Going the sustainable way as a preferred choice on a family vacation is resonating with not just young adults, but with smaller kids as well.
The many pleasures of favoured destination Kerala, can be enjoyed through the perfect combination of eco-friendly modes like bikes and hikes. On the occasion, one can use a tuk-tuk as it's a wonderful way tourists can provide economic support to the local drivers of the community.
Kochi is a good place to begin the adventure with a combination of a tuk-tuk and cycling tour of Fort Kochi and historic Mattancherry, home to 39 different communities. The main touchpoints on this leisurely tour are Vasco House, the iconic Chinese Nets, and interactions with the local fishing community. Pedaling through the maze of narrow streets brings you up close to locals going about their everyday affairs. You should start this tour early so you can have breakfast at a café, a popular tradition with the locals. Later wend your way to a spice warehouse to unspool stories of Kochi’s as a cultural melting pot thanks to its international trading activities back in the day. An unforgettable experience for the entire family is the multicultural character of Mattancherry.
Next day you will be heading out to Athirapilly a big draw for its forested grandeur and stunning waterfalls. You can cool off with the balmy breezes and stop for delicious tender coconut water at a local shack along the route. You will love the time spent at the Athirapilly Waterfalls with its wonderful mountainscapes. A gentle walk along a forested trail offers you many pleasurable moments in the heart of Nature.
A tuk-tuk ride the next day towards Pollachi takes you through some of the most iconic vistas through the plains of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Do take full advantage of the many Insta moments and family time selfie stops along the way amongst the paddy fields, coconut grove, and tiny hamlets of Kollengode. This is a wonderful opportunity to stay at a village home near Pollachi, explore the small bazaar, and even visit the local weaving community. If you are up to it you can set off for Aliyar Lake after a thrilling ride through the tree-lined avenues at Sethumada.
Next day country roads through Tamil Nadu to the serene Athoor village. Do take a stroll around Kamaraj Lake with its views of the mountainous terrain of Kodaikanal. The village is a peaceful dwelling with its scattering of temples, a small school, and eateries selling local delicacies. Birdwatchers will be particularly enthused over the stay here as the lake is a big attraction for many avifaunal species.
The next leg of your travels brings you to the ancient city of Madurai with its iconic Meenakshi Temple. The tuk-tuks can comfortably navigate their way through this pilgrim hub. The city is renowned also for its traditions of classical Carnatic music and Bharatnatyam. Do explore the local markets, where the scent of jasmine, which Madurai is also renowned for, follows you wherever you go.
The next day as you head out through the Western Ghats enjoy those spectacular panoramas as you wend your way up to the tranquil quiet town of Bodinayakanur where you start your climb. At the Bodimettu border town of Kerala, you will bid farewell to the tuk-tuk drivers as you ready yourself for trekking adventures in this gorgeous terrain.
You will enjoy a lovely walk to the picturesque Mathikettan National Park. You’ll be interested to discover how this high-altitude cloud forest was saved from destruction by local environmental activists; it was declared a National Park in 2008. The 14-km trek ends by late afternoon at Shantanpara. The trekking trail is simply delightful for its botanical wealth and bird life.
The next day your trekking adventure is slated to take you through the famous shola forests and cardamom estates of the ‘Cardamom Hills’ which gave Kerala such a hefty name in the spice markets over the centuries. When you finally get atop the Chaturangapara Peak your fatigues will vanish in the breezes as you encounter those stunning panoramas of the plains of Tamil Nadu thousands of feet below.
Next morning you are back on your bikes for a ride around the spice villages. A 35km ride brings you to Kumily the gateway town to the pristine vistas of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Accompanied by the local community trackers, for whom tourism is a big revenue earner, you will take a walk through the rain forest where there are good opportunities for wildlife spotting.
A long cycling trip to Vagamon, on the following day from your Periyar experience, takes you through tea country scattered amidst the Western Ghats. Your last day of the tour involves a 60-km ride to Kumarakom through flatlands lined with rubber plantations. Enjoy the ride with lots of photo-op moments. Kumarakon, long renowned as a backwater hub offers the potential of a lovely backwater cruise if you are up to it after all these great adventures you’ve thrilled over.
There are many other places to combine this ethical, eco-friendly adventure in Kerala with your family. Seasoned outfitters are more than happy to customize a trip to suit your needs and budgets.