South India & Kerala holiday
| country: | India |
| location: | Mysore, Kerala, Kochi |
| trip type: | A small group adventure. |
| departures: | Departs selected Tuesdays and Fridays except Apr - Jul in 2010 |
| price: | From £555 (15 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 1 travellers review
the amazing things you'll be doing
Lush and tropical, southern India is inspiring and delightful. Beneath the green shade of a coastal paradise, meet with locals in their fishing villages and tribal homes. Join them in the bazaars, and on buses and boats or even on pilgrimage in Madurai, the city of temples. South India's spirituality, mist-clad Nilgiri ranges, friendly people and wild animal sanctuaries make it a fascinating part of India to explore.
day-by-day itinerary
| Days 1-2: | Kochi. Visit fragrant spice bazaars, antique shops and Mattancherry Palace in Fort Cochin, with its fascinating mix of colonial influences. |
| Day 3: | Kerala Backwaters Homestay. Share a traditional feast with a local family and take a sunset cruise through the backwaters. |
| Days 4-5: | Periyar National Park. Travel through rubber, tea, coffee and spice plantations. At Periyar National Park, join a forest guide and try to track herds of elephants. |
| Day 6: | Madurai. Witness mysterious rituals in the Sri Meenakshi Temple, a labyrinth of lamp-lit corridors and shrines. |
| Day 7: | Pondicherry. Follow the scenic coastal road to the French-influenced Pondicherry. Nearby is Auroville, a fascinating experiment in 'human unity' that boasts the world's largest crystal. |
| Days 8-9: | Mamallapuram. Cycle around the Shore Temples and see the massive rock carving known as Arjuna's Penance. |
| Day 10: | Mysore. View the illuminated stained glass windows of the Maharaja's Palace, dine with a local friend and witness a puja ceremony on Chamundi Hill. |
| Day 11: | Masinagudi. Stay in a jungle retreat at the foot of the Nilgiri Hills. Safari into the wilds of Madumalai National Park, home to tigers, leopards, elephants and spotted deer. |
| Days 12-13: | Ootacamund. Walk in the eucalypt-blanketed hills and learn the secrets to the perfect brew at a tea factory. Ride the famous toy train through rolling plantations. |
| Days 14-15: | Kochi. Wander amid the medieval Portuguese, Dutch and British Raj architecture by the Malabar Coast. Enjoy free time to explore the vibrant streets of Kochi before this Southern Indian adventure wraps up. |
travellers' tales
The highlight was when Peter Lemass organised a car and driver for my wife and me so that we could go round Ooty and Ketti to see where I used to live as a boy. Also the Rock carvings at Mahabaliporam. Also the stay with Thomas in the Kerala backwaters. (more)
small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more) Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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You will have many opportunities to interact with the friendly locals in your visit through southern India. In the Alleppey backwaters, the group is split between a few of the village homes for a couple of nights – a great opportunity to meet the local families and learn about how they live in the unique landscape. You can support individuals in this community by going punting with some of the locals who come from poorer families, having the local women sing for the group, or buying local handicrafts to provide extra income and ensuring these skills do not die out. In Mysore, our local friend Raju may take you into his home for lunch, where you can meet his family and learn the Muslim customs his family maintain.
Our jungle retreat in the Nilgiri Mountains makes the most of its natural environment in having created a charming getaway made totally from eco-friendly materials and powered by solar panels. You can take a walk in these beautiful surroundings, led by the retreat’s owner, who is also a passionate naturalist and environmentalist and shares a strong relationship with the local Badaga and Toda tribespeople. There is the possibility of purchasing some of the shawls that are made by the Toda tribes. On a visit to Periyar National Park, you will be supporting the park in its work to protect the many endangered species that live there, including the majestic Indian elephant. You will have the option of visiting ‘Little Angels’ in the fishing village of Mamallapuram – a project that works with orphans and under-privileged children run by our guide, Stephen. By meeting some of the kids and buying some of the delightful Christmas cards they make, or making a donation, you can help support the resident 32 children to complete their schooling. In December 2004, this seaside town (along with many Indian coastal towns) suffered much damage and some loss of life during the devastating Tsunami. Visiting this area and supporting local businesses helps them get back on their feet. At the end of our journey, travellers may donate any unwanted clothing, medicines and bandages, which are distributed to an appropriate local charity or support group in Kochi. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |