Southern India
Experience Overview
Explore lush and tropical Southern India on this 15-day adventure through lush lands and small villages. Beneath the green shade of a coastal paradise, you’ll meet with locals in their fishing villages and tribal homes. Join them in the bazaars, on buses and boats or even on a pilgrimage in Madurai. From cultural sights like the Maharaja's Palace in Mysore to French-influenced Puducherry and the vast landscape of Periyar, Southern India's spirituality, friendly people and wild animal sanctuaries make it fascinating to explore.
Highlights
- Explore the waterfalls, tea plantations and spice markets of South India’s Western Ghats – a jungle-clad mountain range older than the Himalayas and one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
- Step back in time among the hills of the British ‘Snooty Ooty’ – home of snooker and the Nilgiri toy train.
- Search for elusive wildlife, including elephants, sloths and birds on a safari around one of the best places in India to observe nature up close – Periyar National Park.
- Experience a unique way of life with a family homestay and home-cooked meals in the idyllic backwaters of Kerala.
- Soak in India’s changing landscapes on a trip that uses rail travel. By choosing trains to get around, you’ll be giving yourself the best opportunity for local interaction, at a more relaxed pace.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2123
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Auto rickshaw,Boat,Bus,Cycle rickshaw,Ferry,Overnight sleeper train,Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HHSS
Starts: Kochi, India
Finishes: Kochi, India
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (5), Lunch (4), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Homestay (1 night),Hotel (11 nights),Jungle lodge (1 nights),Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,898 ($127 /day)
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure starts today in Kochi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, there are plenty of things to see and do. Once an important spice-trading centre, Kochi has been under Portuguese, Dutch and British rule at various times throughout history. Explore with one of our Urban Adventures or wander down to the shore and seek out the huge Chinese fishing nets dotted along the coast of Fort Cochin.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take on Kochi with a leader-led orientation walk and city tour. Take a local tuk-tuk to Mattancherry and drop by the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century before it was renovated and presented to the Rajas of Cochin by the Dutch. Maybe visit the Paradesi Synagogue – the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth and home to many rare antiques. Then, amble around the spice bazaars and antique stores of Fort Cochin. In the evening, experience a Kathakali performance – this Keralan dance is an ornately costumed display of storytelling, requiring complete control of the body.
Included Activities:
- Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
- Kochi - Dutch Palace
- Kochi - Kathakali performance
Optional Activities:
- Kochi - Jewish Synagogue (5 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Buckle up, because most of today is spent travelling. Catch a train to Coimbatore, then when you arrive, hop in your private vehicle to Conoor – known for its tea estates in the surrounding Nilgiri hills. Watch the lush scenery pass you by, get stuck into a good book or play road trip games with your fellow travellers. When you arrive in Conoor, you’ll sit down for a group dinner at your accommodation.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend the morning in Conoor with an orientation walk and a visit to a tea plantation to learn about the history of tea production. Later, board Ooty’s renowned toy train for a ride along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Be sure to get a window seat for great views over the lush countryside. Spend the rest of the day exploring Ooty’s Botanical Gardens, which are home to over 650 species of plants and trees. You can also opt to turn on the romance with a boat ride on the lake.
Included Activities:
- Ooty - Nilgiri Mountain Railway & Tea Plantation visit
Optional Activities:
- Ooty - Botanical Gardens (50 INR)
- Ooty - Boat ride (200 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a private vehicle for the short drive to Bandipur today. Set against the backdrop of the Nilgiri Hills, Mudumalai National Park was once the Mysore Maharaja's private hunting ground. In 1974 it was brought under Project Tiger and is now one of the best sanctuaries in India to observe wildlife in close proximity. Embark on a short safari in search of tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, sambars, spotted deer and much more. There's also an amazing variety of birdlife in the park. Tonight’s family-run accommodation in Bandipur is a mixed-gender dormitory style with a common bathroom. This dorm room is only open to your group.
Included Activities:
- Bandipur - National Park Safari
Accommodation:
- Jungle Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by private vehicle across the scenic Karnataka plains to Mysore – an easy-going town with a pleasant climate, perfect for wandering around on foot. When you arrive, you’ll head to local family’s home for a home-cooked lunch of traditional favourites. Get to know the family, who will show you the practise of making incense – one of the traditional arts from Mysuru. Learn about how it’s made and maybe even have a go yourself! Then, head out on an orientation walk around the town to get your bearings. No visit to Mysore is complete without a look around Mysore Palace – one of the most ornate palaces in India, its interior is full of colour, mosaics and mirrors.
