Highlights of Southern India

15 days
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Small Group Tour
From temples to tea plantations and sleeper trains, this two-week journey through India's south is a true adventure. Winding through varied scenery - from bustling cities to the tranquil Ghats foothills and the peaceful Kerala backwaters - get a taste for Indian culture, cuisine, and history, visiting palaces, national parks, and villages along the way. Pa...
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$3,346
From$2,720
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • A 2-week adventure through South India's varied scenery, cuisine, culture and history
    • Explore Tamil Nadu's ancient temples, a riot of colour and packed with local pilgrims
    • Discover Kerala's peaceful backwaters, spice gardens and lush Western Ghats mountains
    • 20

What's this trip about?

    From temples to tea plantations and sleeper trains, this two-week journey through India's south is a true adventure. Winding through varied scenery - from bustling cities to the tranquil Ghats foothills and the peaceful Kerala backwaters - get a taste for Indian culture, cuisine, and history, visiting palaces, national parks, and villages along the way. Palaces and temples - Visit the ornate Maharajah's Palace in Mysore and discover the colourful Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. Bandipur National Park - Search for endemic wildlife including elephant, chital and bison. Kochi and surrounds - Explore the Portuguese-influenced city including the Chinese fishing nets and cruise the nearby backwaters.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityChennai
End CityMamallapuram

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Asia
  • India

Attractions

  • Arabian Sea
  • Chennai
  • Kerala
  • Kochi

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Chennai (Madras)

Our tour of South India starts in Chennai. Capital of India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, the city is one of the country's most important economic hubs, partly due to its role in the development of the automotive industry. For those arriving in time, our tour leade...

Day 2 Drive to Pondicherry via Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

This morning we'll drive to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, approximately a two-hour drive from Chennai. The sanctuary is a protected area and an important breeding ground for large migrating birds such as herons, cormorants, storks, ibises, pelicans as well as other sma...

Day 3 Visit the Srirangam river island temples en route to Madurai

We'll have an early start this morning as we leave Pondicherry and travel to Tiruchirappalli to discover the Srirangam Hindu Temple. Located on an island, at the confluence of the Kaveri and Kollidam Rivers, the temple complex is one of the largest in India and is ded...

Day 4 Explore Meenakshi Temple and Thirumalai Nayak Palace

This morning we'll return to the 16th century Meenakshi Temple for a closer look around. The temple features imposing gopurams (monumental gates) and dominating colourful towers that rise above the chaotic exuberance of the seemingly endless throngs of pilgrims. We'll...

Day 5 Drive to Thekkady for spice garden tour

Today we'll drive west towards Thekkady and the state of Kerala. The drive is around five hours through an ever-changing landscape. As we enter the Western Ghats Mountain range, watch as rolling hills and spice plantations pass by the window and the terrain becomes ev...

Day 6 Journey through the backwaters via houseboat

This morning we'll drive to the Kerala Backwaters, a network of low-lying waterways, lagoons and rivers running parallel to the Arabian Sea. Often lined with tropical plants and palm trees they are a haven for a variety of birdlife and local villages dot the shores. ...

Day 7 Travel to Kochi

After disembarking our houseboat, we'll drive to the fort town of Kochi. With a beautiful natural harbour that earned it the title of 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. The town was founded on trade from Jewish and Arab spice traders in the first century AD. Its prosperity a...

Day 8 Walking tour of Kochi and sunset cruise

After a leisurely breakfast, we'll head to Kochi's Mattancherry Palace to explore the colonial gem. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it underwent extensive renovations by the Dutch some hundred years later, which earned it its name as 'The Dutch Palace'. T...

Day 9 Explore Palakkad Fort en route to Coimbatore

Today we have a long drive ahead of us as we head north-east back into the state of Tamil Nadu and the city of Coimbatore. On the way, we'll stop in Palakkad to admire the 18th century fort. Unlike sandstone examples seen in India's Northern state of Rajasthan, Palakk...

Day 10 Ride the toy train to Snooty Ooty

Early this morning we'll travel towards Coonoor to board the toy train along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Built by the British in the late 19th century to negotiate an otherwise difficult terrain, an old locomotive will pull us up the hill through dense green forest ...

