Kerala | 7 days

Day 1: Say hello to the Queen of the Arabian Sea!

We begin our journey from Kochi city. After flying in, we’ll head to our rooms and get comfy before we step out into the warm Kochi markets. We head out to visit the Mattancherry Palace. This beautiful structure was built close to 500 years ago and is an excellent marker of Kerala’s long history intertwined with the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. We’ll spend the evening strolling in Jew Town and Fort Kochi. This beautiful heritage district will take you back in time. Explore the antique markets and don’t miss the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a hallmark of the region’s maritime history.

• Meals Included: N/A
• Stay: Kochi
• Travel:  1-2 Hrs (Airport > Hotel)

Day 2 : Vaga-Gang in Vaga-mon

After our coastal sojourn, we’re gonna head inland towards the mountains of Vagamon. This hill district is known for its gorgeous natural landscapes. Located at 1100 meters above sea level, this place is always cool. It’s going to be a long ride into the wilderness of these mountains, so brace yourself. Before you say it, we know it sounds like Vagabond, but it is pronounced as “waa-guh-mun”.

Upon arrival, we’ll check into our mountain retreat and take some time to relax and rejuvenate.

If time allows, we’ll embark on an evening jeep ride to Justin’s Point, where we can marvel at the stunning sunset views and the vibrant colors that paint the sky.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Stay: Vagamon
• Travel: 3-4 Hrs (Kochi > Vagamon)

Day 3: Meandering through the Highland Marvels

Wake up to the stunning panorama of hilltops enveloping you in the heart of the Western Ghats. Today we’ll explore the abundant natural beauty of the hills the best way we know how — on foot. Surrounding the Vagamon Lake, the pine forests of these wondrous hills are a sight to behold. We’ll venture through the verdant meadows, discover hidden waterfalls, and, if the weather invites, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters.

Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes and the tranquil beauty of Vagamon's highlands.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Stay: Vagamon
• Travel: 4-5 Hrs (In and around Vagamon)

Day 4: Cruising in the Venice of the East

From high in the hills, we go deep into the rivers! After our journey from Vagamon to Alleppey, we’ll board one of the famous Kerala houseboats. This part of our trip is all about experiencing the calmness and stillness of the simple beauty of the state. This is what we vacation for. This is what we live for.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Stay: Alleppey (Houseboat)
• Travel: 3-4 Hrs (Vagamon > Alleppey)

Day 5: Yaycation Beaches

Today, we bid farewell to the backwater life and embark on our longest journey to the stunning coastal town of Varkala. This is where we put the ‘Yay’ in Yaycation!

En route, we’ll make a quick stop at the Jatayu Earth’s Center. This is one of the most fantastic marvels of modern-day stone-sculpting and architecture. Based on the Ramayana, this park is dedicated to the brave raptor who tries to save Sita from Raavan. The Earth’s Center also has a cable car ride and a host of other activities. 

Once we reach Varkala, you’ll have the rest of the day to unwind on the beautiful beaches and soak up the coastal charm.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Stay: Varkala
• Travel: 4-5 Hrs (Alleppey > Jatayu Earth’s Center > Varkala) 

Day 6: Your day, Your way

As we approach our last evening in Kerala, the choice is yours to make the most of this beautiful coastal town. We won’t tell you what to do. You do you. Varkala offers a wealth of activities to suit every interest. Start your day with a refreshing swim in the Arabian Sea. After washing off the sea salt you can book a soothing full-body massage to rejuvenate and reset before heading back to your routine. Varkala is also a great place to pick up unique souvenirs and trinkets to remember your trip—so indulge in some shopping!

Before you dive into your day, we recommend experiencing the serene sunrise at Munroe Island, known as the “Hidden Little Venice.” Explore this enchanting network of eight small islets with a tranquil canoe ride through the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. As you glide beneath the canopy of tall coconut trees, you’ll feel the charm of this hidden gem.

If relaxation is more your style, Varkala’s numerous beachfront restaurants offer stunning views of the horizon. Relax with a drink in hand and reflect on the incredible experiences of your trip.

