Fairtrade and the Western Ghats

1. 1–2

   Days 1–2

   Depart from the UK, Arrive Kerala

   Meals included: lunch and dinner

   On arrival in Kochi, we will be met by our STC Leader and transferred directly to our hotel. After freshening up, we will set out to explore the heritage city, Fort Cochin and see the world-famous Kathakali art. In the evening we will have a welcome briefing and enjoy our first meal in Kochi.

2. 3

   Day 3

   Kochi to Suryanelli Base Camp

   All meals included

   After breakfast we transfer to Suryanelli, a small town near the famous Munnar hill station. This is our gateway into the stunning Western Ghats Mountain range, a rich, bio-diverse area. Here we will be surrounded by flocks of birds and rolling hills dotted with tea and cardamom plantations established in the late 19th century. We will reach Suryanelli by midday and begin our trek, 6km through grassland and pine forest until we reach Kalypso Camp, where we will overnight.

3. 4

   Day 4

   Trek to Anaerangal Lakeside

   All meals included

   Today we’ll rise for an early morning climb of Phantom’s Head, the tallest rock feature nearby. Once we reach the summit, we can watch the spectacular sunrise over the Papathy Shola (butterfly forest). There is a mass migration of butterflies here in October and November. Our trek continues to Papathy Shola Village, through cardamom plantations and on to Muthuvankudy. Finally, we reach a settlement on the shores Anaerangal Lake where we camp tonight. Anaerangal is a large, placid lake which forms a source of water for all farmers downstream.

4. 5

   Day 5

   Mathikettan Shola Trek

   All meals included

   Today we will trek from the village to Shantanpara Camp, approx 14kms. The route begins in grasslands until we reach the boundary of Mathikettan Shola National Park. Here the landscape transforms into dense forests and flora & fauna of giant proportions! The national park is home to a variety of wildlife which we will try to spot including the Malabar Giant Squirrel, gaur, sambar and elephants! This afternoon our trek weaves through plantations and local settlements where we can meet local farmers and learn more about their daily lifestyles. Tonight, we camp at Shantanpara Camp, overlooking the national park.

5. 6

   Day 6

   Chaturangapara Trek

   All meals included

   After a quick transfer, we begin our climb up to a mountain pass at 2,200m. This is the highest point of our trek and once we reach the top, we are rewarded with beautiful views over the vast plains of Tamil Nadu. This is a more challenging trekking day with increasingly steeper and rocky trails through the Western Ghats, until finally we begin our final and gradual descent back into elephant territory.

6. 7

   Day 7

   Chaturangapara to Haripad

   All meals included

   This morning we enjoy a relaxing breakfast and then transfer to our project in Haripad (approx. 5hrs). This is an ancient Buddhist town known as the land of art, dance, music and the ‘land of snake boats’. There are many schools in need of renovation in Haripad and the group can assist with various restoration projects.

7. 8–11

   Days 8–11

   Haripad Project

   All meals included

   During our time in Haripad we will assist with a school restoration or construction project. The exact tasks will be confirmed closer to the time of departure and following consultation with the school to find a sustainable solution to their needs. During our project we will stay with the local community and learn about daily life in rural India. In the evenings we can explore the charming temple town of Haripad.

   As this is typically a very low-income area, there are two common problems faced by schools. One is inadequate toilet facilities and the other is a lack of an internal water supply. These are projects which are in much need and can be achieved with additional fundraising from the school in the UK. We are likely to work alongside local tradesmen during the day to complete our tasks. There will be plenty of opportunity to interact with the local villages and students.

8. 12–13

   Days 12–13

   Alleppey, Cycles, Kayaks & Cruise

   All meals included

   We wave farewell to the friends we have made and transfer to Alleppey. 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 will freshen up and head out for a cycling tour of the local area.

   This morning we will explore these legendary backwaters and beaches by kayak. After lunch we can relax and explore the local markets. Tonight, we will step aboard our private houseboat for an unforgettable dinner whilst watching the sunset.

9. 14

   Day 14

   Fly to London

   Meal included: breakfast

   After an exhilarating trip, we take our return flight to the UK.

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