Southern India

Intrepid Travel · 15 days

4.7

20 Reviews

View Map

Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Explore lush and tropical Southern India on this 15-day adventure through lush lands and small villages. Beneath the green shade of a coastal paradise, you’ll meet with locals in their fishing villages and tribal homes.

Highlights

Explore the waterfalls, tea plantations and spice markets of South India’s Western Ghats – a jungle-clad mountain range older than the Himalayas and one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
Step back in time among the hills of the British ‘Snooty Ooty’ – home of snooker and the Nilgiri toy train.
Search for elusive wildlife, including elephants, sloths and birds on a safari around one of the best places in India to observe nature up close – Periyar National Park.
Experience a unique way of life with a family homestay and home-cooked meals in the idyllic backwaters of Kerala.
Soak in India’s changing landscapes on a trip that uses rail travel. By choosing trains to get around, you’ll be giving yourself the best opportunity for local interaction, at a more relaxed pace.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Auto rickshaw,Boat,Bus,Cycle rickshaw,Ferry,Overnight sleeper train,Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Kochi, India

Finishes

Kochi, India

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Kochi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure starts today in Kochi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, there are plenty of things to see and do. Once an important spice-trading centre, Kochi has been under Portuguese, Dutch and British rule at various times throughout history. Explore with one of our Urban Adventures or wander down to the shore and seek out the huge Chinese fishing nets dotted along the coast of Fort Cochin.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Kochi

This morning, take on Kochi with a leader-led orientation walk and city tour. Take a local tuk-tuk to Mattancherry and drop by the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century before it was renovated and presented to the Rajas of Cochin by the Dutch. Maybe visit the Paradesi Synagogue – the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth and home to many rare antiques. Then, amble around the spice bazaars and antique stores of Fort Cochin. In the evening, experience a Kathakali performance – this Keralan dance is an ornately costumed display of storytelling, requiring complete control of the body.

Included Activities:

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

Optional Activities:

Kochi - Jewish Synagogue (5 INR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Conoor

Buckle up, because most of today is spent travelling. Catch a train to Coimbatore, then when you arrive, hop in your private vehicle to Conoor – known for its tea estates in the surrounding Nilgiri hills. Watch the lush scenery pass you by, get stuck into a good book or play road trip games with your fellow travellers. When you arrive in Conoor, you’ll sit down for a group dinner at your accommodation.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Ootacamund – Conoor

Spend the morning in Conoor with an orientation walk and a visit to a tea plantation to learn about the history of tea production. Later, board Ooty’s renowned toy train for a ride along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Be sure to get a window seat for great views over the lush countryside. Spend the rest of the day exploring Ooty’s Botanical Gardens, which are home to over 650 species of plants and trees. You can also opt to turn on the romance with a boat ride on the lake.

Included Activities:

Ooty - Nilgiri Mountain Railway & Tea Plantation visit

Optional Activities:

Ooty - Botanical Gardens (50 INR)
Ooty - Boat ride (200 INR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Mudumalai National Park – Bandipur

Take a private vehicle for the short drive to Bandipur today. Set against the backdrop of the Nilgiri Hills, Mudumalai National Park was once the Mysore Maharaja's private hunting ground. In 1974 it was brought under Project Tiger and is now one of the best sanctuaries in India to observe wildlife in close proximity. Embark on a short safari in search of tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, sambars, spotted deer and much more. There's also an amazing variety of birdlife in the park. Tonight’s family-run accommodation in Bandipur is a mixed-gender dormitory style with a common bathroom. This dorm room is only open to your group.

Included Activities:

Bandipur - National Park Safari

Accommodation:

Jungle Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Mysore

Travel by private vehicle across the scenic Karnataka plains to Mysore – an easy-going town with a pleasant climate, perfect for wandering around on foot. When you arrive, you’ll head to local family’s home for a home-cooked lunch of traditional favourites. Get to know the family, who will show you the practise of making incense – one of the traditional arts from Mysuru. Learn about how it’s made and maybe even have a go yourself! Then, head out on an orientation walk around the town to get your bearings. No visit to Mysore is complete without a look around Mysore Palace – one of the most ornate palaces in India, its interior is full of colour, mosaics and mirrors.

Included Activities:

Mysore - Home cooked lunch & family visit
Mysore - Maharaja's Palace
Mysore - Leader-led walking tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Mysore – Overnight train

This morning, head out to climb Chamundi Hill to the Sri Chamundeswari Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga. After, continue to the Keshava Temple in the small town of Somnathpur – an excellent example of Hoysala architecture. You’ll also have some time to visit to Tipu Sultan’s mausoleum in Sriranga Patna. You can also opt to return to Mysore for a palm reading catch a film at the local cinema. Tonight, board an overnight sleeper train to Chennai.

