7 independent reviews for Kerala luxury vacation
Reviews for Kerala luxury vacation
Julian Welbank review 17 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We enjoyed sightseeing in cities for part of the vacation as well as being in the countryside and at two national parks, being on the backwaters, and taking the toy train in the Nilgiri hills. The tour company did an excellent job at putting together such a varied itinerary. Staying at a homestay was a highlight for the brilliant hospitality we received; we became good friends with our hosts over the three days we spent with them and were sad to leave. Another highlight was Evolve Back, fantastic location in lovely scenery; we enjoyed the safaris. There were lots of other highlights.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you do both an early morning safari and evening one.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, at the homestay and at the two national parks: Nagarhole, Periyar.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic.Kate Bulloch review 9 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
An impossible question as absolutely everything was fantastic! Everyone was friendly, helpful and went out of their way to make sure we had a vacation of a lifetime. The itinerary was prefect for an introduction to Kerala; the accommodation was superb, the food delicious and all activities were interesting and worthwhile.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
ATMs work slightly differently than in the UK - cards are input and withdrawn before you input any information to the ATM. Make sure you enjoy as many Ayurvedic massages as you can!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - we could see the impact using filtered water instead of bottled water, the filtered non chlorinated pool was the best water I've swum in. Locally sourced food was how food should be and we were conscious of saving both electricity and water. Kerala airport is totally powered by solar panels.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
SuperbTrish Butler review 25 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing a herd of wild elephants up close and the tea plantations2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Hard to swim in Kerala, think how long you want at each place.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Most of them apart from Gateway hotel in varlkla4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
9Sue Rice review 12 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We enjoyed it as a whole experience. We loved the countryside, the vistas, and particularly the variety of birds we saw. Fort Kochi was a contrast -bustling, colourful and quirky with the peace and tranquillity of Munnar and then the backwaters.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't be afraid to try homestays - lovely to be able to meet local people.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure really - though hopefully the cost of accommodation went directly to the people who opened their homes to us.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very enjoyableLiz Naylon review 18 Nov 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The people we met was the most memorable - ALL of them lovely- friendly, genuine, generous. This applies to local s we met, in addition to those employed in the industry. Every single day was memorable and exciting. No exaggeration! Maybe I would have to say the Houseboat was the highlight though. Or the train from Kovalam to Cochin. Im so glad we didn't skip. We could easily have taken another car transfer, but it was so not like any other train ride. I loved it. Oh- and the food- at half of our stays we ate communaly- food prepared for everyone. Everything we had without exception was delicious. I put on half a stone.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book at least two, three maybe nights at each location if traveling around, there is so much to see and experience in each place. We stayed at Dewalakom Homestay, a rubber plantation/organic farm- our hosts were delightful, generous, welcoming, and the place beautiful. We were treated to free cookery demonstration, guided walks, yoga, and trips included with their lovely staff. Then Hornbill Camp- given it was camping- more basic, but great location, we explored by kayak, bike, (free), and guided walk in the nearby Bird Reserve at dawn- all just amazing. Then Coconut Lagoon Hotel- this is simply the best hotel. I have ever stayed in. The wildlife was incredible, and the Ayurvedic treatment the best. Then a backwaters Houseboat 2 night cruise- the boat was comfortable and gorgeous in every respect and the crew were SO nice. I was very sad to depart and could have spent a week there but only had two nights. Then down to The Leela at Kovalam beach. Very chilled. Great location again. Good Hotel. We then took the train back up to Cochin. The train was brilliant, we were nervous of doing so in case we got lost, however the driver helped us with porters, and got us on the right train with no problem. Fort Cochin-small hotel- what great area! absolutely buzzing. Sadly only time for one night. Must go back. The meal we had there was the cheapest, and yet the best of the whole vacation. The owners were a lovely family, very generous.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Well, it did I suppose, that's a difficult question to evaluate, with many complex factors of which I would have insufficient knowledge to judge. Certainly Dewalocam Retreat does on all aspects. Not so sure about the larger 5 star hotels. On face value certainly we were led to believe so. I would say they all do so to a greater or lesser extent.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had the most fabulous vacation of a lifetime, due in no small part due to the advice of the staff. Everything was organised and executed like clockwork. Each place we stayed was in its own way perfect. All the accommodation was faultless, and the travel between was well organised and exactly as planned and described. The drivers we had were professional and well spoken.Michael Brown review 26 Dec 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of the destinations were special in their own way. You are made to feel very welcome wherever you go.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't over think your wardrobe or take too many clothes. All destinations offer laundry facilities.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure. Didn't feel anyone or anything was exploited. Not clear on the beneficiary aspects.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very well organised. Great selection of resorts and locations. Good professional driver. First trip to India. Felt I was well looked after and selected the right company. Thank you.Aldyth Rowe review 3 Jan 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
By far the most memorable part for us was the houseboat cruise on the back waters. Two nights on a barge - we loved the leisurely pace as we moved slowly along the rivers, giving plenty of time for watching birds and also watching life as lived alongside the river. Memorable in a slightly different way was crossing the lake in the Periyar National Park on a bamboo raft - we had to stand and nothing to hold on to! In many ways the whole vacation was memorable - we had a lovely time.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We wished we had taken one or more games such as Scrabble. Some resorts provide a good selection, but not all, and seldom is television available. We did a lot of reading.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We certainly felt that our vacation gave local employment, and most of the resorts clearly were attempting to reduce environmental impact and supporting conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was definitely a 4-star vacation!Holiday Reviews
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