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Peregrine Travel Centre

Southern India

Southern India

From $ 2,650 AUD

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Description

Explore southern India on this 15-day adventure through lush lands and small villages. Beneath the green shade of a coastal paradise, you’ll meet with locals in their fishing villages and join them in bazaars, on buses and boats and for a home-cooked meal with a host family in Kerala. Watch the landscape transform from coast and tea country to the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. Visit cultural sites like the Maharaja’s Palace in Mysore, witness a traditional performance of Kathakali in Kochi and explore French-influenced Puducherry and the vast landscape of Periyar. Southern India’s spirituality, national parks and the warm people make it a fascinating and enriching place to explore.

Trip Name
Southern India
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore the waterfalls, tea plantations and spice markets of southern India’s Western Ghats – a jungle-clad mountain range older than the Himalayas and one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
  • Step back in time among the hills of the British ‘Snooty Ooty’ and take in countryside views along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
  • Search for elusive wildlife, including elephants, sloth bears and rare birds on a safari around one of the best places in India to observe nature up close – Periyar National Park.
  • Go on a punt boat ride through the Kerala backwaters, taking in the tranquil scenery. Then, be welcomed into a local family home in an island village.
  • Get a taste of regional life, cuisine and hospitality when you share home-cooked meals with local families in Mysore, Periyar and the Kerala backwaters.

