Bananas about Coffee

1. 1–2

   Days 1–2

   Depart the UK on an overnight flight and arrive Kerala

   On arrival in Kochi, we meet our local STC Expedition Leader and transfer to our hotel. After freshening up, we set out to visit the heritage city, Fort Cochin and see the world famous Kathakali art. This evening we have a welcome briefing and enjoy our first dinner in Kochi, followed by a Kathakali Dance performance in the evening.

2. 3

   Day 3

   Bananas about Coffee

   After a leisurely breakfast we set off to visit one of the largest organic producers of coffee, spices and rubber in India. The organisation is owned and managed by the farmers themselves. A morning lecture gives us an insight into sustainable farming practices, marketing and the exportation of organic products from India. This afternoon we head further from the city to visit a local farmhouse and learn to make a traditional banana leaf ‘sadhya’ lunch. Next is our first visit to a Fairtrade certified farm where we have a guided tour of the farm and its crops of fruit trees, spices, coffee and vegetables. This is followed by a session planting our own fruit seedlings! Coffee fans can also learn the four stages of coffee tasting or ‘cupping’ - most likely the freshest coffee you’ve ever had!

3. 4

   Day 4

   Thattekkad, birds and elephants

   After breakfast, we transfer to Thattekkad where we first visit the renowned Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, named after the late Dr Salim Moizzudin Abdul Ali, India’s best known ornithologist. The sanctuary was created to protect the thriving birdlife living in the surrounding mangroves and marshland. Next we will visit an elephant orphanage and Sacred Grove (kaavu) where we will learn more about these incredible giants as well as traditional Hinduism. Tonight we stay overnight at the spectacular ‘Hornbill Camp’, nestled between lowland plantations of rubber, pepper and vanilla.

4. 5

   Day 5

   Day hike to Kalypso Camp

   This morning we transfer to Suryanelli, a small town near the famous Munnar Hill Station. This is our gateway into the stunning Western Ghats mountain range, and a rich area of bio-diversity. Here we will be surrounded by flocks of birds and rolling hills dotted with tea and cardamom plantations established by the British in the late 19th century. We reach Suryanelli by midday and begin our afternoon trek, 6km through grassland and pine forest until we reach Kalypso Camp, where we stay overnight. This evening we explore the local area on a walk with a naturalist who will teach us about the global environmental issues which are impacting the local area and economy.

5. 6

   Day 6

   Nature walk, hydro electric project and on to Munnar

   This morning we can walk to a viewpoint to watch the spectacular sunrise over the mountains! Back at camp and after breakfast we meet up again with our naturalist who will guide us on another nature walk, this time learning about the endemic mountain ecosystem. Next we visit the Idukki Dam, Asia’s first and largest arch dam and part of the Idukki Hydro Electric Project. From here we travel on to our overnight stop in a vintage bungalow, nestled between tea and rubber plantations.

6. 7–8

   Days 7–8

   Fairtrade Experiences

   Over the next two days we really get to grips with Fairtrade and projects in Kerala. We spend time with the local farmers, workers and community to learn about their daily lives, the challenges they face and what Fairtrade means to them. We overnight in homestays in the community and learn to cook ethnic dishes using organic and local ingredients. Munnar is well known for growing some of the best tea in the world, helped by its year round cool climate. It became a hotspot for tea cultivation having been introduced by the British during the colonial rule. We explore the seemingly endless tea plantations, estates and gardens before visiting the 100 year old Lockhart Tea Factory. We hear from social service organisations that work to connect and empower marginal spice farmers across the southern districts, by providing assistance in improving the quality of products and ensuring farmers receive the premium price. Be prepared to get hands on - harvesting our own crops, farming with traditional methods, tasting exotic spices and fruits and living alongside the locals.

7. 9–10

   Days 9–10

   Alleppey, Cycles, Kayaks & Cruise

   Alleppey (or Alappuzha) is best known for houseboat cruises along the rustic Kerala backwaters, a network of tranquil canals and lagoons. Having checked in to our hotel, we head out for a cycling tour of the local area. Upon reaching the more remote backwater areas, we get stuck in with our own Environment Clean Up Project and help to clear waste in and alongside the waterways. On day 10 we explore these legendary backwaters and beaches by kayak. After lunch we can relax and explore the vibrant local markets. Tonight we will step aboard our private houseboat for an unforgettable dinner whilst watching the sunset on this tropical paradise.

8. 11

   Day 11

   Fly to London

   After an exhilarating adventure in southern India, we transfer to the airport in time for our flight back to the UK. We return with a far deeper understanding of life in Kerala and the importance of buying Fairtrade.

Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.