This Guy’s Super Fun Workation in !

Route: Cochin – Munnar – – – Trivandrum

Tour Duration: 7 Nights OR 14 Nights OR 17 Nights

Estimate travel dates: March 7 - 24

Quoting Andaz Apna Apna , “Plan ke mutabik”

Covid times have changed the way the world lives. But it isn’t enough to just survive eh, we must thrive as well. Covid has changed the way everyone is stepping outdoors, but we still want to make the most of it.

In these times, many many people are working from home, and have the flexibility to work remotely. At the same time, being cooped us for months at a stretch isn’t ideal, and a lot of people asked us to plan a workation – where they could work during the weekdays, talk to other like minded people and chill in the evenings, and travel a bit during the weekends.

So we bring to you this ideal workation holiday in Kerala. For the first seven days, we stay in a pretty place in Munnar. For the next seven days in the cute hill station of Vagamon, and round off the last three days in beachy, hippy Varkala. And the best part is that you can choose if you want to stay for seven days, fourteen or the whole trip!

What do you get:

1. Option to choose between a 7 day or 14 day or 17 day workation. Pay accordingly. 2. Wifi on all days in our resorts, so that you can work effectively in the days 3. Swimming Pools in all our resorts. 4. Gym! Now that you are staying for some days, join Captain Nero for some working out! 5. Optional day trips every Wednesday during trip 6. Weeekend adventures – be it camping, trekking, kayaking, paragliding and lots more 7. Evening walks, a good crowd to hang out with, and plenty of games and music. 8. A space away from the cities and the maddening crowd. A space that doesn’t feel claustrophobic, that lets you be you, and lets you do your own thing your own way. BRIEF ITINERARY:

March 7: Land at . Transfer to Munnar Hotel. O/N Munnar

March 8 – 12: Workation. Chill in the evenings. (Monday to Friday). On March 10, optional visit to Matupetty dam and speed boat ride; Echo point visit.

March 13: Check into our secret camp post noon. Sunset Trek followed by bonfire in the evening.

March 14: sunrise trek. Transfer to Vagamon in the noon.

March 15 – 19: Workation (March 17th optional visit to an adventure camp and optional paragliding on one of the days)

March 20: Ullupunni waterfalls, cave and best view points in Vagamon day trip

March 21: Transfer to Varkala. Evening play at beach, and visit clifftop cafes

March 22 – 23: Workation in Varkala

March 24: Trip ends. Transfer to Trivandrum Airport

DETAILED ITINERARY:

March 7: Cochin Airport to Munnar. Check into our resort. O/N Munnar

The idea is that you all fly to Cochin and land before 12 PM. Upon your arrival at the airport, a cab will transfer the group to our resort in Munnar.

The route is beautiful. Kerala’s beauty lies in its nature and the route will be littered with streams and other photogenic spots.

The essence of road trips, and of travelling is to not just rush from one point to another, not just check list every possible place, but to stop, pause whenever one sees something beautiful, to spend more time at places where we are having fun, and to absorb the moment, to live in the moment. And so, we shall go to Munnar, trying to enjoy to our fullest.

In between, we shall be crossing a jungle. There is a waterfall deep in the jungle, and if we get time and you are adventurous enough, we shall find our way to it.

The moment we leave the plains behind and start going uphill, tea plantations will spring out of nowhere. The gang will get out at some such points, wherever we can cross over into the tea plantations, and click photographs with the local tea pickers.

Check into the hotel by evening. After freshening up, go for a walk.

Feel the mountain breeze on your face, talk to someone you just met on the trip, get to know them a little, and let them know you a bit as well.

March 8 – 12: Workation begins! Chill in the evenings.

Since it’s a workation, the weekdays have been kept free for you. Those who’d like to work, can do so during the day and then later, we can all sit together and chill in the evenings.

Breakfast is part of the offering. Post that you can begin your work. Good wifi is a must and we have taken care of that.

When you want a break, you can use the pool, or some of the other in-house facilities of the resort. You can also choose to mingle with the others.

Meanwhile, people who aren’t planning on working can do their own thing. Got a book you’d been wanting to read? Bring it out. Have an urge to sleep in the grass under the open sky? Go for it. Wanting to let the budding photographer in you finally get that camera clicking in 2020? Click away! (And, click us too, duh :p) Made a friend you want to talk to for hours? Yap away! It’s the week of YOU and whatever you wish to do. We can also help you plan day trips (at additional cost) if you want.

On Wednesday, March 10, we are arranging a day trip to for all those who are interested. Not many think of dams as sightseeing places but Mattupetty is different. The green valleys and pleasant weather will gladden your heart. The reflection of the tea gardens into the renders it pretty.

In the midst of the hills, lies a beautiful lake, just a few kilometres away from the dam. And I highly recommend the speed boat ride. Most of the speed boat drivers here are excellent and will give you a super fun ride, as they tilt the boat at great speeds, churn up waves and splash you, and make you scream with joy as they bounce the boat on the waves. If you are lucky, they will also turn the boat 360 degrees in one spot, a full circle at top speed, and it will make you gasp with joy!

