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South India Revealed

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South India Revealed

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Description

Unplug from your everyday routine and head to the beaches and backwaters of southern India on this 16-day adventure. Explore the lush landscapes, intriguing cultures, bustling bazaars and incredible cuisine of this region, all with the guidance of a local leader. Jump on and off local transport and travel through coconut groves and fishing villages, discovering the heart of the subcontinent. See ancient ruins and stunning temples, feast on spicy curries and Zen out in the relaxed towns of Varkala and Hampi. Opt to explore the Kerala Backwaters in a pole boat, plus stay with a local family in an island village. End your journey on the beautiful beaches of Goa.

Trip Name
South India Revealed
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
16
Capacity
18
Highlights
  • Discover the golden beaches and age-old fishing villages that make Goa one of India’s most popular retreats – and a perfect place to consider extending your southern India adventure.
  • Make the most of free time in Varkala, Madurai and Mysore with all the best recommendations from your local leader. Wile the afternoons away on the beach, visit nearby temples or uncover local culture at the museums.
  • Glide through the backwaters of Kerala on an optional pole boat ride, going ashore for a village stay – a scenic break from hotels and a perfect way to get close to local customs and culture.
  • Cross into Kochi – a major port city in India’s southwest. Explore the seaside Fort Kochi area and consider watching a traditional Kathakali dance performance in your free time.
  • Opt to visit a spice plantation in Periyar and breathe in the scents of cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Then, maybe go on an optional guided nature walk at Periyar National Park where you can look out for tiger tracks.

