Adventure World - Our World. Your Way

Best of Southern India

Enter a world where time feels like it has stood still forever. From the magnificent 7th century Shore Temples at Mamallapuram, to the tigers of Periyar National Park, and from the peaceful backwaters of Kerala to the cool Nilgiri Hills, this trip uncovers the best of Southern India.

• Continents Visited: Asia
• Countires Visited: India
• Starting City: Cochin
• Finishing City: Cochin
• Start Country: India
• Finihsing Country: India
• Trip Activities: Culture/History, Wildlife/Nature
• Duration: 14
• Physical Rating: 2
• Service Level Rating: Standard

Group Size

Minimum: 5
Maximum: 15
Note: Max 15, Avg 10

Trip Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrive Kochi

   Arrive at Kochi (Cochin) at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Attend an afternoon meeting, (approx 16.00), where you will meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip and you will pay the local payment to the leader. Check the notice board or welcome note to confirm what time and where the group meeting will be held. After the meeting we head out to the harbour to enjoy sunset over the Chinese fishing nets followed by an optional group dinner. These old cantilevered fishing nets, quite common in Kerala, were originally brought from China. In Malayalam they're called 'cheena vala', and used mainly at high tide.
   
   If you arrive early read our Kochi welcome note for some suggestions. There are plenty of things to do in this seaside Indian city.
   
   Kochi was an important stop on the spice trading route due to its strategic location near the tip of the Indian subcontinent, Kochi has been a melting pot of influences since the 14th century. The city?s history stretches back much farther: by 1102, Kochi was already the seat of an eponymous princely state that traced its lineages to the Kulasekhara empire. Ancient travellers and tradesmen made references to Kochi in their writings, and in 1503 Kochi became the first European colonial settlement in India when it was occupied by the Portuguese. Later, both the Dutch and British occupied Kochi, resulting in the variety of architecture, food and other influences typical of today?s Kochi.
   
   Kochi is home to the Fort with its Dutch Palace and Jew Street. The oldest church in India sits near mosques and synagogues, and Portuguese housing sits side by side with English manor homes. Ernakulam is the modern and upmarket part of town and is best reached by ferry. Marine Drive is the most popular hangout for locals and MG Road and Broadway are the lifeline of the city.
   
   Kochi is quite famous for its exquisite gold designer jewellery and of course the finest spices which are in abundance.
   

2. Day 2 Kochi

   Leaving early to avoid the heat, we have an orientation tour of Fort Kochi. We visit the Dutch Palace, Jew Town with it old curios shops and the more than 400 year old synagogue. We stop at the spice market before visiting St Francis Church. Vasco da Gama, the first European explorer to set sail for India, was initially buried in here until his remains were returned to Portugal in 1539. We have a quick look at the Dutch cemetery before eventually ending up at the Chinese fishing nets where perhaps you can assist the local fisherman raise these huge nets.
   
   In the late afternoon/early evening we will take in a performance of kathakali dancing (the Keralan tradition dance form), and you can even watch the performers put on their makeup beforehand. Considered one of the oldest dance forms in India, Kathakali is a combination of drama, dance, music and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics, Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

3. Day 3 Nilgiri Hills

   Estimate Travel Time: 9 Hours (290kms)
   
   Today we depart Kochi early and travel via Coimbatore up to the hills. The misty Nilgiri, or Blue Mountains, are covered in coffee and tea plantations, grape gardens and eucalyptus trees and a number of small towns and famous hill stations also dot the landscape. Todays journey is 8 hours.
   
   Coonoor is a small hill station, this gives it is charm. Coonoor's many hillocks and mounds, covered by grassy meadows and a profusion of sunflowers, marigolds, rhododendrons and a variety of wildflowers are perfect for walking and to ramble past other nearby villages. Coonoor has been an ideal locale for filmmakers, both from India and abroad. It formed the backdrop for David Lean's movie A Passage to India (1984) based on E. M. Foster's novel.
   
   During our stay in the hills, we walk through the plantations and learn how tea is grown.
   
   

4. Day 4 Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

   Estimate Travel Time: 3 Hours (60kms)
   
   We drive from Coonoor to Ooty by famous Blue Mountain Railway. This railway is maintained almost exactly as it was 100 years ago.
   
