14 days tour

The Tropical South

$ 2,175 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $2,175.00

The Tropical South

This tour includes:

Guide

Our Indian team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Indian culture than letting an Indian guide show you around their country.

Meals

All breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners are included. Dinner is included at the homestay, and we also include a dinner and cooking demonstration with a local family in Periyar (Thekkady). The houseboat is full board. You should allow at least 1,650 rupees (approximately US$20) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In most of the towns there is a good choice of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western-style foods. If you are a vegetarian, India is probably one of the best destinations to visit. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap but a (large) bottle of beer is approximately 500 rupees (US$6). Please note, due to Kerala state laws, alcohol licenses are limited to one or two bars in each area and not all hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. The first day of every month and certain holidays in India are dry days, when no alcohol is permitted for sale. Mineral water is available in the bus in large containers so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.

Others

All listed activities

Accommodation

We spend our nights in a mixture of hotels, a homestay and on a traditional Keralan houseboat. Our hotels are all in the heart of the towns we stop in. Your first hotel in Kochi is conveniently situated in the commercial hub, close to the main textile and jewellery shops plus plenty of restaurants. The homestay is a taste of rural life, while also being away from the bustle and a chance to unplug. The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip. Peppervine Hotel, Thekkady The four-star Peppervine is conventiently located for our adventures, close to Periyar Tiger Reserve and a short walk from Kumily town (the local town name of Thekkady) where youโ€™ll find plenty of shopping options, including locally grown spices and an eclectic assortment of souvenirs. Surrounded by woodland, the hotel offers comfort and tranquillity, with spacious bedrooms, an outdoor swimming pool and open-air restaurant. So close to wildlife, you wonโ€™t find it hard to spot the monkeys swinging in the neighbouring trees as you relax. Planters Homestay, Erattupetta Enjoy true Keralan hospitality at your homestay. The main homestay, where all meals and activities take place, is a cosy mansion from the 1930s. On arrival, we are greeted with a warm welcome by Mrs Grace, the family matriarch, who opens her home and kitchen to you. Due to the limited number of rooms at her home, we also use a second family home as needed, a five-minute walk down the path. All rooms are equipped with a wet room-style private bathroom and come with a fan (a few have air conditioning). You wonโ€™t find any porter service here, so you may wish to pack a smaller overnight bag for this stay. Keralan houseboat, Alleppey No trip to Kerala is complete without a houseboat stay. Typically, the boats are converted barges (known locally as kettuvallam), once used to transport rice from farm to market. All cabins have private bathrooms and the staff will keep you well fed. The houseboats have a deck and dining area, although the style/layout varies between boats. There is a cook, driver and assistants for each boat and the food is traditional Keralan fare using local produce. Houseboats have two to five twin-bedded rooms. Larger groups may be split over several boats; however, the group reunites at riverside stops and the overnight anchor point where your leader will be available. Worth knowing Indian hotels usually do not have heating. However, you can request more blankets or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room (subject to availability). Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter. The electrical sockets at the homestay are the older-style Indian sockets so European/US plugs do not fit here. Be sure to charge devices/powerpacks fully before you arrive. Please note, single rooms are very limited at the homestay and houseboat so cannot be guaranteed and you may be required to twin share on these two nights.

Transport

All transport, unless otherwise stated, is by private air-conditioned car or minibus, and backwater cruising in typical Keralan houseboat. Some optional excursions, particularly in Madurai, use tuk tuks to navigate the busy traffic. These are sourced by our Leader or local guide on the day.

Not included:

Others

โ€” Travel insurance โ€” Visas and vaccinations โ€” Single supplement

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip The Tropical South

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Kochi; Optional Afternoon Harbour Cruise Around Fort Kochi And Explore Historic Spice Port
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Kochi; Optional Afternoon Harbour Cruise Around Fort Kochi And Explore Historic Spice Port

      The adventure starts in Kochi (formerly Cochin) on the Malabar (or Pepper) Coast. Itโ€™s believed to have been the first European settlement in the country and retains a relaxed atmosphere, despite recent growth. You can arrive at the hotel at any time, but check-in is normally from 2pm. After, we have free time to explore or relax. Alternatively, for those arriving in time, join an afternoon harbour cruise around Fort Kochi (please arrive at the hotel by 1pm to join the cruise). Accommodation: Abad Atrium Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Sightseeing Around Kochi (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Sightseeing Around Kochi (Breakfast)

