Best of Southern India
Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
- Relax in the peaceful backwaters of Kerala
- Spot wildlife in beautiful parks
- Uncover ancient temples
- Explore tea and spice plantations
- Take a rickshaw ride through the streets of Madurai
Trip Details
Product Code: 1511
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Train, private vehicle, cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, ferry.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Classic, Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: AHBS
Starts: Kochi, India
Finishes: Kochi, India
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey Your 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).
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
- Train, private vehicle, cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, ferry.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1386 ($99 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Accommodation - Hotel Gama Heritage
Day 2: Kochi/Bangalore
Walk along the cobblestone streets of Fort Kochi on a sightseeing tour of this historic city. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. Tonight, take an overnight train to Bangalore.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy your stay in charming Fort Kochi, which evokes an era long gone. Walk through the cobblestone streets, visit delightful tea houses, and have a relaxing drink while sitting by the water. Be sure to check out Vasco de Gama's tombstone and the famous blue synagogue. Free_time - Enjoy an afternoon free to explore Kochi.Transport - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.Accommodation - KTDC Pepper Grove
Day 3: Bangalore
After a night on the train, we'll pull into Bangalore in the morning. The first stop of the day is breakfast. Second stop of the day is to the beautiful Lal Bagh Botanical garden. Walk through the incredible green houses full of colourful flowers and unique sculptures. The remainder of the day is yours to see the city. In the evening, regroup for an orientation walk through the main iconic commercial streets of Bangalore.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a visit to the splendid Lal Bagh—literally "red garden"—a delightful botanical garden that was built in the 1760s by Mughal royalty. One of the most famous attractions in Bangalore, it boasts India's largest collection of tropical plants. Walk around the gardens and check out the lake and famous Glass House—a huge greenhouse where a popular flower show is held each year. Free_time - Spend the day exploring Bangalore on your town terms.Activity - Take an orientation walk around Bangalore's Mahatma Gandhi Road, Brigade Road and Church Street, the heart of the city's most commercial zone.Accommodation - Treebo Akshaya Lalbagh Inn
Day 4: Bangalore/Mysore
Depart from Bangalore and drive to Srirangapatna to visit the incredible Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and the Tipu Sultan's tomb. Then continue on to Mysore for an afternoon of free time to explore the city before an evening orientation walk in Devraja Market and an optional group dinner.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the beautiful Devaraja Market, where fruit and flowers are seemingly arranged in colourful coordination. Get acquainted with the liveliness of the market and the city of Mysore.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the ornately beautiful Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple. Standing over 73 m tall (240 ft), the main structure can be seem from across the city. Visit the colourful temple dedicated with Ranganatha, the resting form of Vishnu.Activity - Visit the beautiful Tipu Sultan's tomb. Constructed in 1782, Tipu Sultan, known as the Tiger of Mysore, originally built this white mausoleum for his parents' grave. See the amazing architecture, learn of its history and wander the gardens.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Akshaya Mahal Inn
Day 5: Mysore
Explore the best of Mysore today with visits to Chamundeshwari Temple at Chamundi Hills, the Mysore Palace and St. Philomena Cathedral. The rest of the day is yours to explore this historic, opulent city.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a visit to the gorgeous temple devoted to the Hindu goddess, Chamundi, located on Chamundi Hill.Activity - 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.Activity - Visit the Neo Gothic Catholic church in Mysore, one of the largest cathedrals in all of India. Built in 1936, it was constructed with inspiration of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.Free_time - Spend the afternoon free to explore Mysore.Accommodation - Akshaya Mahal Inn
Day 6: Mysore/Māmallapuram
Take a train to Chennai and transfer to a private vehicle to arrive to Mamallapuram by the afternoon. This famous town is steeped in myth and history, so enjoy the opportunity to experience it with a free afternoon.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Free_time - Spend the afternoon at leisure in Mamallapuram.Accommodation - Vilasam Rooms
Day 7: Māmallapuram
An early morning is dedicated to a tour of the Shore Temple, an iconic complex of temples and shrines known to the be one of the oldest stone temples in India, and best viewed at sunrise. After an incredible walking tour, take the remainder of the day for your own exploration of Mamallapuram. Most use this time to enjoy a visit to the beach or a yoga class.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore this impressive group of monuments that were sculpted during the 7th and 8th century, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at sunrise. 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 - Enjoy a free afternoon in Mamallapuram.Accommodation - Vilasam Rooms
Day 8: Māmallapuram/Thanjavur
Leave Mamallapuram and drive to Chennai. Then transfer to a train to arrive in the afternoon to Thanjavur, a town renowned globally for its bronze metal sculptures. After settling in, visit the 200+ foot tall Brihadeeswarar Temple and walk around the markets.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Admire the famous Thanjavur bronze statues. Explorethe traditional bronze casting workshops that still follow the age-old "lost wax technique" to cast statues and idols.Activity - Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient Hindu temple built in 1010 AD. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this popular pilgrimage site is a stunning example of the Great Living Chola Temples.Accommodation - Hotel Tawfeeq Palace
Day 9: Thanjavur/Madurai
This morning, drive to Kanadukathan, known as the land of Chettiars, the collection of over 75 villages. Here we will visit the traditional houses of Chettinad, famous for their spaciousness, opulence and intricate tiles. Afterwards, continue on to Madurai, considered the home of goddess Parvati in her form of Meenakshi - the fish eyed goddess.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the traditional Chettinad houses in Kanadukathan and see the making of the beautiful Athangudi colored tiles on a CEO led tour of this heritage village.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Rio Grande Hotel Madurai
Day 10: Madurai
Explore the best of Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with tours of Thirumalai Nayakar Palace and Meenakashi Temple. The afternoon leaves you with time to venture on your own before our very own CEO leads us on a walking foodie tour of the town!
