9 days tour

Classic South India (6 Destinations)

$ 1,730 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $1,730.00

Classic South India (6 Destinations)

This tour includes:

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Others

Kochi - Kathakali performance Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour Munnar - Tea Museum Munnar - Echo point hill Munnar - Mattupetty Dam Munnar - Tea plantation Munnar - Martial Art Performance Munnar - Spice Plantation Periyar - Kerala cooking class Periyar - Guided Nature Walk Kerala sunset cruise (1 Hour) Kerala Backwaters - Guided walk around village Vizhinjam - Visit to Positive Change for Marine Life

Meals

9 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if weโ€™re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isnโ€™t always possible which means we wonโ€™t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. ACCOMMODATION: The hotel accommodation on this trip is in air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws. SHOWERS: Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water. WIFI: Generally, WiFi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes itโ€™s free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for WiFi access. Your group leader or local representative can assist locally in accessing the internet. ISSUES: If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representative right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.

Transport

TRANSPORT IN INDIA: Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. If you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times. TRAVEL TIMES: Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway. TRAINS: India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes. From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. Itโ€™s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip may need to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary. FLIGHTS: Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor. AUTO RICKSHAWS: On this trip we may travel in a local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts.

Not included:

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Classic South India (6 Destinations)

  • Day 1 Day 1: Kochi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Kochi

      Visit the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), which was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese before the Dutch renovated it. Then check out the oldest functioning Jewish synagogue in India, the Paradesi Synagogue. For lunch today, youโ€™ll meet a local expert and learn all about Satvik Bhojan, the ayurvedic diet. Take part in a cooking demonstration using the methods and recipes discussed, then enjoy the dishes for lunch. In the evening witness a classic Kathakali performance, a dramatic dance that combines storytelling with physical technique.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Kochi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Kochi

      In the morning, drive to Kochi, aka Cochin. Today is a long driving day, but your journey will be broken up with plenty of stops, and the fantastic scenery is sure to keep your occupied. Kochi is a veritable melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British influences. On arrival, you may like to stretch your legs and wander along the beach at sunset.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Kochi - Munnar
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Kochi - Munnar

      Drive to Karaikudi today. On arrival, check into your heritage property accommodation, an elegantly decorated mansion built in 1902. After settling in, take a walk around the village with your leader to learn about the lives of the local communities. Along the way, youโ€™ll stop off to admire havelis โ€“ these old mansions were ornately decorated as a display of wealth, and many remain around this region today.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Munnar
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Munnar

      Welcome to Chennai, India! Formerly Madras, this frenetic city is South Indiaโ€™s largest, and the perfect place to dive straight into the culture, religion and cuisine of the region. On arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with an important group meeting at 6 pm, where youโ€™ll meet your local leader and the fellow travellers joining you on your journey. If you arrive in Chennai with time to spare, perhaps take a walk along Marina Beach, check out the Santhome Cathedral or get your hands on a cup of the cityโ€™s famous filter coffee.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Munnar - Periyar
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Munnar - Periyar

      In the morning, take a guided nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (approximately 3 hours). If youโ€™re lucky, you could spot tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants and gaur โ€“ the worldโ€™s largest species of buffalo. You may also have the chance to see Bonnet macaques and the Malabar giant squirrel, a species native to India. In the afternoon, unwind with an optional ayurvedic massage or just relax in this scenic setting. Be welcomed into a local home this evening, for a dinner cooked with fragrant local produce by a palate that is finely tuned to the pepper, cloves and cinnamon that are prevalent in many Keralan dishes. Sure to be a highlight of your trip, donโ€™t forget to ask for tips on how to recreate these delicious dishes in your own home.

  • Day 6 Day 6: Periyar
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Periyar

      Drive through rubber and pineapple plantations to Thekkady. Your accommodation here is on the outskirts of Periyar National Park, perched lakeside in the ranges of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary surrounds a picturesque lake, which was formed as a result of a dam that was built in 1895. It ambles through the contours of the wooded hills and is a permanent source of water for local wildlife. This afternoon, take a tour of a local spice plantation. Here youโ€™ll gain insight on the plant life, spices, herbs, fruits and flowers of the region, and how they are used in Ayurvedic medicine. Find out how the spices are grown, harvested, dried and prepared. Later in the day, you may like to attend a demonstration of Indian martial arts (kalaripayattu) at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre.

  • Day 7 Day 7: Periyar To Kumarakom
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Periyar To Kumarakom

      Drive from Kochi to Kumarkom to your resort along the riverside. This sleepy village is quintessential Kerala backwaters, with its shady palm trees, winding waterways and traditional houseboats. On arrival, get out on the water and take a short cruise around the backwaters. Sail under palm trees and weave in between the rice fields while you see local residents going about their daily lives in this unique and tranquil environment. Dinner tonight is at a women-run restaurant, serving up fish curries, dal and idli. This venue is a favourite for its excellent local flavours and for the training and employment opportunities it provides to local women.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Kumarakom To Kovlam
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Kumarakom To Kovlam

      Your trip comes to an end after breakfast and youโ€™re free to leave the accommodation at any time.

  • Day 9 Day 9: Depart Kovalam
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Depart Kovalam

      In the morning, drive to Kovalam via Keralaโ€™s capital, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). Kovalam was once a quiet coastal village known for its export of fresh fish and coconuts, but is now one of Indiaโ€™s more popular beach resorts. Visit the ancient temple of Attukal Bhagavathy in the afternoon. If you have free time, explore the old signaling station of Anchuthengu Fort or the 16th-century Koyikkal Palace. Head out with the group for a farewell meal together tonight โ€“ the local cuisine is known for its use of coconuts, curry leaves and fresh seafood, so dig in while you have the chance.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 15 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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