Southern India
15 days ex Kochi
Admire the mish-mash of colonial styles in Fort Kochi, Experience island life on a homestay, Savour the scents of spice and tea plantations, Join pilgrims in Madurai, Soak up the French influences in Pondicherry, Cycle around the fishing village of Mamallapuram, Be lit up by the lights of Mysore, Safari into the jungle, Learn the secrets of snooker in Ooty
Lush, tropical southern India is an inspiration. Amid the green shades of a coastal paradise, encounter locals in their fishing villages and tribal homes. Join them in the bazaars, and on buses and boats, or even on pilgrimage in Madurai, the city of temples. South India's spirituality, mist-clad Nilgiri ranges, friendly people and wild animal sanctuaries make this a fabulous part of India to explore.
Physical Rating: 2
Culture Shock Rating: 3
Accommodation: Guesthouses/hotels (11 nts), village family homestay (1 nt), dormitory accommodation (1 nt) overnight train (1 nt)
Transportation: Overnight train, ferry, private boat, local bus, cycle and auto-rickshaw
Trip Style: Intrepid Original
Group Size: Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Departure: Departure is guaranteed
Budget: Allow USD $225 for meals not included.
Lush, tropical southern India is an inspiration. Amid the green shades of a coastal paradise, encounter locals in their fishing villages and tribal homes. Join them in the bazaars, and on buses and boats, or even on pilgrimage in Madurai, the city of temples. South India's spirituality, mist-clad Nilgiri ranges, friendly people and wild animal sanctuaries make this a fabulous part of India to explore.
Physical Rating: 2
Culture Shock Rating: 3
Accommodation: Guesthouses/hotels (11 nts), village family homestay (1 nt), dormitory accommodation (1 nt) overnight train (1 nt)
Transportation: Overnight train, ferry, private boat, local bus, cycle and auto-rickshaw
Trip Style: Intrepid Original
Group Size: Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Departure: Departure is guaranteed
Budget: Allow USD $225 for meals not included.
Call (661) 399-9515 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6067566
- Tour Operator
- Intrepid Travel
- Duration
- 15 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Days 1-2 | Kochi | Visit fragrant spice bazaars, antique shops and a Dutch palace in Fort Kochi, a fascinating mix of colonial influences. |
| Day 3 | Keralan backwaters | Experience Keralan life on an island homestay. Meet the local families, dine on traditional food and explore the island and its meandering backwaters on a sunset boat ride. |
| Days 4-5 | Periyar National Park | Travel through rubber, tea, coffee and spice plantations by boat. At Periyar National Park, join a forest guide to try and track herds of elephants. |
| Day 6 | Madurai | Colourful and chaotic, this is southern India at its lively best. Visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple, a labyrinth of lamp-lit corridors and shrines, to witness mysterious rituals. Wander through the tailors' market and maybe visit the Ghandi Museum. |
| Day 7 | Pondicherry | Follow the scenic coastal road to the French-influenced Pondicherry. Nearby is Auroville, home to the world's largest crystal. |
| Days 8-9 | Mamallapuram | Cycle around the Shore Temples and massive rock carving known as Arjuna's Penance. |
| Day 10 | Mysore | See the incredible illuminations at Mysore Palace and witness a puja ceremony in Chamundi Hill. |
| Day 11 | Masinagudi | Stay in a jungle retreat at the foot of the Nilgiri Mountains. Safari into the wilds of Bandipur National Park to try and spot tigers, leopards, elephants and spotted deer. |
| Days 12-13 | Ootacamund | Take a walk in the Eucalyptus-covered Nilgiri Mountains and tea plantations of 'Ooty', stopping at a tea factory for a lesson in brewing. |
| Days 14-15 | Kochi | There's time for more sightseeing and shopping in vibrant Kochi. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- * The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rates current at the time of printing/posting. Intrepid reserves the right to alter these prices at any time. For trips departing between 01 January 2007 and 31 December 2007, the land price of your trip is guaranteed when you have paid in full. For trips departing beyond 31 December 2007, prices are indicative only. The itineraries and dates online and in our printed brochures are applicable from 01 January 2007 until 31 December 2007. Beyond 31 December 2007 dates and itineraries are indicative only and are subject to change. All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at time of printing/posting, but please note that changes to our trips (which can be significant) can and do occur. Intrepid will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes, but cannot be held liable for any alterations made to the published itineraries. Please refer to our website for the most recent update to any trip. Please note that these conditions apply to Intrepid group trips only. Variations may apply for Intrepid Independent trips. Loss of monies paid applies to all cancelled reservations. The date of trip cancellation is the date on which the written cancellation is received by Intrepid. Please ask your Travel Agent about our full Booking and Cancellation Conditions.
