Classic South India

Intrepid Travel · 9 days

4.4

20 Reviews

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Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through southern India, starting in the vibrant streets of Kochi and ending on the shores of Kovalam.

Highlights

Discover how to make local cuisine during a cooking class in Periyar and savour Keralan favourites at a restaurant that provides training and employment to local women.
Visit a tea museum in Munnar to learn about the region’s tea-making history, walk among the rolling hills of tea bushes and enjoy a boat ride on Mattupetty Dam, known for wildlife sightings.
Witness the diversity and history of Kochi through a tour of its buildings, like India’s oldest functioning synagogue, alongside a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British architectural influences.
Enjoy the dramatic beauty of Kathakali – a captivating storytelling dance – and kalarippayattu –one of the oldest surviving martial arts in the world.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Ferry

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Kochi , India

Finishes

Departure , India

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Kochi

Namaste! Welcome to Kochi (also known as Cochin). This port city on the southwestern coast of India has been a vibrant hub since 1341, shaped by the historic interactions with traders from Portugal, China and Britain. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be collected and brought to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. Perhaps get to know your group a little better over an optional dinner tonight.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:

Kochi - Optional Welcome Dinner - Free

Accommodation:

Grand Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Kochi

Begin your day with a tour of Kochi with your leader, exploring the city before heading to Fort Kochi on the coast. Look out for evidence of different cultures on Indian soil, like Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the country’s oldest Catholic Churches, and St. Francis Church, believed to be the first Church built by the Europeans. Explore the remnants of Portuguese influence at Mattancherry Palace, originally constructed in the 16th century and later renovated by the Dutch. Visit the oldest functioning Jewish synagogue nearby with insights from your guide, followed by a performance of Kathakali – a traditional form of dance based on Hindu legends that puts costume and colour centre stage. It can take students over a decade to perfect the movements necessary to perform the artform, so prepare to be impressed.

Included Activities:

Kochi - Kathakali performance
Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour

Accommodation:

Grand Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Munnar

Today, journey west to Munnar – a picturesque town sitting among the mountains. Tea enthusiasts will find Munnar particularly fascinating for its integral connection to the beverage. Learn more about this on a visit to the Tea Museum, an institution that recalls the history of the plantations. This evening is free to spend as you wish – consider utilising your leader’s local knowledge by asking for recommendations on dining and activities.

Included Activities:

Munnar - Tea Museum

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Munnar

Armed with your new insights into Munnar’s tea industry, you’ll begin your day with a visit to a tea plantation to see the tea-making process first-hand. Stroll along the rolling hills of tea bushes, appreciating the harmony between human cultivation and the natural world. After, take in the view from a different angle during a boat ride on Mattupetty Dam – a reservoir that often attracts wild elephants and bison. Finish your group outing at Echo Point Hill for the best view of the dam before enjoying a free evening to unwind.

Included Activities:

Munnar - Echo point hill
Munnar - Mattupetty Dam
Munnar - Tea plantation

Optional Activities:

Munnar - Boating at Mattupati Dam - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Periyar

Munnar is not just known for its tea, it's also renowned for cultivating a wide range of spices. Dive deeper into this trade at the local spice plantation, where you’ll learn about the region’s diverse plant life, spices, herbs, fruits and flowers and their significance in Ayurvedic medicine. You can also enjoy an optional lunch here, where you’ll get to try the fresh spices. Later, watch a demonstration of Indian martial arts (kalarippayattu) widely believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in the world. After, continue your journey south to Periyar.

Included Activities:

Munnar - Martial Art Performance
Munnar - Spice Plantation

Optional Activities:

Periyar - Lunch at Spice plantation - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Periyar

Explore the heart of Periyar by beginning your day with a guided walk of its National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. This protected habitat sits within the Western Ghats so enjoy the view while searching for wild tigers and elephants. The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps opt for an Ayurveda massage to soothe your body post jungle trek. In the evening, learn about Kerala cuisine at a cooking class and then enjoy your home-cooked meal with your group, discovering the flavours that define Kerala food.

Included Activities:

Periyar - Kerala cooking class
Periyar - Guided Nature Walk

Optional Activities:

Periyar NP - Ayurvedic Massage (700 INR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Kumarakom

Visit the renowned Kerala Backwaters with your group this morning – a serene set of lakes, canals and lagoons. After, immerse yourself in nature with a guided walk in Kumarakom. Located on the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is teeming with diverse fish and bird species. Set sail on the backwaters and experience the sunset aboard. Finish your day with a group dinner at a restaurant that provides employment and training to local women, where you might try traditional dishes like fish curry, meen pollichathu (fish marinated with spices and wrapped in banana leaves) and avial (a vegetable dish with coconut).

Included Activities:

Kerala sunset cruise (1 Hour)
Kerala Backwaters - Guided walk around village

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Kovalam

This morning, continue your journey further south to Kobalam. Once a quiet coastal village known for exporting fresh fish and coconuts, Kovalam has transformed into one of India’s beloved beach resorts. In the afternoon, visit Positive Change for Marine Life – an NGO and Intrepid Foundation partner collaborating with locals to reduce plastic use. Maybe gather your group for a farewell meal together tonight – the local cuisine is known for its use of coconuts, curry leaves and fresh seafood, so dig in while you have the chance.

Included Activities:

Vizhinjam - Positive Change for Marine Life (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit

Accommodation:

Sagara Beach Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Departure

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast and you’re free to leave the accommodation at any time.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,295

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Embark on an unforgettable journey through southern India, starting in the vibrant streets of Kochi and ending on the shores of Kovalam.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 15 Sep 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Lynda

Traveled, January 2024

02/08/2024

A window into Southern India. It’s a huge country so you can only ever take bite-sized pieces which this trip enables you to do with the excellent guidance of a knowledgeable tour leader. See the main sights plus a unique opportunity to meet families in their homes and places of work. Cultural feast for all the senses.

4.5

Ron

Traveled, January 2024

02/08/2024

My first Intrepid trip to India was in 2008. I am now 76, and thought I was too old for Intrepid. I was proven wrong I was made very welcome and certainly was able to participate in all activities and felt totally invigorated by the experience

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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