The River Sutra monsoon trails
Once in a life time kind of a trip!
Monsoon transform Kerala into a state of mind.
Making it a perfect time for an immersive travel experience.
Imagine a journey in the company of an invigorating Monsoon. A journey of two weeks passes through several districts of Kerala, criss-crossing many rivers. From west-flowing Periyar to east-flowing Kabini. From central Kerala to North Kerala. A journey that starts on the banks of Periyar knowing the landscapes and riverscapes that were formed from massive floods.
Tracing how names of places, lifestyles, farming traditions, and art forms were influenced by the presence of these newly formed land masses that pushed the sea farther away.
This trail is stitched together from memories and experiences of those who called many of these rivers their home. By people who were passionate to leave behind all, they had to nurture lives in these riverscapes. The journey that starts in Muziris, celebrates communities that are co-creating resilience and joins those living by Kallai in Kozhikode.
This journey is about learning how they apply indigenous knowledge and experiences to foster and steward what they lived through to the new generation. Music, architecture, food, folklore, traditions, performances, and celebrations are intrinsic parts of this journey.
Meet people whose livelihoods are linked to the rivers. Experience the cultural heritage that was nurtured by these rivers. Spend time with farmers, artists, and activists, and stay with their families and friends.
Listen to magical myths. Meander through images that will forever be etched in your life.
Muziris
Features Periyar and Chalakudy rivers with a focus on how floods re-imagined the present landscape. Agriculture, coastal life, art forms, intangible heritage, wilderness, seasonal food, forest life, climate resilience, and festivities. Covering the districts of Ernakulam and Thrissur.
Nila
Features various tributaries of Bharatapuzha, focusing on natural and cultural heritage of the region. This stretch that’s poetically called River Nila is a lifeline for Kerala not just for the rivers, but for the cultural richness. Covering the districts of Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram.
Malabar
Features the central north Malabar region with a focus on lifestyle, tradition, spice routes, folklore, martial arts, water, and other nature-based activities. Covers Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad districts.
Day wise itinerary
If you don't have 14 nights for the entire trail, you may join in shorter versions of 4-5-5 nights.
Book / Enquire here
MUZIRIS:
Day 1 - Puthenvelikkara - Climate resilience tour, Mudiyettu
Day 2 - Ezhikkara: Chekutty trail, Pokkali - The Story of a rice, Twilight Dinner on a Chinese Fishing net
Day 3 - Athitrapilly/ Chalakudy: Waterfall visits, rainforest drive, seasonal monsoon food experiences
Day 4 - Arattuppuzha: Kol Field Visits, Chimmony WLS, Theatre island
NILA
Day 5 - Palakkad: Legends of Khazak, Musical instruments making, handloom visits, lighting of 10108 lamps
Day 6 - Palakkad: Off roading and half day trekking in Nelliyampathy, Folk Kaniyarkali
Day 7 - Ottappaalam: Glove Puppetry, Kathakali koppu, Costume Gallery, Adakkaputhoor Kannadi, Miniature Kathakali Gallery, Toothapuzha
Day 8 - Cheruthuruthy:Kuthampully village visit, Killimangalam mat weaving, Farm Fresh lunch, Koodiyattom, Desamangalam, Folk Expressions
Day 9 - Cheruthuruthy: Day with the masters at Kalamandalam, Poomully mana visit, Musical Trail, Pottery workshops, Poothanum Thirayum, Shadow Puppetry
MALABAR
Day 10 - Wandur: Train journey till Wandur, Chavittukali
Day 11 - Nilambur : Water fall trek, NIlambur Kovilakam visit
Day 12 - Wayanad: Uravu, Bamboo village, Farmers collective, Hume centre
Day 13 - Wayanad: Cloud mountain trek
Day 14 - Kozhikode: Heritage Walk, Thirayattom and Kalaripayattu
Day 15 - SUP, Kayaking