From calm Kerala backwaters and spice plantations to incredible temples, have your camera ready as you experience the highlights of Southern India. This two-week adventure offers a great balance of guided excursions and free time to explore on your own. Travelling by train, bus, rickshaw, and country boats will bring you closer to the locals and is a fascinating way to gain insight into the peaceful backwaters of Kerala and stunning temples of Tamilnadu.
Day 1: KochiArrive at any time.
Day 2: Kochi/Sultan BatheryTake a morning train followed by a scenic drive to reach Sultan Bathery, in the Wayanad district.
Day 3: Sultan BatheryWalk the nature trails through the farm area in Wayanad. Also take a tour of a tea factory and plantation to learn about tea production in the area from a guide.
Day 4: Sultan Bathery/MysoreSettle in for the drive to the ancient city of Mysore.
Day 5: MysoreExplore the vibrant city of Mysore including visits to Chamundi Temple and Mysore Palace. After enjoy free time and opt to visit the Devaraja market or join a yoga class.
Day 6: Mysore/MāmallapuramEnjoy a full day of train travel to Chennai before a short bus ride to Mamallapuram.
Day 7: MāmallapuramVisit the Shore Temple. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Mamallapuram.
Day 8: Māmallapuram/PuducherryContinue to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry) and learn about Sri Aurobindo Ghose at the ashram.
Day 9: Puducherry/MaduraiTravel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Day 10: MaduraiHop on a cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city before visiting the famous Meenakshi Temple.
Day 11: Madurai/ThekkadyDrive to Thekkady. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills.
Day 12: Thekkady/Kerala BackwatersTravel to Alleppey for a local homestay. Experience local life and a guided walk along the lagoon.
Day 13: Kerala Backwaters/KochiSpend the morning enjoying last moments with your host family. Learn to cook some local food, watch the toddy tappers at work, or wander around the village. Travel to a Planeterra project for lunch before returning to Kochi. Head out for an orientation walk, then enjoy an evening performance of kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.
Day 14: KochiDepart at any time.
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