      Today we take a sightseeing tour of Kochi, taking in the adjacent historic neighbourhoods of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. In Fort Kochi, weโ€™ll visit St Francis Church, where Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama died in 1524; see Santa Cruz Cathedral, originally used as a warehouse by the British; and wander past fishing nets lining the harbour entrance, which were introduced by the Chinese in the late-14th century. In Mattancherry, we visit Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in the mid-1500s in a traditional Keralan style, and Jew Town, once home to a Jewish community and now a great place to peruse antique shops and warehouses. Those interested can visit Thomas Chettan in the Little Queen Embroidery shop to learn about hand lace work, a dying art using bobbin lace. There is the option in the late afternoon to see a Kathakali dance performance. Please note, a similar show is also available in Periyar on Day 8. Accommodation: Abad Atrium (or similar)

  • Day 3 Day 3: To Munnar; Afternoon Visit To Srishi, A Social Service Organisation For Tea Pickers (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: To Munnar; Afternoon Visit To Srishi, A Social Service Organisation For Tea Pickers (Breakfast)

      After breakfast, we drive away from the coastal plain to Munnar, which is set among the highest mountains in Kerala. The drive is 100mi (160km) and should take approximately five to six hours. Munnar is a beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats, once a summer resort for the British government. It is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams (Mudrapauzha, Naliathanii and Kundala) and is surrounded by lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates. Anamudi, the highest peak in southern India at 9,725ft (2,695m), dominates the skyline and the many smaller peaks are a walkerโ€™s paradise. In the afternoon, we visit Srishti, a charitable trust aiming to improve life for people with disabilities from the tea planter families of Munnar. They are trained for three industries โ€“ deli (bakery), aranya (cloth dyeing) and atulya (paper making). Itโ€™s wonderful to see their work and learn about the organic products used for dyeing and making paper. Please note, the Srishti organisation is closed on public/religious holidays and may also close at short notice due to operational reasons. Your tour leader will update you on any changes to the itinerary in these instances. Accommodation: Eastend Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 4 Day 4: Morning Trek Through Tea Plantations And The Munnar Hills (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Morning Trek Through Tea Plantations And The Munnar Hills (Breakfast)

      After an early breakfast, we take a short drive through old Munnar and travel down to the tiny village of Nagarmudi, where we start our trek accompanied by a local guide. It begins with a long, gradual ascent winding through tea plantations and then climbs into the Seven Malai Hills. Our hard work is rewarded with spectacular views over Chittrapuram Dam, Changulam Lake, Anamudi, Munnar and other villages (weather dependent). We then descend back to our vehicle. Please note, there are a couple of steep ascents and descents on this trek, but the pace is slow and steady with plenty of rest stops along the way. In the afternoon, there is also an optional visit to a tea museum followed by an optional tea-tasting session. Accommodation: Eastend Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 5 Day 5: To Madurai; Optional Closing Ceremony At The Sri Meenakshi Temple (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: To Madurai; Optional Closing Ceremony At The Sri Meenakshi Temple (Breakfast)

      Leaving Kerala, we drive 100mi (165km) through the hills to the colourful temple town of Madurai, in Tamil Nadu. The drive should take approximately six to seven hours, arriving mid-afternoon. After an early dinner, you can join an optional tour to witness the nightly closing ceremony at the Sri Meenakshi Temple. You are whisked into the city centre in a tuk tuk convoy, led by your local guide, to a historic Hindu temple on the bank of the River Vaigai dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareshwara. The ceremony can happen at any time after the temple closes for the night (approximately 9.30pm), so you may need to wait for an hour or so to witness the extraordinary procession but itโ€™s well worth it. Your local guide will walk you through the temple explaining the purpose of the ceremony and bringing the temple history and culture to life. We recommend applying mosquito repellent before leaving for the temple (including feet as you are barefoot inside). You will likely be back at the hotel, depending on the ceremony time, between 10.30pm and 11pm. Accommodation: Hotel Germanus (or similar)

