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Premium South India

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Premium South India

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Description

Travel off the tourist trail on this 13-day Premium adventure to discover southern India’s swaying palm trees, rolling hills and calm backwaters. Head into the home of a local family and be immersed in their culture, wander the French-inspired streets of Puducherry and explore the maze of food stalls in Madurai. Go into the wilderness of Periyar National Park to look for local wildlife and tiger tracks, watch a live kalarippayattu performance and visit tea plantations to learn how this popular beverage is grown and made. Sink into a blissful Keralite Ayurvedic massage and feel firsthand the wisdom of this ancient healing method. With local food, a converted houseboat stay and an expert local leader by your side, this will be a trip of a lifetime.

Trip Name
Premium South India
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
13
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Find out what makes Indian cuisine so special during Exclusive Experiences like an off-the-beaten-path food tour in Madurai, a home-cooked meal with a local family and a fragrant lunch at a spice plantation.
  • Enjoy a high-energy Exclusive Experience with a live performance of kalarippayattu in Thekkady – believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India.
  • Unwind with a traditional Ayurvedic massage in Kerala, learn the fundamentals of this ancient holistic healing method, and take part in an Ayurvedic cooking demo.
  • Experience a thousand shades of green as you tour a scenic tea plantation in Munnar and track footprints in search of wild elephants in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Spend a night in a converted houseboat on the Kerala backwaters – your Feature Stay for this adventure – and watch the world go by as you float along the river.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Chennai
Namaste! Welcome to India! Your adventure begins in Chennai, India’s cultural heart and fourth-largest city. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel when you arrive. Meet your fellow travellers and experienced leader at a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, you may like to visit the market stalls of Georgetown Bazaar. After your meeting, join your group for a welcome dinner at Chennai’s first chain restaurant, serving an iconic array of south Indian vegetarian dishes like idly, dosa and poori.
Day 2 - Pondicherry
This morning, leave the city behind and drive along the scenic East Coast Road to the fishing town of Mamallapuram. Visit the 8th-century Shore Temple and its mandapams (carved pillars) and watch locals pay their respects to Shiva. Later, continue to Puducherry. A French colony until 1954, the old parts of town retain a distinctly European feel, with leafy boulevards lined with houses and boutiques. When you arrive, the evening is free to explore. Puducherry has a varied food scene with Indian and classic French influences, so ask your leader where to grab dinner.
Day 3 - Pondicherry
This morning is free, then head out for a walking tour with your leader to see local temples and the French Quarter. Stroll past mustard-coloured buildings draped with vibrant bougainvillea as your leader shares stories of the revolutionaries, generals and kings who once walked these streets. Stop by the pastel pink Church of Notre Dame, then at a cafe in White Town to try local snacks, then enjoy a free evening to explore at your own pace.
Day 4 - Madurai
Continue to Madurai today, with plenty of chai stops along the way. Arrive in the late afternoon and head out on a short orientation walk to get acquainted with one of India’s oldest cities. When you’ve got your bearings, join your leader on a tour of the city’s Tamil cuisine. Madurai is bursting with street food stalls, family-owned restaurants and regional delicacies, and your leader will show you dishes that aren’t on the tourist menus. Taste mutton dosa or fish gravy as your leader shares stories of centuries-old recipes, then round out the night with Jigarthanda, Madurai’s celebrated dessert.
Day 5 - Madurai
Continue your exploration of Madurai today. Your leader will guide you through the Tailor’s Market, local bazaars and Sri Meenakshi Temple. Still in use today, this ancient temple is a maze of lamp-lit corridors leading to shrines where traditional rituals take place. Next, visit the National Gandhi Museum, dedicated to the life and achievements of India’s independence leader, then stop by the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace. This evening, immerse yourself in Tamil culture during a visit to a local family for a traditional home-cooked dinner featuring dishes like chettinad chicken, egg paratha and vegetable korma.
Day 6 - Periyar
Make your way to the countryside town of Thekkady today, driving past pineapple and rubber plantations. Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, sitting high in the Western Ghats. Stop at a spice plantation, where a local expert will help you taste, smell and learn about the spices that colour and flavour India’s cuisine. Put your new knowledge to good use during a flavoursome lunch made with spices from the plantation. The evening is yours to enjoy in Thekkady – maybe wander the spice and tea shops or relax by the palm-fringed pool at your resort.
Day 7 - Periyar
This morning, take a guided nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Your expert guide will help you look for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants and gaur – the world’s largest buffalo species. You’re most likely to encounter bonnet macaques and the Malabar giant squirrel, a species native to India. You’ll have some free time before unwinding with a traditional Keralite Ayurvedic massage, learning the fundamentals of Ayurveda – this ancient holistic healing method restores harmony between mind and body through natural therapies and herbal oils. In the evening, attend a demonstration of kalarippayattu at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre. Originating in Kerala, it’s believed to be India’s oldest surviving martial art and the high-energy fighters are a thrilling sight.
Day 8 - Munnar
This morning, drive north to Munnar – an old British hill station sitting in the surrounding valley. At 1525 m (5003 ft) above sea level, there’s likely to be a dramatic drop in temperature. When you arrive, tour a tea plantation, where a resident expert will guide you through the tea-making process. Follow narrow pathways, see workers picking the best leaves, learn how the leaves become one of the world’s most popular beverages and sample different varieties. There may be an opportunity to visit the tea museum, though opening hours are irregular and cannot be guaranteed. This evening, relax at your mountain resort.
Day 9 - Munnar
This morning, take a guided walk around the lush hills of Munnar, often shrouded in clouds. Have your camera ready as the landscape unfolds in front of you. In the afternoon, journey to the scenic Mattupetty Dam, where you’ll find a man-made lake and spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Here, you can take an optional motorboat ride around the lake. After some time to appreciate the scenery, return to Munnar for a free evening.
Day 10 - Alleppey
Drive to Kerala’s backwaters this morning and discover Alleppey’s palm-shaded waterways. Once a trading port, the town is now famed for its snake boat races. The backwaters were once busy with kettuvallams – wooden boats used to transport rice and spices. Today, these traditional vessels have been transformed into houseboats, allowing you to explore the lagoons in total comfort during your Feature Stay. Conversions use natural materials, with bamboo roofing, coir flooring and beds crafted from coconut-tree wood. These floating cottages include western toilets, private bedrooms, a dining area and an open deck where you can watch rural Kerala drift by.
Day 11 - Kochi
Enjoy a peaceful morning on the Kerala waters before driving to Kochi in the afternoon. Cochin, as it was formerly known, is spread over several islands and is a melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British influences. Join your leader on an orientation walk to see how these influences appear in the city’s architecture, restaurants and daily life. Later, take time to enjoy the city – maybe head to Princess Street for a coffee. Tonight, watch a Kathakali dance performance, a classical Indian dance from Kerala combining symbolic storytelling and physical technique.
