Classic South India
Experience Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through southern India, starting in the vibrant streets of Kochi and ending on the shores of Kovalam. Discover a thousand shades of green, indulge in some of the continent’s freshest food and share moments of connection with locals. Journey through tea plantations in Munnar and encounter wildlife in Periyar National Park. Cruise the serene backwaters of Kumarakom and see sunsets over Vembanad Lake. Delve into the region’s spice trade and Ayurvedic traditions in the Western Ghats mountains before unwinding on the beaches of Kovalam. This adventure introduces you to the natural beauty of an area less travelled from the comfort of a private vehicle.
Highlights
- Discover how to make local cuisine during a cooking class in Periyar and savour Keralan favourites at a restaurant that provides training and employment to local women.
- Visit a tea museum in Munnar to learn about the region’s tea-making history, walk among the rolling hills of tea bushes and enjoy a boat ride on Mattupetty Dam, known for wildlife sightings.
- Witness the diversity and history of Kochi through a tour of its buildings, like India’s oldest functioning synagogue, alongside a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British architectural influences.
- Enjoy the dramatic beauty of Kathakali – a captivating storytelling dance – and kalarippayattu –one of the oldest surviving martial arts in the world.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2076
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private vehicle,Ferry
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HHKS
Starts: Kochi , India
Finishes: Departure , India
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights),Resort (1 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,075 ($231 /day)
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to Kochi (also known as Cochin). This port city on the southwestern coast of India has been a vibrant hub since 1341, shaped by the historic interactions with traders from Portugal, China and Britain. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be collected and brought to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. Perhaps get to know your group a little better over an optional dinner tonight.
Optional Activities:
- Kochi - Optional Welcome Dinner - Free
Accommodation:
- Grand Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Begin your day with a tour of Kochi with your leader, exploring the city before heading to Fort Kochi on the coast. Look out for evidence of different cultures on Indian soil, like Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the country’s oldest Catholic Churches, and St. Francis Church, believed to be the first Church built by the Europeans. Explore the remnants of Portuguese influence at Mattancherry Palace, originally constructed in the 16th century and later renovated by the Dutch. Visit the oldest functioning Jewish synagogue nearby with insights from your guide, followed by a performance of Kathakali – a traditional form of dance based on Hindu legends that puts costume and colour centre stage. It can take students over a decade to perfect the movements necessary to perform the artform, so prepare to be impressed.
Included Activities:
- Kochi - Kathakali performance
- Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
Accommodation:
- Grand Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, journey west to Munnar – a picturesque town sitting among the mountains. Tea enthusiasts will find Munnar particularly fascinating for its integral connection to the beverage. Learn more about this on a visit to the Tea Museum, an institution that recalls the history of the plantations. This evening is free to spend as you wish – consider utilising your leader’s local knowledge by asking for recommendations on dining and activities.
Included Activities:
- Munnar - Tea Museum
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Armed with your new insights into Munnar’s tea industry, you’ll begin your day with a visit to a tea plantation to see the tea-making process first-hand. Stroll along the rolling hills of tea bushes, appreciating the harmony between human cultivation and the natural world. After, take in the view from a different angle during a boat ride on Mattupetty Dam – a reservoir that often attracts wild elephants and bison. Finish your group outing at Echo Point Hill for the best view of the dam before enjoying a free evening to unwind.
Included Activities:
- Munnar - Echo point hill
- Munnar - Mattupetty Dam
- Munnar - Tea plantation
Optional Activities:
- Munnar - Boating at Mattupati Dam - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Munnar is not just known for its tea, it's also renowned for cultivating a wide range of spices. Dive deeper into this trade at the local spice plantation, where you’ll learn about the region’s diverse plant life, spices, herbs, fruits and flowers and their significance in Ayurvedic medicine. You can also enjoy an optional lunch here, where you’ll get to try the fresh spices. Later, watch a demonstration of Indian martial arts (kalarippayattu) widely believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in the world. After, continue your journey south to Periyar.
Included Activities:
- Munnar - Martial Art Performance
- Munnar - Spice Plantation
Optional Activities:
- Periyar - Lunch at Spice plantation - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Explore the heart of Periyar by beginning your day with a guided walk of its National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. This protected habitat sits within the Western Ghats so enjoy the view while searching for wild tigers and elephants. The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps opt for an Ayurveda massage to soothe your body post jungle trek. In the evening, learn about Kerala cuisine at a cooking class and then enjoy your home-cooked meal with your group, discovering the flavours that define Kerala food.
Included Activities:
- Periyar - Kerala cooking class
- Periyar - Guided Nature Walk
Optional Activities:
- Periyar NP - Ayurvedic Massage (700 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Visit the renowned Kerala Backwaters with your group this morning – a serene set of lakes, canals and lagoons. After, immerse yourself in nature with a guided walk in Kumarakom. Located on the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is teeming with diverse fish and bird species. Set sail on the backwaters and experience the sunset aboard. Finish your day with a group dinner at a restaurant that provides employment and training to local women, where you might try traditional dishes like fish curry, meen pollichathu (fish marinated with spices and wrapped in banana leaves) and avial (a vegetable dish with coconut).
Included Activities:
- Kerala sunset cruise (1 Hour)
- Kerala Backwaters - Guided walk around village
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, continue your journey further south to Kobalam. Once a quiet coastal village known for exporting fresh fish and coconuts, Kovalam has transformed into one of India’s beloved beach resorts. In the afternoon, visit Positive Change for Marine Life – an NGO and Intrepid Foundation partner collaborating with locals to reduce plastic use. Maybe gather your group for a farewell meal together tonight – the local cuisine is known for its use of coconuts, curry leaves and fresh seafood, so dig in while you have the chance.