Included Activities:
- Mysore - Home cooked lunch & family visit
- Mysore - Maharaja's Palace
- Mysore - Leader-led walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head out to climb Chamundi Hill to the Sri Chamundeswari Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga. After, continue to the Keshava Temple in the small town of Somnathpur – an excellent example of Hoysala architecture. You’ll also have some time to visit to Tipu Sultan’s mausoleum in Sriranga Patna. You can also opt to return to Mysore for a palm reading catch a film at the local cinema. Tonight, board an overnight sleeper train to Chennai.
Included Activities:
- Mysore - Keshava Temple
- Mysore - Chamundi Hill & Temple
Optional Activities:
- Mysore - Cinema (200 INR)
- Mysore - Tipu Sultan's Mausoleum (200 INR)
Accommodation:
- Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
After arriving in Chennai, take a private vehicle along the scenic East Coast Road to Mamallapuram. Explore this ancient seaport town by tuk tuk, paying a visit to the seventh-century Shore Temple and the enormous bas-relief rock carving, known as Arjuna's Penance. There will also be time to inspect the town’s numerous mandapams (pillared temple pavilions), watch local stonemasons at work, or just to kick back and relax at a beachside restaurant.
Included Activities:
- Mamallapuram - Shore Temples guided tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by private vehicle today through palm trees and rice paddies to Puducherry (Pondicherry). When you arrive, head out with your group and leader on a walking tour to see local temples, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the French Quarter. Once a French colony, you’ll see the evidence of French influence in Puducherry's architecture, its wide town squares and even in the police uniforms!
Included Activities:
- Puducherry - Leader-led French Quarter walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive to the temple city of Madurai today. Madurai’s Tamil roots stretch back 2500 years, making it one of the oldest cities in India. Wander the lamp-lit labyrinth of the Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Meenakshi. Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which displays a detailed account of India’s struggle for independence along with the bloodstained dhoti the famous leader wore when he was assassinated.
Included Activities:
- Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple
Optional Activities:
- Madurai - Gandhi Museum - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, travel by private vehicle along a winding road to the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. High in the ranges of the Western Ghats, the park is set among stunning scenery and is the most popular wildlife sanctuary in Southern India. Both today and tomorrow, you’ll get to explore the national park on foot and will understand why Periyar is a popular wilderness sanctuary, with its lush surroundings. Enjoy a tour of a local spice plantation, then join your local family hosts to try some authentic home-cooked flavours of Southern India.
Included Activities:
- Periyar - Spice plantation visit
- Periyar - Home cooked meal
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Venture back into the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary today for a guided nature walk. Encounters with animals in the wild are never guaranteed, and this is more of a jungle walk than an animal spotting tour, but do look out for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants or gaur – the world's largest species of buffalo. In the afternoon, unwind with an optional ayurvedic massage at your accommodation, or just relax in this scenic setting with a drink.
Included Activities:
- Periyar - National Park
- Periyar - Guided nature walk
Optional Activities:
- Periyar - Boat trip (650 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, drive through the rubber, tea and coffee plantations on the way to the backwaters of Kerala. When you arrive, you’ll board a motorboat to cross to the island village where you’ll stay with a local family tonight. In the late afternoon, explore the island with a local English-speaking guide (and sometimes, your homestay host). This is a great chance to meet locals and learn more about their unique way of life. Take a leisurely punt boat ride around the waterways and enjoy the scenery. Tonight, share stories over a traditional home-cooked Keralan meal with your host family.
Included Activities:
- Kerala Backwaters - Pole boat ride
- Kerala Backwaters - Village walk
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake early this morning, before crossing the backwaters by private boat to Alleppey. From here, take a local bus back to Kochi. The rest of the day is free for you to choose your own adventure. Perhaps you’d like to stroll down Princess Street for a spot of shopping, or book yourself into a southern Indian cooking class – your group leader will have some other recommendations, so be sure to ask them. Tonight, why not gather with your group for a night out at a local restaurant and maybe try some pazham pori (fried banana or plantain fritter).
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, you can leave the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.
