Best of Southern India

From$1349USD
14 days,Kochi to Kochi
Trip Code: AHBS

Relaxing in peaceful backwaters, spotting wildlife in beautiful parks, uncovering ancient temples, exploring tea and spice plantations, taking a rickshaw ride through the streets of Madurai.

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Offer valid for new bookings only with international air travel originating in North America added to a land booking. Not valid with any other discount, offer or promotion. Subject to availability. Must book by July 31, 2013, for travel by February 1, 2014. Subject to airline regulations and restrictions.

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From steamy Kerala backwaters and spice plantations to incredible temples and searching for tigers in the wild, have your camera ready as you experience the highlights of Southern India. This 2-week adventure offers a great balance of guided excursions and free time to explore on your own. Travelling by train, bus, rickshaw, tuk tuk, bicycle 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.

What's Included

  • Dutch (Mattencherry) Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Jewish Town, Kathakali performance, Nature trails in Wynad Sanctuary, Edakkal Pre historic caves , Safari in Madumalai National Park, Mysore Palace, Chaumundi Temple, Mamallapuram Shore Temples, Pondicherry, Cycle rickshaw tour of Madurai and Sri Meenakshi Temple, Spice Plantation tour, Excursion and local guide for Backwaters Homestay
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners (Allow USD280-340 for meals not included.)
  • Hotels (11 nts), homestay (1 nt, multi-share), sleeper train (1 nt)
  • Train, local bus, charter bus, cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, ferry, private boat, bicycle, country boat.
  • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
  • Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10
Map of the route for Best of Southern India Click to enlarge
Places Visited
  • India
Day 1 Kochi (Cochin)

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Kochi

Orientation walk to Dutch Palace, Jewish synagogue and town and kathakali performance.

Days 3-4 Wayanad (Kalpetta)

Morning train to Kozhikode. Later scenic drive to Wayanad. Nature trails in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Eddakal prehistoric caves.

Day 5 Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Spend the night at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides one of the most important refuges for the elephant and bison in India.

Days 6-7 Mysore

Included visit to Chaumundi Temple and Somnathpur. Overnight train to Chennai on Day 7 and private bus to Mamallapuram.

Days 8-9 Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

Visit the Shore temple.

Day 10 Pondicherry/Madurai

Continue our journey to the next destination of Madurai via Pondicherry—former French territory; wander the streets of the French Quarter, enjoy French delicacies served in one of the many restaurants and cafés. In the afternoon, catch the day train to Madurai.

Day 11 Madurai

Enjoy a morning cycle-rickshaw tour of Madurai and Sri Meenakshi temple.

Day 12 Thekkady (D)

Drive to Thekkady. Guided tour of spice plantations in Cardamom Hills.

Day 13 Kerala Backwaters Homestay (L,D)

Private bus to Alleppey and riverboat to our homestay. Experience local life and enjoy guided walk along the lagoon.

Day 14 Kochi (B)

Travel back to our starting point at Fort Kochi where trip ends upon arrival. Onward travel can be booked for 4pm or later.

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