14 Day Best of Southern India

Fully Guided Adventure Small Group

Our Price From 1,484 Per Person

Exclusive Savings 592 Per Person

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Trip Length

14 Days

Trip Starts

Kochi

Trip Finishes

Kochi

14 Day Best of Southern India Itinerary (G Adventures)

Countries Explored: India

Trip Operator

G Adventures

102 Reviews

Trip Style

Classic

Departures

Jan 2025 to Jan 2027

Budget

Affordable

Max. Group Size

Pace

Leisurely

Guide Level

Fully Guided

Trip Code

AHBS

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 14 Day Best of Southern India. 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.

Itinerary

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. Stay: Hotel Pepper Route

Take a morning train followed by a scenic drive to reach Sultan Bathery, in the Wayanad district. Stay: KTDC Pepper Grove

Wayanad region of the western Ghats in Kerala is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations and is known to produce some of the finest teas. Stay: KTDC Pepper Grove

Travel to Mysore (formally Mysuru) located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947. Stay: Akshaya Mahal Mysore Hotel

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. In your free time, visit the Devaraja fruit and vegetable market or join a yoga class at one of the many local institutes. Opt to drive to Somnathpur, home to one of the most famous Hoysala Temples in India. Stay: Akshaya Mahal Mysore Hotel

Arrive by train to Chennai before continuing south for a short ride to the small village of Mamallapuram. Stay: Hotel Mamalla Inn

In the morning, visit the 7th century Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay: Hotel Mamalla Inn

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. Stay: Abirami Residency

Travel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Stay: Rio Grande Hotel 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. In the late evening, opt to visit the Meenakshi Temple again for a glimpse of the nighttime rituals. Stay: Rio Grande Hotel Madurai

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. Stay: Michael's Inn (D)

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 — 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. Stay: Tranquil Heritage Homestay (L/D)

Spend the morning enjoying last moments with your host family. Learn to cook some local food, watch the toddy tappers at work, or wander around the village. Travel to a Planeterra project for lunch before returning to Kochi. Head out for an orientation walk, then enjoy an evening performance of kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala. Stay: Hotel Pepper Route (B/L)

Depart at any time.

Trip Inclusions

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.

Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey
Your Welcome Moment: 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

Hotels (12 Nights), homestay (1 Night, multi-share)
A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used in India. These can vary in terms of service, efficiency and cleanliness. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home. Power cuts can and are a regular occurrence in many places, especially throughout North and Central India. Although a number of hotels have generators there may be times when these won’t work. It is also recommended when you are in your room to lock the door, as staff will sometime enter without reason.

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Train, private vehicle, cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, ferry

Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Brochure

G Adventures Earth (2023-24)

We’ve been the leaders in small-group adventure travel since 1990. How’d we get here? By listening to our travellers and giving them what they want: flexible itineraries, freedom to explore, smaller groups, safety and peace of mind, and locally based guides who show you your destination in a way you’d miss travelling any other way. Check out how we’re l...more

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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.

Best of Southern India

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Kochi

Day 2: Kochi - Sultan Bathery

Day 3: Sultan Bathery

Day 4: Sultan Bathery - Mysore

Day 5: Mysore

Day 6: Mysore - Māmallapuram

Day 7: Māmallapuram

Day 8: Māmallapuram - Puducherry

Day 9: Puducherry - Madurai

Day 10: Madurai

Day 11: Madurai - Thekkady

Day 12: Thekkady - Kerala Backwaters

Day 13: Kerala Backwaters - Kochi

Day 14: Kochi

Trip Inclusions Expand All

Journey Highlights

Trip Inclusions

Accommodation

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Meals Included

Transport

Trip Notes

Brochure

G Adventures Earth (2023-24)

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