Silent Valley and Nilgiris (Chennai – Ooty – Mettupalayam – Ooty – Dadaga Village- Badaga Village – Thoda Village – Shola Wald – Thoda Village – Kurumba Village – Forest-Outpost – Alleppey – Cochin)

Duration: 13 days and 12 nights

Description: This trip is an anthropological expedition. It takes you into the oldest mountain chain in South India, where you can familiarize yourself with the lifestyle of the people. Experience the beauty of the rain forests and then enjoy two days and two nights on the houseboat.

Day 01: Arrival in Chennai (-/-/-)
Upon arrival at the airport, you are picked up by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Experience en route this vibrant city, where tradition and modernity co-exist, in vivid contrast. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Chennai – Ooty (B/-/-)
After a hearty breakfast, we invite you to explore Chennai. Visit the impressive Government Museum. It contains pre-historic artifacts, sculptures and bronzes of various periods; the zoology, anthropology and geology sections impress every visitor. Then enjoy the famous Marina Beach, the second longest sand beach in the world. A visit to the Guindy Snake Park is provided, and then dive into the world of colors and scents of the flowers and fruit market. In the evening, you will board the train to Mettupalayam.

Overnight on the train.

Day 03: Arrival in Mettupalayam (-/-/-)
On arrival at Mettupalayam railway station, you will be brought to Ooty, and can finally breathe wonderful fresh mountain air. After a rest, you can discover Ooty for yourself in the afternoon. Enjoy the unspoiled nature and learn something about plants in the botanical garden, where the fossil of a tree is found. The tranquility and beauty of this place will amaze you. The Ooty Lake invites you to go boating and fishing. If the latter appeals to you then remember to obtain a fishing license before you buy bait. The Dodabetta Peak is the highest peak in the area and is ideal for hiking. Grab your camera, storm the summit, and click amazing pictures of the magnificent panorama.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Ooty – Dadaga Village (B/-/-)
Today you wander off and explore the surrounding area. The route leads you through Dadaga villages. Exciting discoveries are inevitable.

Overnight in camp.

Day 05: Dadaga Village – Badaga Village (B/-/-)
You wake up to the many sounds of nature. After breakfast continue with your walk. Today, the route leads you through Badaga villages. Get to know the friendly Badagas and win authentic insights into their culture.
Overnight in the “Rest House”

Day 06: Badaga Village – Thoda Village (B/-/-)
After a hearty breakfast in the Rest House, walk through grasslands today. A stroll through a Thoda Village is an exciting opportunity to learn about their traditional lifestyle and their crafts. Enjoy the evening in Thoda village. Camp overnight in Thoda village.

Day 07: Thoda Village – Shola Forest – Thoda Village (B/-/-)
You walk today through Shola forest. The climate is pleasant and the diversity of animal life is amazing. There are tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, bears, wild dogs, hyenas, wild cats, squirrels and deer. Overnight at the camp in Thoda village.

Day 08: Thoda Village – Kurumba Village (B/-/-)
Enjoy the morning at camp. Today you will walk again after a leisurely breakfast by Shola forest and through rainforest and experience nature up close. Camp overnight in Kurumba Village.

Day 09: Kurumba Village (B/-/-)
The rain forest is calling. Today, the tour goes through the rain forest. Let the beautiful old trees charm you. On the way there is a Kurumba Village, which again promises an interesting insight into the lives of people here.

Overnight at the camp in the village.

Day 10: Kurumba Village – Woodland Outpost (B/-/-)
You walk through the rain forest and reach the forest outpost. Today, you will spend the night in the “Forest Rest House.”

Day 11: Forest Outside Post – Alleppey (B/L/D)
Today you will be picked up and taken to Alleppey. A cozy house on the water, a houseboat, awaits you. Enjoy yourself after the days of wandering with sweet idleness and give yourself a break. A trip on a houseboat is a great way to record the fascinating beauty of backwaters. Take a look at rice fields and fish, if you like. The traditional Kerala cuisine is served on board.

Overnight at Houseboat.

Day 12: Alleppey (B/L/D)
You can now relax and prepare to be pampered with wonderful local specialties. Immediately after getting up, you can see the houseboat gently glide on the backwaters while enjoying your breakfast. The ever-changing landscape of coconut palms and small settlements will enchant you. At night, when the lanterns are lit on the houseboat, you’ll be transported back in time beyond the hustle and bustle of modern life. Overnight at Houseboat.

Day 13: Departure from Cochin
You will be picked up and brought for your onward flight to the airport.