Over View
From calm Kerala backwaters and spice plantations to incredible temples and searching for tigers in the wild, have your camera ready as you experience the highlights of Southern India. This two-week adventure offers a great balance of guided excursions and free time to explore on your own. Travelling by train, bus, rickshaw, and country boats will bring you closer to the locals and is a fascinating way to gain insight into the peaceful backwaters of Kerala and stunning temples of Tamilnadu.
Itineraries
Day 1
Kochi
Arrive at any time.
Day 2
Kochi
Enjoy a morning orientation walk of Fort Kochi. After, take some free time to explore before an evening performance of kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.
Day 3
KochiKalpetta
Take a morning train followed by a scenic drive to reach Kalpetta, in the Wayanad district.
Day 4
Kalpetta
Walk the nature trails through the forested areas in Wayanad. Also take a wildlife drive in search of elephants and bison.
Day 5
KalpettaMysore
Settle in for the drive to the ancient city of Mysore.
Day 6
Mysore
Explore the vibrant city of Mysore including visits to Chamundi Temple and Mysore Palace. After enjoy free time and opt to visit the Devaraja market or join a yoga class.
Day 7
MysoreMmallapuram
Enjoy a full day of train travel to Chennai before a short bus ride to Mamallapuram. Visit the Shore Temple.
Day 8
Mmallapuram
Free time to explore Mamallapuram.
Day 9
MmallapuramPuducherry
Continue to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry) and learn about Sri Aurobindo Ghose at the ashram.
Day 10
PuducherryMadurai
Travel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Day 11
Madurai
Hope on a cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city before visiting the famous Meenakshi Temple.
Day 12
MaduraiPeriyr Sanctuary
Drive to Thekkady. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills.
Day 13
Periyr SanctuaryKerala Backwaters
Travel to Alleppey for a local homestay. Experience local life and a guided walk along the lagoon.
Day 14
Kerala BackwatersKochi
Spend the morning enjoying last moments with your host family. Learn to cook some local food, watch the toddy tappers at work, or wander around the village exploring more of life on the backwaters. Travel to a Planeterra project for lunch before returning to Kochi in the early afternoon, where the trip ends.
