Kerala is a beautiful place with a wealth of amazing scenery and local culture. Why not make the most of any free time to explore – locally or further afield.
We offer the following trips using local drivers that we know to be reliable. Our drivers will always listen and be happy to arrange and or stop for refreshments on the way.
Maheswaram Temple, Chenkal
Local interest and scenery Eagle Point and Local agriculture –
Take in the beautiful scenic views from this vantage point, known locally as eagle watching point – at the Sri Dharmasasthra Temple, Chowara and visit a local farm with fields full of natural vegetables, trees heavy with fruit and great views across Lake Vellayani.
CLASSIC KERALA
Local Backwater trip
A trip to the lovely local backwaters – the inland canals that bring water down to the sea. Approx 30 minutes travel each way by Rickshaw or Taxi and two hours on a local boat gliding you effortlessly past coconut farms and local village life..
A trip to the lovely local backwaters – the inland canals that bring water down to the sea. Approx 30 minutes travel each way by Rickshaw or Taxi and two hours on a local boat gliding you effortlessly past coconut farms and a wealth of birdlife. Classic Kerala.
SEE THE CITY – TWO OPTIONS
Not as big as Delhi or Mumbai but still brim-full of Indian character.
History and tradition. The driver will take you to Chalai bazaar – the local market streets – then to view the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (accessed only by Hindus) and visit the nearby Puthen Maliga Palace Museum with art and artifacts offering a glimpse into Kerala’s royal heritage (ticket price included).
Retail old and new. This trip will take you to Pothys Department Store with it’s many floors of varied
shopping options from clothes to tiffin boxes and a great ground floor food hall – all with welcome a/c.
As contrast you will then visit the ‘new India’ with a trip to Lulu Mall – a mega behemoth shopping and leisure centre with endless shops and four cinema screens full of Indian families having a day out.
Elephant Rehab Centre
A great chance to see these amazing animals closer than usual. Our trip arrives as they are being led from their separate compounds to the central feeding area. Followed by a trip to Neyar Dam local nature reserve with beautiful lake views.
Important note: the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre works to re-home elephants into work or service. The elephants are chained and controlled by mahouts (elephant handlers) using sticks. This can appear cruel to the Western eye but is the standard way of controlling these large and potentially dangerous animals. Elephants are highly revered in India and generally treated with great respect.
Please note: There is no obligation to go on the trips as offered, some people may prefer to organise and book their own trips directly with drivers. Our intention in offering them is to make life easier when you are on a limited timetable. If you want to go anywhere else please speak to our staff team who will be happy to help and advise you.
Other great places we recommend:
Kerala Craft Centre See local artisan crafts in action and shop for products made on site and locally. Fantastic for gifts. Only a 15 minute rickshaw ride away.
Villa Maya Restaurant Why not visit this stunning eatery in Trivandrum on one of your meal free nights. Lovely menu and setting.
The tip of India – where three oceans meet
Kanyukamari (Cape Cormori)
The southernmost tip of mainland India found in neighbouring state Tamil Nadu. A point where three oceans famously meet – the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.It is an ancient and sacred site for Hindus and has temple dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, and a Gandhi Mandapam (memorial). This trip involves a 2.5 hour a/c taxi ride each way with a visit to the traditional wooden palace on the way.
Jatayu Earth Centre
A stunning new attraction in Kerala. Built around a giant stone structure depicting a divine bird Jatayu referred to in the Ramayana who was cut down attempting to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. It is believed that Jatayu landed on a hilltop located around 50km north west of Thiruvananthapuram. This spot now boasts the world’s largest bird sculpture and stunning hilltop views which can be reached by a mountain walk up steps, or by cable car (included in the ticket price) .
CLASSIC INDIA [includes one hour walk/hike]
Ponmudi tea plantation and hill station with waterfall walk on route – ALL DAY TRIP COST 2600 rupees / Minimum 3 people This trip takes you to the hiking point to walk 1.5km to the Meenmutty waterfalls – a stunning natural water feature north of Trivandrum.
After enjoying the beauty of the waterfalls drive on to Ponmudi through the greenery of tea plants to the historic hill station Ponmudi situated on the Western Ghat, where you can buy lunch and enjoy the stunning scenery.