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The Traveling Gecko offers special interest travel experiences that showcase India's rich natural an

India is blessed with a rich History, Heritage, Art, Culture, Folklore, Mythology, Cuisine, Architecture, Wildlife, and other such distinct traits that makes it a treasure trove of special interest destinations. At The Traveling Gecko we design Special Interest Travel Experiences around these distinct traits to deliver an experience that will inspire, inform and entertain. Purabee and Rajith Nair,

co-founders of TTG, are experience seekers themselves. They are currently researching and designing other unique experiences that will help showcase the many facets of this magnificent country called India. Before TTG, Rajith headed the Digital and Social Media advertising research business for Millward Brown India (a WPP group company), while Purabee has been an Instructional Designer with TATA Interactive Systems ( a TATA group company).

26/01/2024

Fresh toddy and lime-date pickle for 'touchings' as you cruise through the backwaters with your feet pulled up on an open country boat. Just what the doctor ordered on a Friday morning. :-) If you have your doctors prescription for a toddy break in the backwaters come along. You know where to reach us.

28/12/2023

Whatever be your age the Hill Palace Museum in Tripunithura, Kochi, is a good place to spend a few hours to know more about the history, tradition, customs, lifestyle of the Royal Family of Cochin, and their influence on Kerala's Art, Architecture, Literature and Sports. For your share of stories, past and present, from the world of the erstwhile royal family of Cochin write to [email protected].

24/12/2023

"In a fast paced world it's good for the soul to see more by going slow." (from the Slow Manifesto)

For your cruise on the slow lane write to us at [email protected].

20/12/2023

In June 1946, the people of Italy voted for a Republic, bringing down the curtains on the Monarchy that had ruled the mediterranean kingdom since 1861. The House of Savoys' ties with the Italian dictator Mussolini and the oppression of that regime was the reason for the peoples vote. All male heirs of the House of Savoy were banished from the country, a ban than was lifted only in the year 2002.

In Cochin, around the same time, in July 1946, the Maharaja of Cochin Rama Varma, made public his desire for a united Kerala by merging Cochin with Travancore and British Malabar. He expressed his belief that the future of Kerala was with India, and that if India prospered Kerala too would prosper. By way of this declaration he had set the course for the Cochin Royal Family to voluntarily give up their kingdom and let the elected representatives of the people take over.

Two kingdoms with ancient historical ties, but two very different outcomes, something that did not escape the notice of our two charming Italian guests. The role of women in society, politics, religion, ancient monuments and tourism, the conversation was wide ranging, but a lot of fun and illuminating. For your share of stories, past and present, from the world of the erstwhile royal family of Cochin write to [email protected].

16/12/2023

Kaaralsman (Charlemagne) Charitham (History) is one of the most well known and the most frequently performed Chavittunatakam plays on stage. Chavittunatakam literally means 'stamping drama' as the stamping of the feet on stage is the most prominent element of the performance. Introduced by the Portuguese missionaries sometime in the 16th century to give the newly converted Christians an art form of their own so that they could be weaned away from the native Hindu art forms and to further emphasise Christian superiority over the local Muslims who dominated the local trade in those days. The language is a mix of Senthamizh and Latin and makes extensive use of light and music. The glittering costumes are hard to miss including the shiny shoes of the main characters. One of the lesser known art forms of Kerala it is performed by very few groups in Kochi and is trying hard to stay relevant.

This clip shows the (fictional) battle between Kaaralsman (in white) and his Turkic rival Avudharman (as the Abbasid caliph of the time is called in the play, wearing an orange costume). What used to be two week long, all-nighter, has been compressed to just a couple of hours. The performers were part of the Kerala Chavittunatakam Academy of Gothuruth and they were performing at Changampuzha Park in Edappally, one of the finest cultural spaces in Kochi today, and arguably among the best in Kerala.

15/12/2023

Royalty, history, temple festivities and politics, all wrapped up in a couple of hours of storytelling and interactions. This is what Ms. Gruss and Mr. Kramer from New York, USA had to say-
"Indian heritage tour with Rajith was very entertaining and interesting. Meeting with royal family very enlightening about global politics. Festival and visit to royal family were memorable."

For your share of stories, past and present, from the world of the erstwhile royal family of Cochin write to [email protected].

13/12/2023

A full house for the Sangita Kacheri by T. M. Krishna (vocalist), Akkarai Subhalakshmi (violin), Delhi Sairam (mrudangam) and L. Guruprasad (ghatam) on day 5 of the Vrischikolsavam at Tripunithura, Kochi.