Day 11 Game drive in Bandipur National Park

Today is dedicated to searching for wildlife with both morning and afternoon drives in Bandipur National Park. The park was once the hunting ground for the Maharajah of Mysuru but is today a thriving nature reserve made up primarily of dry deciduous forest. Some of th...

Day 12 Optional morning safari and drive to Mysore

Early this morning we'll have the option to take one final drive in the park in search of wildlife. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we drive north towards Mysore. So called the 'City of Palaces', Mysuru is today renowned as the cultural capit...

Day 13 Explore the Mysuru market and Palace before overnight train to Chennai

After a leisurely breakfast, we'll take a visit to Mysuru's Devaraja market. This vibrant market is a constant hive of activity as locals barter with sellers for the best deal. The market is a photographer's paradise with fruit, vegetable, flower, and spice stalls oft...

Day 14 Travel to Mamallapuram

Arriving in Chennai very early this morning we'll make a quick stop for a traditional south Indian dosa breakfast. These thin flat crepes are made from rice batter and often served with a side of chutney, potatoes and lentil sambars. Following breakfast, we'll travel ...

Day 15 Trip ends in Mamallapuram

Our tour of South India ends at our hotel in Mamallapuram. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Chennai Airport (MAA), around a two-hour drive from the hotel.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,720
Price per day$181
Last Updated: 5/10/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
03 Nov 2024
17 Nov 2024
$3,010
$790
9 spots left
10 Nov 2024
24 Nov 2024
$2,890
$780
1 spots left
12 Jan 2025
26 Jan 2025
$2,720
$810
15 spots left
19 Jan 2025
02 Feb 2025
$2,720
$810
13 spots left
26 Jan 2025
09 Feb 2025
$2,720
$810
15 spots left
02 Feb 2025
16 Feb 2025
$2,720
$810
16 spots left
16 Feb 2025
02 Mar 2025
$2,720
$810
14 spots left
23 Feb 2025
09 Mar 2025
$2,720
$810
16 spots left
02 Mar 2025
16 Mar 2025
$2,720
$810
16 spots left
16 Mar 2025
30 Mar 2025
$2,720
$810
16 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,777
Great
2,252
Average
379
Disappointing
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T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Highlights of Southern India

It was a great trip. Our guide Jojan was excellent, extremely knowledgeable and looked after the group really well. He explained a lot of the local culture and took ...

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Virginia

May 2024

Written on

Highlights of Southern India

The best tour leader. Everything perfect, well orga...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Highlights of Southern India

The trip was well organised. The various experiences outlined in the itinerary did not disappoint. The accommodations were comfortable and clean. Our tour guide made...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Highlights of Southern India

A fabulous full on trip with lots of variety. There is alot of travelling (2,500km) which enables you to see the main sights and experience Tamil Nadu and Kerala. W...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, 4WD, Boat, Train,

Transportation & flights

Bus, 4WD, Boat, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
India: Holders of passports endorsed British citizen, as well as Australian, New Zealand and US passport holders may be eligible for the e-Tourist Visa to enter India. Unfortunately the Indian government are not currently granting visas for anybody travelling with a Canadian passport. The visa can be applied for through the official Indian government visa website only - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . Please check all eligibility criteria that can be found on the website but important points are listed below - You must be arriving into one of 29 selected entry points which can be found via the official Indian Government website link above. However, you can exit from any of the authorised immigration check posts in India. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages for stamping. Visa applications will take approximately 4 days to process. There are different validity visas and the costs are as follows: 30-day validity (travelling between April and June) - $10 30-day validity (travelling between July and March) - $25 1-year validity - $40 5-year validity- $80 Those applying for a 30 day electronic visa can only apply within 30 days of arrival for your visa to be valid. Furthermore double entry is permitted and you can only obtain two 30-day visas in a calendar year. Please note these costs are subject to frequent change so you should check on the official Indian government visa website mentioned above. Biometric data will be collected on arrival in India. If you are not eligible for the e-Tourist Visa, please refer to VFS Global to apply for your Indian visa - https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/how_to_apply.html Whilst the online form offers a relatively quick way to apply for a visa, some applicants have reported difficulty in completing the form. If you do require assistance, then you may consider applying through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. They can complete the online visa on your behalf for a service fee + the visa cost. See www.travcour.com http://www.travcour.com If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com http://www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 14
  • Dinner : 4
  • Lunch : 3
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-DS

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