Hike, Kayak and Cycle in Kerala

This was a superb and well thought out introduction to Southern India. Whilst it’s cheap to travel/eat in this part of the world we really felt the standard of accommodation made it a luxury trip and well worth the price. From the start our guide Saby worked tirelessly to ensure we had a varied, interesting, fun, and safe trip. He made sure that if we expressed an interest in something that was built upon and so introduced us to local drinks/delicacies, wildlife, games, and impromptu rubber tree tours! His knowledge and enthusiasm was boundless and he was always fully engaged and making sure we had everything we needed, The food was superb and plentiful. The activities were all well planned and executed. It was my birthday during the trip and Saby went out of his way to ensure it was a very special celebration. All of the places we visited exceeded expectations and our concerns about the long driving distances were unfounded as the minibus was comfy and there were plenty of opportunities to stop whenever we passed something of interest. I can’t fault the trip at all and would definitely recommend it.

Loved every minute of our Kerala adventure.

Firstly, Thilip is an incredible guide. He's extremely knowledgeable, patient with questions, goes above and beyond to make everyone comfortable and has a great sense of humour. We spent our days chatting and laughing like a group of friends who'd known each other for years! The activities were paced well, my group found them challenging but most importantly fun! The guides are happy & flexible to adapt to the group's abilities. This was my first visit to India and Kerala was the perfect intro. It is beautiful, the people are ridiculously friendly and the food delicious, I will certainly be back!

If I'm honest, I was unsure about booking a tour because I know how cheap India can be doing it yourself. However I am so glad I booked through MBA, the trip was worth every penny!

Overall this was a great trip enhanced better by our local guide Thilip who was kind, always helpful, full of knowledge on Kerala and India which he shared. All the organisation was smooth with the various helpers at each activity. Walks were good, bumpy jeep ride at 4am was tough but the extended walk was great and made it all worthwhile. Timings and distance on website need updating. House boat was fab and the kayaks. New bike route worked, was quiet and included plenty of towpaths. Accommodation was all good, hotels with character except maybe Govalum.

An excellent trip and we can’t rate our guide Thilip highly enough. A great variety of activities and scenery although be prepared for some very early starts! We were glad we arrived in Kochi early enough to wander around as the itinerary doesn’t include much time there. The landscape of the tea plantations is particularly stunning.

I will start by saying that Kerala is a beautiful part of India to visit and the itinerary gives you a good introduction. I loved that there were multiple different activities and the accommodation for the most part was excellent - especially the houseboat which was a unique experience and just a stunning setting.

I would say however that I did come away from this trip feeling a little disappointed.

The final hotel/resort we stayed in really needs reconsidering. It is a huge property with a 'nice' area and a more budget area for families/groups. It easily takes 10 mins plus to get from some of the further rooms to reception. The beach is also quite impractical as it is a long way from the hotel rooms and to be honest isn't very nice, not really what you expect when you read the itinerary.

Activities wise - at times it felt like we were covering the distance just to ensure that we'd hit the correct mileage. I felt these could have had more care taken in actually planning a route and distance that reflects what's described in the itinerary.

Our guide, Maddy, made sure everything was always in place so that we didn't have to worry. However he did always appear to be staying somewhere else which seemed a bit bizarre.

Although I really enjoyed the trip and would certainly recommend to friends to visit this part of India, I'm not sure I would recommend this MBA trip in its current state. I think it is a little oversold in the itinerary and not good value for money. I do think it has the potential to be an excellent trip but needs a few adjustments and bit more care taken to ensure the experience reflects the usual high standard of other MBA trips I've been on.

I was incredibly pleased with the overall experience of this trip. It covers Kerala in a manner that covers a wide diversity of locations and locations within Kerala as well as providing a good range of types of activities.

The areas around Kerala are stunning and this trip really takes advantage of that. In addition, the selection of food choices were marvelous. Over the entire course of the trip we were never burdened with a bad meal and had ample opportunity to experience local Keralan dishes and drinks.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, our tour guide (Thilip Vijay) was phenomenal. He consistently took the time to elevate our trip by adding on additional stops or catering the meal choices to give us variety and new dishes to try. He never missed a beat in being helpful in making sure we were well taken care of and that we had everything we needed. Also, on every bus journey we had, he took the time to give us background around the local area, the culture and wider Indian history and culture which was incredibly insightful and interesting. His attitude and energy elevated the experience and kept us all upbeat and positive. It is abundantly clear that we were very fortunate to have Thilip as a tour guide and that the trip was better off for it.

My husband and I had an incredible time on our Kerala trip. Our guide, Thilip, made travelling from place to place incredibly smooth and stress-free. The activities were loads of fun and our guide was incredibly well informed about the local area and added a lot of valuable context to the things we were seeing and experiencing.

I am not the fittest person, but found the activities to be very accessible. I asked to sit out of one of the activities last minute, and Thilip was incredible at accommodating this change, making a number of last minute arrangements to ensure I could check in early to our next destination and take advantage of some of the amenities at the hotel.

The food on the trip was wonderful throughout as well. It was a real highlight to be able to try so many different dishes and to experience some local delicacies. It also takes a huge amount of stress out, having MBA ensure that there is always plenty of drinking water available.

I would not hesitate to do another MBA trip and, as someone who has visited India many times, I cannot think of a better way to get the most out of a visit to the country.

I am very grateful to Thilip for taking such good care of us throughout the trip and for organising such a fun and varied itinerary.

Brilliant trip, which exposes the traveller to many aspects of Keralan culture, whilst also taking in the varied landscapes of the region, from the cool, lofty mountains to the languid backwaters and the beautiful palm-fringed coastline. The guides were fantastic, as was the accommodation. Highlights for me were watching the sunrise at the summit of Mount Meesapulimala and cycling through the small villages dotted along the coast road. Great fun!

Really great trip. We were very well looked after by our guide Thillip. This trip gives you a real taste of the region. Activities were very moderate though the unusual hot weather during our trip brought it's own challenges. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable holiday and would definitely recommend it.

I will start out by saying that generally the trip was okay and nothing was majorly bad but also did not come away thinking it was amazing and unlikely to recommend. So here are my topics -

Thilip the guide was great and very knowledgable about the culture of the country. He was good at organising the group and plans for each day were clear. He was attentive and chatted with everyone from the group and looked after us all. I only wish he had been a little better at taking photos of the group and also didn’t swear as much (the word bullshit was frequently used)

Accomodation - the longboat was a great experience and felt well looked after here. also the hotel in acceppey where we only stayed 1 night was very very nice and wish we were able to stay here longer to make most of its facilities. Again the hotel in the mountains in munnar very good. However quite a few of the group found the first hotel in kochi very dated and also had a few questions on cleanliness of it. I understand if has character but equally feel maybe need to consider a slightly nicer hotel in this city. And finally the last hotel/resort I feel needs reconsidering! It is a massive property and takes ages to get around ie easily 10mins from room to reception/restaurant. The beach is also not the cleanest or safest to swim in the sea and not even that pretty to walk along with all the plastic. It is also miles from the main beach and so nothing much to do apart from use hotel facilities.

Activities- the kayaking certainly was a challenge and we covered at the distance stated on the itinerary if not further but again maybe not the prettiest of locations The other two activities , hiking and cycling were certainly no way near as challenging as was meant to be. We did not cover close to the stated distances and felt missed out a lot due to this as was hoping to get especially a lot more walking done on the mountain which was a big disappointment. So either the itinerary needs changing or the activity should be completed as stated in guide.

Food - again this was on the whole good and thilip was good at explaining the dishes to us. As the week though progressed the meals became a little repetitive and some other dishes may have been appreciated. I was also a little disappointed that as we were taken to a seafood restaurant on the beach on our last night that we didn’t get some better fish dishes such as a whole fish or prawns

My main feeling is that the trip was NOT good value for money at all compared to other trips I have done It won’t put me off booking but to research some aspects of the trips further before booking

As others have said, Just Do It. An incredible location with great guide and support crew. We were a small group of 4 which meant we had a bit more flexibility – including starting the Meesapulimala walk extra early to catch sunrise. Another highlight of the trip was kayaking lunch on the Backwater – Deliveroo Keralan style. Food great – if a bit samey by the end, take advantage when you can of not eating at the hotel. All activities comfortably do-able for a fit girly nearing 60.

Wonderful trip to south India. The activities, food, and hotels were great. Our guide, Thileep, was the best ever. He was able to communicate his passion and love of Kerala to our group. If you are on the fence about this trip - do it. It was great.

The activities were moderate as described. Our group did a wonderful job staying together. We had tons of fun. We hiked, kayaked, and biked our way through Kerala. Couldn't think of a better way to experience this part of India. I'm now trying to convince all my friends to do this trip.