Trust me I went in December, and the speedboat experience here was one of my top moments on the trip!

March 13: Check in our secret camp in Munnar. Weekend fun begins!

It’s weekend finally! Wohoo!

After a leisurely breakfast, we shall check out of our resort in Munnar and make our way to a secret camp site for the weekend. After all, this trip is not just about work. Let’s have some fun too. The campsite is in the outskirts of Munnar and we will be camping on top of a mountain.

It’s a beautiful private property and only their guests have access to the trekking trails and viewpoints in the forest area.

After we check in and freshen up a bit, we will go for a short sunset hike near the camp.

We will probably be the only people in the area, as one needs to stay in the campsite for access to the viewpoint. The meadows and woods, coupled with the mist and fog, create a magical experience.

Wear a warm pullover or jacket because it might be chilly out there.

Hop, skip and jump in this virgin mountain and head to the top of the peak from where you’ll a gorgeous sunset.

Come evening, we have a little treat waiting for you. Bonfire! Because nothing says getaway from the city life like a nice golden flame lit up, leaving all of us a little warm and leaving its glow on our faces too.

The night sky over the campsite is very clear. We shall even get to see some shooting stars at night. Who’s up for star gazing?

March 14: Sunrise at Kolukkumalai. Transfer to Vagamonin the afternoon. O/N Vagamon

Today, you will be seeing one of the most beautiful sunrises in your life!

The Kokukkumalai sunrise and view is to die for! We wake up around 4 am and off roading jeeps take us to the mountain.

As you are about to reach, you will be surrounded by a stream of clouds in the valley around. It will take us a little more than an hour to reach the sunrise point.

It is a surreal sight for sure. Stand on the rocks, and take in the surroundings as the sun emerges in its finest, fiery, golden self.

Spend an hour or so enjoying the ambience, the breeze. Take loads of photographs, for this place is a visual delight. Around 730 am, we shall start our way back to our camp.

Reach the camp by 9 am, and let’s have a delicious breakfast. Around 12 noon, we shall leave for our next destination i.e. Vagamon!

Vagamon is a beautiful sleepy town surrounded by tea gardens and beautiful meadows. The drive to the hill town is scenic with winding roads, fresh mountain air, the sound of gurgling streams and chirping birds.

The drive is about 75 kilometres from Munnar and we shall reach the town by late afternoon. After freshening up, we can go for a walk in the nearby area and take in the beauty of the place. Vagamon skies look prettiest during the sunset with hues of deep violet and bright orange that will make you feel like you have stepped into a painting. Let’s click pictures, admire nature, and enjoy our time here.

March 15 – 19:Workation. O/N Vagamon

Workation begins again! The weekdays have been kept free for you. Those who’d like to work, can do so during the day and then later, we can all sit together and chill in the evenings.

On March 17th, whoever is interested, we would like to take them for Paragliding. Your trip to Vagamon is incomplete if you didn’t go Paragliding here. This is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling gliding experiences you can have in South India, as you fly over the lush green tea estates and meadows, dams and misty hills that is sure to take your breath away. So, if paragliding has been on your bucket list, it’s time to get your pen out and strike it off!

If its impossible for those working to do paragliding on 17th, you can do it on the 20th – Saturday.

Note: Paragliding is an optional activity and people have to pay for it themselves.

Soar over meadowy hills and majestic mountains, and capture the beauty of nature with your eyes.

@picture credits: georgein.momentics

On Friday, we will arrange a visit to an adventure camp located near the resort. It’s in the in the middle of the hills, next to a beautiful lake.

The camp has various activities to try out like rope/bridge games, paintball or archery.

The camp is beautiful. It is on the banks of the lake, and you can go for a nice, long walk.

You can try your hand at water zorbing, artificial wall climbing, All terrain vehicle bikes off roading, archery, bridge crossing over a river, and zipling. You can even go for kayaking. Don’t worry even if you are afraid of water. There will be life jackets, the lake is calm, and you have Captain Nero as well as some camp guides with you :) Kayaking is a beautifully peaceful and calm sport, and you will love it.

There’s something for everyone!

It’s going to be a day that you will thoroughly enjoy! Try your hand at different sports, activities and push yourself. Cheer for the others, dunk them in the water, and run off when they chase you ;)

March 20: Ulluppuni Day Trip. O/N Vagamon (Saturday)

It’s the weekend again and we have a fun activity for you!

Today, the off-roading jeeps will take us to the picturesque viewpoints of Uluppuni.

Located about 5 kilometers from Vagamon, Uluppuni is beautiful grassy plateau spread across the hills. You will find the real beauty of Vagamon meadows here!

One of the best off-road trails in Kerala, this place offers breathtaking view of green hills, surrounding villages and blue reservoirs.

Once we reach the viewpoints, sit by yourself for a while. Let the breeze hit your face and do its own magic to you. Forget about the world, life back at home, and just be in the moment. Pick a quiet spot for yourself, and you will hear only birds for miles around you. Think about what it means for you to be in this place, in that moment.

The views from the top are truly spectacular! The meadows look carpeted. Read a book, or just sit and talk to your new friends.

Later, carry your swimming costumes, or trunks, or shorts, for we are going to a small waterfall in the area. Who all can swim! Dive into this deliciously cold water. It will make you yell with joy! Those who don’t swim can sit on the rocks and put their feet in the water

Do your own thing! Be the new Liril model in the water, or do a Mandakini in it, be a monkey and go mad – it’s your holiday people! Back to the resort in the evening.

March 21: Transfer to Varkala Brach. O/N Varkala

Today we move from Vagamon to Varkala.

Perched almost perilously along the edge of 50 feet high cliffs, the resort town of Varkala has a naturally beautiful setting and the cliff-top stretch has steadily grown into Kerala's most popular backpacker hangout areas. The beach, below the cliffs, is long and pretty and restaurants and cafes play music and stalls sell T-shirts, baggy trousers and silver jewelry.

It is a six-hour ride from Vagamon to Varkala and we shall reach here by late afternoon. Spend the evening walking along the beach, making sand castles and swimming in the water.

The town attracts a hippy crowd, and it is a great place to watch the days slowly turn into weeks.

In the evening, we will head to one of the Cliffside cafes and chill under the stars with some nice music!

March 22-23: Workation. O/N Varkala

People who are planning to work can do so during the day. Varkala has some really cute cafes overlooking the sea from where you can work and enjoy the view at the same time. Bingo!

Others can chill at the beach.

Let’s make it funner, eh! We could do a fun photo shoot among ourselves on the beach. Make way Mallya and Kingfisher – you are no longer the only ones doing a beach shoot or calendar, so are we!! So, boys and girls, more motivation to work out a bit before the trip starts!

Varkala is essentially a temple town, and if anyone wants, you can visit some of the local temples.

Catch the sunset over the beach while you are in this gorgeous hippy paradise.

March 24: Trip Finally Ends!

Sigh. The last day arrives! We’ll be packing up our bags full of memories and making our way to Trivandrum Airport from where everyone departs for their respective cities. Here’s hoping that this workation was the escape you so dearly sought and that we all get to meet again super soon!

Inclusions: 7 Nights

• Accommodation for 6 nights in a beautiful resort in Munnar • Accommodation for 1 night in camps in a secret campsite near Munnar • Snacks and dinner at campsite • All breakfasts from March 8 - 14 • Dinner on March 13 • Sunset Trek fees and all necessary permits • Bonfire, Nature Walk • Kolukkumalai sunrise visit • Mattupetty Dam Visit in Munnar • Resort and Camp Transfers • Kochi Airport to Munnar Resort transfer in a private vehicle • Wifi, Gym and in-house facilities • Swimming pool Inclusions: 14 Nights

• All of the above inclusions • Munnar to Vagamon transfer in a private vehicle • Accommodation for 7 nights in a beautiful resort in Vagamon • All breakfast from March 15-21 • Off-roading jeep safari in Ulluppuni Valley • Entrance fees Adventure camp • Wifi and in-house facilities •

Inclusions: 17 nights

• All of the above inclusions • Vagamon to Varkala transfer in a private vehicle • Accommodation for 3 nights in a beautiful property in Varkala • All breakfasts from March 22-24 • Wifi and in-house facilities • Swimming pool

Exclusions:

• All lunches • Dinner on all days except March 13 • Flight tickets

Optional Inclusions:

• Paragliding in Vagamon • Adventure Camp activities in Vagamon • If you opt for 7 nights or 14 nights package, then your return airport transfers can be done by us at an additional cost. If yes, then please contact Neeraj for the same.) • Any personal expenses, or anything not mentioned under Inclusions

Total cost:

If booked on or before Feb 15,

• 7 nights : Rs 21,000 per person • 14 nights : Rs 37,000 per person • 17 nights : Rs 46,000 per person

If booked after Feb 15,

• 7 nights : Rs 22,000 per person • 14 nights : Rs 38,000 per person • 17 nights : Rs 47,000 per person Cancellation Policy:

Between 60 days and 30 days of trip start date: 75 percent refund

Between 30 and 14 days of trip start date: 50% refund

Between 14 and 7 days of trip start date: 25% refund

Less than 7 days of trip start date: No refund

Measures taken by OHOT to make this trip as safe as possible

1) Firstly, and significantly, Munnar, Vagamon and Varkala have among the least number of Covid cases in Kerala and in the country.

2) All the properties chosen by us are sanitized regularly and follow all Covid safety norms.

3) All trippers will have to provide OHOT with a covid negative certificate. This has to be procured within 72 hours of travel start date. Before reaching Kerala, tripper will have to mail a copy of the certificate to OHOT.

4) All trippers are advised to carry their own hand sanitizers, and masks. Temperatures will be checked on arrival for basic symptom check.