Best of Southern India
14 days, Kochi to Kochi
Itinerary
Day 1Kochi
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.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
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.
Day 2Kochi
Take a orientation walk to the Dutch Palace, Jewish synagogue, and town. Enjoy a kathakali performance.
Enjoy an early morning orientation tour of Fort Kochi. Enjoy free time to explore before an evening performance of kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.
Orientation Walk
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.
Kathakali Dance
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.
Day 3Kochi/Kalpetta
Take a morning train followed by a scenic drive to reach Kalpetta, in the Wayanad district.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 4Kalpetta
Walk the nature trails in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and prehistoric Eddakal Caves.
Here, we go on nature trails in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and visit the Edakkal Caves, which are believed to have been a shelter of neolithic people.
Wayanad Nature Walk
Enjoy a nature walk in beautiful Wayanad, which is home to many endangered species and has an amazing range of flora and fauna. The area boasts a long and influential history, with numerous ancient relics like the Edakkal Caves, which depict a Stone Age civilization. Get a taste of the region's culture as we visit a local tribal village.
Day 5Kalpetta/Mudumalai
Spend the night at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides one of the most important refuges for elephants and bison in India.
We leave the hills for the plains, and stop for the night at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
Spend part of the afternoon on a short safari and spot the variety of wildlife within the park.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Mudumalai Jeep Safari
Enjoy an exciting visit to this sanctuary, a haven for Bengal tigers and Indian leopards, among other threatened species. Keep your eyes peeled: you can often see herds of endangered Indian elephants, vulnerable gaur (Indian bison), and chital (spotted deer).
Day 6Mudumalai/Mysore
Visit the Chamundi Temple and Mysore Palace.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Chamundi Temple Visit
Visit the gorgeous Chamundeshwari Temple, located on top of Chamundi Hills just outside Mysore. Enjoy its intricate architecture.
Mysore Palace Visit
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.
Day 7Mysore/Māmallapuram
Enjoy a full day of train travel to Chennai before a short bus ride to Mamallapuram.
Arrive by train to Chennai before continuing south for a short ride to the small village of Mamallapuram.
Train
Enjoy a scenic ride to the east coast aboard Indian's vast rail system. Play cards, meet your fellow passengers or let the landscapes soak in.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sunrise Shore Temple Visit
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.
Day 8Māmallapuram
Visit the Shore Temple. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Mamallapuram.
In the morning, visit the 7th century Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Free Time
Use some free time to explore all this city has to offer. Opt for a swim in the ocean or a jog along the beach, explore the monuments by bicycle or on foot, and take this opportunity to suss out all the shopping Mamallapuram is known for.
Day 9Māmallapuram/Puducherry
Continue to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry) and learn about Sri Aurobindo Ghose at the ashram.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Day 10Puducherry/Madurai
Travel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 11Madurai
Hop on a cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city before visiting the famous Meenakshi Temple.
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.
Cycle-Rickshaw Tour
Sit back and relax during this eco-friendly tour -- you'll be pulled along by a bicyclist! See the sights at a slower pace and form street level. Check out the fruit and vegetable market, watch the pressing of oil by bullocks, and the famous Gandhi museum and palace.
Meenakshi Temple Visit
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.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Meenakshi Temple Night Visit
50INR per personVisit the gorgeous Meenakshi Temple, considered to be the finest in South Indian religious architecture. Starting at 9pm, the temple is completely different than in the daytime. The nighttime rituals are filled with incense and lively people; it's truly a wonderful spectacle to behold.
Day 12Madurai/Periyār Sanctuary
Drive to Thekkady. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cardamom Hills Spice Plantation Tour
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!
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Periyar Lake Boat Ride
1050INR per personEnjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake -- it's a great way to get to know the region and spot some animals. An early morning provides the best opportunity to catch monkeys, wild boars and elephants starting their day. Periyar National Park is also home to over 200 species of birds and the view from the boat offers a unique perspective for birdwatching.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 13Thekkady/Kerala Backwaters
Take a private bus to Alleppey followed by a riverboat to a homestay. Experience local life and a guided walk along the lagoon.
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.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Your Local Living Moment: Kerala Backwaters Homestay
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).
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 14Kerala Backwaters/Kochi
Travel back to Kochi where the trip ends upon arrival.
The morning is spent enjoying the last of our host family's hospitality. Learn to cook some of the wonderful food, watch the toddy tappers at work, or wander around the village and explore more of the life on the backwaters.
Depart the homestay and travel back to Kochi. The trip ends on arrival to Kochi in the early afternoon.
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.