set off to explore Kerala’s colonial heritage as you take a tour of the historic Fort Kochi area. Be amazed by the Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the most impressive churches in all of Kerala. You will also take a walk back in time to visit the home of Vasca de Gama, a famous Portuguese explorer, as well as visiting the home of Kerala’s royal family and the Jewish Synagogue.

Make sure you don't miss the 'Chinese' fishing nets - one of the most easily recognisable symbols and attractions of Kerala set alongside a peaceful waterfront walk. If you ask nicely the fishermen will even let you have a go yourself! There is also the opportunity for plenty of shopping for colonial artifacts and souvenirs – get haggling!

Breakfast, lunch and dinner of traditional fare are included.  

Day 3: Meet the children
Today you’ll be up bright and early for your first day your project! Today is all about settling in and getting to know your way around. You’ll be accompanied to the project by a member of the in-country team who will make sure you know the way and introduce you to the staff and children. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the work you’ll be doing so don’t be shy! Be prepared to be the centre of attention as the children will be very curious and keen to get to know you!

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 4 to Day 6: Time to get stuck in!
Your next few days will be spent actively working with children and young people with special needs. Enjoy every minute as you get to know these inspirational children and get stuck into activities including singing songs, playing games, arts and crafts and music. The overall goal will be to keep the children and young adults happy, healthy and to help them to enjoy learning. Your typical day will be working from 9.30am to 3.30pm but you’re welcome to stay longer if you have the energy. You’ll be working alongside staff at the project and working with children either on a one to one or group basis.

Breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner are included each day.

Day 7: Alleppey backwaters cruise
All aboard! After breakfast you’ll be off on your serene picturesque boat cruise. You will have a tasty lunch on the boat and then start exploring the scenic backwaters. You will pass quaint villages, fisherman hard at work, women washing garments in the water, giggling children playing in the canals and running along the canal banks to keep up with you. You’ll then spend the night drifting silently along the lush canals as you dig into a traditional tasty dinner.

This is one of the main attractions of Kerala and offers a great insight into a way of life that is rapidly disappearing. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera!

All meals are included today. 

Day 8: Back to Kochi
After breakfast on the boat you will head back to your home stay in Kochi to relax and explore more of Cochin at your leisure. Home stays are a great way to get a unique insight into a different culture and to see more of a destination so spend time getting to know your hosts!

Later, it’s time to get dressed up in your finery as tonight you will be dazzled by traditional and theatrical Kerala dancing, martial arts and drama. Theatres of this kind are an important part of Kerala’s tradition so sit back and enjoy the evening!

All meals are included today.

Day 9 to Day 11: Make a difference
Make the most of your last few days at the project as you spend this time engaging with them as much as your energy levels allow. There is no such thing as being too creative; invent new games, teach new songs and have a ball playing with these very special children and young people. The old saying definitely holds true here; the more you put in, the more you’ll get out.

All meals are included today.

Day 12: Elephant Extravaganza and Athirapally waterfalls!
Today it’s an early start as you journey to an elephant camp in time for their morning bath! You’ll see the mahouts (elephant keepers) bringing their elephants to the water and washing them, and you’ll even be able to get stuck in yourself and help with the bath! This is a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with these surprisingly graceful long-nosed animals.

Please bear in mind that these very big animals live in the village and in order to control them they are sometimes shackled at the feet. However, there is no cause for concern as the elephants are very well looked after and the mahouts are dedicated and love their animals very much.

Your afternoon will include a trip to Athirapally which is located 70km from Kodanad. You make your way through the stunning landscape on a short but tiring walk before finally arriving at the Athirapally waterfalls where a cool down in a rock pool is a must!

Next is a short drive to a local restaurant for lunch where you can admire the views of the Athirapally waterfalls. After lunch and you have the choice of just sitting back and admiring the views or taking a dip in the infinity pool to round off the day. Bring your swimming costume so you don’t have to miss out!

All meals are included today.

Day 13: Backwater tour and fishing village
Today you will have another chance to enjoy the gorgeous backwaters, as you cruise along them in traditional boats, soaking up the atmosphere and relaxing. Meet the locals and enjoy a traditional Keralan lunch in a beautiful village setting.

All meals are included today. 

Day 14: Last chance to shop!
Today is the day to buy all those last minute souvenirs. You’ll travel to bustling Ernakulam, the commercial capital of Kerala, which is the perfect place to pick up some traditional gifts. Bring a sari home to your friends and be sure to stock up on miniature Hindu gods and bangle bracelets. Prepare to haggle!

All meals are included today.

Day 15: Time to say goodbye
Say your fond farewells to your new friends as today you will be transferred back to the airport for your journey home or on to your next adventure. Feel free to ask the in country team for some tips if you’re travelling on in India! A taxi back to the airport is a maximum of 1 hours ride and will cost round 700 rupees.

You are free to book your flight back at any point during the day, but we’d recommend an afternoon flight to give you enough time to get to the airport.

Meals can be included today if you need them before you head to the airport.

Please note that the order of the itinerary may vary slightly from trip to trip. All the explained activities will be included, although you may not follow this exact itinerary.