Today is all about enjoying your favorite moments and savoring your final hours in this coastal paradise.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Stay: Varkala
• Travel: 1-2 Hrs (Local travel)

Day 7: Pinne Kanam

We’re at the end. Since this is our last day, we will make one final stop for any last-minute shopping and head straight to the airport. If time permits we will visit the beautiful Sri Chitra Art Gallery where you can see paintings by some of India’s finest artists such as Raja Ravi Varma. 

Bid adieu to the beautiful coastal paradise and say goodbye to the new friends you made along the way. Until next time Vagabonds! 

• Meals Included: Breakfast 
• Stay: N/A
• Travel: 2-3 Hrs (Varkala > Trivandrum Airport)

• Internal transport in an A/C vehicle [Tempo Traveller/Innova]
• Accommodation in comfortable hotels with attached washrooms on a double-sharing basis (check photos)
• Room sharing on the houseboat could be triple or quad-sharing.
• Meals as per itinerary
• All activities and visits to places as per itinerary
• Basic medical and first-aid kit assistance
• All permits, tolls, and parking charges
• Experienced local guides
• Assistance by Vagabond EMs

• Lunch on all days (except on the houseboat)
• Travel Insurance

• Your trip dates are customizable
• Tariffs will depend on group size and inclusions
• Get in touch with us at +91 7400054929 to book your private trip

Accommodation:

• We'll be staying in comfortable hotels with attached washrooms on a double-sharing basis

Meals:

• Vagabond will provide meals as per the itinerary
• For lunch and otherwise, our EM will guide you to the best restaurants in the hood.
  

Transport:

• For our entire journey in Kerala, we will be traveling in a private air-conditioned Tempo Traveller (Or Innova depending on group size).

1. Sturdy shoes for the outdoors (well-fitting, neither lose nor tight)
2. An extra small backpack for day outings (20-30 ltrs)
3. Reusable water bottle (avoid buying mineral water bottles to reduce plastic waste)
4. Toiletries, torch, lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses.
5. Personal medication (Asthma, allergen medication, etc.)
6. Slippers/flip-flops
7. Binoculars, camera (optional)
8. Crepe-bandage (each person should have 1 roll each)
9. Warm clothes (Temperature appropriate clothing)
10. Beach wear, beach mats, etc.

• Pick-up will be organized from Kochi International Airport to the hotel. This will be coordinated by the Experience Manager on the WhatsApp group. 
• The final drop of the trip will be at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Please book flights that take off after 3 pm. 
• The trip schedule is subject to change. Days of visits to the mentioned places could be shifted back and forth due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Please honor all the local cultures and do not be disrespectful.
• This is a backpacking trip. Please be prepared for a decent amount of walking
• If you have any medical or physical conditions that may affect you during the trip, you are required to inform us before the trip begins. 
• A week prior, you will be added to a WhatsApp group with all the other participants and your assigned Experience Manager. Further instructions will be shared on this group and you can coordinate your travel with your co-travellers. If you have any doubts before this, feel free to WhatsApp us at 74000 54929

1) What region of India are we traveling to?

We're traveling to the southwesternmost state of Kerala. We will be starting from Kochi, then heading to Vagamon, then Alleppey, Varkala and finally Trivandrum.

2) What will the temperature be like while we're there?

Temperatures rise to a maximum of 30°C during the day and can drop to a minimum of 15-20°C during the night on the coasts. In Vagamon the temperature will be at about 20-22°C through the day and will drop to about 14-16°C through the night.

3) Is there mobile connectivity where we’re going?

You will have network and internet connection throughout the trip.

4) Can I smoke/drink on this trip?

We at Vagabond do not refrain our participants from smoking or drinking on our backpacking trips. However, there are times you will be disallowed to do so (monasteries, treks, sacred spaces etc). Indulge in these activities very responsibly.

5) What will the group size be?

We will have a maximum of 11 travelers excluding the Vagabond Experience Managers

6) Is there any age limit to join this trip?

No, there is no age limit to join this trip. However, based on our previous experiences, the age group of travelers is usually between 22-35.

7) Can I join this expedition solo?

Yes, of course, you can! We have a good number of solo travelers on almost every Vagabond experience.

8) How physically fit do I need to be to join this trip? This trip involves a lot of walking! Most of the real exploration happens on foot. If you have any physical, mental or medical conditions that may affect your capacity to do the trip, you must inform us before you confirm your seat.