   Nearby at 2268 metres (7440 feet), Udhagamandalam or Ooty as it is more commonly known (and easily pronounced) is the most famous hill station in the area. Its cool climate made it instantly attractive to John Sullivan, the British governor of neighboring Coimbatore province during the 1800s; eventually Ooty became a favorite escape from the coastal heat under the British Raj and served as the summer capital of the Madras Presidency.
   
   Blue Mountain Railway attempts to construct the first railway line in the Blue Hills began at the end of the 19th century. Swiss genius Arthur Riggenbach was invited to India by the government to build a railway similar to the Swiss-Rigi Mountain. In 1891, the Governor of Chennai laid the foundation of the Nilgiri railway and the line was officially inaugurated seven years later.
   Initially, this line had two small-geared engines built by Beyer-Peacock in Manchester, England. Their traction power was too weak for traffic, so in 1911 the new railway owner, the South Indian Railways placed an order for four coupling engines with Swiss Loco Maker (SLM). The heavy duty steam engines were so designed that they could be used on the entire stretch. These sturdy engines are still in use.
   
   The track passes over 26 viaducts, 13 tunnels and numerous bends and tropical rain forest. After a steep climb, the train arrives in Coonoor, which is surrounded, by tea plantations. From there, the track climbs once more until it reaches Fern Hill at a height of 2,218 m, the highest point on the railroad. Shortly before Ooty, the track dips slightly downhill.
   
   
   Leaving the hills for the plains, we stop for the night at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Mudumalai or "Ancient Hill Range" is situated at the base of the Nilgiri Hills.
   
   The sanctuary, provides one of the most important refuges for the elephant and bison in India. The park encompasses some 320 sq kms of undulating terrain and varrying vegetation. There is a rich diversity of wildlife within the sanctaury including Nilgiri tahr, sambar, tiger, spotted deer, flying squirrel. And more than 120 species of birds, including heron, stork, egret, kite, falcon, peafowl, woodpecker, drongo and the warbler will keep the keen bird watchers happy.
   
   We spend part of the afternoon on a short safari spotting the variety of wildlife within the park.
   

5. Day 5-6 Mysore

   Day 5 Estimate Travel Time: 4 Hours (110kms)
   
   Leaving our wildlife adventure we now imagine life as a Maharaja on a guided tour of the Mysore Palace, formerly the seat of the famed Wodeyar Maharajas of Mysore. Later, join the throngs of pilgrims at Chamundi Hills, with its Chamundeswari Temple on top, and Nandi the Bull (the bull the god Shiva rides) a short walk below. Visit the Devaraja fruit and vegetable market, which is certainly one of the most colorful in India or maybe join in a yoga class at one of the many institutes.
   
   On Day 5 we drive to Somnathpur one of the most famous Hoysala Temples in India. The temple is in excellent condition and has frescoed exteriors with episodes from the epics (Ramayana and Mahabrahata).
   
   Along with sandalwood products, silk and crafts, Mysore is also famous for its celebration of the ten-day Navaratri (Dasara) festival held every year. According to Hindu mythology, the area around Mysore city was once the domain of the demon king Mahishasura, who grew too powerful and began to wreak havoc on the world. The Goddess Chamundeshwari defeated the demon, and became known as Mahishasura Mardhini (Slayer of Mahisha). It is this battle and the victory that are commemorated by the annual nine-day Navaratri festival. It is because of this legend that the temple of the Goddess Chamundeshwari, located atop Chamundi Hills, is such an important place of pilgrimage.
   
   Of the 14000 metric tonnes of mulberry silk produced annually in India, Karnataka produces 9000, contributing nearly 70% of the country's total; most of this comes from the Mysore district. Go to see the local silkworm-rearing industry (seasonal) or simply haggle in the markets for clothing or raw material?this is the place for silk!
   
   Mysore is also a popular destination for spiritual tourism, with many yoga instructors drawing international students for extended yoga programs, teachers of Sanskrit, kirtan chant, Ayurveda and other yogic forms also readily available.
   