  • Day 6 Day 6: Dawn City Walk With Sri Meenakshi Temple Visit. Afternoon Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, And Flower Market Tour (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Dawn City Walk With Sri Meenakshi Temple Visit. Afternoon Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, And Flower Market Tour (Breakfast)

      We rise early morning for what many consider a highlight of this trip! Walking in small groups through Madurai as the sunrises and the city wakes, we observe the community going about their everyday life: milking cows, creating kolams (intricate artworks on the floor) and preparing breakfast at roadside food stalls. Along the way, try local drinks and a snack to keep you going. Ending the morning walk at the most famous landmark in the city, we visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple, an outstanding example of Vijayanagar temple architecture, built between the 16th and 18th century. It is a hive of activity and the scene of an almost continuous religious festival. We return to the hotel for a late breakfast and relax. This afternoon, we delve back into the city, this time taking in the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, built in 1636 in the Indo-Mughal style by the Nayak dynasty, and the Gandhi Memorial Museum, where you can see a visual biography of Gandhi containing photos, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and copies of his letters. After the memorial visit, we stop at the local flower market before returning to the hotel. In the evening, there are many restaurants to visit; some of the best are on rooftops with fantastic city views. Accommodation: Hotel Germanus (or similar)

  • Day 7 Day 7: To Thekkady; Cooking Demonstration In Local Family Home (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: To Thekkady; Cooking Demonstration In Local Family Home (Breakfast,Dinner)

      Leaving Madurai in the morning, we drive to the small bustling village of Thekkady. The drive is spectacular as the road climbs through the Western Ghats and we have fantastic views across Tamil Nadu (driving time approximately four to five hours). In the afternoon, we have free time to explore the village and bazaar, where we can visit shops selling cardamom, vanilla, peppercorns, turmeric and other spices. The whole area is a centre for spice growing, and this evening there is a short walk around a spice garden, where we see many different spices growing. We then have a special dinner and a cooking demonstration with a local family in their home. Accommodation: Peppervine Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 8 Day 8: Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary; Morning Jungle Walk Followed By An Optional Boat Trip On The Lake (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary; Morning Jungle Walk Followed By An Optional Boat Trip On The Lake (Breakfast)

      Before breakfast, we join our local guide for a nature walk in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest parks in India (approximately two to three hours) and return to our hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, there is the option to join a boat cruise on the lake. This is an ideal way to get close to the animals and we may spot elephants, otters, wild pigs and buffalos. There is also an abundance of bird life โ€“ kingfishers, storks and hornbills are the most spotted. Tickets can be purchased online in advance (approximately 900 rupees/US$10.90 per person, minimum four people). We recommend doing this to avoid a long wait at the ticket office. Please inform your leader on Day 1 if you wish to book this in advance as itโ€™s also popular with domestic tourists and last-minute booking requests may lead to disappointment. Other optional activities today include an Ayurvedic massage, Kathakali dance show, and a martial arts performance. Accommodation: Peppervine Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 9 Day 9: To Erattupetta Planters Homestay (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: To Erattupetta Planters Homestay (Breakfast,Dinner)

      Leaving the hills, we head to Erattupetta Planters Homestay, a 1930s home, where polished concrete walls, antique radios, gramophones and telephones offer a glimpse into a bygone era. This is a family home at heart, but you are a welcomed guest, greeted by Grace, the family matriarch who resides here with her son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. Surrounded by tall rubber trees and tropical fruit trees, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore rural life in Kerala with an afternoon village walk and visit to a rubber plantation to see rubber-tapping techniques. With the bird songs, cool breeze and rustle of trees, this is also a great place to relax. Optional yoga activities can be arranged locally on request (cost subject to group size). Accommodation: Erattupetta Planters Homestay

  • Day 10 Day 10: To Kumarakom; Shikara Boat Ride And Village Walk (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: To Kumarakom; Shikara Boat Ride And Village Walk (Breakfast)

