Best of Southern India
14 days
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Day 1 Kochi
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.
Day 2 Kochi
Enjoy an early morning orientation tour of Fort Kochi. Enjoy free time to explore before an evening performance of Kathakali.
Day 3 Kochi/Kalpetta
Take a morning train followed by a scenic drive to reach Kalpetta, in the Wayanad district.
Day 4 Kalpetta
Here, we go on nature trails in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and visit the Edakkal Caves, which are believed to have been a shelter of neolithic people.
Day 5 Kalpetta/Mudumalai
We leave the hills for the plains, and stop for the night at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend part of the afternoon on a short safari and spot the variety of wildlife within the park.
Day 6 Mudumalai/Mysore
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.
Day 7 Mysore/Māmallapuram
Arrive by train to Chennai before continuing south for a short ride to the small village of Mamallapuram. Visit the 7th century Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 8 Māmallapuram
Free time to explore Mamallapuram.
Day 9 Māmallapuram/Puducherry
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.
Day 10 Puducherry/Madurai
Travel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Day 11 Madurai
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.
Day 12 Madurai/Periyār Sanctuary
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.
Day 13 Periyār Sanctuary/Kerala Backwaters
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. Your main bags will be transferred directly to the hotel in Kochi.
Day 14 Kerala Backwaters/Kochi
The morning is spent enjoying the last of our host family's hospitality with village activities. Depart the homestay and travel back to Kochi. The trip ends on arrival to Kochi in the early afternoon.
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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.
Day 2 Kochi
Enjoy an early morning orientation tour of Fort Kochi. Enjoy free time to explore before an evening performance of Kathakali.
Day 3 Kochi/Kalpetta
Take a morning train followed by a scenic drive to reach Kalpetta, in the Wayanad district.
Day 4 Kalpetta
Here, we go on nature trails in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and visit the Edakkal Caves, which are believed to have been a shelter of neolithic people.
Day 5 Kalpetta/Mudumalai
We leave the hills for the plains, and stop for the night at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend part of the afternoon on a short safari and spot the variety of wildlife within the park.
Day 6 Mudumalai/Mysore
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.
Day 7 Mysore/Māmallapuram
Arrive by train to Chennai before continuing south for a short ride to the small village of Mamallapuram. Visit the 7th century Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 8 Māmallapuram
Free time to explore Mamallapuram.
Day 9 Māmallapuram/Puducherry
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.
Day 10 Puducherry/Madurai
Travel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Day 11 Madurai
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.
Day 12 Madurai/Periyār Sanctuary
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.
Day 13 Periyār Sanctuary/Kerala Backwaters
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. Your main bags will be transferred directly to the hotel in Kochi.
Day 14 Kerala Backwaters/Kochi
The morning is spent enjoying the last of our host family's hospitality with village activities. Depart the homestay and travel back to Kochi. The trip ends on arrival to Kochi in the early afternoon.
Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Bottled water
- Breakfast
- All activities
- Professional guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
- Airport/Departure Tax
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees & on-spot guides
- Gratuities
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- Dress code is smart casual
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Features
Tourism
90%
Cultural
80%
Original
25%
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