Kerala

“I never ever once felt worried for my safety as a woman…”

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I loved every minute in Kerala with Onda from start to finish. I wanted to see the India I’d seen in movies growing up - green tropics, jungles, etc. - but had heard more negative experiences from family and friends who’d visited the north, and you assume as a woman you need to be worried about your safety. When I saw Onda was run by a lovely couple (from Manchester, to boot) I felt more reassured and the itinerary was what I had imagined experiencing. I only wish it had lasted longer so I had more time in the places we visited! I never ever once felt worried for my safety as a woman, the areas chosen were incredibly well curated and our guide and driver were both amazing (a bit like having two lovely, protective uncles with us). Kerala is honestly one of the most beautiful places in the world, from being up in the mountains for the tea plantations, to the jungle wildlife reserve to elephant spot, to the idyllic backwaters, and back to the colourful Fort Kochi, and each place was chosen to maximise what we could see. As it had been advertised as a calm adventure, the group were all like-minded and we were more likely to have a chill and early night than do a load of drinking, and by the end it felt like we’d become a mad little family and that I’d made friends for life. Anil (our guide) seemed to know everywhere like the back of his hand, and so guided us to restaurants, roadside bakeries and tea stations that he knew were safe so no one had anything like Bali belly, just the occasional moment where our stomachs had to adjust to the richness of the food but were fine the next day. Honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and when Katie and Liam expand (hopefully to Sri Lanka next!) I’ll be signing up. Would always be happy to share my experiences with anyone thinking about signing up!

“Katie and Liam (the couple behind Onda Adventures) also place great importance on travelling in a sustainable and respectful manner, which is very important to me.”

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I can only recommend Onda Adventures and their Kerala group trip. It was such a beautiful mix of destinations and the activities there were really wonderful. We saw beautiful nature and met lovely people. I'm coming back with many new experiences and impressions. Katie and Liam (the couple behind Onda Adventures) also place great importance on travelling in a sustainable and respectful manner, which is very important to me. Generally, you can say, that the trip lives up to its promise. I also want to mention, how much I appreciated our guide, Anil, and our driver, Sarath. The whole team was so kind and caring. Thank you!

“…it was a great group, with ages from early 20s to mid 30s, and everyone got on really well.”

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I had an incredible trip with Onda adventures. Katie and Liam are both the loveliest people and made the trip around Kerala so special. It was clear so much thought had gone into all of the locations we visited. The pre trip support and information was also so helpful. From the second we landed in Cochi we didn't need to think about a single thing.

I joined the tour with my partner and it was a great group, with ages from early 20s to mid 30s, and everyone got on really well.

Accommodation across the trip was great with a range of different hotels and a homestay. The minivan we travelled in was also comfy, had great aircon, and always felt super safe!

The Kerala trip included a complete variety of experiences, from tuk tuk tours, to spice gardens, but what made every experience special was that we had different local guides everyday who we got to learn from, and hear more about their lifes. I loved this inclusion as it felt like we were able to give back to the places we were visiting.

Alongside Katie and Liam, we also had a guide from India, Anil, who was absolutely incredible, and a wealth of so much knowledge who was so happy to share it with you. He always had the best recommendations and advice.

I would highly recommend this trip for anyone wanting to explore South India.

“As a vegan, the trip was also well catered for this so don’t shy away if you’re concerned about dietary restrictions!”

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When people post about going to India, the comments are sadly filled with ‘why would you go to India?’… well this group trip perfectly shows why.

With Onda, you become part of a mini family while exploring the gorgeous state of Kerala and seeing India in such a unique and cultural way. I loved every location for different reasons, whether that is the stunning tea plantations of Munnar, the welcoming homestay and house boat of Alleppey or the charming streets of Kochi. The Onda team have worked so well on their marketing as well so this is a perfect company to meet likeminded individuals who want to travel to truly explore a place and care about their impact in the process.

As a vegan, the trip was also well catered for this so don’t shy away if you’re concerned about dietary restrictions! I was constantly accommodated, given recommendations and the cooking class was also fabulous for all things veg🙏

Thank you Onda for creating such a memorable and fulfilling trip, with a very thought out itinerary and amazing hospitality. Cant wait to join on more in the future and explore other hidden gems of the world🫶🏻

“Travelling with Onda Adventures has restored my faith in group travel.”

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Travelling with Onda Adventures has restored my faith in group travel. I loved that Katie & Liam had personally been to each destination to test out the activities & locations, to build the perfect itinerary. They really have thought of everything, from the pre-trip packing lists, visa info packs & a group video call on what to expect. To the actual trip, everything was so well organised from the moment I landed in Kochi, and daily updates on what to expect, timings & what to bring the next day.
I highly recommend joining the Kerala tour, it was the perfect balance of activity and free time, the tea plantations in Munnar, the national park walk in Thekkady, the homestay on the backwaters in Allepey & the seaside sunsets in Varkalla, each location had something that felt really special. The food was incredible! You won't go home hungry for sure. There were lots of dietary requirements in the group, all of which were well catered for.
Katie & Liam naturally attracted like minded people to the tour, who preferred a chilled pace of travel, we all got on so well.
Thank you for a truely incredible experience!

“I came on this trip with zero expectations and an open mind, but left with a full heart, lifelong memories and new friends too.”

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When my partner sent me the trip information, I just said yes. As a typical bloke, I skimmed through the details, went straight to the pictures and didn’t look back.

I knew she’d done her research and trusted that it would be great, but great is an understatement.

The trip was fantastic, exhilarating, picturesque, calm, peaceful and magical, all rolled into one.

Onda will take you on a trip you could only dream about, visiting places so incredible that when someone asks, “What was your favourite part of the trip?” it’s almost impossible to choose.

The team have curated an adventure where you experience five very different but equally immersive destinations across Kerala. From the highest viewpoints and vast tea plantations to the tranquil backwaters and rice fields, there’s something for everyone, and no one is left behind.

I came on this trip with zero expectations and an open mind, but left with a full heart, lifelong memories and new friends too.

The Onda team don’t want the adventure to feel like just another group trip. They genuinely make it feel like a family. No one’s left out, no one’s left behind, and every personality, opinion and request is respected.

If you’re looking for a group trip that takes you to places others wouldn’t, shows you incredible destinations, offers fantastic activities, but also gives you your own downtime to relax and explore, then these are the guys for you.

Thanks for the lifelong memories!

“I can’t praise Onda enough for the trip, both logistically, but also in the genuine and accepting space they created.”

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Traveling with Onda was a really amazing experience. Katie and Liam created a lovely environment full of positivity, laughter and wonderful people. Each location showed us a different side of Kerala and was so so beautiful.
Along with our wonderful local guide and lovely driver, they kept us safe in new environments and on the roads as well as making sure all of our questions were answered and that we knew what was in the foods we were eating.
I feel like I have learnt a lot on this trip- about tea, about spices, about a different way of life. I’m excited to share the things I’ve learnt at home- so far my parents have been convinced that they would like to visit Kerala!
I can’t praise Onda enough for the trip, both logistically, but also in the genuine and accepting space they created.