13/12/2023

"... never seen a more beautiful Backwater tour". This is how this family of six summed up their collective experience after a silent cruise through the backwaters of Kochi. A silent cruise is good for you, good for your host families and the environment. To try it for yourself write to [email protected].

11/12/2023

From the Palace of the Mewar Royal Family, present day Udaipur, to that of the Cochin Royal Family in Tripunithura, for James Wallace, the Director of the Art Museum at Princeton University, USA, the difference could not have been more stark. He had just boarded a flight from a Patriarchal world into a Matrilineal one. The history, tradition, culture and the politics of the two erstwhile princely states had both similarities and differences. Their post Independence trajectories have also been so different. One of those guest interactions where you learn as much as you share. For a glimpse into the legacy of the Royal Family of Cochin book a tour at [email protected].

09/12/2023

A silent cruise through the backwaters of Kochi away from the crowds, good for the mind and for the environment. To book your tour as this charming family did write to [email protected].

08/12/2023

That expression (on the gentleman's face) is worthy of a Kathakali artiste! Watch-Learn-Emulate, all part of our fun and interactive Women of Kathakali interaction. To sign up write to [email protected].

21/11/2023

Everybody likes a good story. But when the unique and distinctive history of the Royal Famy of Cochin is peppered with tales of American Presidents, Portuguese adventures, Dutch naturalists and English casanovas, you know you have the attention of these American gals. A sprightly bunch who have been travelling as a group for many years they made the tour a pleasant experience for all of us.

15/11/2023

Chavi/Chave (Key), Almari/Armario (Cupboard), Kasera/Cadeira (Chair), Towel/Toalha (Towel) - (Malayalam/Portuguese) these are few of the Portuguese words that have become part and parcel of the Malayalam language. The same words are used in Brazil, a former Portuguese colony. The Brazilians adopted the Portuguese language while rejecting the Portuguese, just as Indians did with English and Britain. Century old tales of imperialism were invoked as descendants of erstwhile colonies walked through the halls of the Hill Palace Museum in Tripunithura, Kochi learning about the early encounters between the Rajahs of Cochin and the Portuguese heavyweights like Vasco da Gama and Affonso Albuquerque. Such similarities between Brazil and India! A fulfilling day as storyteller and host.

For your dose of lesser known histories of Kerala/Kochi sign up for the Cochin Royal Heritage Trail. You can inbox us here or write to [email protected].

05/11/2023

We are thrilled to be profiled along with some of our storytelling colleagues from around the country by Trisha for . Wherever you maybe, do look up for a local storyteller who will Talk the Walk for you.

To join us on one of our tours inbox us here or write to [email protected].

Talk the Walk with The Traveling Gecko - https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2023/nov/05/talk-the-walk-2629460.html

Shining the spotlight on lesser-known tales from the south is Kochi-based The Traveling Gecko, which Rajith Nair founded in 2012. He decided to go beyond the touristy Fort Kochi and to explore , the capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Cochin. It resulted in the Cochin Royal Heritage Trail. “Unlike the royal family of Travancore, the Cochin royal family is not that well known, but they have survived for the last 800 years,” Nair says, adding, “If the Portuguese, Dutch and British could establish themselves here, it was thanks to the assistance of the Cochin rajas.” The tour begins with a walk through the Hill Palace Museum built in 1865, and culminates with an informal session with the members of the family over tea.

Culture is Key
It was during one such interaction with the royals that Nair found out about India’s first all-women troupe, thus successfully tapping into the other storytelling tool of culture. “The dance is traditionally performed by men. So, I became curious when I heard about these women who, in 1975, started their troupe. Initially they were rejected by the audience who questioned women playing Arjuna or Ravana, but with every performance, the perception changed. These women have also gone on to perform internationally,” he says. On the Women of Kathakali tour, visitors meet dancer Geeta Varma, who has been performing for the last 45 years. She talks about the troupe’s journey—challenges and achievements—and makes the session interactive by enacting different mudras.

In Chennai’s Mylapore, The Traveling Gecko tunes into hymns for its Carnatic Tales walk at the Kapaleeshwarar temple. It is led by Carnatic vocalist Madhuvanthi Badri. As the aromatic mix of camphor, sandalwood and jasmine flowers being sold outside the temple fills the air, she tells visitors about the magnificent 17th-century Dravidian architecture of the place and explains the significance of the two central shrines—Kapaleeshwarar (Shiva) and Karpagambal (Parvathi)—complemented with a live performance. “She sets the context for a shrine, and then sings a few lines from a relevant song,” Nair says.

06/09/2023

When Nicolo de Conti, a wealthy Venetian merchant (2nd pic with the rather grim looking face on the wall behind the charming smile), returned home to Venice in 1444 after an absence of nearly 25 years, large part of which was spent sailing East to India, China, Southeast Asia, he was a troubled man. He had lost his wife and two of his four children who had accompanied him on the trip. But what troubled him most was that he had to convert to Islam on his passage through Mecca, a common occurence of the times. He sought an audience with Pope Eugene IV and sought his forgiveness. The Pontiff, who had heard about Conti's extensive travels, forgave him, but insisted on penance. In an ingenuous decision for which future Malayalis would be grateful, the Pontiff asked Conti to share his travel experiences with the Papal Secretary Poggio Bracciolini. Conti did just that and in return the world, especially Kerala, got one of its earliest documented references to Cocym or Cochin. The only reference earlier than this by a traveller from across the seas was that by the Chinese Muslim Interpreter Ma Huan in 1408/09. As Conti sailed past Cocym he describes seeing sea monsters with a human form, lighting fires along the banks to attract fish and esting them. Calling Malayali fishermen and women wearing a hat while out fishing "sea monsters"... hmmm, Conti was lucky that he was long gone before his narrative reached Malayali ears. :-)

The Cochin Royal Heritage Trail is all about stories like these of Cochin and of those who arrived at its shores and their interactions with the Cochin Royal Family. To book your exclusive tour write to [email protected] or inbox us here. Travel safe, travel responsibly.

27/07/2023

Imagine starting your day with this view. The sun rising over a 1,000 yr old temple whose shadow bounces off the perennial water in its tank. A dozen odd coconut palms fortifies the temple complex from whose perch our avian friends bask in the sun. A village road runs along the edge of the tank where a few stone benches invite you to sit and stare and listen as the odd devotee rings the temple bell, the village goats bleat and a peacock cries out in the distance to his mate. And so the day starts. For a very special Village Life Experience in the heart of a nondescript Tamil village, inbox us here or write to [email protected]. Travel safe, travel responsibly.

26/07/2023

This is what Sriram had to say of his time in the backwaters of Kochi---

"In January, my daughter and I took the backwater ride in Kochi organised by Traveling Gecko's Rajit Nair. It was a wonderful experience. We went in a row boat, just the two of us, to a village. We were given the opportunity to cook our lunch of Aappam and stew. Then we changed boats and went in a narrow one into the canals inside, not accessible by large boats. It was quiet, serene. Above all, our guide Peter told us some terrific stories about the lives of people there and the kinds of challenges they face. It is one of the best boat rides you can think of anywhere in India. Don't miss it in your Kerala itinerary."

As suggested by Sriram if you would like to make this part of your Kerala itinerary, you can Inbox us here or write to [email protected]. Travel safe, travel responsibly.

21/07/2023

A recent post by a book store in Bengaluru on Penguin Books brought to mind a related story. Allan Lane (third image in the post), the founder of Penguin Books is credited with popularizing the paperback format for fiction books way back in 1934. His idea was to make available good quality books at an affordable price. Six pennies a book is what he had in mind, which is what a pack of ci******es cost those days. He even installed a book dispensing machine, he called it the Penguincubator!

Allan Lane took another big bet and launched the Pelican in 1936 which focused on non-fiction books. He had heard a shopper at a book store ask for the "Pelican books" instead of "Penguin books", and he knew he had a new brand name. The very first book that was published was that by George Bernard Shaw (second image in the post) who had given its permission to an Indian who was at that time a member of the St. Pancras Labour party in London, making a case for Indian independence. This Indian gentleman would become Pelican's first Editor and go on to edit some 30 to 40 odd titles. He would later become famous/infamous, in India and around the world, for his marathon speech in the United Nations and for his role as India's Defence Minister. He was Vengalil Krishnan Krishna Menon (first image in the post). Menon was a voracious reader, known to pick up books by the cart loads, mystery books being a particular favourite. Menon is believed to have tricked Allan Lane into publishing 'A Passage to India' saying it was a travel book. :-) The Pelican issued its last book in 1990. In 2014, after 24 years it was revived and is back in the game.

(All images are from the internet.)

20/07/2023

What better place to sit back with a book or a hot cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy the rains.

To plan your Monsoon treat inbox us here or write to [email protected].

18/07/2023

Imagine the surprise of our Japanese guests when we told them on the Cochin Royal Heritage Trail that one of the major articles of trade during the Dutch East India Company's (VOC) presence in Cochin (1663-1795), for most parts, was in Japanese copper. Every merchant worth his salt wanted a share of the Japanese copper trade. When the Portuguese first arrived in Cochin (1500 CE) they realised that there was a huge demand for the metal in Malabar, mostly for export to Cambay, in Gujarat, where one could sell 1,00,000 crusados worth in a single day! Copper was being used for minting coins, making utensils, roofing of places of worship, making weapons, etc. Cochin merchants insisted on the Portuguese paying them 1/4th of their purchases in copper. The Dutch VOC found Japanese copper to be less expensive and of similar quality as the German and Swedish copper which were dominated the world market until then. Japanese copper soon started arriving on Dutch ships to Cochin from where they were sent to Cambay and other ports. With the English dominating the trade by the mid-18th century copper from Europe was back on top. So, the next time you come across an antique copper vessel or a coin, at home or in a museum, or see a medieval place of worship roofed with copper sheets, you could well be looking at metal from the Land of the Rising Sun.

The Cochin Royal Heritage Trail with

14/07/2023

A wholesome breakfast to start the day while the rains bring in the mist and set the mood for exploring the plantations and the neighborhood at .county in Vagamon.

28/06/2023

George Town in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, was until 1905 known as Black Town. In that year to honour a visit by Prince George, who was next in line to be King, the renaming was effected. In the years between the two names lies many a story.

George Town is easily among the most densely populated parts of Chennai. On your own it may be overwhelming, witj parallel rows of narrow streets from east to west packed with shops, people, buildings, more people, places of worship, still more people, and cycle rickshaws. Yes, one of the few places you still see them. And hidden in these narrow streets is a history that goes back atleast 250 years!

Streets with names like Coral, Armenian, Mint, Thambu Chetty, Moor, and roads called Broadway and Walltax Road, and localities with names like Sowcarpet and Parrys Corner, to name just a few. Along these streets, roads and localities, are stories of people and communities who made Madras their home and community run eateries that serve delectable snacks. There are stories of maverick British officials who proactively sought projects for the public good as long as it was 'good' for them as well. And of pioneering schools and colleges, and of places of worship that are of historical value, one of which had a visit by Chhatrapati Shivaji. George Town was also home to yesteryear artistes, newspaper editors and was a site for the National Freedom struggle, having hosted Mahatma Gandhi a couple of times. Many commercial and social entrepreneurs have left behind heritage structures which stand fenced behind hanging electric lines and telephone cables. There are so many stories jutting out from both sides of these streets.

George Town can be overwhelming, but it can be very rewarding when you sign up for our George Town Bazaar trail. To book your tour and to know more you can inbox us here or write to [email protected]. Travel safe, travel responsibly.

23/05/2023

The Cochin Royal Heritage Trail ends with high-tea with members of the Cochin Royal Family at their private residence. On the short drive from the Hill Palace Museum to the Residence, guests almost away wonder, some of whom articulate, what will we talk about with the Royal Family? Our standard response is well you can talk about anything you like, and No, you will not have to bow in front of them to show respect. :-) For all their anxiety, once they meet the Family, nine out of ten times we have had to point out the time and remind them of their next engagement and bring the tour to a close. The interaction is much enjoyed by both sides. Meeting locals and getting to know about their part of the world is the best thing about travel. You get the real stories. Do not miss the opportunity if it presents itself, and signing up for a tour that facilitates such an interaction is one way to go about it. For our heritage tour you can always inbox us here or write to [email protected].

22/05/2023

What would inspire a group of highly talented Math students from around the country in Chennai on a Math summer camp? Well, Chennai is home or the adopted home of many a iconic daughter and son of India, but when it comes to Mathematics, no one has achieved the enigmatic status of Srinivasa Ramanujan. So when the team behind (definitely one of the few Math focused organisations that is nurturing young Math talent in the country) reached out to us to plan a day out for their Students who had signed up for their annual Epsilon India 2023 camp we had no hesitation in planning for them a visit to the Ramanujan Museum and Math Education Centre at Royapuram in Chennai. It is one of those gem of a place, tucked away in the narrow bylanes of north Chennai, and thus unfortunately does not make it to the visitors itinerary. The students however accompanied by their Teachers got more than their fair share of Inspiration as they were guided through the life and times of Ramanujan. A visit to the Museum is highly recommended!

13/05/2023

The view from below is as captivating as this view from top. It's the Season for Travel and Gokarna in Karnataka is fast emerging as the new sun, sand and sea destination. Whether you are looking for a place to just say back and relax or to explore the natural and cultural heritage of an ancient town, Gokarna is the place to be. Give the old destinations a skip and try something new. To plan your holiday write to [email protected] or inbox us here. Until then, travel safe, travel responsibly.

03/04/2023

Talking about Cochin/Kerala history to American visitors is challenging. The European-Kerala connection is well known, and seems plausible given the Spice Trade and all, but what about the Americans? It was an American (Irish-American) who setup one of the first, if not the first, Coir factory in Kerala in the mid 1800's. For a short period in the 1890's an American gentleman was appointed as US Counsel. Among the first set of guests to disembark in the newly built Harbour in Cochin in the 1930's were Americas, who were taken to the Rajah's Palace, the Hill Palace in Tripunithura, for a tour. America's role in Indian independence and vice versa is something we have spoken about previously, as are the ties between America's Jewish community with Cochin. So, there is quite a bit, as revealing to an American visitor as it is to the history buff.

The Cochin Royal Heritage Trail is a storytelling tour about the Cochin Royal Family and the erstwhile kingdom of Cochin, and the role that it has played in shaping the world that we live in today. To sign up write to us on [email protected] or Inbox us here.

21/03/2023

An old school swing which every visitor wishes to take home, intricate kolams at the doorstep, temple processions led by handsome bulls, catch up with local community members, the river Kaveri that sustains and nourishes the land, vast stretches of paddy fields home to numerous birds, local and migratory, and freshly made filter coffee accompanied with free flowing interaction with our hosts, is what endears a visit to the village of Tiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur to visitors. For a detour from the main sights and sounds of Thanjavur, for an up, close and personal view into the life and ways of its people, sign up for our Village Life Experience. You can inbox us here or write to [email protected]. Until next time, travel safe, travel responsibly.

(Pics courtesy )

17/03/2023

"One of the most unique experiences of my life! Peter is extremely warm, gave us a beautiful tour of the backwaters, took incredible photos which will be memories forever! The food and tea were delicious! Thank you - Sapna and Saahil."

For your quota of a warm, beautiful, incredible and unique backwater experience in Kochi, inbox us here or write to [email protected]. Until then, travel safe, travel responsibly.

11/03/2023

Its not often that an Author joins you on a historical tour, and even less so one who in a previous avatar was a renowned international lawyer. We were thrilled to host Fred Rich on our Cochin Royal Heritage Trail this morning in Tripunithura, Kochi. While we shared our story, Fred shared his experience of writing his first book, a prophetic one in that, called Christian Nation, where he predicted the 2016 election of a demagogic populist as president in the USA, followed by a steady erosion of democratic norms. The parallels of that story around the world today is hard to miss. An enjoyable few hours, it was one of those trips where you learned as much as you shared.

The Cochin Royal Heritage Trail is a storytelling tour about the Cochin Royal Family and the erstwhile kingdom of Cochin, and the role that it has played in shaping the world that we live in today. To sign up write to us on [email protected] or Inbox us here.

21/02/2023

Guests who sign up for our Village Life Experience in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, in general appreciate the calm and quiet of the place, the scenic beauty, the architecture of the houses, the amma-and-appa stores, the one-family craft units, the freshly made filter coffee in true Tamil filter coffee tradition, the families with their cattle, and so on.

A recent guest from the UK, a solo traveller, who likes to cook, fell in love with our host family's kitchen. Here's how Mr. Collier describes his visit- "The highlight of the fascinating trip to this ancient village was the visit to the house of Dr. Kausalya. She very kindly entertained me and regaled me with tales of her family and her house. I particularly like to cook and was fascinated to see her kitchen which has little changed since her mother's time living in the house."

For a detour from the main sights and sounds of Thanjavur, for an up, close and personal view into the life and ways of its people, sign up for our Village Life Experience. You can inbox us here or write to [email protected]. Until next time, travel safe, travel responsibly.

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Kaaralsman (Charlemagne) Charitham (History) is one of the most well known and the most frequently performed Chavittunatakam plays on stage. Chavittunatakam literally means 'stamping drama' as the stamping of the feet on stage is the most prominent element of the performance. Introduced by the Portuguese missionaries sometime in the 16th century to give the newly converted Christians an art form of their own so that they could be weaned away from the native Hindu art forms and to further emphasise Christian superiority over the local Muslims who dominated the local trade in those days. The language is a mix of Senthamizh and Latin and makes extensive use of light and music. The glittering costumes are hard to miss including the shiny shoes of the main characters. One of the lesser known art forms of Kerala it is performed by very few groups in Kochi and is trying hard to stay relevant. This clip shows the (fictional) battle between Kaaralsman (in white) and his Turkic rival Avudharman (as the Abbasid caliph of the time is called in the play, wearing an orange costume). What used to be two week long, all-nighter, has been compressed to just a couple of hours. The performers were part of the Kerala Chavittunatakam Academy of Gothuruth and they were performing at Changampuzha Park in Edappally, one of the finest cultural spaces in Kochi today, and arguably among the best in Kerala. #chavittunatakam #kaaralsman #charlemagne #christianart #keralachavittunadakam #dancedrama #keralaartform #arttour #culturaltour #gothuruth #specialinteresttours #specialinteresttourskochi #thingstodoinkochi

Sometimes, on our Women of Kathakali interaction, our guests bring along their own moves. :-) #womenofkathakali #vanithakathakali #womeninarts #kathakali #specialinteresttourskerala #specialinteresttours

We started working with Vinay first with the Ramanujan Yatra in 2018, where we tracked the life and Math of Srinivasa Ramanujan across Chennai Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. His requirements are distinct and that is part of the fun for us. Getting a group of young Math scholars excitedly scanning through the letters, books and photographs of a rockstar from the rather small world of Mathematicians, is something you don't get to see and plan for very often. Here's Vinay sharing his experience- "For any personalised experience in special interest tours, The Traveling Gecko will be my first choice. I have had tours in the last four years and it was a great experience. Rajith puts his, heart and soul into the travel and ensures that we get the best quality. I would highly recommend TTG for anyone who may be looking for heritage and special interest tours." @raisingamathematician

Lunch time folks! We have fresh fish from the backwaters, steamed in a banana leaf and served as is on a country boat in the middle of a quiet and shaded stretch of the backwaters. Dig in and enjoy, the food and the view. For your share write to us at [email protected], until then, enjoy your meal, bon appetit!

Guests who sign up for our Village Life Experience in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, in general appreciate the calm and quiet of the place, the scenic beauty, the architecture of the houses, the amma-and-appa stores, the one-family craft units, the freshly made filter coffee in true Tamil tradition, the families with their cattle, and so on. A recent guest from the UK, a solo traveller, who likes to cook, fell in love with our host family's kitchen. Here's how Mr. Collier describes his visit- "The highlight of the fascinating trip to this ancient village was the visit to the house of Dr. Kausalya. She very kindly entertained me and regaled me with tales of her family and her house. I particularly like to cook and was fascinated to see her kitchen which has little changed since her mother's time living in the house." For a detour from the main sights and sounds of Thanjavur, into the life and ways of its people, sign up for our Village Life Experience. You can inbox us here or write to [email protected]. Until next time, travel safe, travel responsibly.

Happiness. Express Happiness. That was what one of the participants from our Women of Kathakali workshop on 15th January asked Geetha Varma. While she demonstrated, the audience did too. :-)

Auroville, near Pondicherry, has been a fertile ground for experiments starting with its very foundation in 1968. Yesterday, we curated a textile design tour for a group of textile enthusiasts from the UK highlighting some of the amazing work being done in this space, including the use of plant based dyes- flowers, leaves, seeds and roots, to create brightly coloured outfits. As with all our tours, there was a lot of interaction with the designers and entrepreneurs, some good food and catch up with Aurovillians over lunch, and of course the opportunity to buy direct. A wholesome Auroville experience! For your curated tour of Auroville led by an Aurovillian inbox us here or write to [email protected]. Until then, travel safe, travel responsibly.

We had a Swiss family signing up for our Cochin Royal Heritage Trail in Tripunithura, Kochi, and boy, did they not impress us! With two little ones in toe, a little tired after a late night arrival the previous day, they were glued in right from the word go. All credit goes to the parents, Michael and Corinna, especially the latter, who translated every piece of information to the kids, pointing out the similarities between our two countries, and even prodding the elder one to connect it back to what he had learned in school. Such an effective way to get your kids interested in the stories and culture of another country, and also make Museums interesting. They had a good time, so did we. Come on this tour with your kids and we will make a day out of it for the entire family. For more details inbox us here or write to [email protected], until then, travel safe, travel responsibly.

"I could not have imagined a more wonderful, fun, educational, beautiful day. Thank you Ananda, Peter, and all the rest of you for giving us a window into this world of yours. I admire your lifestyle using every material so as not to waste anything. Other humans should take a leaf out of your book. A million thanks!" This is what the Weil's, a mother-daughter pair from USA, had to say after their silent Backwater tour near Kochi. What more do we say? :-) For your wonderful, fun, educational, beautiful tour, inbox us here or write to [email protected]. Until then, travel responsibly, travel safe.

"The next time I watch a Kathakali performance, I will understand so much more of what I see on stage. This lecdem was helpful. Thank you!" This remark by a participant at the end of our Women of Kathakali lecdem on 15th January is just what Geetha Varma, a senior Kathakali artiste of the Tripunithura Vanitha Kathakali Sanghom, and we had in mind when we planned for it. The sheer number of questions that interspersed the lecdem and the discussions among them, said a lot about how invested the participants were, and of course Geetha and her fellow artistes ability to connect. What was to be an hour and a half long interaction got extended to two hours, but, well no one was complaining. Geetha Varma who was the Sutradhar of the lecdem was accompanied by an experienced team of Shama, a Sangitam (singing) artiste, Kalamandalam Srivin on the Chenda (percussion) and Midhun on the Maddalam (percussion). A multi-sensory sadya of sorts it was for all of us! The response has been very encouraging and we do hope to arrange another session sometime soon. Watch this space. If you would like to add yourself to our mailing list you can write to [email protected] or call/WhatsApp on 9940458435. For now, enjoy the rest of the week, and travel safe, travel responsibly.

We are all set for tomorrow, ready to flex our eyes and conjure up some mudras under the guidance of Geetha Varma, and her team of percussionists, as she shares the inspiring story of the women, and the men, who helped make the Tripunithura Vanitha Kathakali Sanghom a reality. You can still book a spot. The charges are Rs. 600 per head. You can GPay to 9940458435 or for any other UPI platform use rajith.bala-1@okhdfcbank. For more details, call or whatsapp on 9940458435.

Kathakali without the Chenda and Maddalam is unthinkable today. They both help elevate the Kathakali experience for the audience. Did you know that the Maddalam, the instrument that is fastened around the players waist, is specifically played for female characters? And does the percussionist follow the artistes movement on stage or is it the other way round? Also, what is the kind of training that they undergo before they get on stage? Well, get your answers from the Chenda and Maddalam artistes themselves who will be accompanying Geetha Varma for this Women of Kathakali lecdem on Sunday, 15th January, at 10:30 AM in Tripunithura. The charges are Rs. 600 per head. You can confirm your spot by making a payment in advance via GPay to 9940458435 or any other UPI platform to rajith.bala-1@okhdfcbank. If you would like to pay by any other method please call or whatsapp on 9940458435. See you there! Please note the Kathakali artiste will not be wearing any makeup or costume during the lecdem, and there will be no performance at the end.

The term 'Koil', meaning Temple, for the Vaishavites of Tamil Nadu means the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) in Thiruchirappalli. (Likewise, for Shaivites it is the Thillai Natarja Temple in Chidambaram.) The Koil is not just a temple, it is a temple town. While the rituals, history, architecture, inscriptions, frescoes and murals, all add to the universal appeal of the Koil, the monolithic horses sculpted on the Sesharayar Mandapam jumps out. Literally! Built by the Madurai Nayaks who reigned from 1529-1736, it is poetry in stone, and by itself justifies a visit. To plan yours, inbox us here or write to us at [email protected]. Enjoy the reel, and when you take the trip, travel responsibly, travel safe.

Ms. Shweta Hule and her women brigade are all part of the fishing community at Vengurla, Maharashtra. With logistical and financial support from Maharashtra Mangrove Cell and #UNDP, they have been organising tours since 2017. In keeping with eco-friendly principles they decided against using motorised engines, instead punting the boat by hand. Highly recommend including the Mangrove tour in your itinerary, meeting these inspiring women and enjoying an amazing home cooked meal with them. Initiatives like these need to be experienced, enjoyed and supported. This is tourism at it's best, one that benefits the community and while being sustainable is also affordable. #specialinteresttours #specialinteresttoursmaharashtra #mangroveconservation #mangrovetours #mandviecotourism #ecotourism #vengurla #mangroveforests #womenonboats #womenintourism #womeninconservation #communitytourism #wetlandconservation #wetlandchampions

"I have visited Kerala 25 + times and never seen such a beautiful tour of the backwaters. Thank you for the informative tour, delicious food and pleasant company. We will return on our future visits here (and bring our friends with us.)" This is how Kavita Varma-White @kavitavarmawhite summed up her and her family and friends village backwater tour in Kochi. They were in Kerala on a 10 day tour that we helped facilitate. For a holiday that showcases the well known and lesser known aspects of a destination do get in touch. We will customize a trip for you. Write to us at [email protected]. Until then, travel safe, travel responsibly.

