South India Revealed
South India Revealed
South India Revealed
16 Days Starting in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India and ending in Goa, India
Visiting: Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala, Kerala Backwaters, Kochi, Periyar, Madurai, Mysuru, Hampi, Goa
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HHRS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Unplug from everyday routine and head to the beaches and backwaters of southern India on a 16-day Lonely Planet Experience, powered by Intrepid. 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. Join the bustle of city streets and, at the end of it all, unwind on the beautiful beaches of Goa.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Trivandrum
Location: Thiruvananthapuram
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to India! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting this evening at 6 pm. Afterward, join your local leader on an orientation walk around Trivandrum. Tonight is all about introductions, so perhaps get together with your group after the walk and have an optional dinner – your leader will be able to suggest the best neighbourhoods for a delicious local meal.
Day 2 : Varkala
Location: Varkala
Accommodation: Resort
In the morning, head up the coast by private vehicle for around 2 hours to the town of Varkala. Once settled into your hotel, use the free time to explore the Keralan coast, which is home to some of India’s best beaches. Soaring cliffs protect Varkala’s sandy bay and, depending on the time of year, dolphins can be spotted from high up on the rocks. In the evening, maybe head into town to one of the numerous restaurants serving fresh, local seafood caught right off the coast.
Day 3 : Varkala
Location: Varkala
Accommodation: Resort
Enjoy a free day in Varkala. This is a great place to sit back and relax, but if you want to get active there are plenty of water activities on offer, such as surfing and windsurfing. Even though this is a popular destination for Indian tourists, the beaches are quiet and pretty laidback. Today is also the perfect time to check your Lonely Planet app and see what else is popular around the area. Take the rest of the day to relax, beachside, or otherwise, before the rest of South India beckons.
Day 4 : Kerala Backwaters
Location: Kerala Backwaters
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
This morning, take a 3-hour train journey along the Keralan coastline to Alappuzha (Alleppey). Once an important trading port and now renowned for the annual Snake Boat race in August, Alappuzha is the starting point for most journeys into the backwaters. An auto-rickshaw will take you from the train station to the boat boarding point. Explore the Keralan Backwaters in a pole boat before heading to an island village for an overnight homestay with a local family. Your guide will take you on a walk around the village and introduce you to the community.
Included Activities:
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Day 5 : Kochi
Location: Kochi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, cross the backwaters by private boat back to Alappuzha. You’ll then take a 2-hour local bus to Kochi, arriving around midday (12 pm). Once arrived, go for a walk around the Fort Kochi area, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. In the early evening, there’s the option to attend a classic Kathakali dance performance – a snapshot into traditional cultures of the region.
Optional Activities:
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Day 6 : Kochi
Location: Kochi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, head to the Mattancherry part of Fort Cochin to explore the old Jewish quarter, synagogue, and Dutch Palace (Kochi Palace) on a guided walking tour. The tour takes around three hours, with the rest of the day free to do as you wish. Afterward, why not join an Urban Adventure day tour, such as Aromas of Kochi, to get more of an in-depth look into this city and its cuisine. Visit urbanadventures.com/destination/kochi-tours for more information, and check with your local leader in advance if you’d like to book one of these trips.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7 : Periyar
Location: Periyar
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, get ready for a day of travel as you head by private vehicle to Periyar National Park (approximately 7–8 hours). After checking in to your hotel, head out on a tour of a local spice farm, sampling cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed evening around your accommodation, perhaps settling in for an early night.
Included Activities:
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Day 8 : Periyar
Location: Periyar
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast, enjoy a free day with an optional walk around Periyar National Park. Encounters with animals in the wild are never guaranteed, and this is more of a jungle walk than an animal-spotting tour, but do keep an eye out for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants, or gaur – the world's largest species of buffalo. In the afternoon, unwind with an optional ayurvedic massage or just relax in your scenic setting.