   We head to the train station in the evening of Day 6 to catch our overnight sleeper train to Chennai (approx. 11-12 hours).

6. Day 7-8 Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

   Day 7 - Estimate Travel Time: 1.5 Hours (65kms)
   
   Arriving early into Chennai (Madras) we continue south (approx 90 mins) to the small village of Mamallapuram, site of the 7th century Shore Temple, another of India?s many UNESCO World Heritage sites.
   
   In the late afternoon, perhaps after you have enjoyed a swim or jog along the beach, explore the monuments by bicycle or on foot, on our guided tour. The impressive group of monuments at Mamallapuram were sculpted by the Pallava kings during the 7th and 8th century A.D. Of these, the Shore Temple stands out in particular, owing to its extraordinary location abutting the sea. Actually a twin-temple dedicated both to Vishnu and Shiva, it was built by Narasimhavarman II (circa 690-715). The Five Rathas, sculpted in granite and situated nearby, were created by his predecessor Narasimhavarman I. Also known as Mamalla (A.D. 630-668), the great wrestler, it is from him Mamallapuram gets its name.
   
   After the tsunami that resulted from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, the force of the water removed sand deposits that had covered various rocky structures, revealing parts of a previously un-excavated temple. Still submerged, the Archaeological Survey of India sent divers to begin underwater excavations of the area in February 2005, still presently underway.
   
   Aside from its draw as a temple site, Mamallapuram is also a favorite shopping haunt for South Indian artifacts, both wooden and granite-based.
   

7. Day 9 Thanjavur (Tanjore)

   Estimate Travel Time: 7 Hours (260kms)
   
   Depart early travel to the famous temple city of Thanjavur on the banks of the Kaveri River via Pondicherry. In Pondicherry we will have a few hours to explore this former French territory; perhaps wander the streets of the French quarter, learn more about Sri Aurobindo Ghose and The Mother at the Ashram, enjoy French delicacies served in one of the many restaurants and cafes, or simply shop for aromatherapy or hand made paper products (part of the Aurobindo Ashram).
   
   Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is famous for the UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeeswara Temple (or simply Big Temple), built in the 10th century by Rajaraja Chola, the first sailor king of India. Enclosed within a fort, the temple is surmounted by a lofty vimana (central tower), designed so that it never casts a shadow at noon at any time of the year. The temple stands as a great example of the development of the architecture of the Chola Empire and the Tamil civilisation in Southern India.
   
   Tanjore is also the name of Air India One, the special aircraft of the President of India and the Prime Minister of India.

8. Day 10 Madurai

   Estimate Travel Time: 5 Hours (190kms)
   
   Today on our way to the very busy and colorful city of Madurai, at the heart of which is the Meenakshi Temple, we visit the town of Tiruchirapalli more commonly called Trichy.
   
   Climb the Rock Fortress of Trichy, built on one of the oldest rocks in the world (approximately 3,800 million years old). The view of the city and river from the Ucchi Pillayar Koil (Temple to Ganesh) on top is clear and panoramic. At the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam), 6 km north of the city, gaze over the seemingly endless expanse of towers and carvings at the largest temple complex in the world. The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) is among the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu in South India. The temple is built on an island in the middle of the Kaveri River and is enclosed by seven rectangular walled courtyards and the temple has 21 gopurams (towers), the largest of which was completed in 1987 and stands 73m high.
   
   Madurai has been an important commercial center since as early as 550 AD, but it is as a temple town that it most strongly identifies itself. Although there are many temples sprinkled throughout the city, none compares to the size and detail of Meenakshi temple.
   
   The enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva, known here as Sundareshvara and his consort Parvati or Meenakshi. The credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks who ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century. Even before you pass through the massive stone walls of the temple, the nine striking gopurams (towers, actually monumental gateways covered with stucco figures of dieties, mythical animals and monsters all painted in vivid colors) which distinguish the temple loom high above. The temple?s tallest spire rises as high as 60 meters, and was for many years the tallest structure in its category in Asia.
   
   After our tour of the temple complex, perhaps you want to shop for handicrafts or duck into the cool shade of the covered, stone tailor?s market, where for a few rupees rows of expert tailors will whip you up a custom shirt in a manner of minutes, all done on antique foot-pump sewing machines.
   
