Southern India holiday
| country: | India |
| location: | Kerala |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2008: 1 Aug, 17 Oct, 7 Nov, 21 Nov, 12 Dec, 19 Dec 2009: 23 Jan, 6 Feb, 13 Mar, 3 Apr, 31 Jul, 16 Oct, 6 Nov, 20 Nov, 11 Dec, 18 Dec |
| price: | From £999 - £1359 (15 days) including flights from the UK, from £549 excluding flights |
read 4 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
Fascinating journey through India’s mystical deep south.
Temples & Wildlife: The gentle south is home to devout followers of Hinduism whose faith is embodied in their lavish temples. From the shore temples at Mahabalipuram youll travel by train and road to witness the exquisitely carved and decorated temple towers at places such as Tanjore and Madurai. Crossing the plains you enter Kerala and the tranquillity of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the best of south India’s wildlife.
Malabar Backwaters Houseboat: For many, the highlight of this journey is the time spent aboard a traditional houseboat. You’ll cruise along the palm-lined rivers, lagoons and emerald green rice paddies synonymous with Kerala. Following a memorable homestay on the shores of Lake Vembanad your journey ends with time to relax on the beach at Kovalam.
Temples & Wildlife: The gentle south is home to devout followers of Hinduism whose faith is embodied in their lavish temples. From the shore temples at Mahabalipuram youll travel by train and road to witness the exquisitely carved and decorated temple towers at places such as Tanjore and Madurai. Crossing the plains you enter Kerala and the tranquillity of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the best of south India’s wildlife.
Malabar Backwaters Houseboat: For many, the highlight of this journey is the time spent aboard a traditional houseboat. You’ll cruise along the palm-lined rivers, lagoons and emerald green rice paddies synonymous with Kerala. Following a memorable homestay on the shores of Lake Vembanad your journey ends with time to relax on the beach at Kovalam.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1-2: | Overnight flight to Madras, transfer to Mahabalipuram |
| Day 3-4: | Train to Trichy; explore Tanjore |
| Day 5: | Return to Trichy; visit Sri Rangam & Rock Fort; continue to Madurai |
| Day 6: | Madurai; visit Sri Meenakshi Temple |
| Day 7-8: | Periyar NP; nature walk and boat trip |
| Day 9-10: | Cochin; sightseeing |
| Day 11: | To Allepey. Join houseboat & cruise Malabar backwaters |
| Day 12: | Drive to Kumarakom; homestay |
| Day 13-14: | Transfer to Kovalam, relax on beach |
| Day 15: | Fly to London |
travellers' tales
If I had to choose, I would say that the temples in the east were amongst the most fantastic sites I have ever seen. As a wildlife enthusiast, I felt that the national park at Periyar was also up there with the best parts, too. (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its 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 new people as well as seeing new places.how this holiday makes a difference
We use a south-Indian agent to provide us with services such as booking of hotels and providing a driver and bus. This, together with taking meals in local restaurants, means more of our money reaches the local people. Entry fees to Periyar National Park go towards the maintenance of the park and wildlife conservation. The farm visit really helps out the local family with vital income.
Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us.
Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems.
Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full.
Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book.
Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us.
Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems.
Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full.
Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book.