Included Activities:

Mysore - Keshava Temple
Mysore - Chamundi Hill & Temple

Optional Activities:

Mysore - Cinema (200 INR)
Mysore - Tipu Sultan's Mausoleum (200 INR)

Accommodation:

Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Mamallapuram

After arriving in Chennai, take a private vehicle along the scenic East Coast Road to Mamallapuram. Explore this ancient seaport town by tuk tuk, paying a visit to the seventh-century Shore Temple and the enormous bas-relief rock carving, known as Arjuna's Penance. There will also be time to inspect the town’s numerous mandapams (pillared temple pavilions), watch local stonemasons at work, or just to kick back and relax at a beachside restaurant.

Included Activities:

Mamallapuram - Shore Temples guided tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Puducherry

Travel by private vehicle today through palm trees and rice paddies to Puducherry (Pondicherry). When you arrive, head out with your group and leader on a walking tour to see local temples, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the French Quarter. Once a French colony, you’ll see the evidence of French influence in Puducherry's architecture, its wide town squares and even in the police uniforms!

Included Activities:

Puducherry - Leader-led French Quarter walking tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Madurai

Drive to the temple city of Madurai today. Madurai’s Tamil roots stretch back 2500 years, making it one of the oldest cities in India. Wander the lamp-lit labyrinth of the Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Meenakshi. Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which displays a detailed account of India’s struggle for independence along with the bloodstained dhoti the famous leader wore when he was assassinated.

Included Activities:

Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple

Optional Activities:

Madurai - Gandhi Museum - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Periyar

This morning, travel by private vehicle along a winding road to the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. High in the ranges of the Western Ghats, the park is set among stunning scenery and is the most popular wildlife sanctuary in Southern India. Both today and tomorrow, you’ll get to explore the national park on foot and will understand why Periyar is a popular wilderness sanctuary, with its lush surroundings. Enjoy a tour of a local spice plantation, then join your local family hosts to try some authentic home-cooked flavours of Southern India.

Included Activities:

Periyar - Spice plantation visit
Periyar - Home cooked meal

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Periyar

Venture back into the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary today for a guided nature walk. Encounters with animals in the wild are never guaranteed, and this is more of a jungle walk than an animal spotting tour, but do look out for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants or gaur – the world's largest species of buffalo. In the afternoon, unwind with an optional ayurvedic massage at your accommodation, or just relax in this scenic setting with a drink.

Included Activities:

Periyar - National Park
Periyar - Guided nature walk

Optional Activities:

Periyar - Boat trip (650 INR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Kerala Backwaters

Today, drive through the rubber, tea and coffee plantations on the way to the backwaters of Kerala. When you arrive, you’ll board a motorboat to cross to the island village where you’ll stay with a local family tonight. In the late afternoon, explore the island with a local English-speaking guide (and sometimes, your homestay host). This is a great chance to meet locals and learn more about their unique way of life. Take a leisurely punt boat ride around the waterways and enjoy the scenery. Tonight, share stories over a traditional home-cooked Keralan meal with your host family.

Included Activities:

Kerala Backwaters - Pole boat ride
Kerala Backwaters - Village walk

Accommodation:

Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Kochi

Wake early this morning, before crossing the backwaters by private boat to Alleppey. From here, take a local bus back to Kochi. The rest of the day is free for you to choose your own adventure. Perhaps you’d like to stroll down Princess Street for a spot of shopping, or book yourself into a southern Indian cooking class – your group leader will have some other recommendations, so be sure to ask them. Tonight, why not gather with your group for a night out at a local restaurant and maybe try some pazham pori (fried banana or plantain fritter).

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Kochi

With no activities planned for today, you can leave the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.

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 $2,780

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Jan 2026

View Map

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

5.0

Laura

Traveled, March 2024

04/06/2024

The Southern India trip was amazing. So much to see, eat and experience in the 2 weeks. The variety of places we visited, from national parks, cities and the coast made each day so memorable. The variety of transportation was also so fun and nice not to be ferried by private minibus everywhere. Our tour leader Garima was wonderful. We were in very safe hands with her and she took any travel stress away. Southern India is definitely worth a visit and very different to the north.

4.5

Tony

Traveled, March 2024

03/26/2024

Excellent itinerary in a fascinating place with by a company who care about the impact of tourism on the wider environment

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

Book Now