If you are nervous about travelling to India, then this is a perfect way to experience the joys of this incredible country. If, on the other hand you have already experienced the North, you simply have to see beautiful Kerala - India at its best.

Our faultless guide, Tilip, made sure we had a fully authentic experience, and he gave us the confidence to safely try a wide range of foods from roadside stalls to small family run restaurants. All the food was simply wonderful.

The activities were awesome - challenging but just the right level of difficulty for a moderately fit 50 year old! Sunrise on the mountain climb and becoming part of the Indian "life-flow" on the cycling trip were real highlights.

Accommodation was far superior to Intrepid trips I have been on.

Overall, the perfect trip for anyone who wants to visit India, but needs a higher level of comfort and reassurance to do so.

Great itinerary - beautiful locations & fun activities. Thilip was a wonderful host - so knowledgeable, kind, professional & fun. Nothing was too much trouble for him & he was keen to give us the best possible experience. His stories of life in India were so insightful. There is a lot of travelling on the trip & not much downtime at the hotels. The activities included great guides & are very doable - the distances / time are not as long as stated in the notes! The kayaking was amazing in the small backwater waterways. The views in the hill plantations are stunning.

Our host Thilip was fantastic and really made the trip - he was so knowledgable, funny and kind. Kerala is very beautiful, the highlights for me were kayaking the backwater, staying on the houseboat and spotting Padayappa the local celebrity elephant!

This was our first group trip and MBA exceeded all our expectations. Thilip is an exceptional guide. His knowledge of the area and his personal stories about India were incredibly interesting and wonderfully told.

Fantastic week in Kerala - great range of stunning and different locations and experiences and our guide Thilip was brilliant - knowledgeable, on the ball, always thinking one step ahead and good fun - a highly recommended trip!

I would like you to duplicate my review in 5. above publically, or to correct the itinerary and write out to those who have already booked, as the level of mismatch isn’t really acceptable. The trip is still worth doing, but this level of hiding the reality of the trip leaves a bitter taste towards MBA. This is in no way directed at Thilip or the local organisers who did a great job at explaining it when we were there.

It is difficult to put into words how incredible this trip truly was.

Kerala’s natural wonder was awe-inspiring at every turn and the experience was elevated to new heights as a result of the boundless efforts and enthusiasm of our fantastic tour guide, Thilip. His exceptional work meant that the trip ran seamlessly and I have left Kerala wanting to return as soon as possible to dive back into the tranquility of the tea plantations of Munnar, the breathtaking scenery on the backwaters of Alleppey and the relaxing atmosphere on the beaches of Kovalam.

Thilip’s passion about South India is palpable. He wove personal, historical and cultural anecdotes into our daily travels and never ceased to check whether we needed anything at all. I would like to think that I have gained a brother in Thilip, which is a testament to the efforts that he made to get to know each and every member of the group. He is an indispensable asset to the MBA team and reason enough to sign up for this awesome trip as soon as possible!

This was my first ever MBA trip. Thanks to Thilip’s superlative work and consequently my incredible experience, it will not be my last. Thank you, Thilip!

What are you waiting for? Book it!

This is a really interesting, engaging and fun experience. The food is out of this world. The accommodation is wonderfully characterful. The activities take you to some fabulous places, although personally I would have liked longer on the activities. The coach was roomy and cool. Best of all our guide Thileep is truly exceptional. Just be aware there is a lot of travelling time.

Amazing Trip, loved all the activities and the emerging in indian culture while staying active. The hike could have been longer, we startet at higher altitude than expected - was good with the group we were, but personally would have liked to do a little more Our Guide Tilip made sure we were happy, and shared so much knowledge about the history, local food, religion of kerala, he did an amazing job

An absolutely incredible trip. Everything was just the best. Everywhere was beautiful - the dramatic moody hills and tea plantation, the lush views from the bus, kayaking and the evening on the houseboat in the exquisite backwaters, cycling in the sun next to the sparkling sea on the coastal road, and the peacefulness of the final hotel. The hike, kayaking and cycling were really enjoyable, not too challenging and done at a relaxed and manageable pace. Every night we stayed in amazing, luxurious places - the houseboat and the outdoor bathrooms at the last two hotels were particularly special. Every meal was local and was incredible (and no one got ill).

