Best of Southern India

Arrive at any time and welcome to the port city of Kochi, known for its unique fishing nets, artsy cafes, and tasty seafood.

Get to know your fellow travellers in the seaside neighbourhood of Fort Kochi. Stroll along the tropical backwaters and capture a group photo in the stunning scenery. Pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!

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

TrainKochi – Kozhikode4h
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Private VehicleKozhikode – Kalpetta2h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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.

Wayanad region of the western Ghats in Kerala is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations and is known to produce some of the finest teas.

Wayanad Nature WalkKalpetta5h
Enjoy a nature walk in beautiful Wayanad, which is home to many endangered species and has an amazing range of flora and fauna. The area boasts a long and influential history, with numerous ancient relics like the Edakkal Caves, which depict a Stone Age civilization. Get a taste of the region's culture as we visit a local tribal village.

Wayanad Tea Factory VisitKalpetta
Enjoy a visit to the tea factory in the picturesque Wayanad region. The factory offers fascinating insight into the world of tea production. Stroll through the rolling hills blanketed with vibrant green tea bushes, breathe in the aroma of freshly plucked tea leaves, and explore the factory where we will learn about the tea- making process. Witness the withering , rolling, drying, and grading of the tea leaves with an expert guide. Finish off the visit with a cup of tea from the area.

Settle in for the drive to the ancient city of Mysore.

Travel to Mysore (formally Mysuru) located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947.

Private VehicleKalpetta – Mysore
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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.

Imagine life as a Maharaja on a guided tour of the Mysore Palace. Later, join the throngs of pilgrims at Chamundi Hills, with its temple on top, and Nandi the Bull (ridden by the Hindu god Shiva) a short walk below.

In your free time, visit the Devaraja fruit and vegetable market or join a yoga class at one of the many local institutes.

Opt to drive to Somnathpur, home to one of the most famous Hoysala Temples in India.

Chamundi Temple VisitMysore
Visit the gorgeous Chamundeshwari Temple, located on top of Chamundi Hills just outside Mysore. Enjoy its intricate architecture.

Mysore Palace VisitMysore2h
This stunning palace was the home of the Maharajas of Mysore, the former royal family, which ruled from 1399 to 1950. Learn about the rich history of Indian royalty and soak in the splendor of an era long gone.

Free TimeMysoreAfternoon
Explore on your own, opt to walk through the bustling markets.

Enjoy a full day of train travel to Chennai before a short bus ride to Mamallapuram. Visit the Shore Temple.

Arrive by train to Chennai before continuing south for a short ride to the small village of Mamallapuram. Visit the 7th century Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

TrainMysore – Chennai8h
Enjoy a scenic ride to the east coast aboard Indian's vast rail system. Play cards, meet your fellow passengers or let the landscapes soak in.

Private VehicleChennai – Māmallapuram1h-1h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Shore Temple VisitMāmallapuram
Explore this impressive group of monuments that were sculpted during the 7th and 8th century, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of these, the Shore Temple stands out for its a marvelous view of the Bay of Bengal's shore. Made of granite, it's actually a twin-temple dedicated both to the Hindu gods, Vishnu and Shiva.

Free time to explore Mamallapuram.

Free TimeMāmallapuramFull Day
Use some free time to explore all this city has to offer. Opt for a swim in the ocean or a jog along the beach, explore the monuments by bicycle or on foot, and take this opportunity to suss out all the shopping Mamallapuram is known for.

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

In the morning, drive to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry), formerly the the largest French Colony in India and an important trading town. There is a strong French influence in the city's layout, with wide boulevards and French-style houses, but the city is undoubtedly Indian.

Private VehicleMāmallapuram – Puducherry2h-2h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation With CEO30m-1h
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Travel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Private VehiclePuducherry – Madurai6h-7h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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

After visiting the temple complex, opt to visit the handicraft shops or duck into the cool shade of the covered, stone tailor’s market where, for a few rupees, rows of expert tailors will whip you up a custom shirt in minutes, all done on antique foot-pump sewing machines. In the late evening, opt to visit the Meenakshi Temple again for a glimpse of the nighttime rituals.

Cycle-Rickshaw TourMadurai2h
Sit back and relax during this eco-friendly tour -- you'll be pulled along by a bicyclist! See the sights at a slower pace and form street level. Check out the fruit and vegetable market, watch the pressing of oil by bullocks, and the famous Gandhi museum and palace.

Meenakshi Temple VisitMadurai2h-3h
Visit the gorgeous Meenakshi Temple, considered to be the finest in South Indian religious architecture. This enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati, or Meenakshi. Even before you pass through the massive stone walls of the temple, the nine striking gopurams (monumental gateways covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals, and monsters all painted in vivid colours) loom high above.

Drive to Thekkady. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills.

Thekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the spice plantations and a tea factory.

Opt for a boat ride on the Periyar Lake.

Private VehicleMadurai – Thekkady4h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Cardamom Hills Spice Plantation TourThekkady1h-2h
Enjoy a guided tour of the plantation and tea factory and learn more about spice and tea production and of this region. You might even get to enjoy a sample or two!

Travel to Alleppey for a local homestay. Experience local life and a guided walk along the lagoon.

Travel down to the backwaters from Thekkady to catch a private boat for the short journey 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.

For this homestay, you will only need to take a small overnight bag. Your main bags will be transferred directly to the hotel in Kochi.

Private VehicleThekkady – Alleppey4h-5h30m145km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

BoatAlleppey – Kerala Backwaters15m
Climb aboard and get your float on.

Your Local Living Moment: Kerala Backwaters Homestay
Enjoy strolling under the palm trees, weaving in between the rice fields that cover the island, and learn more about the lifestyles of the locals. Watch the sunset on the winding backwaters with locals in a small country boat. There may even be time to kick back and enjoy a local toddy (alcoholic drink made from coconut).

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.

BoatKerala Backwaters – Alleppey1h30m
Climb aboard and get your float on.

Private VehicleAlleppey – Kochi2h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project
Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch prepared by women of the Planeterra Theruvarom Empowerment Project, which provides women from rural areas an alternative source of income by honing their hospitality and culinary skills. Learn about the local cuisine and socio-economic fabric of the region as you get to know the women. All while taking in live entertainment!

Orientation WalkKochi1h-2h
Get to know the delightful city of Kochi through this guided walk. Visit the Dutch Palace and Jewish Quarter, with its 400-year-old synagogue. Explore St Francis Church, the oldest church in India.

Kathakali DanceKochi2h
Considered one of the oldest dance forms in India, Kathakali is a combination of drama, dance, music, and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. This dance drama is famous for amazing costumes, extensive makeup, and explosive body movements, and is performed exclusively by men.

Depart at any time.