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South Indian Odyssey - Incredible Experiences Incredible...
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Beginning our journey in the heart of Tamil Nadu, considered to be the last bastion of traditional Hindu culture in India, we visit ancient monuments and temple towns before travelling to Kerala - God’s Own Country. This extraordinarily beautiful part of India offers extreme diversity. Enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful Backwaters, beaches, tea, coffee and spice plantations and wildlife reserves. Watch fishermen in Cochin pull in the nets as they have done for centuries. Experience life along vehicle-free islands of the backwaters. Trek through a wildlife park and maybe catch a glimpse of wild elephants, deer, giant squirrels or wild boar. On to Mysore, the old capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty where we witness the spectacular Mysore palace lights and the colourful Devaraja markets. Moving north, we take time to explore the ruins of the Vijayanagar empire in Hampi before finishing in fascinating Panjim, the capital of Goa.
Starting in Chennai and finishing in Goa, this fabulous tour takes you to some of South India's most picturesque and historic locations as well as undiscovered gems where you have the opportunity to meet real people and experience authentic Indian hospitality and life. Price includes all local transportation, accommodation and included sightseeing, tour escort and local guides, all breakfasts and some other meals.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Mahabalipuram
Arrival Day. We have a group meeting at 12 midday to discuss the tour. This afternoon we visit the ancient shore temple and rock-cut temples in Mahabalipuram. Dinner tonight is included to celebrate the beginning of our adventure.
Day 2 Pondicherry Days 3-4 Madurai Days 5-6 Munnar Days7-8 Periyar Tiger Reserve Day 9 Alleppey Day 10 Chennamkary Days 11-12 Cochin Days 13-14 Kannur (Cannanore) Day 15 Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Days 16-17 Mysore Days 18-19 Hampi Days 20-21 Goa Day 22 Departure Day
Our day begins with a visit to the ‘5 Rathas’ -a world heritage site before we drive 2 hours to Pondicherry - until 1954 a part of France. We wander the charming French quarter, promenade along the waterfront with local families and enjoy French inspired cuisine in this laid back and peaceful town.
A 6 hour train ride today takes us to Madurai. Home of the spectacular Sri Meenakshi Temple, Madurai is the quintessential Tamil Nadu temple town. We have the chance to visit the temple at various times of the day - don’t miss the evening ‘putting the gods to bed ceremony’. Lots to do here in Madurai - wander the colourful markets, view Gandhi’s blood stained dhoti at the Gandhi Memorial Museum or visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace.
We have a 5 hour drive today to Munnar - Kerala. Weather permitting this afternoon we take a trip to Top Station, with great views over the western ghats (hills) back to Tamil Nadu. On day 6 we have the opportunity to do a full day trek around the rolling verdant hills of manicured tea plantations and estates dotted amongst picturesque hamlets. A chance to enjoy the crisp fresh air and stunning scenery surrounding some the worlds largest and highest tea estates.
A spectacular 4 hour drive today through the Cardamom hills - lined with tea, cocoa, tapioca, bamboo, coconut, banana and spice plantations takes us to Kumily, our destination for the next 2 nights. We take a boat ride this afternoon on the scenic Periyar Lake hoping to catch sight of some of the animals who call Periyar home. An early morning guided walk through the jungle on day 8 is the best way to experience the park and possibly see animals up close. We also visit a spice plantation before a free afternoon to relax or shop or perhaps have an ayurvedic massage.
Visiting a tea museum on the way, we drive down the ghats through rubber, tea, coffee and pineapple plantations on a beautiful 4 hour journey to Alleppey where our traditional Kettuvallam (rice barge) houseboat awaits us. We spend the next 24 hours slowly drifting past idyllic tropical rural scenes in the lush palm fringed backwaters, on the way visiting villages to see local industries such as coir-making, toddy-tapping and boat building.
Our houseboat drops us off today at our Keralan Family Homestay. Our welcoming hosts will show us around the village which is situated on an vehicle-free island within the backwaters. We have the opportunity to ride cycles to neighbouring villages, row canoes around the island or just chill in a hammock.
A short 1 1/2 hour drive today to Cochin. We spend the afternoon visiting Fort Cochin and soaking up the ambience in this wonderfully laid back town. We visit Jew Town, Mattancherry palace and the quaint Jewish synagogue before taking a local ferry to Willingdon Island and Ernakulam - the bustling commercial capital of Kerala. Kerala is famous for Kathakali, an intricate and stylised form of dance. We have the opportunity to see a short performance as well as watch the intricate makeup application beforehand.
We have a 6 1/2 hour train journey today which gets us to Kannur in time for lunch. Here we stay in small houses near the beautiful, secluded beach. Tonight, enjoy the traditional theyyam folk dance which is performed most nights of the year somewhere around Kannur. Day 14 is a free day to relax on the beach or perhaps visit the St Angelo Fort in Kannur town.
We drive for 3 hours today to Tholpetty, the gateway to the little-known Wayanad Wildllife Sanctuary. A leisurely afternoon before we head into the park in jeeps for the chance to spot wild elephants, bison and deer.
We revisit the park early this morning before a 3 hour drive to Mysore, ancient capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty. Whilst in Mysore, we enjoy lunch with a local family, wander the vast halls of the splendid Mysore Palace, visit the amazing temples at Somnathpur, a drive that takes us by some of the most idyllic rural scenes in India. We also visit Chaumundi temple and the colourful Devaraja Market. Don’t miss the incredible evening illuminations at Mysore Palace which is lit up by more than 80,000 light bulbs. On the evening of day 17 we travel to Bangalore (2 hours) to take an overnight train to Hampi.
We have 2 full days here in Hampi to explore the myriad sights and temples that make up the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire’s 15th century capital. Plenty of time also to relax in this quiet magical little town.
An 8-hour drive today along the deccan plateau and down the western ghats into Goa. Passing through lush greenery filled with coconut palms and spice gardens, we arrive in Panjim, the quaint and fascinating capital of Goa. You will have the opportunity to visit Old Goa, or take a cruise along the Mandovi River. If the beach scene is more your thing, you have nearly 100 kilometres of them to choose from.
There are no organised activities for today. You may leave at any time.
NOTE: If you need more information before booking use the "ask the guide" link
There are no questions about this tour