As the saying goes, you can take a person out of the arts, but not the art out of the person. We witnessed this when Ms. Nathan, who once headed an Art school in Boston, USA, signed up for our Women of Kathakali program through @letsbreakaway. Did she have a good time, would be but a rhetorical question. Have a look. Women of Kathakali is an opportunity to meet the women behind the All Women's Kathakali troupe. For those who are new to the art, the program reveals the astonishing journey a Kathakali artiste must endure before facing an audience, while for the rest, the revelation is as astonishing, cause we know so little, atleast most of us. For a behind the scenes peek into the world of Women Kathakali artistes, and of the Men who supported and encouraged them, inbox us here or write to [email protected].

While watching a Kathakali performance our attention almost always is on the actor(s). They are the ones centre-stage, wearing colorful clothes and bright makeup, moving around on stage, thereby drawing our attention. It is by design. This is true for most, if not all, art forms. However, as we know, those artistes who take their place around or behind the actors, and even those who are off-stage, play a very important role in ensuring that the overall performance is successful. Even a brief Kathakali performance of 40-45 minutes requires 7 to 8 artistes- 2 actors (Vesham), 2 singers (Sangeetham), 2 percussionists (on the Chenda and Maddalam) and 1-2 person(s) for make-up. While what we see is a 40 minute performance, but it is the culmination of many years of practice and hard work. Most artistes start off very young, when they are in their early teens. So even an amateur performer would have atleast 10 to 12 years of practice behind her/him. Something to keep in mind when you book a full fledged performance. For interesting behind the scene stories, anecdotes and for a show-and-tell demonstration sign up for our Women of Kathakali program, with or without the performance. You can inbox us here or write to [email protected]. Until then, travel safe, travel responsibly, and support local arts and crafts wherever and whenever possible.

If you would like to explore the well known and lesser known aspects of Tamil Nadu's heritage, like the Varma's of Kerala did with us recently, inbox us here or write to [email protected]. Travel safe, travel responsibly. Here is what they had to say- "We have friends who plan their travel in advance researching all angles. But we have preferred to travel using tour operators and have enjoyed many a hassle free holiday. So it was with our recent tour of famous Tamilnadu temples. Our fIrst stop was Trichinappilly to see the Srirangam temple. Then on to Kumbhakonam where we stayed at a quaint hotel. Abhirami was our guide to Chidambaram temple and she brought history of the Chola empire to life. Next was Tanjore. We limited our visit to the main temples and preferred not to clutter our memory with innumerable temples. Choice of hotels, and the guides were perfect. Food was as good as we expected and the hospitality at the hotels we stayed in was warm and genuine. A big thank you to Traveling gecko for arranging a custom crafted holiday package for us."

When a guest hugs the host at the end of the tour, it is a good sign. It speaks of a connection made despite the short duration and nature of the interaction. Jason, an American from Miami on his first ever visit to India, was all heart and ears to the history of the princely kingdom of Cochin and that of its Royal patrons, and their contributions to the collective history of Kerala and India. The weird ways in which American and Indian independence histories are connected took him by absolute surprise! He absolutely loved the interaction that followed with members of the Royal Family over tea and traditions Kerala snacks, and rued the fact that his girlfriend, who was arriving in Kochi only later that night, had missed out on this tour. The Cochin Royal Heritage Trail is a local narrative but with a regional, national and global context. It is organized is Tripunithura, the erstwhile royal capital of princely Cochin, a place that is yet to capture the fancy of national and international travellers. Sign up for the tour when you are in Kochi next, and learn about a lesser known princely kingdom of Cochin in a lesser visited part of modern Kochi. You can inbox us here or write to [email protected]. Until then, travel safe, travel responsibly. #specialinteresttours #specialinteresttourskerala #specialinteresttourskochi #cochinroyalfamily #cochinroyalheritagetrail #tripunithurastories #storytellingtour #cochinhistory #thingstodoinkochi #hillpalacemuseum #heritagetours #historytour #heritagetour #walkingtour

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Our Story

India is a land of many fascinating stories and distinct experiences, all of which comes together to give it its inspiring Natural and Cultural Heritage. At The Traveling Gecko we enjoy putting together trips that showcase these stories and experiences. All our long duration tours are customised and have an element of interaction with the local community. Our half-day tours focus on the lesser known aspects of a destination. We currently offer our tours only in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. You can read more on our website: http://www.thetravelinggecko.com/.

The Traveling Gecko was started by Purabee and Rajith, both from Mumbai. Their love for slow travel and Indian heritage culminated into The Traveling Gecko in the year 2012.

We try and avoid the use of plastic, to the extent possible, on all our trips, and are working towards becoming a zero plastic use company. We do not recommend, and strongly urge all our guests to avoid, any activity that involves commercial exploitation of animals for the purpose of entertainment. We hope you will also make yourself aware of these issues, and others, that concerns all of us, irrespective of whether you travel with us or not.

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