Day 12 - Kochi
Today, take a tuk-tuk sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi. Wander antique shops and spice bazaars as your leader shows you how to haggle. Stop by the famous Chinese fishing nets, then visit Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese and later claimed by the Dutch. Continue to the Paradesi Synagogue, India’s oldest existing Jewish synagogue, then try sweets at Shantilal S. Mithaiwala, open since 1953. In the early evening, meet an Ayurvedic doctor, learn about Satvik Bhojan – the Ayurvedic diet – and join a cooking demonstration followed by dinner using the methods and recipes discussed. Kerala is widely regarded as the heartland of Ayurveda, where this ancient healing tradition has been practised and preserved for centuries.
Day 13 - Kochi
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in India, speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation or transfers.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-09-202609-10-2026AUD $ 4,184-
04-10-202616-10-2026AUD $ 3,976-
11-10-202623-10-2026AUD $ 4,184-
18-10-202630-10-2026AUD $ 4,184-
22-10-202603-11-2026AUD $ 4,092-
25-10-202606-11-2026AUD $ 4,308-
29-10-202610-11-2026AUD $ 4,216-
01-11-202613-11-2026AUD $ 4,520-
05-11-202617-11-2026AUD $ 4,656-
12-11-202624-11-2026AUD $ 4,520-
15-11-202627-11-2026AUD $ 4,656-
19-11-202601-12-2026AUD $ 4,564-
22-11-202604-12-2026AUD $ 4,520-
29-11-202611-12-2026AUD $ 4,520-
13-12-202625-12-2026AUD $ 4,436-
20-12-202601-01-2027AUD $ 4,436-
27-12-202608-01-2027AUD $ 4,436-
04-01-202716-01-2027AUD $ 5,330-
10-01-202722-01-2027AUD $ 5,330-
17-01-202729-01-2027AUD $ 5,490-
21-01-202702-02-2027AUD $ 5,490-
24-01-202705-02-2027AUD $ 5,490-
31-01-202712-02-2027AUD $ 5,650-
04-02-202716-02-2027AUD $ 5,650-
07-02-202719-02-2027AUD $ 5,755-
11-02-202723-02-2027AUD $ 5,755-
14-02-202726-02-2027AUD $ 5,755-
18-02-202702-03-2027AUD $ 5,755-
21-02-202705-03-2027AUD $ 5,650-
28-02-202712-03-2027AUD $ 5,650-
07-03-202719-03-2027AUD $ 5,650-
14-03-202726-03-2027AUD $ 5,490-
21-03-202702-04-2027AUD $ 5,490-
28-03-202709-04-2027AUD $ 5,330-
04-04-202716-04-2027AUD $ 5,330-
11-04-202723-04-2027AUD $ 5,330-
19-09-202701-10-2027AUD $ 5,330-
26-09-202708-10-2027AUD $ 5,330-
03-10-202715-10-2027AUD $ 5,490-
10-10-202722-10-2027AUD $ 5,490-
17-10-202729-10-2027AUD $ 5,490-
24-10-202705-11-2027AUD $ 5,490-
28-10-202709-11-2027AUD $ 5,650-
31-10-202712-11-2027AUD $ 5,650-
04-11-202716-11-2027AUD $ 5,650-
07-11-202719-11-2027AUD $ 5,755-
11-11-202723-11-2027AUD $ 5,755-
14-11-202726-11-2027AUD $ 5,755-
18-11-202730-11-2027AUD $ 5,755-
21-11-202703-12-2027AUD $ 5,755-
25-11-202707-12-2027AUD $ 5,650-
28-11-202710-12-2027AUD $ 5,650-
12-12-202724-12-2027AUD $ 5,490-
23-12-202704-01-2028AUD $ 5,490-
26-12-202707-01-2028AUD $ 5,330-
30-12-202711-01-2028AUD $ 5,330-
03-01-202815-01-2028AUD $ 5,595-
09-01-202821-01-2028AUD $ 5,595-
16-01-202828-01-2028AUD $ 5,765-
20-01-202801-02-2028AUD $ 5,765-
23-01-202804-02-2028AUD $ 5,765-
30-01-202811-02-2028AUD $ 5,930-
06-02-202818-02-2028AUD $ 5,930-
10-02-202822-02-2028AUD $ 6,040-
13-02-202825-02-2028AUD $ 6,040-
17-02-202829-02-2028AUD $ 6,040-
20-02-202803-03-2028AUD $ 6,040-
27-02-202810-03-2028AUD $ 5,930-
05-03-202817-03-2028AUD $ 5,930-
12-03-202824-03-2028AUD $ 5,930-
19-03-202831-03-2028AUD $ 5,765-
26-03-202807-04-2028AUD $ 5,765-
02-04-202814-04-2028AUD $ 5,595-
09-04-202821-04-2028AUD $ 5,595-
17-09-202829-09-2028AUD $ 5,595-
24-09-202806-10-2028AUD $ 5,595-
01-10-202813-10-2028AUD $ 5,595-
08-10-202820-10-2028AUD $ 5,765-
15-10-202827-10-2028AUD $ 5,765-
22-10-202803-11-2028AUD $ 5,765-
26-10-202807-11-2028AUD $ 5,765-
29-10-202810-11-2028AUD $ 5,930-
02-11-202814-11-2028AUD $ 5,930-
05-11-202817-11-2028AUD $ 5,930-
09-11-202821-11-2028AUD $ 6,040-
12-11-202824-11-2028AUD $ 6,040-
16-11-202828-11-2028AUD $ 6,040-
19-11-202801-12-2028AUD $ 6,040-
23-11-202805-12-2028AUD $ 6,040-
26-11-202808-12-2028AUD $ 5,930-
10-12-202822-12-2028AUD $ 5,930-
21-12-202802-01-2029AUD $ 5,765-
24-12-202805-01-2029AUD $ 5,765-
28-12-202809-01-2029AUD $ 5,595-

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights), Houseboat Feature Stay (1 night), Kochi Feature Stay (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry

Map

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