Trip StyleClassic

Best of Southern India

14 days ex Kochi

Trip Code: AHBS

Kochi, Kerala Backwaters Homestay, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Madurai, Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), Mysore, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Nilgiri Hills

Enter a world where time feels like it has stood still forever. From the magnificent 7th century Shore Temples at Mamallapuram, to the tigers of Periyar National Park, and from the peaceful backwaters of Kerala to the cool Nilgiri Hills, this trip uncovers the best of Southern India.

Day 1 Arrive Kochi

Arrive in Kochi at any time.

Day 2 Kochi

Small islands full of Portuguese and Dutch history, all connected by wooden ferries, welcome you to Fort Kochi. The oldest church in India sits near mosques, synagogues and English manor homes. Feast on Keralan food and enjoy a performance of Kathakali dancing.

Day 3 Nilgiri Hills

Climb into the misty Nilgiri, or Blue Mountains, covered in tea plantations, grape gardens and eucalyptus trees. Hike through the plantations, learn how tea is grown and travel on the famous Blue Mountain railway.

Day 4 Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Spend the night at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides one of the most important refuges for the elephant and bison in India.

Day 5-6 Mysore

Join the pilgrims at Chamundi Hills, with its Chamundeswari Temple on top and Nandi the Bull below. Or shop for silks and sandalwood. Mysore is also a popular destination for spiritual tourism.

Day 7-8 Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

Discover one of India’s numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the 7th century Shore Temple by bicycle or on foot. Later, relax with a cold Indian beer on the beach.

Day 9 Thanjavur (Tanjore)/Tiruchirapalli (Trichy)

Travel to the famous temple cities of Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli. In Thanjavur, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeeswara Temple, and discover the architecture of the Chola Empire. In Trichy, climb the Rock Fortress for a view over the city and river or visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) and gaze over the largest temple complex in the world.

Day 10 Madurai

Today travel to busy and colourful Madurai. Join a guided tour of the temple complex, shop and try one of Madurai’s popular sweet drinks.

Day 11-12 Periyar Tiger Reserve (D)

Travel a road through plantations of spice, tea, rubber and coffee before entering the realm of one of India’s most enduring symbols, the tiger. Periyar is one of the few habitats remaining for wild tigers in the world.

Day 13 Kerala Backwaters Homestay (L,D)

Slip silently through sleepy canals on a boat, as the timeless landscape of Kerala’s backwaters slides by. Savour this idyllic region where boats are the main transport on our Backwater Homestay - a great chance to meet, talk and eat with the people who live here.

Day 14 Kochi (B)

Travel back to our starting point at Fort Kochi where trip ends upon arrival.