Spice Trails of Kerala

• Accommodation: 9 Classic nights (8 hotel, 1 houseboat), 5 Simple nights (4 full-service camping, 1 homestay)
• Five days of trekking with full porterage plus two shorter walks
• Altitude maximum: 8,630ft (2,630m); average: 5,250ft (1,600m)
• Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

The most important feature of the Indian climate is the wet season or monsoon. The main monsoon strikes the coast of Kerala in late May and sweeps northward over the next month or so. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from late November to March. Days are hot and the nights warm, the average maximum daytime temperatures are 21C-30C (70F-86F). However, in the hills and on trek, temperatures can be considerably cooler and, although the days on trek will be hot, expect temperatures to drop to a few degrees above freezing point or just below at night for three nights on trek. Also expect frequent rainstorms on November departures. These are usually quite short but have been known to be persistent as well. Campsites are sometimes affected by these adverse weather conditions.

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.  

Although this is not a demanding walking tour, it is a busy and active itinerary with lots to see. Driving is kept to a minimum and the roads are generally pretty good, though traffic and/or road damage can sometimes lengthen journey times. This trek is suitable for regular walkers who are used to hill-walking or prepared to put in some physical preparation.

Most days are not overly taxing although there are some more challenging day treks, particularly the ascent on day 5. Most of the trails are on well-made paths with some steep or rough sections, appropriate walking boots are essential, it can become slippery in places when wet. After rain, especially in spring, leeches may be present on short parts of the trek, you may wish to bring leech socks/gaiters or wear long socks to prevent bites.

Temperatures can be very hot in the middle of the day and the sun is very strong. Nights will be cooler and three nights of the trek can be very cold, particularly during December and January, with temperatures just below freezing. Walking hours stated are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and vary depending on the group’s pace.

Please note, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India and very occasionally this may mean work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI schedule is never published so it is not possible to forewarn when work is taking place.