11 independent reviews for Walking and cycling holiday in Kerala, India
Reviews for Walking and cycling holiday in Kerala, India
Steven Williams review 14 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Chathurangapara Trek. Periyar Tiger Reserve Trek. Cycling through towns & villages. The food2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Relax into it. Be confident on a bike in traffic. Have small notes ready: small tips can make a big difference. Ask the guide if unsure.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Guides and hotel staff were all local. Small local shops and snack stands were used. Fees for the wildlife reserves went towards conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. We had all the experiences that we were hoping for, The guide and driver managed everything so well that we felt that our enjoyment was their priority. Very interesting, exciting but also relaxing.Colin Summers review 31 Jan 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cycling was tough and challenging, which is what most cyclists want (we're all a bit crazy), the highlight was the last ride from Periyar to Vagamon.... fantastic scenery, added we were followed for several kms by aback eagle! The other highlight was the all-day trek through the Periyar Tiger Reserve........ we were fortunate to get close up to a family of elephants and bison........ there was so much exotic wildlife (giant squirrels, birds and lot more)... and it was exhilarating scenery.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The guides from both, the local operator and in the forest and wildlife reserves and driver were all local and we visited the local martial arts show (amazing) ... so Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
BrilliantBrenda Petersen review 5 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I simply loved Kerala. It was amazing to be hiking in a country of 3.2 billion people and to have the open spaces and forests to ourselves. To see elephants in the wild was an absolute highlight, but it was much more than that. The people, their culture and their history was fascinating. Satheesh and Georgie were fabulous. They saw to our every need and were happy to answer all our questions. It was refreshing to see 2 people loving what they do, it showed in so many ways. They are both passionate about what they do and we felt very safe and well cared for.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I walked with walking poles which was very helpful.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We were very conscious not to leave any trace of our visit, taking home everything we used while in the parks. I would like to think we helped the local people by visiting, they certainly made us feel very welcome.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We loved our week in KeralaDiane Kennedy review 1 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of the trip was arriving at the top of Meesapulimala, the second highest peak in the Western Ghats, we really felt like we were on top of the world. But all of the adventures we were taken on were memorable.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
My main tip would be to double check the level of the challenges. Whilst I coped well with the treks (I am a walker) some of the cycling was a little to much for me. However, it wasn't a problem, since Vippin, our guide looked after us so well I was able to skip some bits and then start again laer.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes! all of our accommodation and food (which was amazing) was run by local people, and we had to register and pay to enter the national parks, which will hopefully contribute to the financing of these amazing reserves.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
In summary, fantastic. We were so well looked after by the guide, Vippin, the driver, Biju and Thomas at the tour operator. I honestly don't think I would have changed a thing. A truly memorable adventure.Maxine Rees review 14 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Trek through the western ghats was such an amazing spiritual experience, following the elephant trails and visiting their natural habitat was quite remarkable.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would make sure you take long trousers for trekking due to the leaches and the flora. I would also advise that anyone considering doing this trip is fit and a competent mountain bike rider.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes it benefited local economy with the treks, hotels and hospitality4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had a Great guide and a great driver. The scenery was spectacular so I think this holiday is a must for anyone seeking a little bit of adventure.Paul Roberts review 30 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Having a Cobra dash between our feet on a mountain trek2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Keep talking worth your guide about their culture and relate it to yours3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. All our activities, except for the driving between sites were using local facilities and carried out by responsible environmental groups4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Our guide knew so much about the wildlife and culture of Kerala. He also cared for our safety and comfort throughout. A great experience for us.Tony Longman review 25 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking to the second highest peak in the western ghats2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Follow the advice of the specialists! We organised a bespoke trip and were given very good advice, resulting in a very special and unique activity holiday Away from the madding crowds.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used eco-friendly hotels and a number of homestays. Pleased to see that Kerala has banned plastic bags and is definitely environmentally conscious4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We would definitely use this operator again when we return to India. I’m sure you might be able to arrange the holiday cheaper yourself, but having specialists who know the area and someone to take the pain out of the bureaucracy certainly warranted the little bit extra.Roderick Newton review 9 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking in the Western Ghats, Good bird and wildlife, Very good hotels2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Try to minimise travel , apparently short distances can take a long time by car.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely first rate. the operator was extraordinarily helpful swift and organised. Their arrangements were perfect in every details. Their staff ( guides/naturalists/drivers etc) were all in the top flight (sympathetic, organised and knowledgeable).Tammy Whitham review 3 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Relaxing in paradise.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Sure.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Perfect despite breaking my arm the first day there.Liz Huelin review 22 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The trekking through forests and cycling (especially the downhill run into Kumily)2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We weren't fit enough to do the trek up the mountain and cycling up hill was hard for us, but our guide adapted to our needs and transport always available to rest our feet.. We are both over 65!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We were delighted with the notice given to local people and the importance of preserving the forests and wild life4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We loved our 8 day experience and our guide was brilliant...caring, thoughtful, adapted to our needs...made our experience in Kerala exceedingly pleasurable.Collette Lyons review 22 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hiking was amazing, gorgeous scenery and we were well looked after by Neeraj (who dealt with me very well when I had an unexpected bout of vertigo and he had to hold my hand and guide me up the last bit of climb!)2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack lightly! I brought a huge suitcase and then wore the same three things all holiday!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I am happy that all the partners used were local businesses and I've always found Indians to be naturally hospitable people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant - we are indebted to the holiday provider for their friendliness, efficiency and expertise! Many thanks also for rescuing my iPhone from where I left it in a hotel room and returning it safely to me several hours drive away - above and beyond the call of duty!Holiday Reviews
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