14 Days
Specific Tour
18 people
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Explore the best of Southern India, from serene Kerala backwaters to vibrant spice plantations and mesmerizing temples. Capture the moments with your camera on this two-week adventure, striking a perfect balance between guided tours and free exploration. Get up close with the locals as you travel by train, bus, rickshaw, and country boats, gaining unique insights into the tranquil backwaters of Kerala and the awe-inspiring temples of Tamilnadu.
Arrive at Kochi, the port city. Get settled in your hotel and have the rest of the day to unwind. Consider catching the sunset over the Arabian Sea, surrounded by numerous boats and fishing nets. Later in the evening, there's a welcome meeting for new travelers joining the group.
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If you have one Trip Lead for the North and one for the South, you'll be transferred to the airport in Delhi and fly independently to Kochi. Upon arrival, enjoy free time until the welcome meeting in the evening. |
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Plane | |
| Delhi – Kochi | 3h-3h30m | ||
| Hold onto your hats! That's no UFO, folks, it's just your everyday plane showing off its flying skills. | ||
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Accomodation | |
| Hotel | ||
| Hotel Roses In (or similar) | ||
| Meals included: Breakfast | ||
Take a morning train and follow it up with a scenic drive to reach Kalpetta, located in the Wayanad district.
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Train | |
| Kochi – Kozhikode | 4h | ||
| Climb on, take a seat, and enjoy the adventure. | ||
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Private Vehicle | |
| Kozhikode–Kalpetta | 2h | ||
| Get comfortable and enjoy the view from a private vehicle. | ||
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Accomodation | |
| Villa | ||
| Iris Highes Villas (or similar) | ||
Explore the nature trails in Wayanad's forested areas. Take a guided tour of a tea factory and plantation to understand the local tea production process. Tea plantations in the Wayanad region of the western Ghats in Kerala is celebrated for producing some of the finest teas.
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Wayanad Nature Walk | |
| Kalpetta | 5h | ||
| Take a nature walk in the captivating Wayanad, home to endangered species and a diverse range of flora and fauna. Uncover the region's rich history, with visits to ancient relics like the Edakkal Caves, showcasing a Stone Age civilization. Experience the local culture by exploring a tribal village. | ||
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Wayanad Tea Factory Visit | |
| Kalpetta | ||
| Visit a tea factory in the scenic Wayanad region, offering a captivating glimpse into tea production. Wander through hills adorned with lush green tea bushes, inhale the fragrance of freshly plucked tea leaves, and explore the factory to learn about the tea-making process. Witness the withering, rolling, drying, and grading of tea leaves guided by an expert. Conclude the visit with a cup of tea from the area. | ||
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Accomodation | |
| Villa | ||
| Iris Highes Villas (or similar) | ||
Set in for the drive to the historical city of Mysore. Head to Mysore (formerly Mysuru), nestled in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, which held the distinction of being the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947..
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Private Vehicle | |
| Kalpetta – Mysore | ||
| Kick back in your private vehicle, and enjoy the lovely views along the way. | ||
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Accomodation | |
| Hotel | ||
| Samudra Mysore (or similar) | ||
Explore Mysore in all its vibrancy, with must-visit stops at Chamundi Temple and Mysore Palace. Afterward, make the most of your free time—consider a visit to the Devaraja market or perhaps join a yoga class. Experience life as a Maharaja with a guided tour of the impressive Mysore Palace. Afterwards, join the crowds at Chamundi Hills, where the temple stands tall, and Nandi the Bull (Shiva's mount) is just a short walk away. For an extra adventure, consider a drive to Somnathpur, home to one of India's renowned Hoysala Temples.