   Be sure to try one of Madurai?s popular sweet carumbu (sugarcane juice) drinks.
   
   In the late evening (about 9.00pm) you may like to visit the Meenakshi temple again for the night time rituals. Filled with incense, people and noise this is a wonderful spectacle.

9. Day 11-12 Periyar Tiger Reserve (1D)

   Day 11 - Estimate Travel Time: 4 Hours (180kms)
   
   Early morning of day 11 we will have an interesting and unique cycle rickshaw tour of Madurai. Covering things like the fruit & vegetable market and the area where aluminum products are made. Watch the pressing of oil by bullocks and the famous Gandhi museum and palace.
   
   Then our journey takes us onto Periyar (approx 4 hours) along a gently winding road, sometimes even a little bumpy, through plantations of spice, tea, rubber and coffee, before entering the realm of one of India?s most enduring symbols, the tiger. One of the few habitats remaining for wild tigers in India (and indeed, the world), Periyar, is also known as Thekkady. It is nestled in the high ranges of Western Ghats in kerala, is part of Project Tiger, a wildlife conservation project designed to protect Royal Bengal Tigers from extinction.
   
   Set high in the mountains of the Western Ghats, about 100kms from the Backwaters, this protected area covers 777 sq kms, out of which a 350 sq km part of the core zone was made into the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Famous for its picturesque (though artificial) lake and of course tiger (which number about 40), the park is also home to 62 different kinds of mammal. The most well known of these are the park?s famous herds of wild Indian elephants, which often come to bathe in Periyar lake. Other mammals found here include gaur, sambar (horse deer), barking deer, mouse deer, Dholes (Indian wild dogs), mongoose and leopards. Also living in the park, though rarely seen, are the elusive Nilgiri tahr.
   
   
   Very early on Day 12, we accompany our guides for a walk through the jungle in search of wildlife. The nature trails traverse different habitats and generally involve routes of approximately 4-5 kms. The trails pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. You will be accompanied by trained tribal guides and you will probably split into smaller groups to increase the likelihood of spotting wildlife.
   
   In the afternoon we will enjoy a tour of one of the many spice gardens that surround the area. Here you will see many types of spices, learn how they grow and understand why Kerala is the spice capital of India.
   

10. Day 13 Kerala Backwaters Homestay (L,D)

    Estimate Travel Time: 5.5 Hours (145kms)
    
    In the morning we travel down to the backwaters, where we catch a private boat for the short journey (approx 30mins) to our village homestay. Accommodation is on a multi-share basis and all the families live within a few hundred meters of each other, with at least one person in the family speaking a reasonable standard of English. Food is traditional Keralan home cooking and is superb. Lunch, dinner and tomorrows breakfast are included.
    
    This afternoon we explore the island with a local person to observe the different facets of local life - a great chance to meet and talk with the people who live here. Strolling under the palm trees, we weave in between the rice fields that cover the island and learn more about the lifestyles of the locals. Just before sunset we jump on a small country boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding backwaters. There is may be time to kick back and enjoy the local toddy (alcoholic drink made from coconut).
    
    Note: You will only need to take a small day pack or small overnight bag with you to the home stay. Your main bags will be transferred directly to the hotel in Kochi.

11. Day 14 Kochi & Depart (B)

    The morning is spent enjoying the hospitality of our family homestay. We may learn how to cook some of the wonderful food, watch the toddy tappers at work, or simply wander around the village and explore more of the life on the backwaters.
    
    Then we travel back to our starting point at Kochi. Firstly we take our private boat (approx 1 1/2 hours) down to Alappuzha (Alleppey). Slipping silently through sleepy canals, shorelines dotted with the Chinese fishing nets, this is exactly as National Geographic describes it - one of the greatest destinations in "Gods own country". Then we jump on a local bus for our last journey (approx 2 hours) through the villages and roads of Kerala back into Fort Kochi.
    
    The trip ends on arrival back in Kochi in the early afternoon.
    If you are booking onward travel today we recommend that you don't book your flight until 4pm or later.

Pricing Information

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