Coast-to-coast culture, wildlife and architecture
There's always something fascinating to see in South India! Incredible living temples with centuries-old rituals, colorful festivals, lively bazaars, ancient World Heritage monuments, parks with exotic indigenous wildlife, old British hill stations, emerald-green rice paddies, tea plantations, and fragrant spice farms. it's a kaleidoscope of images that never stops spinning.
Our exploration of this magical destination includes a wealth of South India's artistic heritage, but you'll also discover the colonial history of the spice trade on the Malabar Coast, cruise in a comfortable houseboat on the picturesque backwaters of Kerala, and see rich wildlife in one of India's noted biosphere reserves. There is more magic in South India than you could ever imagine!
Our Private Adventures in India
This adventure in South India is designed to be taken as a stand-alone journey, or as part of an exploration of the entire country, combined with one of our North and Central India itineraries. We're more than happy to help you combine this with any of our other itineraries, assist with internal flights between destinations, to help make your dream of India become a reality!
Activities
7 days easy to moderate touring
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore southern India from coast to coast—from the spice trade of the Malabar Coast to the colonial influences on the Coromandel
- Game viewing at Periyar National Park—elephants, guar, and even the elusive tiger
- Visit Old Cochin and the temples of Madurai
- Float through the beautiful serene backwaters of Kerala, witnessing the everyday life of the local people fishing and farming
Duration: 7 days Start Location: Cochin End Location: Chennai
Download Detailed ItineraryBRIEF Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrive in Cochin (Kochi)
Arrive in Cochin and transfer to hotel. Evening performance of traditional Kathakali dance-drama.
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Day 2 : Cochin
Explore Cochin, a natural harbor that is one of India's largest ports.
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Day 3 : Houseboat
Drive to Kottayam and board traditional houseboats for a scenic trip through Kerala's backwaters. Overnight on the houseboat.
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Day 4 : Periyar National Park & Tiger Reserve
Disembark the houseboats and drive to Periyar National Park for game viewing.
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Day 5 : Madurai
Morning birding hike around the hotel, then drive to Maduria, one of India's oldest cities.
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Day 6 : Madurai
Full day sightseeing tour of Madurai, including the splendid Meenakshi Temple and the Nayak kings' palace.
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Day 7 : Chennai – depart
Morning flight to Chennai and transfer to hotel. Late evening transfer to the airport to connect with homeward-bound flights.
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DATES: Best time to go: January - February, October - December Departures: Private departures are available on the dates of your choice, pending availability. Call us for details. |
PRICING:
2012 Prices |
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The Gateway Pasumalai Hotel
Escape the din of city life. Perched atop the Pasumalai hill, amid 62 acres of peaceful, landscaped gardens, The Gateway Hotel is the epitome of colonial architecture. Here you'll find a charmed spot to relax and take in picturesque views of the Temple City and the Kodai hills.
Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.
Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.
photo credits: ©Linda Andrews Ostro
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