Included Activities:
- Vizhinjam - Positive Change for Marine Life (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
Accommodation:
- Sagara Beach Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast and you’re free to leave the accommodation at any time.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Lynda - Traveled, January 2024
A window into Southern India. It’s a huge country so you can only ever take bite-sized pieces which this trip enables you to do with the excellent guidance of a knowledgeable tour leader. See the main sights plus a unique opportunity to meet families in their homes and places of work. Cultural feast for all the senses.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/08/2024
Ron - Traveled, January 2024
My first Intrepid trip to India was in 2008. I am now 76, and thought I was too old for Intrepid. I was proven wrong I was made very welcome and certainly was able to participate in all activities and felt totally invigorated by the experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/08/2024
Rosemary - Traveled, January 2024
The Classic South India tour is an interesting and varied introduction to this region. From teeming city to quiet rural area, there is something for everyone. The accommodation ranges from urban hotel to peaceful retreat. Delicious food, plenty of colour and a friendly welcome everywhere.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/07/2024
Robert - Traveled, January 2024
Apart from the first couple of days, which were fairly uneventful regarding highlights, this was a fantastic tour with lots of great and varied experiences. Vinit the guide was brilliant. Overall a wonderful holiday and great exposure to local Indian culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Smail - Traveled, January 2024
We fell in love with India all over again. Intrepid’s Classic South India Tour was the perfect way to explore Tamil Nadu & Kerala.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2024
Kate - Traveled, January 2024
This is a fabulous trip. It has the right balance of getting out in India and experiencing it, and then coming back to the air conditioning and a nice pool after a long day of site seeing. The coach was comfortable and tour guide wonderful! I would really recommend it!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/24/2024
Stefanie - Traveled, December 2023
You would be lucky to get Thilip showing you around Southern India. I highly recommend you experience the people, the food, the culture! Especially with Thilip’s enthusiasm, energy and organisation, it was an unforgettable adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/02/2024
Shirley - Traveled, March 2024
We did the Classic South India trip the last 2 weeks of March. Very hot and humid so would have been more comfortable going a few months earlier. A great variety of included activities and I particularly loved the visits to the Intrepid sponsored programs including the women’s run restaurant. The river cruise and houseboat cruise on Kerala Backwaters was excellent and I also loved the Martial Arts show. We had a great bunch of fellow travellers. Our tour leader, Afshar was just awesome. He went above and beyond. The driver, Vinot and his assistant Barty were great and always helped us and greeted us with smiles every day. Hitels overall were good. I would absolutely recommend Intrepid for a well organised and worry free holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Chris - Traveled, March 2024
Afshar is an excellent your leader who ensured that all of the group had an awesome experience !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2024
Elizabeth - Traveled, March 2024
The Classic South India tour was an excellent trip but very hot in March. The humidity was extreme. Dec/Feb would be a much better choice. Only 11 on our trip, mostly Aussies and 2 English ladies and all were great company. Our tour leader Afshar was brilliant and there was a great variety of activities including a nature walk (no elephant or tiger sightings) and Kerala backwater cruise which was an extra cost of 3500 INR. Hotels at the comfort level were very nice overall and great service from all staff. Our driver Vinot and his assistant Barty were lovely and always looked out for us and greeted us with the biggest smiles. Overall a fantastic 2 weeks was had by all. I can't recommend Intrepid enough for a worry free trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Arup - Traveled, February 2024
A great introduction to the Southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Many highlights including temples, cultural performances and of course the food!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
Ron - Traveled, February 2024
Well organised tour hitting region's key sights. Especially enjoyed cooking demonstrations. Glad I could do the house boat cruise.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/06/2024
Leigh - Traveled, February 2024
Nice introduction to south India: a world apart from the north – some fabulous sights to see, if sometimes a little rushed – comfortable hotels
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Lisa - Traveled, February 2024
This is a fantastic introduction to southern India. The scenery and experiences are varied and interesting. The auto rickshaw safari through Madurai, Kerela houseboat, Kathakali theatre, Periyar martial arts and Chettinad mansions were highlights for me. Our tour leader Vinit was beyond excellent. He is a font of information and made the tour safe, fun and fascinating.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2024
Alan - Traveled, February 2024
This trip has a good mix of everything. Vinit our guide was wonderful. The Sri Meenakshi Temple was very impressive, Karaikudi was very interesting, we took the extended boat ride in Kerala which was worth it. All hotels very good with tea/coffee in rooms nearly all had pools which was great after a hot day out. Food was good and plenty of choice. Use ATM to get cash, approx £90 per person for tipping over the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/04/2024
Jerry - Traveled, February 2024
This was an excellently run, safe, active tour that showed the contrast between India's busy southern cities and the beauty of the natural world in smaller towns. There was much walking and discovery. It was a joy. Vinit is an amazing group leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2024
Jane - Traveled, February 2024
The Classic South India trip is a fantastic experience. Highlights for me included the old parts of Puducherry with its French history and Karaikudi where we stayed in heritage accommodation that was simply devine.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/29/2024
Kim - Traveled, December 2023
This trip far exceeded my expectations! The highlight, though, was the backwaters of Kerala - mesmerising in terms of their beauty! Definitely a part of India not to be missed. And our leader, Thilip, ensured that we had the best trip possible. Thank you Thilip!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/03/2024
Kathryn - Traveled, November 2023
This was a great trip and Aathi was a fantastic tour leader. We would recommend it highly to anyone thinking of travelling to South India.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2023
Nicky - Traveled, November 2023
South India trip was excellent the food was full of variety and very tasty. Deepa was an excellent guide. India has captured my heart
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2023
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