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Chamundi Temple Visit | |
| Mysore | ||
| Admire the beautiful architecture of Chamundeshwari Temple, perched atop Chamundi Hills just outside Mysore. | ||
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Mysore Palace Visit | |
| Mysore | 2h | ||
| Step into the world of the Maharajas at this stunning palace, the former royal residence from 1399 to 1950. Immerse yourself in the history of Indian royalty, surrounded by the grandeur of bygone times.. | ||
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Accomodation | |
| Hotel | ||
| Samudra Mysore (or similar) | ||
Take a full day to travel by train to Chennai, followed by a brief bus journey to Mamallapuram. Explore the Shore Temple. Board a train to Chennai and then head south for a short trip to the quaint village of Mamallapuram. Don't miss the chance to visit the 7th-century Shore Temple, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Train | |
| Mysore – Chennai | 8h | ||
| Enjoy the beautiful scenery on a train ride along India's east coast. Play cards, chat with other passengers, or simply relax and absorb the scenic landscapes. | ||
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Private Vehicle | |
| Chennai – Mamallapuram | 1h-1h30m | ||
| Get comfortable and enjoy the view from a private vehicle. | ||
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Shore Temple Visit | |
| Mamallapuram | ||
| Discover the rich heritage of monuments crafted in the 7th and 8th centuries, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among these treasures, the Shore Temple distinguishes itself, constructed from granite and offering a breathtaking perspective of the Bay of Bengal's shoreline. This twin temple holds a unique significance as it is devoted to the revered Hindu deities Vishnu and Shiva. | ||
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Accomodation | |
| Hotel | ||
| Hotel Pallava Dynasty (or similar) | ||
Your time to explore Mamallapuram.
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Free Time | |
| Mamallapuram | Full Day | ||
| Make the most of your free time to discover everything this city has to offer. Whether you fancy a refreshing swim in the ocean, a leisurely jog along the beach, exploring the monuments on a bicycle or by foot, or indulging in some retail therapy, Mamallapuram has it all for you to explore. | ||
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Accomodation | |
| Hotel | ||
| Hotel Pallava Dynasty (or similar) | ||
Head to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry) and delve into the teachings of Sri Aurobindo Ghose at the ashram. In the morning, take a drive to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry), which was once the largest French Colony in India and a significant trading town. The city's layout bears a strong French influence, featuring wide boulevards and houses in the French style. Despite this, the essence of the city remains distinctly Indian.
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Private Vehicle | |
| Mamallapuram – Puducherry | 2h-2h30m | ||
| Get comfortable and enjoy the view from a private vehicle. | ||
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Orientation walk With Trip Lead | |
| 30m-1h | ||
| Join your Trip Lead for a quick orientation walk. Get valuable tips on locating essentials like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more detailed information, consider opting for an official guided tour. | ||
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Accomodation | |
| Heritage Hotel | ||
| Hotel Esparan Heritage (or similar) | ||
Head inland to Madurai, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.
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Private Vehicle | |
| Puducherry – Madura | 6h-7h | ||
| Get comfortable and enjoy the view from a private vehicle. | ||
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Accomodation | |
| Hotel | ||
| Hotel Annamalai (or similar) | ||
Take a cycle rickshaw tour of the city before exploring the renowned Meenakshi Temple. After your temple visit, consider exploring handicraft shops or the covered stone tailor's market. In the market, skilled tailors, equipped with antique foot-pump sewing machines, can craft a custom shirt in minutes for just a few rupees. In the late evening, you may choose to revisit the Meenakshi Temple to witness the nighttime rituals.
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Cycle-Rickshaw Tour | |
| Madurai | 2h | ||
| Get comfortable and enjoy the view from a private vehicle. | ||
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Meenakshi Temple Visit | |
| Madurai | 2h-3h | ||
| Join your Trip Lead for a quick orientation walk. Get valuable tips on locating essentials like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more detailed information, consider opting for an official guided tour. | ||
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1 Optional Activities - Day 24 | |
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Meenakshi Temple Night Visit 100INR per person1000INR per group | |
| Madurai | 1h-2h | ||
| Visit the beautiful Meenakshi Temple, known for its outstanding South Indian religious architecture. As the clock ticks past 9 pm, witness a transformation in the temple's ambiance during the enchanting nighttime rituals. Immerse yourself in the aromatic swirl of incense, accompanied by the lively presence of people engaged in the sacred activities. It's a truly captivating spectacle that adds a unique and magical touch to your visit. | ||
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Accommodation | |
| Hotel | ||
| Hotel Annamalai (or similar) | ||
Drive to Thekkady and explore spice plantations on a guided tour in the Cardamom Hills. Thekkady, near Periyar National Park, is known for spices. Learn about them on a guided plantation tour and visit a tea factory. You can also opt for a boat ride on Periyar Lake.