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 - Kochi
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Kochi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see and do. You might like to wander down to the shore and seek out the huge Chinese fishing nets dotted along the coast of Fort Kochi or head to Princess Street and kick back with a cup of coffee. Tonight, maybe head to dinner to get to know your group and try some delicious local dishes like kappa biryani (made with tapioca, roasted coconut and meat or veggies) or appam (thin pancakes typically served with stew).
Day 2 - Kochi
This morning, get to know Kochi on a leader-led orientation walk and city tour. Take a tuk-tuk to Mattancherry and drop by the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century before it was renovated and presented to the Rajas of Cochin by the Dutch. Next, wander around the spice bazaars and antique stores of Fort Kochi. You can also opt to visit the Paradesi Synagogue – the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth and home to many rare antiques. In the evening, you’ll watch a traditional performance of Kathakali – this Keralan dance is an ornately costumed display of storytelling, requiring complete control of the body.
Day 3 - Conoor
Buckle up, because most of today will be spent travelling. Catch a train to Coimbatore, then travel by private vehicle to Coonoor – known for its tea estates in the surrounding Nilgiri Hills. Watch the lush scenery pass you by, get stuck into a good book or play road trip games with your fellow travellers. When you arrive in Coonoor, join your group for dinner at your accommodation.
Day 4 - Conoor
Spend the morning on an orientation walk in Coonoor and visit a tea plantation to learn about the history of tea production. Later, board Ooty’s famous toy train for a ride along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Be sure to get a window seat for great views over the open countryside. Spend the rest of the day exploring Ooty’s Botanical Gardens, which are home to more than 650 species of plants and trees. There’s also the option to go for a boat ride on the lake.
Day 5 - Bandipur National Park
Make the short drive to hilltop town of Bandipur today. Here, you’ll visit Mudumalai National Park – set against the backdrop of the Nilgiri Hills, this park was once the Mysore Maharaja's private hunting ground. In 1974, it was protected under Project Tiger and it’s now one of the best sanctuaries in India to observe wildlife in close proximity. Embark on a short safari in search of tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, sambars and spotted deer. There's also a variety of birdlife to spot – you might even see the critically endangered white-rumped vulture or long-billed vulture.
Day 6 - Mysore
Travel by private vehicle across the scenic Karnataka plains to Mysore – an easy-going town with a pleasant climate, perfect for exploring on foot. When you arrive, you’ll head to local family’s home for a home-cooked lunch of traditional favourites. Get to know the family, who will show you how they make incense – one of the traditional crafts from Mysore. Once you see how it’s made, maybe even have a go yourself! Then, head out on an orientation walk around the town to get your bearings. No visit to Mysore is complete without a look around Mysore Palace – one of the most ornate palaces in India, its interior is full of colour, mosaics and mirrors.
Day 7 - Mysore
This morning, you’ll climb Chamundi Hill to the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. After, continue to the Keshava Temple in the small town of Somanathapura – an excellent example of Hoysala architecture. You’ll also have some time to visit Tipu Sultan’s mausoleum in Srirangapatna. You can also opt to return to Mysore for a palm reading or catch a film at the local cinema. Tonight, board an overnight sleeper train to Chennai.
Day 8 - Mamallapuram
Arrive in Chennai and take a private vehicle along the scenic East Coast Road to Mamallapuram. Explore this ancient seaport town by tuk-tuk, paying a visit to the 7th-century Shore Temple and the enormous bas-relief rock carving known as Arjuna's Penance. You’ll also have time to check out the town’s numerous mandapams (pillared temple pavilions), watch local stonemasons at work or simply kick back and relax at a beachside restaurant.
Day 9 - Pondicherry
Travel by private vehicle today through palm trees and rice paddies to Puducherry (Pondicherry). When you arrive, head out with your group and leader on a walking tour to see local temples, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the French Quarter. Once a French colony, you’ll see the evidence of French influence in Puducherry's architecture, its wide town squares and even in the police uniforms!
Day 10 - Madurai
Drive to the temple city of Madurai today. Madurai’s Tamil roots stretch back 2500 years, making it one of the oldest cities in India. Wander the lamp-lit labyrinth of the Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and the goddess Meenakshi.
Day 11 - Periyar
This morning, travel by private vehicle along a winding road to Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. High in the ranges of the Western Ghats, the park is set among stunning scenery and is the most popular wildlife sanctuary in southern India. For the next two days, you’ll get to explore the national park on foot and see firsthand why this spot is so renowned. Go on a tour of a local spice plantation, then join your local family hosts for a meal where you’ll try some of the authentic home-cooked flavours of southern India.
Day 12 - Periyar
Venture back into Periyar National Park today for a nature walk led by local guides who have lived in the area for generations and are very knowledgeable about the area’s flora and fauna. Encounters with animals in the wild are never guaranteed, and this is more of a jungle walk to see the beautiful natural scenery than an animal spotting tour, but do look out for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants or gaur – the world's largest species of buffalo. In the afternoon, unwind with an optional ayurvedic massage at your accommodation or just relax and soak up your surroundings with a drink in hand.
