14D13N Best Of Southern India (AHBS)
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.
Tour Highlights
- Fort Kochi – historic streets, Chinese fishing nets, and colonial charm
- Mysore Palace – grand royal palace with stunning architecture and history
- Meenakshi Amman Temple – colorful, massive temple complex and cultural landmark
- Kerala Backwaters – peaceful canals, village homestay, and sunset boat rides
- Shore Temple – ancient seaside temple and UNESCO World Heritage sunrise spot
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Kochi
Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities before the evening welcome meeting, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. After the welcome meeting, visit the harbour to enjoy sunset over the Chinese fishing nets followed by an optional group dinner.
Day 2 Kochi - Bangalore
Walk along the cobblestone streets of Fort Kochi on a sightseeing tour of this historic city. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. Tonight, take an overnight train to Bangalore.
Day 3 Bangalore
After a night on the train, we’ll pull into Bangalore in the morning. The first stop of the day is breakfast. Second stop of the day is to the beautiful Lal Bagh Botanical garden. Walk through the incredible green houses full of colourful flowers and unique sculptures. The remainder of the day is yours to see the city. In the evening, regroup for an orientation walk through the main iconic commercial streets of Bangalore.
Day 4 Bangalore - Mysore
Depart from Bangalore and drive to Srirangapatna to visit the incredible Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and the Tipu Sultan’s tomb. Then continue on to Mysore for an afternoon of free time to explore the city before an evening orientation walk in Devraja Market and an optional group dinner.
Day 5 Mysore
Explore the best of Mysore today with visits to Chamundeshwari Temple at Chamundi Hills, the Mysore Palace and St. Philomena Cathedral. The rest of the day is yours to explore this historic, opulent city.
Day 6 Mysore - Māmallapuram
Take a train to Chennai and transfer to a private vehicle to arrive to Mamallapuram by the afternoon. This famous town is steeped in myth and history, so enjoy the opportunity to experience it with a free afternoon.
Day 7 Māmallapuram
An early morning is dedicated to a tour of the Shore Temple, an iconic complex of temples and shrines known to the be one of the oldest stone temples in India, and best viewed at sunrise. After an incredible walking tour, take the remainder of the day for your own exploration of Mamallapuram. Most use this time to enjoy a visit to the beach or a yoga class.
Day 8 Māmallapuram - Thanjavur
Leave Mamallapuram and drive to Chennai. Then transfer to a train to arrive in the afternoon to Thanjavur, a town renowned globally for its bronze metal sculptures. After settling in, visit the 200+ foot tall Brihadeeswarar Temple and walk around the markets.
Day 9 Thanjavur - Madurai
This morning, drive to Kanadukathan, known as the land of Chettiars, the collection of over 75 villages. Here we will visit the traditional houses of Chettinad, famous for their spaciousness, opulence and intricate tiles. Afterwards, continue on to Madurai, considered the home of goddess Parvati in her form of Meenakshi – the fish eyed goddess.
Day 10 Madurai
Explore the best of Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with tours of Thirumalai Nayakar Palace and Meenakashi Temple. The afternoon leaves you with time to venture on your own before our very own CEO leads us on a walking foodie tour of the town!
Day 11 Madurai - Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady this morning. Thekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore Thekkady how you wish maybe on a boat tour on Periyar Lake or an ayurvedic massage.
Day 12 Thekkady - Kerala Backwaters
Travel down to Allepey and catch a private boat for the short ride to the village homestay. In the afternoon, explore the island with a local person to observe the different facets of local life — it’s a great opportunity to meet and talk with the people who live in this unique location. Just before sunset, hop on a small country boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding backwaters.
Day 13 Kerala Backwaters/Kochi
Spend the morning enjoying your last moments with your host family before departing for Kochi. On the way, stop at your G Adventures-supported project TWE, a coop run by local women, for lunch. Head out for an orientation walk after arrival in Kochi, then enjoy an evening performance of Kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.
Day 14 Kochi
Depart at any time.
What's included
Not included
- ~ International flight ticket
- Travel insurance
- Visa (if any)
- ~ Tippings
- Others not mentioned
Prices & dates
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Your hotels
Hotel Gama Heritage
★
Kerala Bishop Kureethara Rd, near Bishop's House, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India
KTDC Pepper Grove
★★★
Kerala PO, Poomala, Manichira, Sultan Bathery, Kerala 673592, India
Treebo Akshaya Lalbagh Inn
★★★
Karnataka No. 462, near Ashoka Pillar Road, 2nd Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560011, India
Akshaya Mahal Inn
★★★
Karnataka No.5/A, Hydarali Road, Abba Rd, Mohalla, Nazarbad, Mysuru, Karnataka 570019, India
Vilasam Rooms
Māmallapuram 5, S Mada St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India
Hotel Tawfeeq Palace
★★★
Thanjavur No 9, MLS Nagar, Madhakottai Rd, Annai Sathya Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613005, India
Rio Grande Hotel Madurai
★★★
Madurai 68, Melur Main Rd, Opposite Bus Stand Mattuthavani, Press colony, Sambakulam, K.Pudur, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625007, India
Michael's Inn
★★
Kerala Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509, India
Greenpalm Homes
Kerala Kainakary Pooppally Road, Kainakary South, Chennamkary, Kerala 688501, India
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