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit what remains of the 17th century palace of the ruler Thirumalai Nayak -- he contributed extensively to the gorgeous Meenakshi Temple, which is located less than 2km away.Activity - 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.Activity - Follow your CEO to know the real (and really delicious) Madurai. Taste local street food, local favorites and lots of yummy snacks and get to know this historic city.Accommodation - Rio Grande Hotel Madurai
Day 11: Madurai/Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady this morning. Thekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore Thekkady how you wish maybe on a boat tour on Periyar Lake or an ayurvedic massage.
Meals included: Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free afternoon in Thekkady.Activity - 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!Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Michael's Inn
Day 12: Thekkady/Kerala Backwaters
Travel down to Allepey and catch a private boat for the short ride 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.
Meals included: Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Climb aboard and get your float on.Activity - 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).Accommodation - Greenpalm Homes
Day 13: Kerala Backwaters/Kochi
Spend the morning enjoying your last moments with your host family before departing for Kochi. On the way, stop at your G Adventures-supported project TWE, a coop run by local women, for lunch. Head out for an orientation walk after arrival in Kochi, then enjoy an evening performance of Kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard and get your float on.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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!Activity - 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.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Hotel Gama Heritage
Day 14: Kochi
Depart at any time.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Karynne W - Traveled, December 2023
Small group tour, good contact with local people. Enough options and activities and a reliable responsive guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Maryam S - Traveled, December 2023
The Hotels were awful in terms of hygiene. The hotels were so dirty and disgusting that they'really impacted the quality of trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Margaret C - Traveled, December 2023
I was due to commence tour of Southern India in December. Unfortunately on my arrival to India, I was refused entry as my visa had expired. On receipt of my visa I informed the relevant authorities that expiry date predated my arrival to India. However, I was reassured that the visa activated on my arrival to India. This was not the case as I discovered. While this misfortune as nothing to do with G Adventures I was not impressed that you were not prepared, to offer any form of compensation. I appreciate it was a last minute cancellation owing to the circumstances, but when I suggested putting some of the fee paid for Southern India trip towards another one, it was dismissed and not considered. It was my first trip booked with G Adventures and I was looking forward to it very much.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Karl B - Traveled, November 2023
I work for G, and therefore I know that G is a great option, so I recommend G.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Annica L - Traveled, November 2023
Good and varied itinerary, small groups, people from different continents and ages, local guides with lots of knowledge, previous experiences with G
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Maria R - Traveled, November 2023
Reliable and you know what to expect.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Alexandros K - Traveled, November 2023
No time to really enjoy sights and nature. Endless hours spent commuting between places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Katherine O - Traveled, December 2023
Tours are great for organising the itinerary and logistics of a trip, as well as having the safety of a group, but the pace and rigidity isn',t for everyone
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Natasha F - Traveled, December 2023
The appalling standard of hotels chosen by G Adventures in Southern India was the worst I have ever seen. I paid an extra 500 euro for single supplement and it was a total waste of money. Filthy rooms , damp and stained bed linen , mouldy and rusty bathrooms , nothing attractive about them at all. Below the basic tourist standard in India. I will be looking for a full explanation from your head office and compensation on my trip due to the dreadful experience we all had with the accommodation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023
Raweena R - Traveled, November 2023
The accommodations provided during the tour fell significantly below acceptable standards. The quality of the hotels, in terms of cleanliness, amenities, and overall comfort, was disappointing and, in some instances, unacceptable. These conditions greatly impacted our enjoyment of the trip. The primary reasons for my dissatisfaction include: Hygiene and Cleanliness Issues: Several hotels lacked proper cleanliness and hygiene standards. This compromised the overall comfort and well-being of the guests. Inadequate Facilities: The facilities provided were inadequate, and in some cases, did not match the promised standards. This resulted in a less-than-optimal experience for the travelers. Unpleasant Ambiance: The ambiance of some hotels was not conducive to a positive and enjoyable stay. This created a disheartening contrast to the vibrant and enriching experiences we had during the day. I understand that travel can present unforeseen challenges, but the standard of accommodation significantly impacted the overall value for money. As a result, it is with regret that I cannot wholeheartedly recommend the G Adventures tour to friends or colleagues based on this experience. I believe that honest feedback is crucial for the continual improvement of your services, and I hope that this input will contribute to enhancing the overall quality of future G Adventures tours. Thank you for your understanding.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023
Kellie B - Traveled, November 2023
Local leader. Local experiences. Cost effective.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Jose Lorenzo V - Traveled, November 2023
I think that you are one of the best organizations providing this style of travel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Shivneet P - Traveled, November 2023
This score would have been a 10 until my most recent trip, which unfortunately fell short of the mark due to the extremely poor standard of accommodation. Despite this, I still feel that the CEO?s and tour itineraries are great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Robert M - Traveled, October 2023
This is the third G Adventures we have been on and will the general shape of these tours
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Lydia P - Traveled, October 2023
I have done several trips with G Adventures and have always thoroughly enjoyed them, until this one. I was very disappointed in some of the itinerary but mostly with the hotels. The home stay was wonderful and that type of accommodation was what I expected from the entire two week trip. The hotels selected were not clea, often did not have working wifi, air conditioning and the bathrooms were smelly and not clean.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Anushka G - Traveled, October 2023
The poor standard of accommodation drops the score, the CEO and Tour Itinerary was great
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Norma O - Traveled, October 2023
If the accommodation was better it would be a 10
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Janice V - Traveled, November 2023
The tour covered the areas of interest Southern India, a good selection of areas to visit and also included many sightseeing hotspots.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Pippa L - Traveled, October 2023
Highly organised and efficient
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Stella T - Traveled, November 2023
Great value for money.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
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