From steamy 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. Travel by train,buses, rickshaw, tuk tuk, bicycle 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.

What's Included

Dutch (Mattencherry) Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Jewish Town, Kathakali performance, Nature trails in Wynad Sanctuary, Edakkal Pre historic caves , Safari in Madumalai National Park, Mysore Palace, Chaumundi Temple, Excursion to Somnathpur, Mamallapuram Shore Temples, Pondicherry, Cycle rickshaw tour of Madurai and Sri Meenakshi Temple, Spice Plantation tour, Excursion and local guide for Backwaters Homestay
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners (Allow USD280-340 for meals not included.)
Guesthouses/hotels (11 nts), homestay (1 nt, multi-share), sleeper train (1 nt)
Train, local bus, charter bus, cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, ferry, private boat, bicycle, country boat.
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10

Day 1 Kochi
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Kochi
Orientation walk to Dutch Palace, Jewish synagogue/town and kathakali performance.
Days 3-4 Wayanad (Kalpetta)
Morning train to Kozhikode. Later scenic drive to Kalpetta. Nature trails in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Eddakal Pre-historic Caves.
Day 5 Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Spend the night at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides one of the most important refuges for the elephant and bison in India.
Days 6-7 Mysore
Included visit to Chaumundi Temple and Somnathpur. Overnight train to Chennai on Day 6 and private bus to Mamallapuram.
Days 8-9 Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Visit to Shore temple.
Day 10 Pondicherry/Madurai
Continue our journey to the next destination of Madurai via Pondicherry—former French territory; wander the streets of the French quarter, enjoy French delicacies served in one of the many restaurants and cafes. In the afternoon, catch the day train to Madurai.
Day 11 Madurai
Morning enjoy a cycle rickshaw tour of Madurai and Sri Meenakshi temple.
Day 12 Thekkady (D)
Drive to Thekkady (~4 hrs) Guided tour of spice plantations in Cardamom Hills.
Day 13 Kerala Backwaters Homestay (L,D)
Private bus to Alleppey and riverboat to our homestay. Experience local life and enjoy guided walk along the lagoon.
Day 14 Kochi (B)
Travel back to our starting point at Fort Kochi where trip ends upon arrival. Onward travel can be booked for 4pm or later.