Itinerary

Day 1, Kochi to Palakkad

Drive to Palakkad (3 hrs), celebrated as the granary of Kerala. Pallakad district is a vast expanse of verdant plains interspersed with hills, rivers, mountains streams and forests. You stay at Kandath Tharavad for two nights. Your host in the majestic old home is Mr Bhagwaldas, a smiling person of deep knowledge and a genuine desire to give his guests a true glimpse of the local life and culture.

Stay at Kandath Tharavad for two nights

Day 2, Palakkad

Exploring the village, relaxing long walks and cycling trips along small, winding roads through an unspoilt countryside and paddy fields topped off with a visit to the local village temple to watch the evening rituals and pooja, are some of the interesting activities you can do. This is the best way to get to know rural India.

Day 3, Palakkad to Tellicherry

Drive to Tellicherry (5 hrs), set up by the British East India Company at the end of the 17th century to export pepper and cardamom. The fort is still standing today on a rocky promontory. There are some attractive old buildings, some within the Citadel. You stay at Ayisha Manzil for two nights. It is a beautiful colonial mansion overlooking the sea, with the hospitable Moosa family who truly enjoy having guests in their house.

Stay at Ayisha Manzil for two nights

Day 4, Tellicherry

The Moosa family are delightful and eager to show guests the best that north Kerala has on offer. Knowledgeable and articulate, Mr Moosa is full of suggestions for excursions to the local markets and attractions. Mrs Moosa is a great cook and specializes in the rich Mappila cuisine of coastal Malabari Muslims. Her cookery classes are a true delight whereby you learn more than just the dishes she teaches effortlessly.

Day 5, Tellicherry to Sultan Battery

A scenic road takes you up the Western Ghats to Sultan Battery (5 1/2 hrs), a town in Wayanad district, famous for its jungles and rain forests, and plantations of tea, spice, coffee and cocoa. It was here that Tipu Sultan built a remote fort in the 18th century. You stay at Tranquil for two nights, a sprawling 70-year old bungalow with an old-world charm.

Stay at Tranquil for two nights

Day 6, Sultan Battery

There are plenty of walks around ranging from easy and short to some brisk ones. Don’t miss the plantation walk: it is amazing how much you will see and learn in a short couple of hours. Tranquil also organizes jeep safaris in the surrounding forests and there is chance of seeing some wildlife and definitely many birds. If you prefer to relax then you can swim in the pool, lounge in a hammock or have a therapeutic Ayurvedic massage.

Day 7, Sultan Battery to Kozhikode

Today your North Kerala Homestays tour ends with a drive to Kozhikode (3 hrs) to connect with your onward travel.