Similar Tours
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
Laura - Traveled, March 2024
The Southern India trip was amazing. So much to see, eat and experience in the 2 weeks. The variety of places we visited, from national parks, cities and the coast made each day so memorable. The variety of transportation was also so fun and nice not to be ferried by private minibus everywhere. Our tour leader Garima was wonderful. We were in very safe hands with her and she took any travel stress away. Southern India is definitely worth a visit and very different to the north.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
Tony - Traveled, March 2024
Excellent itinerary in a fascinating place with by a company who care about the impact of tourism on the wider environment
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Julie - Traveled, March 2024
Southern India trip far exceeded my expectations. The range of transport, accommodations, meal arrangements and included activity gives a fantastic feel and insight into the destination in a relatively short trip. I loved it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Kevin - Traveled, March 2024
We had an extraordinary 15 days with the world class leader Usha and 10 other great explorers. We all got on so well and really bought in to the idea of adventuring together. Do the Southern India trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Nikki - Traveled, April 2024
I loved all of this trip. It showed me a calm and relaxed side of India I never imagined I would find here. I loved the balance between ancient temples and modern adventures. Chandler was an outstanding guide and a wonderful person.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2024
Jason - Traveled, March 2024
My trip to South India exceeded all expectations. The schedule was excellent and involved a wide range of experiences. The highlight for me was watching a wild tiger bathe in a creek and calmly walk very close to us. Our guide Usha was truly wonderful with great knowledge and patience and high organisational skills. I have food requirements which she was very attentive to which really enhanced my experience. Highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Aurelia - Traveled, March 2024
Great itinerary to experience the South of India. Our guide Chetan was exceptionally good. Most of the included activities were really fun, however some of the hotels (Puducherry, Tea plantation area, Kochi) were a bit disappointing (not clean or poorly maintained.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Caroline - Traveled, March 2024
Trip of a lifetime made ever so memorable by a fantastic tour guide, jam packed itinerary & peace of mind knowing that intrepid had my safety at forefront. What an adventure!!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Kevin - Traveled, February 2024
Wonderful trip exploring the highlights of South India. Our guide, Garima is an excellent leader so informative. Do not hesitate to book this amazing trip with such an excellent itinerary. Thank you Intrepid and Garima!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2024
Sharonika - Traveled, February 2024
Amazing holiday, a good balance of what South India has to offer, from culture, history, religion, geography and environment and of course the food! Travelling in a range of vehicles including rickshaws allowed us to be immersed in South Indian life. It’s a beautiful region with beautiful people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2024
Jeremy - Traveled, February 2024
Lovely trip to a lovely country with a lovely guide and lovely travel companions
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Wendy - Traveled, February 2024
This is a great trip if you want to experience the real India and visit historical sites and see the wildlife . Great variety in this trip and you get to meet the locals too . Highly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/06/2024
Alice - Traveled, February 2024
The tour of Southern India was varied and fascinating. It gave me a chance to see and experience things I never would have done on a solo trip. I loved getting to know the other members in my group and our guide Deepa was fantastic- friendly, warm and armed with a wealth of knowledge about her home country. I am planning to book another Intrepid tour to India soon!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2024
Shirley - Traveled, February 2024
An excellent way of seeing Southern India. It does include a lot more travelling than I thought but the travelling is countered by the sights and scenery. Our guide, Deepa, was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/05/2024
Maira - Traveled, February 2024
South India trip was an amazing experience. Extremely busy and packed full ! We had a very good leader Usha who made the trip brilliant.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
John - Traveled, February 2024
Undoubtedly exceeded my expectations. Not always super comfortable, but enjoyed not being cocooned from normal Indian life. All the hotels well chosen and every day interesting. Definitely one of the best holiday experiences I have had.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Katherine - Traveled, February 2024
A well organised tour covering many of the great sights of South India. What really made it special was our wonderful tour guide Deepa and our group of like minded and adventurous travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Sarah - Traveled, January 2024
We had a fantastic trip in Southern India, a great mix of cities, temples and countryside. Very well led by our guide Chandra.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/09/2024
Ye - Traveled, January 2024
Excellent tour for anyone who has interested of India. Especially for first time visitors. It gives you a broad and interesting taste of southern India.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/09/2024
Michelle - Traveled, January 2024
This Southern India itinerary is a virtual tasting menu for southern India. The trip is fast moving and you don't stay long in any one area. It's more of an overview than an in-depth experience. As previous reviewers mentioned, there is a lot of travel. I personally enjoyed the travel days - from local trains and buses to watching the scenery go by from the window of our private coach. There are plenty of interesting experiences along the way, temple visits, wildlife, cooking classes and tasting local cuisine. I would recommend this trip for anyone interested in experiencing southern India. Chandra did an excellent job organizing, educating and entertaining a diverse group of travelers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/15/2024
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