Day 13 - Kerala Backwaters Homestay
Today, drive through tea, rubber and coffee plantations on the way to the backwaters of Kerala. When you arrive, you’ll board a motorboat to cross to the island village where you’ll stay with a local family tonight. In the late afternoon, explore the island with your homestay host. This is a great chance to meet locals and learn more about their unique way of life. Take a leisurely punt boat ride around the waterways and take in the scenery. Tonight, share stories over a traditional home-cooked Keralan meal with your host family.
Day 14 - Kochi
Rise early this morning before crossing the backwaters by private boat, headed to Alleppey. From here, you’ll take a bus back to Kochi. The rest of the day is free for you to choose your own adventure. You might like to stroll down Princess Street for a spot of shopping or book yourself into a southern Indian cooking class – your group leader will have more great recommendations, so be sure to ask them to help you plan your day. Tonight, why not gather with your group for a night out at a local restaurant and maybe try some pazham pori (fried banana or plantain fritters).
Day 15 - Kochi
With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Kochi, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-09-202618-09-2026AUD $ 2,650-
11-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 2,795-
18-09-202602-10-2026AUD $ 2,795-
02-10-202616-10-2026AUD $ 2,795-
09-10-202623-10-2026AUD $ 2,850-
11-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 2,980-
16-10-202630-10-2026AUD $ 2,980-
23-10-202606-11-2026AUD $ 2,980-
25-10-202608-11-2026AUD $ 2,980-
30-10-202613-11-2026AUD $ 2,980-
01-11-202615-11-2026AUD $ 2,980-
06-11-202620-11-2026AUD $ 2,980-
13-11-202627-11-2026AUD $ 3,060-
15-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 3,030-
20-11-202604-12-2026AUD $ 3,090-
24-11-202608-12-2026AUD $ 3,030-
04-12-202618-12-2026AUD $ 3,090-
11-12-202625-12-2026AUD $ 3,030-
13-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 3,030-
18-12-202601-01-2027AUD $ 3,030-
20-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 3,030-
27-12-202610-01-2027AUD $ 2,980-
01-01-202715-01-2027AUD $ 3,010-
03-01-202717-01-2027AUD $ 3,010-
08-01-202722-01-2027AUD $ 3,010-
12-01-202726-01-2027AUD $ 3,010-
15-01-202729-01-2027AUD $ 3,010-
19-01-202702-02-2027AUD $ 3,010-
22-01-202705-02-2027AUD $ 3,010-
26-01-202709-02-2027AUD $ 3,010-
29-01-202712-02-2027AUD $ 3,010-
31-01-202714-02-2027AUD $ 3,010-
02-02-202716-02-2027AUD $ 3,090-
09-02-202723-02-2027AUD $ 3,090-
14-02-202728-02-2027AUD $ 3,090-
18-02-202704-03-2027AUD $ 3,090-
21-02-202707-03-2027AUD $ 3,090-
23-02-202709-03-2027AUD $ 3,090-
26-02-202712-03-2027AUD $ 3,090-
28-02-202714-03-2027AUD $ 3,090-
07-03-202721-03-2027AUD $ 3,090-
12-03-202726-03-2027AUD $ 3,090-
14-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 3,010-
21-03-202704-04-2027AUD $ 2,920-
26-03-202709-04-2027AUD $ 2,920-
02-04-202716-04-2027AUD $ 2,920-
09-04-202723-04-2027AUD $ 2,920-
16-04-202730-04-2027AUD $ 2,920-
10-09-202724-09-2027AUD $ 2,920-
17-09-202701-10-2027AUD $ 2,920-
24-09-202708-10-2027AUD $ 2,920-
01-10-202715-10-2027AUD $ 2,920-
05-10-202719-10-2027AUD $ 2,920-
08-10-202722-10-2027AUD $ 2,920-
10-10-202724-10-2027AUD $ 2,920-
15-10-202729-10-2027AUD $ 2,920-
22-10-202705-11-2027AUD $ 3,010-
29-10-202712-11-2027AUD $ 3,010-
31-10-202714-11-2027AUD $ 3,090-
05-11-202719-11-2027AUD $ 3,090-
07-11-202721-11-2027AUD $ 3,090-
09-11-202723-11-2027AUD $ 2,920-
12-11-202726-11-2027AUD $ 3,150-
14-11-202728-11-2027AUD $ 3,150-
16-11-202730-11-2027AUD $ 2,920-
19-11-202703-12-2027AUD $ 3,150-
23-11-202707-12-2027AUD $ 3,150-
26-11-202710-12-2027AUD $ 3,150-
28-11-202712-12-2027AUD $ 2,920-
03-12-202717-12-2027AUD $ 3,150-
10-12-202724-12-2027AUD $ 3,150-
12-12-202726-12-2027AUD $ 3,150-
14-12-202728-12-2027AUD $ 3,150-
17-12-202731-12-2027AUD $ 3,150-
19-12-202702-01-2028AUD $ 3,150-
23-12-202706-01-2028AUD $ 3,150-
26-12-202709-01-2028AUD $ 3,150-
30-12-202713-01-2028AUD $ 2,920-
31-12-202714-01-2028AUD $ 2,780-
02-01-202816-01-2028AUD $ 2,780-
07-01-202821-01-2028AUD $ 2,780-
11-01-202825-01-2028AUD $ 2,780-
14-01-202828-01-2028AUD $ 2,780-
18-01-202801-02-2028AUD $ 2,780-
21-01-202804-02-2028AUD $ 2,780-
25-01-202808-02-2028AUD $ 2,780-
28-01-202811-02-2028AUD $ 2,780-
30-01-202813-02-2028AUD $ 2,780-
01-02-202815-02-2028AUD $ 2,780-
08-02-202822-02-2028AUD $ 2,780-
13-02-202827-02-2028AUD $ 2,780-
17-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 2,780-
20-02-202805-03-2028AUD $ 2,780-
22-02-202807-03-2028AUD $ 2,780-
25-02-202810-03-2028AUD $ 2,780-
27-02-202812-03-2028AUD $ 2,780-
05-03-202819-03-2028AUD $ 2,780-
10-03-202824-03-2028AUD $ 2,780-
12-03-202826-03-2028AUD $ 2,780-
19-03-202802-04-2028AUD $ 2,780-
24-03-202807-04-2028AUD $ 2,780-
31-03-202814-04-2028AUD $ 2,780-
07-04-202821-04-2028AUD $ 2,780-
14-04-202828-04-2028AUD $ 2,780-
08-09-202822-09-2028AUD $ 2,780-
15-09-202829-09-2028AUD $ 2,780-
22-09-202806-10-2028AUD $ 2,780-
29-09-202813-10-2028AUD $ 2,780-
03-10-202817-10-2028AUD $ 2,780-
06-10-202820-10-2028AUD $ 2,780-
08-10-202822-10-2028AUD $ 2,780-
13-10-202827-10-2028AUD $ 2,780-
20-10-202803-11-2028AUD $ 2,780-
27-10-202810-11-2028AUD $ 2,780-
29-10-202812-11-2028AUD $ 2,780-
03-11-202817-11-2028AUD $ 2,780-
05-11-202819-11-2028AUD $ 2,780-
07-11-202821-11-2028AUD $ 2,780-
10-11-202824-11-2028AUD $ 2,780-
12-11-202826-11-2028AUD $ 2,780-
14-11-202828-11-2028AUD $ 2,780-
17-11-202801-12-2028AUD $ 2,780-
21-11-202805-12-2028AUD $ 2,780-
24-11-202808-12-2028AUD $ 2,780-
26-11-202810-12-2028AUD $ 2,780-
01-12-202815-12-2028AUD $ 2,780-
08-12-202822-12-2028AUD $ 2,780-
10-12-202824-12-2028AUD $ 2,780-
12-12-202826-12-2028AUD $ 2,780-
15-12-202829-12-2028AUD $ 2,780-
17-12-202831-12-2028AUD $ 2,780-
21-12-202804-01-2029AUD $ 2,780-
24-12-202807-01-2029AUD $ 2,780-
28-12-202811-01-2029AUD $ 2,780-

Accommodation

Homestay (1 night), Hotel (12 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Boat, Bus, Cycle rickshaw, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle

Map

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