South India & Kerala holiday
| country: | India |
| location: | Kerala |
| trip type: | A small group adventure. |
| departures: | Departs selected Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the year |
| price: | From £470 (15 days) excluding flights, plus local payment Rupee 10000 (approx £115). We can arrange flights from the UK. All departure dates are guaranteed |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
Fort Kochi, Mysore Palace, Badaga village, Kerala backwaters, Periyar National Park, trekking in the Nilgiri Mountains, Ooty hill station, Sri Meenakshi Temple, Pondicherry
Lush, tropical southern India is an inspiration. Amid the green shades of a coastal paradise, encounter locals in their fishing villages and tribal homes. Join them in bazaars, and on buses and boats, or even on pilgrimage in Madurai, the city of temples. South India's spiritual connection, mist-clad Nilgiri ranges, friendly people and wild animal sanctuaries make this a fabulous part of India to explore.
Lush, tropical southern India is an inspiration. Amid the green shades of a coastal paradise, encounter locals in their fishing villages and tribal homes. Join them in bazaars, and on buses and boats, or even on pilgrimage in Madurai, the city of temples. South India's spiritual connection, mist-clad Nilgiri ranges, friendly people and wild animal sanctuaries make this a fabulous part of India to explore.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1-2: | Kochi. Savour the fragrant spice bazaars of Jewtown, watch the sunset over Chinese fishing nets, explore the Dutch palace and enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. |
| Day 3: | Kerala Backwaters. Experience Keralan life on an island homestay. Meet the local families, dine on traditional food and explore the island and its meandering backwaters on a sunset boat ride. |
| Day 4-5: | Periyar National Park. Travel through fragrant rubber, tea, coffee and spice plantations to Periyar National Park, famous for its wild elephants. |
| Day 6: | Madurai. Colourful and chaotic, this is southern India at its lively best. Visit the Sri Meenakshi temple, wander through the tailors' market or visit a museum devoted to Gandhi. |
| Day 7: | Pondicherry. Follow the scenic coastal road to the French-influenced Pondicherry. Nearby is Auroville, an experiment in international living and home to the world's largest crystal. |
| Day 8-9: | Mamallapuram. From the fishing village of Mamallapuram, cycle around the beautifully weathered Shore Temples and Arjuna's Penance, a massive rock carving. |
| Day 10: | Mysore. Famous for its silk, sandalwood and incense, Mysore's colourful Dvraja Market is great to explore. See the city's unusual palace lit up at night and visit Chamundi Hill for a spot of 'puja'. |
| Day 11: | Masinagudi. Stay in a charming jungle retreat set against the backdrop of the misty Nilgiri Mountains. Head deep into Bandipur National Park to spot elephants, deer and maybe even tigers. |
| Day 12-13: | Ootacamund. Take a walk in the Eucalyptus-covered Nilgiri Mountains and tea plantations of 'Ooty', stopping at a tea factory for a lesson in brewing. |
| Day 14-15: | Kochi. Our adventure comes to an end back in multicultural Kochi. |
travellers' tales
The highlight was when Peter Lemass organised a car and driver for my wife and me so that we could go round Ooty and Ketti to see where I used to live as a boy. Also the Rock carvings at Mahabaliporam. Also the stay with Thomas in the Kerala backwaters. (more)
small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's 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 people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more) Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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You will have many opportunities to interact with the friendly locals in your visit through southern India. In the Alleppey backwaters, the group is split between a few of the village homes for a couple of nights – a great opportunity to meet the local families and learn about how they live in the unique landscape. You can support individuals in this community by going punting with some of the locals who come from poorer families, having the local women sing for the group, or buying local handicrafts to provide extra income and ensuring these skills do not die out. In Mysore, our local friend Raju may take you into his home for lunch, where you can meet his family and learn the Muslim customs his family maintain.
Our jungle retreat in the Nilgiri Mountains makes the most of its natural environment in having created a charming getaway made totally from eco-friendly materials and powered by solar panels. You can take a walk in these beautiful surroundings, led by the retreat’s owner, who is also a passionate naturalist and environmentalist and shares a strong relationship with the local Badaga and Toda tribespeople. There is the possibility of purchasing some of the shawls that are made by the Toda tribes. On a visit to Periyar National Park, you will be supporting the park in its work to protect the many endangered species that live there, including the majestic Indian elephant. You will have the option of visiting ‘Little Angels’ in the fishing village of Mamallapuram – a project that works with orphans and under-privileged children run by our guide, Stephen. By meeting some of the kids and buying some of the delightful Christmas cards they make, or making a donation, you can help support the resident 32 children to complete their schooling. In December 2004, this seaside town (along with many Indian coastal towns) suffered much damage and some loss of life during the devastating Tsunami. Visiting this area and supporting local businesses helps them get back on their feet. At the end of our journey, travellers may donate any unwanted clothing, medicines and bandages, which are distributed to an appropriate local charity or support group in Kochi. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |