Best of Southern India

Duration: 14 days

Begins: Kochi

Ends: Kochi

Trip Code: AHBS

From

£1,049 per person

Angebot anfordern

or Call 01273 099433

    From calm Kerala backwaters and spice plantations to incredible temples, have your camera ready as you experience the highlights of Southern India. This two-week adventure offers a great balance of guided excursions and free time to explore on your own. Travelling by train, bus, rickshaw, and country boats will bring you closer to the locals and is a fascinating way to gain insight into the peaceful backwaters of Kerala and stunning temples of Tamilnadu.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    Classic
    All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
    Service Level
    Standard
    Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
    Physical Rating
    2 - Light
    Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Small Group experience; Max 20, avg 14
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Kerala Backwaters Homestay, Alleppey
    • Fort Kochi orientation walk
    • Kathakali dance show
    • Wayanad Tea Factory and Plantation Visit
    • Chaumundi Temple and Mysore Palace visit
    • Mamallapuram Shore Temple visit
    • Pondicherry orientation walk
    • Madurai cycle-rickshaw ride and Sri Meenakshi Temple visit
    • Cardamom Hills spice plantation tour
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
    Accommodation

    Hotels (12 nts), homestay (1 nt, multi-share).

    Meals

    1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

    Allow USD295-385 for meals not included.

    Transportation

    Train, private vehicle, cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, ferry.

    Staff & experts

    CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

    Itinerary Notes

    Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 14, 2025 or March 4, 2026 for the nation’s most colourful festival.

    Day 1 : Kochi

    Arrive at any time.

    There are no planned activities before the evening welcome meeting, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. After the welcome meeting, visit the harbour to enjoy sunset over the Chinese fishing nets followed by an optional group dinner.

    Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

    1h

    Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Pepper Route

    Acommodation

    Hotel Pepper Route

    Day 2 : Kochi/Sultan Bathery

    Take a morning train followed by a scenic drive to reach Sultan Bathery, in the Wayanad district.

    Train

    Kochi - Kozhikode 4h

    Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

    Private Vehicle

    Kozhikode - Sultan Bathery 3h - 3h30m

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Acommodation

    KTDC Pepper Grove

    Acommodation

    KTDC Pepper Grove

    Day 3 : Sultan Bathery

    Walk the nature trails through the farm area in Wayanad. Also take a tour of a tea factory and plantation to learn about tea production in the area from a guide.

    Wayanad region of the western Ghats in Kerala is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations and is known to produce some of the finest teas.

    Wayanad Nature Walk

    Kalpetta 5h

    Enjoy a nature walk in beautiful Wayanad, which is home to many endangered species and has an amazing range of flora and fauna. The area boasts a long and influential history, with numerous ancient relics like the Edakkal Caves, which depict a Stone Age civilization. Get a taste of the region's culture as we visit a local tribal village.

    Wayanad Tea Factory Visit

    Kalpetta

    Enjoy a visit to the tea factory in the picturesque Wayanad region. The factory offers fascinating insight into the world of tea production. Stroll through the rolling hills blanketed with vibrant green tea bushes, breathe in the aroma of freshly plucked tea leaves, and explore the factory where we will learn about the tea- making process. Witness the withering , rolling, drying, and grading of the tea leaves with an expert guide. Finish off the visit with a cup of tea from the area.

    Acommodation

    KTDC Pepper Grove

    Acommodation

    KTDC Pepper Grove

    Day 4 : Sultan Bathery/Mysore

    Settle in for the drive to the ancient city of Mysore.

    Travel to Mysore (formally Mysuru) located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947.

    Private Vehicle

    Sultan Bathery - Mysore 4h - 5h 190km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Acommodation

    Akshaya Mahal Mysore Hotel

    Acommodation

    Akshaya Mahal Mysore Hotel

    Day 5 : Mysore

    Explore the vibrant city of Mysore including visits to Chamundi Temple and Mysore Palace. After enjoy free time and opt to visit the Devaraja market or join a yoga class.

    Imagine life as a Maharaja on a guided tour of the Mysore Palace. Later, join the throngs of pilgrims at Chamundi Hills, with its temple on top, and Nandi the Bull (ridden by the Hindu god Shiva) a short walk below. In your free time, visit the Devaraja fruit and vegetable market or join a yoga class at one of the many local institutes. Opt to drive to Somnathpur, home to one of the most famous Hoysala Temples in India.

    Chamundi Temple Visit

    Mysore

    Visit the gorgeous Chamundeshwari Temple, located on top of Chamundi Hills just outside Mysore. Enjoy its intricate architecture.

    Mysore Palace Visit

    Mysore 2h

    This stunning palace was the home of the Maharajas of Mysore, the former royal family, which ruled from 1399 to 1950. Learn about the rich history of Indian royalty and soak in the splendor of an era long gone.

    Free time:

    Mysore Afternoon

    Explore on your own, opt to walk through the bustling markets.

    Acommodation

    Akshaya Mahal Mysore Hotel

    Acommodation

    Akshaya Mahal Mysore Hotel

    Day 6 : Mysore/Māmallapuram

    Enjoy a full day of train travel to Chennai before a short bus ride to Mamallapuram.

    Arrive by train to Chennai before continuing south for a short ride to the small village of Mamallapuram.

    Train

    Mysore - Chennai 8h

    Enjoy a scenic ride to the east coast aboard Indian's vast rail system. Play cards, meet your fellow passengers or let the landscapes soak in.

    Private Vehicle

    Chennai - Māmallapuram 1h - 1h30m

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Mamalla Inn

    Acommodation

    Hotel Mamalla Inn

    Day 7 : Māmallapuram

    Visit the Shore Temple. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Mamallapuram.

    In the morning, visit the 7th century Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    Shore Temple Visit

    Māmallapuram

    Explore this impressive group of monuments that were sculpted during the 7th and 8th century, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of these, the Shore Temple stands out for its a marvelous view of the Bay of Bengal's shore. Made of granite, it's actually a twin-temple dedicated both to the Hindu gods, Vishnu and Shiva.

    Free time:

    Māmallapuram Full day

    Use some free time to explore all this city has to offer. Opt for a swim in the ocean or a jog along the beach, explore the monuments by bicycle or on foot, and take this opportunity to suss out all the shopping Mamallapuram is known for.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Mamalla Inn

    Acommodation

    Hotel Mamalla Inn

    Day 8 : Māmallapuram/Puducherry

    Continue to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry) and learn about Sri Aurobindo Ghose at the ashram.

    In the morning, drive to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry), formerly the the largest French Colony in India and an important trading town. There is a strong French influence in the city's layout, with wide boulevards and French-style houses, but the city is undoubtedly Indian.

    Private Vehicle

    Māmallapuram - Puducherry 2h - 2h30m

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Orientation With CEO

    0h30m - 1h

    Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

    Acommodation

    Abirami Residency

    Acommodation

    Abirami Residency

    Day 9 : Puducherry/Madurai

    Travel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

    Private Vehicle

    Puducherry - Madurai 6h - 7h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Acommodation

    Rio Grande Hotel Madurai

    Acommodation

    Rio Grande Hotel Madurai

    Day 10 : Madurai

    Hop on a cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city before visiting the famous Meenakshi Temple.

    After visiting the temple complex, opt to visit the handicraft shops or duck into the cool shade of the covered, stone tailor’s market where, for a few rupees, rows of expert tailors will whip you up a custom shirt in minutes, all done on antique foot-pump sewing machines. In the late evening, opt to visit the Meenakshi Temple again for a glimpse of the nighttime rituals.

    Cycle-Rickshaw Tour

    Madurai 2h

    Sit back and relax during this eco-friendly tour -- you'll be pulled along by a bicyclist! See the sights at a slower pace and form street level. Check out the fruit and vegetable market, watch the pressing of oil by bullocks, and the famous Gandhi museum and palace.

    Meenakshi Temple Visit

    Madurai 2h - 3h

    Visit the gorgeous Meenakshi Temple, considered to be the finest in South Indian religious architecture. This enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati, or Meenakshi. Even before you pass through the massive stone walls of the temple, the nine striking gopurams (monumental gateways covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals, and monsters all painted in vivid colours) loom high above.

    Acommodation

    Rio Grande Hotel Madurai

    Optional Activities - Day 10

    Meenakshi Temple Night Visit

    Madurai 1h - 2h

    Visit the gorgeous Meenakshi Temple, considered to be the finest in South Indian religious architecture. Starting at 9pm, the temple is completely different than in the daytime. The nighttime rituals are filled with incense and lively people; it's truly a wonderful spectacle to behold.

    Acommodation

    Rio Grande Hotel Madurai

    Day 11 : Madurai/Thekkady

    Drive to Thekkady. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills.

    Thekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the spice plantations and a tea factory. Opt for a boat ride on the Periyar Lake.

    Private Vehicle

    Madurai - Thekkady 4h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Cardamom Hills Spice Plantation Tour

    Thekkady 1h - 2h

    Enjoy a guided tour of the plantation and tea factory and learn more about spice and tea production and of this region. You might even get to enjoy a sample or two!

    Acommodation

    Michael's Inn

    Optional Activities - Day 11

    Periyar Lake Boat Ride

    Periyār Lake 1h - 2h

    Enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake -- it's a great way to get to know the region and spot some animals. An early morning provides the best opportunity to catch monkeys, wild boars and elephants starting their day. Periyar National Park is also home to over 200 species of birds and the view from the boat offers a unique perspective for birdwatching.

    Acommodation

    Michael's Inn

    Meals Included:

    Dinner

    Day 12 : Thekkady/Kerala Backwaters

    Travel to Alleppey for a local homestay. Experience local life and a guided walk along the lagoon.

    Travel down to the backwaters from Thekkady to catch a private boat for the short journey to the village homestay. In the afternoon, explore the island with a local person to observe the different facets of local life — it's a great opportunity to meet and talk with the people who live in this unique location. Just before sunset, hop on a small country boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding backwaters.

    For this homestay, you will only need to take a small overnight bag. Your main bags will be transferred directly to the hotel in Kochi.

    Private Vehicle

    Thekkady - Alleppey 4h - 5h30m 145km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Boat

    Alleppey - Kerala Backwaters 0h15m

    Climb aboard and get your float on.

    Kerala Backwaters Homestay

    Alleppey 24h

    Enjoy strolling under the palm trees, weaving in between the rice fields that cover the island, and learn more about the lifestyles of the locals. Watch the sunset on the winding backwaters with locals in a small country boat. There may even be time to kick back and enjoy a local toddy (alcoholic drink made from coconut).

    Acommodation

    Tranquil Heritage Homestay

    Acommodation

    Tranquil Heritage Homestay

    Meals Included:

    Lunch | Dinner

    Day 13 : Kerala Backwaters/Kochi

    Spend the morning enjoying last moments with your host family. Learn to cook some local food, watch the toddy tappers at work, or wander around the village. Travel to a Planeterra project for lunch before returning to Kochi. Head out for an orientation walk, then enjoy an evening performance of kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.

    Boat

    Kerala Backwaters - Alleppey 1h30m

    Climb aboard and get your float on.

    Private Vehicle

    Alleppey - Kochi 2h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project

    Alleppey 1h - 2h

    Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch prepared by women of the Planeterra Theruvarom Empowerment Project, which provides women from rural areas an alternative source of income by honing their hospitality and culinary skills. Learn about the local cuisine and socio-economic fabric of the region as you get to know the women. All while taking in live entertainment!

    Orientation Walk

    Kochi 1h - 2h

    Get to know the delightful city of Kochi through this guided walk, with a chance to explore St Francis Church, the oldest church in India.

    Kathakali Dance

    Kochi 2h

    Considered one of the oldest dance forms in India, Kathakali is a combination of drama, dance, music, and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. This dance drama is famous for amazing costumes, extensive makeup, and explosive body movements, and is performed exclusively by men.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Pepper Route

    Acommodation

    Hotel Pepper Route

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 14 : Kochi

    Depart at any time.

    Departure Day

    Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

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