• There isn’t an age restriction on any of our experiences, everyone is welcome. However, the average Vagabond customer is anywhere between 20 – 35 years old. The experiences involve a good amount of time spent with the group. Depending on what experience you’re opting for, there could be a lot of walking and physical exertion.
• It’s important to understand that most of our experiences include very rustic accommodation and not a luxurious means of transport. These may be basic in their facilities, but the hospitality is homely and comforting. If you’re someone who doesn’t like compromising on your comforts while travelling, this experience may not be very enjoyable.
• Most of our trips have a healthy number of solo travellers. We encourage you to join us solo, especially if you’re tired of waiting on your friends. We promise you’ll return with many more.
• We try our best to be responsible travellers. Everyone is welcome to explore with us, but we pay utmost importance to cleanliness on all our experiences. We encourage you to #LeaveNoTrace behind while you discover the beauty of the outdoors.
• It’s important to understand that in a limited amount of time, only a limited amount of experiences can be had. We like to cover a few places in-depth rather than just ticking off a long list of things-to-do and places-to-go. However, if you are that kind of traveller, on almost all trips you can feel free to wander by yourself to places of your interest.
• At a Vagabond Experience, it’s important to stay open-minded and positive when things don’t go as per plan. The essence of traveling in a group is being able to help each other out when in need. The weather could go bad, and plans could get altered. In such situations, we urge you to have faith in your group leader to make the most informed decision for the group.
  

• Years of experience: We’ve been leading trips around the country since 2014. Our time in this field has helped us learn about places and people. This knowledge about the destination contributes to a safe, wholesome, and enriching group experience.
• Footfall: Since our inception, we’ve led more than 5,800 people on treks, backpacking trips, camps, and meaningful experiences. Rest assured, we’ve dealt with all kinds of people.
• Safety first: Given the time we’ve spent in the travel field, we know and believe in the importance of safety. All our experience managers are first-aid certified, and carry a well-equipped first-aid kit on every trip.
• Solo traveller-friendly: Over the years, we have had a healthy number of solo travellers who have been from diverse backgrounds. Especially those who got tired of waiting on their friends to agree to a plan.
• Group size: Taking large groups of people compromises on an intimate interpersonal experience. Thus, we do small groups which makes it easier for people to get to know each other over the course of the trip.
• No discrimination: At Vagabond, we believe that your age, social class, caste, gender or sexual orientation doesn’t determine your travel experience. Everyone is welcome to travel with us and explore new places, and new ideas.
• Flexible itinerary: On a Vagabond experience, you’re free to stray away from our scheduled itinerary and explore the place on your own. You do you. We’re not your school teachers. We’re here to facilitate a better understanding of the place and help you experience it in your own comfort zone.
• Mindfulness to nature: Over the years we’ve seen the places we visit turn filthier by the day. We don’t want to contribute to that any further. At a Vagabond experience, we encourage you to reduce your contribution to waste and follow sustainable tourism practices as much as possible. Check out #LeaveNoTrace
• In-depth research: We're not a tour & travel agency. Every experience we offer you has been researched and experienced first hand by our core members. We visit the locations ourselves and curate an experience that we believe to be in sync with our ideologies.

• More than 30 days prior to the date of departure, 20% will be deducted.
• Between 29 to 15 days prior to the date of departure, 50% will be deducted.
• Between 14 to 7 days prior to the date of departure, 75% will be deducted.
• 6 days to the date of departure, no refund shall be admissible
• 3.8% of all booking amounts are payment gateway charges. This amount is not refundable
• Please refer to the further Terms and Conditions mentioned in the footer of the website
  

• All timings and activities are subject to weather, group size, capabilities of participants, etc.
• Vagabond holds the right to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances (for eg. unfavorable weather)
• By registering for this trip, you agree to have read through and abide by the Vagabond Terms & Conditions mentioned in the footer.
  

For further inquiries, feel free to Whatsapp/call: 7400054929

PS: We respect and love our personal lives. Please contact us only between 11 am and 7 pm on weekdays.

or DM us on Instagram anytime @vagabondexperiences