Classic South India

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enquire now 13 Days From NZD $3,360 pp twinshare
 Small group
 Terms & Conditions apply

Discover a thousand shades of green, indulge in some of the continent’s freshest food, and share moments of connection with locals on this 13-day tour. Travel down the scenic East Coast Road into the countryside and across to the west coast before finishing in India’s deep south. Experience the cultures, religions, and histories of this region through its small rural towns, fishing villages, and the scented spice plantations set in the picturesque Western Ghats mountains. This revelatory trip introduces you to an area less travelled from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Why you’ll love this trip

  • Take a nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, looking out for tiger tracks with your local village guides.
  • Explore Puducherry and discover its colonial French Quarter and colourful multi-tiered temples, and cruise along the dreamy palm-lined waterways of the Kerala backwaters.
  • See behind the scenes of local cuisine during a hands on cooking class in Madurai and an insightful ayurvedic cooking demonstration in Kochi.
  • Discover the diversity and incredible history of Kochi through a tour of its buildings, like India’s oldest functioning synagogue and a mixture of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architecture.
  • Witness the dramatic beauty of Kathakali, a captivating storytelling dance that artists must study for over a decade before performing.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. Donations help them to nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives that inspire coastal restoration, sustainable fishing practices and waste-management.

Itinerary 

Day 1: Chennai
Day 2: Mamallapuram – Puducherry
Day 3: Puducherry
Day 4: Karaikudi
Day 5: Madurai
Day 6: Madurai
Day 7: Periyar
Day 8: Periyar
Day 9: Kochi
Day 10: Kochi
Day 11: Kerala Backwaters
Day 12: Kovalam
Day 13: Kovalam

Inclusions

Meals

12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights), Resort (2 nights)

Activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Mamallapuram – Shore Temples guided tour
  • Puducherry – Leader-led French Quarter walking tour
  • Karaikudi – Havelis
  • Karaikudi – Leader-led village walk
  • Madurai – Sri Meenakshi Temple guided tour
  • Madurai – Leader-led walking tour
  • Periyar – Spice plantation visit
  • Periyar – Guided nature walk
  • Periyar – Home-cooked meal
  • Kochi – Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
  • Kochi – Kathakali performance
  • Kochi – Jewish Synagogue
  • Kochi – Dutch Palace
  • Kochi – Ferry to Mattancherry
  • Kochi – Ayurvedic cooking demonstration with lunch
  • Kumarakom – Backwaters boating excursion
  • Kovalam – Leader-led walking tour

Add on activities

  • Madurai – Gandhi Museum – Free
  • Periyar NP – Ayurvedic Massage – INR700
  • Kovalam – Anchuthengu Fort – INR50
  • Kovalam – Koyikkal Palace – INR50

 

trip code: HHKS

Images courtesy of Intrepid Travel 

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