Optional Activities:
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Day 9 : Madurai
Location: Madurai
Accommodation: Hotel
In the morning, take a local bus to Madurai (approximately 4–5 hours). This buzzing city is crammed full of bazaars, pilgrims, and cycle rickshaws. After a walking tour to see the sights, perhaps visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple. This ancient temple is still in use and features a labyrinth of lamplit corridors leading to shrines.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 10 : Madurai – Overnight Train
Location: Madurai
Accommodation: Overnight Sleeper Train
Today is a free day in Madurai. Perhaps head to the Gandhi Museum to learn about the man who fought for India’s independence or wander through the 1000 pillars of Aayiram Kaal Mandapam. This is also a great opportunity to haggle with vendors at the bazaars and the tailors' market. Keep in mind that this evening, you’ll take an overnight sleeper train to Mysore. The journey is approximately 14 hours, so you may want to bring some extra snacks.
Optional Activities:
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Day 11 : Mysore
Location: Mysuru
Accommodation: Hotel
On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Mysore. Mysore is an easygoing town with a pleasant climate. Go on a walk with your group, checking out the ornate Mysore Palace along the way. There’s also the option to visit the Keshava Temple in Somnathpur, which is a stunning example of Hoysala architecture. The temple is a 1-hour drive out of town.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 12 : Mysore – Overnight Train
Location: Mysuru
Accommodation: Overnight Sleeper Train
Today is a free day in Mysore, with plenty of optional activities to keep you busy. If you’ve seen all you need to in town, perhaps explore the countryside surrounding Mysore. Climb up Chamundi Hill to the Sri Chamundeswari Temple at the top, which is dedicated to the goddess Durga. At around 7 pm tonight, meet up with your group and board a 10-hour overnight train to Hampi.
Optional Activities:
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Day 13 : Hampi
Location: Hampi
Accommodation: Hotel
In the morning, arrive in Hampi and cross the river to your guesthouse by canoe. Hampi is a temple town situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Once you’re settled in, make an optional visit to the architectural masterpiece of Vittala Temple. This 16th-century temple contains mandapas (pillared pavilions), a pool, a palace, and the popular stone chariot, which according to Hindu mythology was the vehicle of the Lord Vishnu.
Optional Activities:
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Day 14 : Hampi - Overnight Train
Location: Hampi
Accommodation: Overnight Sleeper Train
After breakfast, explore the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire and the huge boulders on the outskirts of town. In the early evening, drive for around 3 hours by private vehicle to Hubli, where you’ll board a 9-hour overnight train to Goa.
Day 15 : Goa
Location: Goa
Accommodation: Hotel
Once your train arrives in Goa, head to the hotel and check in. Brimming with Portuguese influences and known for the sandy beaches lining its coast, Goa is a fascinating region in India's south-west. The day is free to do what you like. Perhaps relax on the beach, sip a cocktail at a local bar, or go for a city walk. Tonight, why not get together with your travel crew for a beachside dinner – Goa is cause for celebration.
Day 16 : Goa
Location: Goa
There are no activities planned for the final day and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time. Goa is a great place to end the trip – if you can, we recommend staying on for a couple of nights to relax and explore. If you would like to spend more time in Goa, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
What's Included
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Mysore - Leader-led walking tour
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Kerala Backwaters - Pole boat ride
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Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
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Kerala Backwaters - Guided village walk
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Periyar - Spice plantation visit
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Madurai - Leader-led walking tour
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Meals
3 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 1 dinners
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Accommodation
Homestay (1 night), Hotel (11 nights), Overnight sleeper train (3 nights)
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Transport
Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Public bus, Auto rickshaw, Taxi, Train, Canoe, Boat
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
Kerala Backwaters - Pole boat rideKerala Backwaters - Guided village walkKochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tourPeriyar - Spice plantation visitMadurai - Leader-led walking tourMysore - Leader-led walking tour
Transport
Overnight sleeper train , Private vehicle , Public bus , Auto rickshaw , Taxi , Train , Canoe , Boat
Accommodation
Homestay (1 night), Hotel (11 nights), Overnight sleeper train (3 nights)
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Is this trip right for you
This is a trip made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to take part in.
We are covering a lot of distance in a vast country, so this trip involves some long train rides. These can at times be a bit gruelling, but offer a quintessential and authentic Indian experience. Sleeper trains are a great way to travel long distances while still getting maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). Please note that you may be sharing with locals of all genders. More information can be found in the 'Transport' section of the Essential Trip Information.
This trip runs year-round, so it’s important to be aware of just how hot it can get in India in the summer months and choose the season that best suits you.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
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