More than any of that was the value added by our tour leader, Thilip. His knowledge, experience and passion for Kerala and for India gave us so much insight. His professionalism, diligence, kindness, empathy and humour meant everyone felt included and the whole trip ran smoothly and with a really calm and relaxed vibe. The local staff (driver, assistant driver, activity teams) were all brilliant and really added to the experience.

I can't recommend this trip enough. When I was looking at options I read someone else's review of this trip that said something like 'if you're thinking about this just do it'. I'd say exactly the same - if you're even considering it, just book and go. It will be an adventure of a lifetime.

This tour was so much more than we expected. The activities were only one small part of the experience and we shared it with a really friendly group. Kerala is a truly spectacular part of the world and it was so much fun to experience it through hiking, kayaking and cycling. But best of all was Thilip, our tour coordinator. He obviously loves the Kerala region and is such an engaging host that we really felt like we got to know and grew to love the region and India as a country. We were so sad to say goodbye on the last day.

We loved every minute of our trip. First time visitors to India in our 50s, we were looked after superbly. Everything was brilliantly organised; the hospitality was outstanding and our guide Thilip was exceptional- calm, knowledgable, passionate about Kerala, and great fun. I’d recommend wholeheartedly.

Amazing - we travelled through southern India with a wonderful group of like minded people and packed in so much that one week felt like three! Our local guide Thilip made all the arrangements feel effortless, all the while being an expert narrator on Keralan history, politics and religion. Will most definitely be back for more!

This is only the second time we’ve been on a group trip and it’s the first with MBA. We had a fantastic time. The group, despite a wide range of ages, abilities and experiences, got on famously. In addition to the advertised activities our guide, Thilip, offered us other interesting visits along the way. Thilip is a brilliant guide. He speaks excellent English, has great historical, natural and environmental knowledge and combines all of that with a sense of humour and willingness to have fun. He is passionate about Kerala and it was a pleasure to get to know him. Kerala is beautiful and the people are without exception friendly and welcoming. We would definitely come here again and we are already discussing our next MBA trip!

An amazing experience which I'll never forget, and the perfect introduction to India. Thileep, our tour leader was incredible and made my time completely worry-free. Also, a big surprise going into this was the incredible food. Mouth watering cuisine, with every meal being different, and lots of options.

My trip to Kerala met and exceeded expectations. The activities were of moderate difficulty with enough downtime in the evening to chat with other travellers. I loved the activities that were set, particularly the cycling.

A highlight, surprisingly, was a visit to a local temple in Trivandrum. I also loved the tea plantation in Munnar - it exceeded my expectations in terms of the nature, animals, and its beauty. And cycling around Kovalam was a special experience.

I LOVED this trip. It's been on my bucket list for ages to visit Kerala, and I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. Thilip was also a fantastic guide, and his knowledge is outstanding. He's also very friendly, charismatic, and kind. 10 out of 10 for every bit. Thank you.

Lush tropical surroundings, scrumptious food and a wide range of activities -- Kerala was everything I imagined it would be and more. Kayaking through serene backwaters, sampling the local toddy and understanding more about the local flora and fauna (giant squirrel anyone?!) were just some of the many highlights of the trip. All the local guides were brilliant and a pleasure to spend time and converse with. Special shout out to our guide (and dare I say friend) Thilip who went out of his way to ensure everyone had a good time. His fascinating insights, helpful tips and good-humoured nature made the week extra special. This was a great introduction to MBA and the thoughtful curation of the entire week was evident. Kerala, I'll be back.

A very special trip that's super chilled and rewarding. Kerala as a destination is great, and the activities are exactly as one would hope for. The hike and the kayaking in specific stood out, with the latter offering one of the most unique ways to observe local life that I've encountered while the former offered some unexpectedly brilliant wildlife sightings of black langur monkeys and the peerless malabar giant squirrel (a very funky critter that really has to be seen to be believed). In terms of difficulty, the trip was as advertised - for me, the activities left one feeling 'active' whilst never quite feeling like a workout.

A special shout out needs to go to our tour guide, Thillip, and the local guides, in particular Abid and Vishnu. When it came time to bid them farewell, we all did so tenderly as we felt like we were saying goodbye to some friends. They're probably the best guides that I've encountered and Thillip is a dynamic talent whom you feel would succeed in many different roles - his guidance on food was spot on, and we could all listen to him talk about the culture, local life, politics and history for weeks on end. Seeing him react and adapt the trip accordingly left us all feeling very appreciative.