information pack - different travel pack - st margaret's... · st. margaret’s hospice, heron...

Information Pack

St. Margaret’s Hospice, Heron Drive, Taunton, TA1 5HA Registered charity number: 279473. Tel: 0845 034 2188 Email: [email protected] www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk

Southern India Trek and Children’s Hospital Project

2nd – 12th February 2019

About India

India conjures images of lush green tea plantations,

brightly coloured saris, jasmine-scented incense,

ancient palaces and adorned maharajahs. A huge

country, India is often known as the Indian

Subcontinent; and is the 7th largest country by

landmass on earth. There are many highlights in this

vast country, from the stunning backwaters of Kerala,

the mighty Himalayas and the inhospitable deserts to

the bustling cities, magnificent coastline and diverse

and delicious local cuisine.

Kerala

The state of Kerala is situated on the tropical South

West coast of India. Kerala is famous for its important

role in the export of spices, beautiful backwaters,

houseboats, Kathakali dancers, tea plantations, lush

green scenery and a calmer pace of life. The region has

a very different feel for visitors compared to the

‘Golden Triangle’ (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) in the north of

the country, for example. Keralan cuisine makes good

use of the spices for which the area is famous, as well

as the waterways, with fish featuring prominently.

The Project

You will spend two days assisting at a hospice care

project in Trivandrum which provides assistance to

children with cancer and their families, to enable high

standards of treatment, care and support, and to

ensure that no child suffers for want of treatment

through lack of finance. Possible tasks include

redecorating and painting, creating a garden and

relaxation areas, or generally working to improve the

environment for those who are supported by these

facilities.


Trek Overview This beautiful trek in the Kannan Devan hills

area will take you along a route through the

highest tea estate in the world; Kolukkumalai.

You will cross the foothills of the second

highest peak in South India and trek through

the rolling grassland and natural brooks of the

Western Ghats.

Who will accompany us?

The trek is accompanied by professional

English-speaking local guides who have an

excellent knowledge of the local culture and

hiking in the region. You will also be supported

by a team of cooks and porters, a UK Different

Travel Company tour manager and a St.

Margaret’s Hospice representative.

What is the climate like on the trek?

In February the daytime temperature can

range from 14˚C to 28˚C. The sunlight is very

strong so sunscreen is important. February is

one of the driest months of the year but rain is

still possible. As we reach higher altitudes the

temperature will feel cooler with possible

night time temperatures of around -4˚C. You

must ensure you have warm layers to put on

at camp in the evenings and an adequate

sleeping bag. As with all mountainous areas

weather conditions can be unpredictable so

you should be prepared for all climatic

eventualities, such as rain, cold, high winds

and high temperatures. Although the

conditions mentioned are historically accurate,

we cannot be held responsible for deviations.

What is the terrain like?

The terrain will vary each day but will generally

be undulating with some steep sections, some

flat areas, and some downhill. Underfoot you

will find uneven stony pathways, grass, rocks

and perhaps a few small streams to cross too.


How tough is it?

This trek is graded moderate to challenging for

people of good fitness level, having

undertaken plenty of training preparation

(including hill walking).

Each day you will cover approximately 12km (7

miles) but because of the variable terrain, it

can take up to 8 hours. You will be exposed to

the maximum altitude of 2640m (8650ft),

which will be reached on trek day two. You will

trek over varying terrain, in different and

sometimes extreme climates, carrying a

daypack weighing at least 6kg and sleeping in

basic living conditions.

Whilst it is difficult to specifically prepare for

the combined challenges you will face, at a

minimum you should ensure you are

comfortable regularly trekking for periods of

up to 7 or 8 hours for at least two days

consecutively. Having a positive and

determined attitude is also a key element to

your success on the trek.

Where will we sleep?

You will sleep in three-man tents (two people

per tent) at campsites along the trail. Many of

campsites have spectacular views across the

Western Ghats so are beautiful places to stay.

You will need to bring your own sleeping bag

comfortable for use in temperatures of

around -4˚C.

What about bathroom facilities?

Toilet facilities will consist of a hole dug into

the ground with a privacy tent. There will also

be a basic cold water shower tent available.

Toilet paper is not provided so you will need to

bring your own. During the trek you will need

to pack up any toilet paper you use to dispose

of properly at camp. Never leave toilet paper

or other litter on the trail.

What is the food like?

Fish forms a major part of southern Indian

cuisine. Meals will be cooked by your

dedicated trek chef and will be taken in a mess

tent where a table, chairs, plates, mugs, cutlery

and other equipment is provided for you.

Meals are delicious and plentiful and a variety

of mainly Indian style meals will keep your

energy levels high for each day’s trek.


Altitude

The highest altitude on this trek is 2640m (the

top of Meesapulimala, day two) but the

average altitude is around 2000m. 3000m and

higher is generally accepted as high altitude

but it is possible that some people notice mild

altitude-related symptoms such as a mild

headache or nausea at lower altitudes. Your

local guide will be very experienced in spotting

the signs of altitude sickness but it is

important that you also do some research into

the effects so you can be aware of how your

body is adjusting. A great source of

information can be found at

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Altitude-

sickness/Pages/Introduction.aspx or

http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm.

It is vital that you make your guides and tour

manager aware of any symptoms immediately

so you can be monitored.

Will I receive advice on training?

In addition to supplying training tips, The

Different Travel Company has a link with

online personal training company Brightside,

who offer online training packages tailored to

your requirements:

http://brightsidept.kajabi.com/sp/34357 Try it

out for just £1!

How fit do I need to be?

It is advised that you start training at least 6

months before departure for your best chance

of success and enjoyment. Hill walking, using

the same boots and daypack you will take on

the trek, should form a major part of your

training as this will most closely replicate the

trek, and is the best way to prepare your body

for the ascents and descents. Increasing your

cardiovascular endurance and core, and leg

strength will benefit you greatly so hill walking

can be complemented with swimming,

running, cycling, gym workouts, team sports

etc. You can download a number of free apps

to help you train and track your progress. E.g.

MapMyWalk, C25K (couch to 5k run),

MyFitnessPal etc. If you attempt to complete

the challenge without training it will make the

trek unnecessarily difficult and may hinder

your experience, and the experience of your

team mates.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Altitude-sickness/Pages/Introduction.aspx

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Altitude-sickness/Pages/Introduction.aspx

http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm

http://brightsidept.kajabi.com/sp/34357


Is there an age limit?

You must be at least 18 years old to

participate on this trek. It may be possible for

you to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old

but you must be accompanied by a parent or

guardian. There is no upper age limit.

Who can take part?

The trek can be undertaken by anyone with a

good level of fitness, who is healthy and

determined. Adequate preparation, planning

and training is important because the fitter

you are the more you will enjoy this

experience. An ideal candidate would be a hill

walker, an open-minded person with a sense

of adventure or someone who would like to

take part in a life-changing fundraising

experience in the beautiful Indian countryside.

Medical issues

A medical declaration form is to be completed

by everyone upon registering, and any pre-

existing conditions, medications used and

other medical issues must be noted and (if

relevant) signed by your GP. If your health

situation changes after booking please inform

us as soon as possible.

Trip cost

£370 registration fee + £3,450 minimum

sponsorship for St. Margaret’s Hospice.

Trip Includes

Return flights from London (inc. airport taxes),

all transfers and transport in India,

accommodation in twin rooms in hotels, tents

on trek (two to a tent), conservation fees, trek

permits, meals as specified, local expert

English-speaking Indian guides, trek support

crew, a UK Different Travel Company tour

manager.

Trip Does Not Include

Indian e-visa (US$75), drinks, souvenirs,

vaccinations or medication required, travel

insurance, tips, personal trekking kit etc.


How will I raise the sponsorship required?

Most people find that this is far easier than

they imagined, and we will give you as much

support as you need to reach, and even

exceed your target! Here are some

suggestions for how you could raise your

sponsorship. We will send you lots more ideas

when you sign up!

Non-uniform day at local school: £300

2x supermarket bag-packs: £500

Car boot sale/ eBay auction: £250

2 x quiz nights: £500

Sponsorship (friends, family etc.): £300

Host a party, charge £10 to attend: £400

Ask five friends/ family members to raise

£100 each: £500

Dress down day at work/ lunch money

donation: £300

Donate your skills - ironing, babysitting,

gardening, DIY: £250

Karaoke night: £250

Sponsored beard-shave / leg wax: £200

4 cake sales at work: £50 a time: £200

Bucket collection at supermarket: £100

Total: £4,050

Is the trip ATOL protected?

St. Margaret’s Hospice is acting as agent for

The Different Travel Company, ATOL 6706. The

flight-inclusive trip in this brochure is

financially protected by the ATOL scheme.

When you pay your registration fee you will be

supplied with an ATOL Certificate and ATOL

Confirmation Invoice. Please ask for it and

check to ensure that everything you booked

(flights, hotels and other services) is listed on

it. Please see our booking conditions for

further information or for more information

about financial protection and the ATOL

Certificate go to:

www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.

How do I sign up?

Complete the enclosed booking form and

return with your registration fee to:

Sonia Bateman,

St. Margaret’s Hospice,

Heron Drive,

Bishops Hull,

Taunton, Somerset,

TA1 5HA

Or email to

[email protected]

Once your place is confirmed we will email you

a training guide, fundraising pack and much

more!

If you have any further queries, please call

Sonia Bateman on 01823 365609.

http://www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

mailto:[email protected]


Itinerary

Day 1 - 2 (Sat 2nd - Sun 3rd Feb): London -

Kochi

Fly to Trivandrum and transfer to a central

hotel for the next three nights. Depending on

flight times there may be an opportunity for

an introductory visit to the project this

afternoon. You will have a welcome dinner this

evening.

Meals: Dinner.

Day 3 - 4 (Mon 4th - Tue 5th Feb): Trivandrum

We will spend two full days helping with a

variety of tasks such as painting, improving

facilities, gardening and so on at the CanKids

facility in Trivandrum. You will also have the

opportunity to gain an understanding of

hospice care in India, and what CanKids does

for the local community.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 5 (Wed 6th Feb): Trivandrum - Munnar

After breakfast today we say farewell to

Trivandrum and drive to Munnar (approx. 8

hours), stopping regularly throughout the

journey for breaks. You will have lunch en-

route. Upon arrival you will check in at your

hotel and have dinner.


Day 6 (Thu 7th Feb): Munnar - Kolukkumalai

This morning we transfer by jeep to the start

point of our trek, at the confluence of three

rivers and home to sprawling tea plantations.

Our trek starts fairly gently as we pass through

the tea estates (including the highest tea

estate in the world at 2,160m). The day will

end at one of the oldest tea factories in the

region, built in 1935, before continuing to

camp for dinner and the first night camping.

Approx. 10km/5 hrs. trekking.



Day 7 (Fri 8th Feb): Kolukkumalai – Rhodo

Valley

It is worth waking up early this morning to

enjoy spectacular views of the sunrise over the

Western Ghats. This morning we pass through

more tea plantations before reaching the

foothills of Meesapulimala, (2,640m), the

second highest peak in South India. We

continue on a ridge which offers spectacular

views of the Tamil Nadu peaks and lowlands

before summiting Meesapulimala itself. In the

afternoon we will descend through

rhododendron and pine forests, ending in the

Rhodo Valley where camp is set up alongside a

peaceful mountain stream. Approx. 13km/6

hrs. trekking. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 8 (Sat 9th Feb): Rhodo Valley – Camp

Today we set off through fragrant pine forests

and rolling grasslands, enjoying views of the

mountain ranges above. We descend to

Yellapatty tea plantation which we cross to

reach a small forest which leads us uphill to

tonight’s camp. Approx.17km/7hrs. trekking.


Day 9 (Sun 10th Feb): Camp – Top Station -

Kochi

After another sunrise opportunity we continue

our trek along the mountain ridges, with

beautiful views over the tea plantations. Today

is a great day for spotting the endemic birds of

the Western Ghats as the territory changes

from forest to evergreen and grasslands. This

afternoon we will pass through some small

villages where we may be welcomed in for a

cup of chai before finishing our trek at historic

Top Station (2,200m) where we say farewell to

the trek support team and transfer to our

hotel in Kochi (approx. 5 hours).

Approx. 10km/5 hrs. trekking.


Day 10 (Mon 11th Feb): Kochi

Today we have a day to relax in Kochi, a

thrilling coastal city with diverse cuisine,

culture, history, art, and music. We enjoy a

farewell dinner in the old town this evening.


Day 11 (Tues 12th Feb): Kochi - London

Transfer to the airport for the return flight to

London. Depending on flight times you might

arrive into London the next day.

Meals: Breakfast.

N.B. This itinerary may change due to weather, the

ability of the group and so on. We will do our best

to keep to the itinerary but cannot be held

responsible for changes outside of our control. In

all circumstances your guide and tour leader will

have the final say in the interest of the group’s

health and safety.

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