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Private Vehicle | |
| Madurai - Thekkady | 2h | ||
| Get comfortable and enjoy the view from a private vehicle. | ||
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Cardamom Hills Spice Plantation Tour | |
| Thekkady | 1h-2h | ||
| Take a guided tour of the plantation and tea factory to discover the secrets of spice and tea production in this region. You might even get to enjoy a sample or two. | ||
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1 Optional Activities - Day 25 | |
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Periyar Lake Boat Ride 100INR per person 1000INR per group | |
| Periyar Lake | 1h-2h | ||
| Take a boat ride on Periyar Lake for a fantastic way to explore the region and spot some wildlife. Early mornings provide the best chance to see monkeys, wild boars, and elephants as they begin their day. Periyar National Park is home to over 200 bird species, and the boat ride offers a unique perspective for birdwatching. | ||
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Accommodation | |
| Hotel | ||
| Hotel Wild Saga (or similar) | ||
Head to Alleppey for an immersive local homestay experience, delving into the authentic charm of the region through a guided walk along the picturesque lagoon. Transition from Thekkady to the backwaters, embarking on a private boat for a brief journey to the village homestay. In the afternoon, engage in an exploration of the island led by a local guide, gaining insights into the diverse facets of local life. This presents a wonderful opportunity to interact with and learn from the residents of this distinctive locale. As the sun begins its descent, set on a serene country boat ride with the locals, relishing the beauty of the sunset over the winding backwaters.
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Private Vehicle | |
| Thekkady – Alleppey | 5h 145km | ||
| Get comfortable and enjoy the view from a private vehicle. | ||
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Boat | |
| Alleppey – Kerala Backwaters | 1h-2h | ||
| Board up and let the floating adventure begin. | ||
| Kerala Backwaters Homestay | ||
| Take a walk under the palm trees, navigating through the rice fields that blanket the island. Gain insights into the local lifestyles. Witness the sunset on the meandering backwaters aboard a small country boat, sharing the experience with locals. Perhaps, there'll be a chance to relax and savor a local toddy, a coconut-based alcoholic drink. | ||
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Accommodation | |
| Heritage Homestay | ||
| The Pamba Heritage Villa (or similar) | ||
Spend your morning with the host family, exploring local culture and flavors. Learn cooking secrets, observe toddy tappers, or wander around the village. Travel to Kochi. Followed by an orientation walk, cap off the day with a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
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Boat | |
| Kerala Backwaters – Alleppeyy | 1h 30m | ||
| Get on board and ride the wave. | ||
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Private Vehicle | |
| Alleppey – Kochi | 2h | ||
| Get comfortable and enjoy the view from a private vehicle. | ||
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Cultural Lunch at Kochi | |
| Kochi | ||
| Delight in a heartfelt Kerala feast, prepared with love by women from urban areas. This serves as an alternative income source for women from rural areas, but it also provides them with an opportunity to refine their hospitality and culinary skills. Explore the local cuisine and socio-economic landscape of the area while connecting with these women. | ||
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Orientation Walk | |
| Kochi | 1h-2h | ||
| Take a guided walk through Kochi, exploring the Dutch Palace, Jewish Quarter with a 400-year-old synagogue, and St Francis Church, the oldest church in India. Uncover the city's history in a simple and delightful way. | ||
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Kathakali Dance | |
| Kochi | 2h | ||
| Kathakali, one of India's ancient dance forms, merges drama, dance, music, and ritual. Performers, exclusively men, adorned in vibrant costumes and painted faces, enact tales from Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. Known for stunning costumes, intricate makeup, and dynamic movements, Kathakali is a captivating expression of Indian culture. | ||
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Accommodation | |
| Hotel | ||
| Elza's Fort Inn (or similar) | ||
| Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | ||
Take-off whenever you feel like it.
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Departure Day | |
| Want to keep the adventure going? Your Trip Lead can assist with travel arrangements for an extended adventure. | ||
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