GLOBAL EXCHANGE KERALA, INDIA REALITY TOUR
SAMPLE ITINERARY
(itinerary subject to change)
November 16th to 30th (Note: This is an annual tour & dates are the same each year - November 16 to 30)
Day 1: November 16 - Trivandrum (the capital city of the state of Kerala) Arrival, pick up at airport and transfer to group's hotel. Rest and unpack.
Day 2: November 17 - Trivandrum Introduction at the hotel to Kerala by Tour Coordinator and Tour Leader. Visit to an NGO (non-governmental organization) working in health-related issues and discussion of Kerala's healthcare initiatives with a leading health activist. Visit a Resource Centre for Women and discussion with a leading women's activist. City tour of Trivandrum with a stop at Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple.
Day 3: November 18 - Trivandrum to Kannur, by overnight train. Continue City tour of Trivandrum: Museum, Art Gallery, Kuthira Malika Museum, Veli Tourist Village, and Shankhumugham Beach. Discussion about Dalit (former "untouchable" caste) issues with a Fellow at a leading economic and development studies institute. Evening - Proceed to Kannur (in the far north of Kerala) by overnight train.
Day 4: November 19 - Kannur Morning arrival and hotel check-in at Kannur. Visit to Kerala Dinesh Beedi Co-Operative Society - one of the world's largest worker-owned cooperatives. Discussion with cooperative's Chairman. Visit central office, beedi (small cigarette) rolling unit, umbrella unit and IT (technology) unit. Visit to a handloom weaving unit Visit Saint Angelo's Fort, Payyambalam Beach and Sundareswara Temple in Kannur.
Day 5: November 20 - Kannur Tour Local Self Government initiative: Visit to Valiyaparampu Village Panchayat (a village panchayat is a village self-governmental structure). Visit coastal Bakel Fort, north of Kannur, near the border with Karnataka state.
Day 6: November 21 - Kannur south to Calicut, then Thrissur, by road. Drive to Calicut in tour group's private coach. Visit to Perambra Block Panchayat and discussion with the elected representatives. Field visits to their developmental projects. Meeting with Kerala's Peoples' Science Movement (KSSP). Discussion with office bearers and other activists of KSSP. Travel to Thrissur.
Day 7: November 22 - Thrissur Visit to Panjal Village: School, Library, Paddy Fields, Temples, Veterinary Hospital, Anganvadi and Khadi Spinning Centre. Kerala-style traditional vegetarian lunch at the home of an award-winning drama writer who was an activist during the land reform activities in Kerala. Discussion with him about caste and land reforms. Free time for shopping and to see Vadakkumnathan Temple in Trissur.
Day 8: November 23 - Thrissur to Kochi, by road. Visit Dolours Basilica, one of the largest churches in Asia, at Thrissur. Visit Guruvayoor Temple Elephants (more than 50 elephants) at Elephant Fort. Visit a science and technology center for rural development and discussion with the director and other activists Drive to Kochi.
Day 9: November 24 - Kochi (aka Fort Kochi/Cochin) - a charming and unique tourist Mecca. Tour Fort Kochi and Mattancherry: visit Saint Francis Church, stroll the beach to view the picturesque Chinese fishing nets, tour the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Spice Market, Saga Department store (for Indian Handicrafts) etc. Time for shopping. Visit the Museum of Kerala History. Evening: Kathakali (classical dance form of Kerala) performance and pre-show make-up demonstration and explanation of the "story dance." Dinner and discussion at hotel with an environmental activist and writer. The recent Coco-Cola Ban issue will be also covered in the discussion
Day 10: November 25 - Kochi to Alappuzha, by road. Visit a co-operative hospital. Discussion with senior doctors and with Panchayat officials. Visit the hospitalšs eco-friendly: waste disposal unit, rain water harvest and solar water heating unit. Early Afternoon: Drive to Alappuzha Discussion with a leading historian and educator in Alappuzha.
Day 11: November 26 - Alappuzha Visit to a Co-operative Coir (coconut fiber) Factory in and discussion with workers and with the President and Secretary of the co-operative Visit to a traditional Ayurvedic Centre and discussion about the Ayurvedic System of medicine with a leading physician. Afternoon: In-land boat cruise through the backwaters of Vembanad Lake.
Day 12: November 27 - Alappuzha back to Trivandrum, by road Morning: Drive back to Trivandrum. Discussion with a senior environmental scientist. Relax and swim at Kovalam Beach, a world famous beach in Kerala. Compare mainstream tourism with the alternative Kerala model.
Day 13: November 28 - Trivandrum Visit a historical research foundation and discussion with the director. Time for shopping at cooperative crafts stores and free exploring of the capital city.
Day 14: November 29 - Trivandrum Tour to Cape Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India in the neighboring Tamil Nadu state - site of 2004 tsunami damage. Visit a major palace, temple, ancient fort, and Rock Memorial Swami Vivekananda Centre. Return to Trivandrum.
Day 15: November 30 - Trivandrum Morning: Wrap up session at the hotel. Hotel check-out and departures back home.
TOTAL: 14 Nights - 15 Days