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 - Trivandrum
Welcome to India! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting this evening at 6 pm. Tonight is all about introductions, so maybe get together with your group after your meeting and head out for an optional dinner – your leader will be able to suggest the best neighbourhoods for a delicious local meal.
Day 2 - Varkala
In the morning, travel up the coast by private vehicle to the town of Varkala. Settle into your hotel, then you’ll have free time to explore the Keralan coast – home to some of India’s best beaches. Soaring cliffs protect Varkala’s sandy bay and, depending on the time of year, dolphins can be spotted from high up on the rocks. In the evening, maybe head into town to one of the numerous restaurants serving fresh, local seafood caught right off the coast.
Day 3 - Varkala
Today is a free day for you to discover Varkala at your own pace. This is a great place to sit back and relax, but if you want to get active, there are plenty of water activities on offer, like surfing and windsurfing. Even though this is a popular destination for Indian tourists, the beaches are quiet and have a laidback vibe. Take the rest of the day to relax, beachside or otherwise, before the rest of south India beckons.
Day 4 - Kerala Backwaters Homestay
This morning, board a train along the Keralan coastline to Alappuzha (Alleppey). Once an important trading port and now renowned for the annual Snake Boat race in August, Alappuzha is the starting point for most journeys into the Kerala backwaters. An auto-rickshaw will take you from the train station to your boat, which will take you to an island village. You’ll spend the night at a homestay owned and managed by a local family. Get settled, then you’ll have the option to explore the Kerala backwaters in a pole boat. Your local guide will also take you on a walk around the village, through paddy fields and small canals. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about the local ways of the backwaters.
Day 5 - Kochi
In the morning, cross the backwaters by private boat back to Alappuzha. You’ll then take a local bus to Kochi, arriving around midday. When you arrive, go for a walk around the Fort Kochi area, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. In the early evening, there’s the option to attend a classic Kathakali dance performance – a snapshot into traditional cultures of this region.
Day 6 - Kochi
Today, head to the Mattancherry part of Fort Cochin to explore the old Jewish quarter, synagogue, and Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) on a guided walking tour. After the tour, the rest of your day is free for you to do as you wish.
Day 7 - Periyar
This morning, get ready for a day of travel as you head by private vehicle to Periyar National Park. After checking in to your hotel, you might like to head out on an optional tour of a local spice farm. Walk through the winding pathways among the plantations as the scent of cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla lingers in the air. Take in the beauty of the cardamom flowers, feel the cool breeze and watch the sunlight seep in through the leaves of the pepper plants surrounding you. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed evening back at your accommodation, maybe settling in for an early night.
Day 8 - Periyar
Today is a free day – maybe head out on an optional walk around Periyar National Park. Encounters with animals in the wild are never guaranteed, and this is more of a jungle walk than an animal-spotting tour, but do keep an eye out for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants or gaur – the world's largest species of buffalo. This afternoon, you might like to unwind with an optional ayurvedic massage, watch a performance of Kalaripayattu (an ancient Indian martial art) or just relax in your scenic surroundings.
Day 9 - Madurai
In the morning, take a private transfer to Madurai. This buzzing city is crammed full of bazaars, pilgrims and cycle rickshaws. Go on a walking tour to see the highlights, then maybe visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple. This ancient temple is still in use and features a labyrinth of lamplit corridors leading to shrines.
Day 10 - Madurai
Today is a free day in Madurai. Consider heading to the Gandhi Museum to learn about the man who fought for India’s independence or wander through the 1000 pillars of Aayiram Kaal Mandapam. This is also a great opportunity to haggle with vendors at the bazaars and the tailors' market. This evening, you’ll take an overnight sleeper train to Mysore. Before you board, you may want to stock up on some extra snacks for the journey.
Day 11 - Mysuru
Disembark from your train and transfer to your hotel in Mysore – an easy-going town with a pleasant climate. Go on an orientation walk with your group, checking out the ornate Mysore Palace along the way. There’s also the option to visit the Keshava Temple in Somnathpur, which is a stunning example of Hoysala architecture.
Day 12 - Mysuru
Today is a free day in Mysore, with plenty of optional activities to keep you busy. If you’ve seen all you need to in town, maybe explore the countryside surrounding Mysore. You could climb up Chamundi Hill to the Sri Chamundeswari Temple at the top, which is dedicated to the goddess Durga. At around 7 pm tonight, meet up with your group and board an overnight train to Hampi.
Day 13 - Hampi
In the morning, arrive in Hampi and travel to your hotel. Hampi is a temple town situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Once you’re settled in, make an optional visit to the architectural masterpiece of Vittala Temple. This 16th-century temple contains mandapas (pillared pavilions), a pool, a palace and the popular stone chariot – according to Hindu mythology, this was the vehicle of the Lord Vishnu.
Day 14 - Hampi
Today, you might like to explore the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire and the huge boulders on the outskirts of town. In the early evening, board a private vehicle to Hubli, where you’ll hop on an overnight train to Goa.
Day 15 - Goa
Once your train arrives in Goa, head to the hotel and check in. Brimming with Portuguese influences and known for the sandy beaches lining its coast, Goa is a fascinating region in India's south-west. The rest of your day is free to spend however you like. Maybe relax on the beach, sip a cocktail at a local bar or go for a city walk. Tonight, why not get together with your travel crew for a beachside dinner – Goa is cause for celebration.
Day 16 - Goa
There are no activities planned for the final day and your adventure comes to an end. Goa is a great place to end the trip – if you can, it’s highly recommended you extend your stay for a couple of nights to relax and explore. If you would like to spend more time in Goa, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 1,204-
18-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 1,940-
02-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 1,840-
16-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 1,860-
23-10-202607-11-2026AUD $ 1,795-
04-11-202619-11-2026AUD $ 1,850-
06-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 1,870-
18-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 1,850-
20-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 1,850-
27-11-202612-12-2026AUD $ 2,090-
04-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 1,720-
19-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 1,720-
30-12-202614-01-2027AUD $ 1,780-
12-01-202727-01-2027AUD $ 1,185-
19-01-202703-02-2027AUD $ 1,155-
22-01-202706-02-2027AUD $ 1,155-
29-01-202713-02-2027AUD $ 1,155-
05-02-202720-02-2027AUD $ 1,185-
12-02-202727-02-2027AUD $ 1,185-
26-02-202713-03-2027AUD $ 1,185-
05-03-202720-03-2027AUD $ 1,120-
12-03-202727-03-2027AUD $ 1,120-
26-03-202710-04-2027AUD $ 1,120-
30-04-202715-05-2027AUD $ 1,120-
14-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 1,120-
04-06-202719-06-2027AUD $ 1,120-
20-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 1,120-
03-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 1,120-
01-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 1,120-
15-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 1,155-
22-10-202706-11-2027AUD $ 1,155-
29-10-202713-11-2027AUD $ 1,155-
05-11-202720-11-2027AUD $ 1,185-
12-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 1,185-
17-11-202702-12-2027AUD $ 1,185-
19-11-202704-12-2027AUD $ 1,185-
26-11-202711-12-2027AUD $ 1,185-
10-12-202725-12-2027AUD $ 1,155-
17-12-202701-01-2028AUD $ 1,185-
28-12-202712-01-2028AUD $ 1,185-
01-01-202816-01-2028AUD $ 1,245-
07-01-202822-01-2028AUD $ 1,245-
11-01-202826-01-2028AUD $ 1,245-
18-01-202802-02-2028AUD $ 1,210-
21-01-202805-02-2028AUD $ 1,210-
28-01-202812-02-2028AUD $ 1,210-
04-02-202819-02-2028AUD $ 1,245-
11-02-202826-02-2028AUD $ 1,245-
18-02-202804-03-2028AUD $ 1,245-
25-02-202811-03-2028AUD $ 1,210-
03-03-202818-03-2028AUD $ 1,175-
10-03-202825-03-2028AUD $ 1,175-
17-03-202801-04-2028AUD $ 1,175-
24-03-202808-04-2028AUD $ 1,175-
14-04-202829-04-2028AUD $ 1,175-
28-04-202813-05-2028AUD $ 1,175-
12-05-202827-05-2028AUD $ 1,175-
02-06-202817-06-2028AUD $ 1,175-
30-06-202815-07-2028AUD $ 1,175-
18-08-202802-09-2028AUD $ 1,175-
01-09-202816-09-2028AUD $ 1,175-
15-09-202830-09-2028AUD $ 1,175-
29-09-202814-10-2028AUD $ 1,175-
13-10-202828-10-2028AUD $ 1,210-
17-10-202801-11-2028AUD $ 1,210-
20-10-202804-11-2028AUD $ 1,210-
27-10-202811-11-2028AUD $ 1,210-
01-11-202816-11-2028AUD $ 1,245-
03-11-202818-11-2028AUD $ 1,245-
10-11-202825-11-2028AUD $ 1,245-
15-11-202830-11-2028AUD $ 1,245-
17-11-202802-12-2028AUD $ 1,245-
24-11-202809-12-2028AUD $ 1,245-
08-12-202823-12-2028AUD $ 1,210-
15-12-202830-12-2028AUD $ 1,245-
26-12-202810-01-2029AUD $ 1,245-

Accommodation

Local Guesthouse (1 night), Hotel (11 nights), Overnight sleeper train (3 nights)

Transport

Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Public bus, Auto rickshaw, Taxi, Train, Canoe, Boat

Map

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