Reviewed 22 Nov 2011 by Angela Charles
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
That is impossible to answer. It was so varied and exciting that I cannot pick out one thing. We walked, cycled, bird-watched, searched for elephants and found them, travelled the country stopping to buy bananas and lemonade from roadside stalls, lazed about on a beach, visited local families, stayed at all kinds of places from fancy resorts through eco-lodges to family homestays. All were wonderful.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Stay longer at Dewalokam - it turned out to be such a lovely place. Get all-in at Marari Beach. We were on B&B (our choice), and the restaurant food is relatively dear. The quality is great, though, so worth the expense, but if you're on a budget, you're pretty much stuck and it would be a pain to go out of the resort to look for cheaper places.
Take binoculars! Take few, quick-drying clothes. Our holiday was tailor-made. Should you want to do something similar, just ask the operator.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we had a local driver, local guides throughout, stayed at places owned and/or run by locals and visited local enterprises. Although our car was a 4x4, it would not have been possible to have anything less rugged, what with the state of the roads and the need to carry bicycles occasionally.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely brilliant. One of the best we've ever had. We wouldn't hesitate to go with thie operator again. The standard of care was truly excellent and all the staff we met were lovely.
Reviewed 12 Nov 2007 by Caroline Attwood-Reusser
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were many highlights, but the most vivid memory is of arriving at the Spice Plantation after a tough ride up the mountains through monsoon rain. The house, the view, the company and the morning walk around the plantation to see the many different spices all made this a special place. The garden at the Emerald Isle, the visit to the Fishing village and the food on the Rice Boat also figure highly.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You need to be fit for the cycling; quick drying clothes are important, both because it's hot and humid and at the time of year we went (October) it rains heavily most days. A camelbak was useful, for the cycling.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I think its good to deal direct with companies that are small and local. We definitely met more local people and had more conversations with them than would have in a hotel based holiday. We learned a lot about Kerala and I hope we benefited local people. Not sure the impact on the environment was that good - a return flight to India and motorised support both when cycling and kayaking - however I'm not sure I'd change anything.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Best holiday ever, great people from the tour operator, especially Peter, Jerrim and Ummi; great organisation too.
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