      We head to Kumarakom, a cluster of small, picturesque islands around Vembanad Lake. After checking into our hotel, we head out on a Kumarakom village walk. Championed by Responsible Tourism Mission of Kerala, this experience aims to benefit the local communities we visit through introducing them to the economic and social benefits of tourism, educating and offering their products and services to visitors. It also helps local people to interact with tourists, providing a platform for showcasing their talents. The village we visit is well acclaimed for its backwaters, delicious cuisines and greenery. Your journey begins in a shikhara boat, cruising over a lake flanked by lush foliage, while birds fly overhead as we arrive at the banks of Manjira village. Through our local village guide and the community, we learn about many of their practices and products. Experts demonstrate ways of climbing a coconut tree: the laborious traditional way using a thalappu and the modern technique. We watch the fascinating process of coir-making and the art of weaving coconut leaves with a chance to try both crafts. Watch in awe as a skilled fisherman casts his net and catches a few fish with ease and enjoy a stroll by the green paddy fields. For a light refreshment, try a freshly cut coconut from their own grove before learning about the famed Kerala toddy, a specialty of the area. See how the alcoholic drink is made and taste it fresh from the pot. Throughout the walk, we learn about the unique plants and spices surrounding the village and are invited into homes to see traditional and unique crafts. Accommodation: Renai Greenfields hotel (or similar)

  • Day 11 Day 11: Board Houseboat For Backwater Cruise (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Board Houseboat For Backwater Cruise (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Before breakfast, in the cool morning air, we have the chance to explore the surrounding villages by foot and gain an insight into traditional life, finishing at a Hindu temple. After breakfast, we start our journey at the Coir Museum, learning how coconut husks were historically manufactured and how so many products we use daily are created. We board our houseboat at midday and begin our cruise along the Kerala backwaters. The houseboat cruise is one of the trip highlights โ€“ these enchanting boats, built of anjili (wild jack) wood and bamboo, transported goods for hundreds of years. Now they have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise boats. As our boat meanders through tropical vegetation, we can see prolific bird life and gain a different perspective on village life. The cruise takes us along shallow, palm-fringed canals where coconut fibre, coconut meat, and cashews are loaded onto dugout canoes. In the evening, the boat is anchored by a bank and we watch the sun set over the paddy fields. Accommodation: Houseboat

  • Day 12 Day 12: Leave Houseboat And Drive To Kovalam (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Leave Houseboat And Drive To Kovalam (Breakfast)

      After breakfast, we leave our houseboat in Alleppey and drive (approximately four to five hours) along the scenic Malabar Coast to the beach town of Kovalam. We visit Mannarasala temple en route, which is decorated with more than 100,000 images of snakes. Couples seeking fertility come here and your tour leader will explain the origin of snake worshiping. Continuing, we pass through Quilon for a tea break before arriving at our destination. Once a relaxing hideaway on the old hippie trail, Kovalam has now been discovered, but the influx of tourism has not diminished this beautiful setting. The hotel is within walking distance of Lighthouse Beach, and we have time to explore the waterfront shops and restaurants this afternoon. Accommodation: Soma Palmshore (or similar)

  • Day 13 Day 13: Free Time To Relax On The Beach Or Join An Optional Trip To Kanyakumari (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Free Time To Relax On The Beach Or Join An Optional Trip To Kanyakumari (Breakfast)

      Today is free to unwind on the soft, sandy beach or visit the shops for last-minute souvenirs. This is a great chance to enjoy fresh seafood from one of the many small beach restaurants. Try tandoori dishes โ€“ the clay ovens add an exquisite taste to bread and curries. You could also join an optional dayโ€™s sightseeing from Kovalam to Kanyakumari, the end point of India where three oceans meet: the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. If itโ€™s open, the trip can also take in the old wooden palace at Padmanabhapuram (extra cost), a marvellous building with fantastic wood carvings, and the Hindu temple at Suchindran, with amazing stone carvings. This trip can be booked and paid for locally. Please note, it is a long day (approximately 8am-6pm) and roads can be prone to traffic delays, but itโ€™s always a popular activity. Accommodation: Soma Palmshore (or similar)

  • Day 14 Day 14: End Kovalam (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: End Kovalam (Breakfast)

      The adventure ends today. Begin your return journey home or, if youโ€™d like a bit more time to explore Kovalam, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay. Please note, airport security does not permit any spices/pepper to be carried in hand luggage so please pack these in your main luggage. Electronic devices and batteries should be packed in hand luggage as these are not permitted in your hold/main luggage.

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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

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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