SMALL GROUP TOURS

Enchanting Western Ghats

19 days from NZ$7,850 (US$5117 /€4926)per person
Min 6 – Max 10 guests
24th March  to 11th April 2023

Please contact us if you wish to customise this itinerary to suit your travel needs.

An ideal trip for:

Solo Traveler, Group of Friends, Couples

If you want a rich and truly authentic experience of the region(s) being visited in a slow and well-paced manner as part of a small group of like-minded people who appreciate the personal care and attention provided to them, then this is the trip for you. 

Safe Travels with ATI

Since 2013, ATI Travel NZ has been unsurpassed at delivering expertly managed small group and tailor-made boutique travel experiences.
We are uniquely qualified to ensure your well-being when travelling with us.

Our local partner offices work tirelessly with us behind the scenes

Our local suppliers and partners know our health & safety requirements, and our requirement to comply with all local regulations.

We follow the health and safety protocols required for your journey

All protocols involving physical distancing, vaccinations, masking, testing and other safety practices are communicated both before and during your journey. These protocols are carried out according to the latest local regulations and service provider requirements.

We facilitate in-country COVID-19 testing and provide round-the-clock support for any health-related matters

ATI’s network of local offices has the contacts and knowledge to support you throughout your journey, from coordinating COVID-19 testing (for travelling between countries and returning home) to answering any questions you have during your journey. Our local partners are experienced in handling any situation and have the contacts and knowledge to support guests 24/7.

ATI Travel will constantly monitor its safe travel plans to comply with global health and safety protocols

In the event that the tour director has to isolate, the tour will continue with the tour director remotely managing the tour in conjunction with the local team members.

If any of the guests have to isolate, all arrangements will be made to find accommodation and their medical support. This is not included in the package costs and must be covered by the individual’s travel insurance.

The guest can join the tour after the required isolation and clearance if the tour is still active. In the event that the tour has been completed, the guest will be supported to make their return passage home.

Enchanting Western Ghats

Explore the picturesque green paradise created by the natural rainforests of Northern Kerala and Southern Karnataka (separated by the Western Ghats, considered one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world by UNESCO) in a small group of 8-10 like-minded travellers.

This tour is part of our ‘Farm to Fashion’ series of tours that explore different parts of India using a common theme but celebrating the cultural diversity that each region has to offer.

In this 19 days tour, you will explore the Malabar Coast and the spices and coffee-growing areas of the Western Ghats with their own unique culture, traditions, arts and crafts and way of living. This tour will be led by ATI’s tour director, Joji Jacob, who designed this tour based on his in-depth exploration of these regions.

During this tour, you will meet different tribal communities and visit various social enterprise-focused initiatives which provide livelihoods for the marginalised communities. You will also enjoy several Market to Table culinary events run by well-known local chefs in their own homes.

As with any of our tours, we are always on the lookout for serendipitous adventures that add to the rich experiences you will take home.

Bengaluru | Mysuru | Coorg | Kannur | Wayanad | Kozhikode | Cheruthuruthy | Kochi

Route map from Bangalore to Kochi - Small group tours ATI Travel NZ

Joji Jacob

Tour Director

Joji, who hales from this region, is leading the tour. This tour is designed based on his in-depth exploration of these regions. He shares his passion for people, culture & nature during this tour.

ITINERARY

Day 1, 2 & 3 – Bengaluru (Bangalore) - Arrival

Welcome to Bengaluru, our gateway to the ‘Enchanting Western Ghats’.

You will be warmly received and greeted by one of our team members at the Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport and transported to your accommodation in a private vehicle.

We will spend two days exploring Bengaluru, its history and heritage and its current modern state through architecture, art, cuisine and crafts.

Meals:   B | – | –
AccommodationThe Pauls

Day 4 & 5 – Mysuru (Mysore)

From Bengaluru, we travel southwest to Mysore city, the cultural capital of the state of Karnataka. World-renowned for its Mysore silk, incense and the Heritage City tag, there is a lot to explore in this bustling capital.

Meals:   B | – | –
AccommodationRoyal Orchid Metropole

Day 6 & 7 – Kodagu (Coorg)

Leaving the hustle and bustle of city life, we head towards Coorg, which is situated in the lap of the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats. Referred to as ‘Scotland of India’, it is famous for its tranquillity, coffee plantations, and rich culture. Here we will visit farms, take in culinary experiences and undertake gentle treks to meet and interact with the tribals of this region before we leave for the next state, Kerala.

Meals:   B | – | D
AccommodationHeritage Resort

Day 8 & 9 – Kannur (Cannanore)

Welcome to Kerala! Located strategically on the Malabar Coast, it is the much-fabled ‘land of pepper’, once an ancient trading post and the heart of ‘Monsoon Islam’, the sacred land of colourful ancestral worship. Explore the physical manifestations and symbolic meanings of the Port, the Mosque, the Palace, and the Sea.

Meals:   B | – | –
AccommodationSeashell Haris Beach House

Day 10 & 11 – Wayanad

Leaving the Malabar Coast, we head towards Wayanad, the ‘Land of the Paddies’. Nestled amongst the mountains of the majestic Western Ghats, this region envelopes you with its lush green hillsides covered in coffee, banana, rubber and tea plantations. This breathtaking natural beauty is home to the local tribals, who will share their perspectives with you.

Meals:   B | L | D
AccommodationVythiri Resort

Day 12 & 13 – Kozhikode (Calicut)

Another ancient trading port, this city is famous for being the place where Vasco da Gama landed in India. Here, we will visit a local market, marvel at the traditional art of jewellery making, feast on culinary and cultural experiences with one of the renowned chefs of this region, and spend time with a couple of my esteemed friends to enjoy the locals’ perspectives on their unique culture.

Meals:   B | – | –
AccommodationThe Raviz Calicut

Day 14, 15 & 16 – Cheruthuruthy

Next, we take a leisurely drive south to a river retreat on the banks of the Nilla river. We will explore Kerala architecture, art & performance, walk through paddy fields and visit various talented local artisans living nearby.

Meals:   B | – | –
AccommodationThe River Retreat Heritage Ayurvedic Resort

Day 17 & 18 – Kochi

We continue on our southern route and arrive in the bustling metropolitan city of Kochi, Kerala’s Harbour city. Here we will feast our eyes on silk and cotton textiles, gold and platinum jewellery and everything in between. To really take in this colourful, fun, eclectic and history-rich location, we will stroll through the spice market, cycle through the narrow lanes of Fort Kochi, catch a ferry ride with the locals, and go to the market with a chef who will treat you to a special culinary experience at the chef’s home to draw this tour to its personal conclusion.

Meals:   B | – | –
AccommodationThe Malabar House, Fort Kochi

Day 19 – Kochi Departure!

As with all good things, this tour has to come to a close. We can either drop you off at the airport or
you could continue your intrepid tour by joining me on a two-night houseboat cruise in the backwaters of Kerala.

Meals:   B | – | –

Tour Price & Offers

Prices are per person, based on twin-share
Package Price for 19 days: NZ$7850 (US$5117/€4926)
Group organiser (2-10) discount:  Up to NZ$1000 One person on twin share
Single Supplement: NZ$2850 Per Person (US$1871/€1801)

For a detailed itinerary and prices, please contact us.

Group Organiser Discount Available

A group organiser (2-10) can avail up to $1000 discount on a twin share package price. Please contact us for further details.

INCLUDED

  • Airport meet and greet with private transfers
  • Private air-conditioned van
  • Handpicked boutique accommodations
  • Meals as per trip note
  • English-speaking local guides
  • All entrance fees, tips & gratuity
  • Guaranteed departure with just six guests

EXCLUDED

  • Airfares
  • Visa fees
  • Travel Insurance
  • Medical Tests & other medical expenses
  • Personal expenses

REQUEST DETAILED ITINERARY

Or call Joji on +64 (0) 21 505 713

We Got You Covered

Something for everyone

Whether you are a first-timer or experienced traveller, our tours meet the expectations, needs and interests of each individual on the tour. Our guests continuously tell us that it surpasses all their expectations.

Active Tour

This tour is suitable for guests who do not mind travelling that extra mile in search of those unique experiences. If you are interested in culture, cuisine, architecture, people interaction and textiles, you will love this tour.  

boutique accommodation

Boutique accommodation, handpicked by us, for you to rest and rejuvenate in beautiful settings such as palaces, homestay, mansions, farm stay, business hotels and glamping is part of the travel experience we curate for you.

Travel in comfort

We provide airport to airport service, for your comfort and safety. Your private vehicle and the English speaking driver will accompany you throughout the journey. Check out the feedback we have received from our guests.

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