South India Revealed

South India Revealed

Unplug from everyday routine and head to the beaches and backwaters of southern India. Explore the lush landscapes, intriguing cultures, bustling bazaars, and incredible cuisine of this region. Jump on and off local transport and go rural through coconut groves and fishing villages, discovering the heart of the subcontinent. See ancient ruins and stunning temples, eat spicy curries, and drink luscious lassis. You’ll zen out in the relaxed, unique towns of Varakala and Hampi. Explore the Keralan Backwaters in a pole boat before heading to an island village for an overnight homestay with a local family. Join the bustle of city streets and, at the end of it all, unwind on the beautiful beaches of Goa.

Activities

• Trivandrum – Leader-led Orientation Walk
• Kerala Backwaters – Pole boat ride
• Kerala Backwaters – Guided village walk
• Kochi – Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
• Periyar – Spice plantation visit
• Periyar – Kalaripayattu (Indian Martial Art) performance
• Madurai – Leader-led walking tour
• Mysore – Leader-led walking tour

Highlights

• Golden beaches and age-old fishing villages make Goa one of India’s most popular retreats – and a perfect place to consider extending your southern India adventure.
• Take the atmosphere of Shimla or Darjeeling, add lush tropical jungle and you have the Western Ghats: a hotspot of thundering waterfalls, tea plantations, spice markets, and echoes of a colonial past.
• Glide through the backwaters of Kerala on a pole boat, going ashore for a village homestay – a beautiful break from hotels and a perfect way to get close to local customs and culture.
• Cross into Kochi – a colonial centre and major port city in India’s southwest. Explore the seaside Fort Kochi area and consider watching a traditional Kathakali dance performance in your free time.
• Paddle by canoe to your guesthouse in the temple town of Hampi to enjoy a special stay on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.