India school trip · 8 days
Kerala: Nature and Culture
Eight days in Kerala: a bird sanctuary, a tribal settlement, a butterfly forest trek, village life and the Alleppey backwaters by houseboat or kayak.
About this trip
Kerala, a state in southern India, is famous for its palm-lined beaches, legendary backwaters and rolling hills lined with vibrantly green tea and spice plantations. Kerala is a tropical symphony of wildlife, pristine hiking trails, glistening canals, tribal Keralan communities and ancient temples. This expedition brings you into the thick of it, trekking through the Western Ghats and getting onto the water. This is an enchanting expedition in a world away from the frenzy of the rest of India. An expedition here is sure to stay with you forever.
Trip highlights
- Kerala's bird sanctuary and a butterfly forest trek
- A tribal settlement visit and the tea museum in the hills
- Cooking lesson in a local village
- A houseboat or kayak trip on the Alleppey backwaters
- Three nights at Kalypso Camp in the Western Ghats
Your recommended itinerary, with the meals included on each day.
- 1
Day 1
Depart UK and Arrive at Fort Kochi
Meal included: dinner
Today we arrive in Kochi in Kerala. Kochi is a vibrant coastal city known for its historic spice trade, scenic backwaters, and unique blend of colonial and traditional Indian culture. We have an early night ready to make the most of our expedition.
- 2
Day 2
Visit Bird Sanctuary
All meals included
Nestled along the Periyar River, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is a great day trip destination. Here dense forests and wetlands host over 300 bird species, making it a peaceful and world-class spot for nature lovers. Our STC Leader will be on hand to teach us about the wildlife and our surroundings.
- 3
Day 3
Tribal Settlement and Tea Museum
All meals included
Set in the Western Ghats, our day trip today offers an immersive experience of a traditional tribal settlement. We explore bamboo-crafted homes, try weaving and enjoy an authentic bamboo-cooked meal in a serene rainforest setting. Later on, we settle into Kalypso Camp and make it our home for the next three nights.
- 4
Day 4
Butterfly Forest Trek
All meals included
Today we explore the Butterfly Forest Trek near Suryanelli. We walk through lush forests and meadows filled with seasonal butterflies, while enjoying scenic views of the Western Ghats.
- 5
Day 5
Local Village Visit and Cooking Lesson
All meals included
After breakfast at the camp, we head out for the day and gain an insight into indigenous traditions, daily life, and local crafts. In the evening we return for our final night at Kalypso Camp.
- 6
Day 6
Transfer to Alleppey
All meals included
We bid goodbye to Kalypso Camp this morning and board the buses to Alleppey. Along the route, we will be treated to views of the Nilgiri Hills, the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats.
- 7
Day 7
Waterborne Activities
All meals included
Today we venture onto the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, either on a houseboat or by kayak. We glide past village homes, lush paddy fields and coconut groves. On today’s excursion we will experience local life up close while enjoying a peaceful adventure in Kerala’s tranquil landscape.
- 8
Day 8
Depart from Kochi and Return to the UK
Meal included: breakfast
On our final day in Kerala, we say goodbye to our STC Leader, before transferring to the airport and flying home to the UK.
Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.
Questions teachers ask about this trip
Which subjects does this trip suit? Geography and religious studies mainly: ecosystems and land use in the Western Ghats, the backwaters, and Kerala's mix of Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities. It also suits general cultural trips for younger students.How physically demanding is it? It's a grade 3 trip because of the forest trek and a warm climate, but most days are day visits rather than long walks.When is the best time to go? October to March is dry and comfortable. Avoid the monsoon months of June to September.