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The Enviroment:
INDIA – KERALA EXPERIENCE - 14 days
CGH Earth-Malabar House the pioneers in responsible tourism
Experiencing the highlights of Kerala at a relaxed pace with a mixture of sightseeing, wildlife viewing and leisure time. The hotels used on this tour are top range, extremely comfortable and the owners have a strong belief in ecotourism. This tour gives you a chance to experience a diversity of landscapes from the harbour city of Cochin to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the highlands of the Western Ghats. A trip to Kerala is not complete without time to experience the backwaters, so we have allocated four days in this area (two at a resort and two on a houseboat). We have included a stay in a restored estate house set in a rubber plantation and also three days at the beautiful beach area of Mararikulam. This tour does not compromise on comfort, despite being responsible.
Being Responsible
CGH Earth Group who own Coconut Lagoon, Spice Village and Marari Beach have evolved over four decades into a chain that specializes in remaining true to the environment - one of their mottos is "Nature remains the Chief Architect". While staying at their resorts the staff will be happy to show you around their various environmental projects including water harvesting and water re-cycling, organic farming, biogas facility, composting etc.
The Malabar House hospitality team (which includes Serenity) is committed to sustainability and social and environmental responsibility. They are the only operation (at the time of writing) in India that is certified by Green Globe 21, the worldwide environmental certification program for sustainable travel and tourism.Having been the first operation in India to be audited and certified by Green Globe, Malabar House & Escapes are very much part of the responsible tourism movement in Kerala and are pioneers of such. As a group, they have various 'green' commitments.
The houseboat is locally made using traditional methods and natural materials and owned by a local company. All our houseboats adhere to stringent environmental rules and regulations that are in force on the Kerala backwaters.
The ground handling of this tour is provided by our local agent and we supply him with 90% of his turnover. All of the drivers and staff are local people. Thus 15 local families that are directly financially reliant upon us.
Drivers have a contract and are paid a monthly wage. This is very unusual in South India where most drivers are normally employed on a commission-only basis (not easy for such seasonal work).
All of the guides we use are local.
Responsible tourism elements in this itinerary
The benefits in taking this tour: by supporting locally owned hotels and homestays we are helping to provide employment for local communities. All of the hotels on this tour are extremely proud of their strong policies regarding the environment and ecotourism. We support local charities and invite our customers to do so too (details are supplied with your travel documents).
Day 1: Arrive at the historic harbour city of Cochin; spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring Fort Cochin. Overnight Malabar House
Day 2: Take a guided half day city tour of Cochin and visit sights including St Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Jew town and the Chinese fishing nets. In the evening attend a Kathakali performance, arrive early to watch the performers apply their make up and costumes. Overnight Malabar House
Day 3: Transfer by car and boat to Coconut Lagoon, one of the most special hotels in the backwaters. The rest of the day is free to relax or take part in local activities. Overnight Coconut Lagoon
Day 4: A range of activities are offered by the hotel including guided village walks, boat trips and bird watching to name but a few. Ayurveda treatments are also offered and resident naturalists offer nature walks. Overnight Coconut Lagoon
Day 5: Board your Houseboat which will moor along side the resort around lunchtime. Spend the rest day cruising the backwaters, relaxing, eating and being looked after by the attentive staff on board. Overnight deluxe air-conditioned houseboat
Day 6: Full day cruising the backwaters. The boat will stop at places of interest along the way where you can get off and explore. Overnight deluxe air-conditioned houseboat
Day 7: After breakfast disembark from the houseboat and transfer by car to Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary). Rest of the day free. Overnight Spice Village
Day 8: An early morning guided soft trek in the forest is included in this tour. Other activities may be arranged locally and this may include a jeep safari, a boat trip across the lake or a bullock cart ride. Overnight Spice Village
Day 9: Transfer by car to Kanam Estate in the foothills of the Western Ghats and stay in a stylish Estate House set amongst a rubber plantation. Overnight Serenity
Day 10: Spend the day enjoying this 1920's property. Serenity has a swimming pool and small gym. There is also a chance to ‘spend a day with an elephant'. Overnight Serenity
Day 11: Transfer to the beach resort of Mararikulam. Overnight Marari Beach Resort
Day 12/13 Days free to relax and explore the area. Overnight Marari Beach Resort
Day 14 Transfer to Cochin airport for your return flight.
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