Best of Southern India

From calm Kerala backwaters and spice plantations to incredible temples, 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.

Day 1 Kochi
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Kochi/Kalpetta
Take a morning train followed by a scenic drive to reach Kalpetta, in the Wayanad district.

Day 3 Kalpetta
Walk the nature trails through the forested areas in Wayanad. Also take a tour of a tea factory and plantation to learn about tea production in the area from a guide.

Day 4 Kalpetta/Mysore
Settle in for the drive to the ancient city of Mysore.

Day 5 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 6 Mysore/Māmallapuram
Enjoy a full day of train travel to Chennai before a short bus ride to Mamallapuram. Visit the Shore Temple.

Day 7 Māmallapuram
Free time to explore Mamallapuram.

Day 8 Māmallapuram/Puducherry
Continue to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry) and learn about Sri Aurobindo Ghose at the ashram.

Day 9 Puducherry/Madurai
Travel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Day 10 Madurai
Hop on a cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city before visiting the famous Meenakshi Temple.

Day 11 Madurai/Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills.

Day 12 Thekkady/Kerala Backwaters
Travel to Alleppey for a local homestay. Experience local life and a guided walk along the lagoon.

Day 13 Kerala Backwaters/Kochi
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. Travel to a Planeterra project for lunch before returning to Kochi. Head out for an orientation walk, then enjoy an evening performance of kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.

Day 14 Kochi
Depart at any time.