South Indian Warmth
Enjoy the warmth of South India from the spice gardens and beaches of Karnataka and the hill-stations and backwaters of Kerala. Experience the charms and rhythms of life in the spice gardens, visit the plantations and walk through magnificent forests, relax on a secluded beach and float through the backwaters and get to know the boatmen, coir rope spinners and mussel collectors.
The Spice Gardens and Coast of Karnataka
Deep woods, fertile gardens and palm-fringed beaches. Southern Indian warmth combined with scents of spices, fruits and coconuts. Ancient ruins and hidden villages. Warm hospitality in specially built guest-houses where you will learn about and savour the traditional dishes of South India. There are ancient temples, rock carvings, waterfalls and gardens plus a wealth of birdlife all waiting for you to discover. Wonderful warmth of community and place for a winter’s holiday.
The Hills and Backwaters of Kerala
From banana groves and pepper plantations high in the Western Ghats to lagoons, rivers and canals weaving between small islands in the backwaters. Explore lush forests and sprawling plantations, discover charming hill stations and the secrets of bamboo craft. Enjoy a stay in a wonderful, traditional-style houseboat, built and managed by the local communities. Glide along the backwaters between their strikingly beautiful villages. See the fishermen land their catch and watch as canoes full of coconuts or mussels paddle by. The gentle pace of life combined with spectacular scenery will delight and enthrall.
Great Southern Discovery, 13 nights
Combine the spices of Karnataka with the winding backwaters of Kerala for a very special holiday. Witness the spice auction unfold, cycle through forests and relax at the Spice House in Hulgol before heading south to a charming homestay in the Wayanad Hills, then onwards to the Keralan backwaters to float through the rivers and lagoons onboard the community houseboat. A fantastic taste of South India.
Spirit of the South, 15 nights
With two new communities joining Village Ways this season, you have the chance to be among the first guests to relax on the unspoiled beaches of Pavinakurva on the Karnataka coast and explore the rubber plantations and banana groves of Mothakkara in the Wayand hills. Add to this the spice gardens at Hulgol and a stay on the community houseboat for an enchanting discovery of the magical South.
Coast, Spice and Temples, 12 nights
Explore the ancient palatial remains of the 'City of Victory' at Hampi; immerse yourself in the spice market, cycle through verdant forest and discover the secrets of the spice plantations in the charming hamlet of Hulgol; and relax on the secluded beaches at the fishing village of Pavinakurva. A thrilling exploration of exotic Karnataka.
Hills and Backwaters, 10 nights
Book-ended with a stay in historic Fort Cochin on the Malabar Coast, this holiday takes you high into the Western Ghats to the lush hill-side village of Mothakkara, set among pepper, coffee and banana plantations, before heading south to the palm-fringed rivers and lagoons to unwind on the houseboat. A wonderfully relaxing taste of Kerala.
