Classic South India
9 Days Starting in Cochin, India and ending in Kovalam, India
Visiting: Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, Kumarakom, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Classic South India" tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of southern India. Begin your journey in the historic port city of Kochi, where you'll explore its rich architectural heritage and witness a captivating Kathakali dance performance. Travel to the lush hills of Munnar, renowned for its tea plantations and spice gardens, and enjoy a scenic boat ride on Mattupetty Dam. In Periyar, delve into the local cuisine with a cooking class and explore the wildlife sanctuary on a guided nature walk. Experience the tranquil beauty of the Kerala Backwaters with a sunset cruise and a village walk in Kumarakom. Conclude your adventure in the coastal paradise of Kovalam, visiting an NGO dedicated to marine conservation. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and culinary delights, providing an unforgettable South Indian experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kochi
Location: Kochi
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel
Namaste! Welcome to Kochi (also known as Cochin). This port city on the southwestern coast of India has been a vibrant hub since 1341, shaped by the historic interactions with traders from Portugal, China and Britain. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be collected and brought to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. Perhaps get to know your group a little better over an optional dinner tonight.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Kochi
Location: Kochi
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin your day with a tour of Kochi with your leader, exploring the city before heading to Fort Kochi on the coast. Look out for evidence of different cultures on Indian soil, like Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the country’s oldest Catholic Churches, and St. Francis Church, believed to be the first Church built by the Europeans. Explore the remnants of Portuguese influence at Mattancherry Palace, originally constructed in the 16th century and later renovated by the Dutch. Visit the oldest functioning Jewish synagogue nearby with insights from your guide, followed by a performance of Kathakali – a traditional form of dance based on Hindu legends that puts costume and colour centre stage. It can take students over a decade to perfect the movements necessary to perform the artform, so prepare to be impressed.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Munnar
Location: Munnar
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, journey west to Munnar – a picturesque town sitting among the mountains. Tea enthusiasts will find Munnar particularly fascinating for its integral connection to the beverage. Learn more about this on a visit to the Tea Museum, an institution that recalls the history of the plantations. This evening is free to spend as you wish – consider utilising your leader’s local knowledge by asking for recommendations on dining and activities.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Munnar
Location: Munnar
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Armed with your new insights into Munnar’s tea industry, you’ll begin your day with a visit to a tea plantation to see the tea-making process first-hand. Stroll along the rolling hills of tea bushes, appreciating the harmony between human cultivation and the natural world. After, take in the view from a different angle during a boat ride on Mattupetty Dam – a reservoir that often attracts wild elephants and bison. Finish your group outing at Echo Point Hill for the best view of the dam before enjoying a free evening to unwind.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Periyar
Location: Periyar
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Munnar is not just known for its tea, it's also renowned for cultivating a wide range of spices. Dive deeper into this trade at the local spice plantation, where you’ll learn about the region’s diverse plant life, spices, herbs, fruits and flowers and their significance in Ayurvedic medicine. You can also enjoy an optional lunch here, where you’ll get to try the fresh spices. Later, watch a demonstration of Indian martial arts (kalarippayattu) widely believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in the world. After, continue your journey south to Periyar.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Periyar
Location: Periyar
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore the heart of Periyar by beginning your day with a guided walk of its National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. This protected habitat sits within the Western Ghats so enjoy the view while searching for wild tigers and elephants. The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps opt for an Ayurveda massage to soothe your body post jungle trek. In the evening, learn about Kerala cuisine at a cooking class and then enjoy your home-cooked meal with your group, discovering the flavours that define Kerala food.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Kumarakom
Location: Kumarakom
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the renowned Kerala Backwaters with your group this morning – a serene set of lakes, canals and lagoons. After, immerse yourself in nature with a guided walk in Kumarakom. Located on the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is teeming with diverse fish and bird species. Set sail on the backwaters and experience the sunset aboard. Finish your day with a group dinner at a restaurant that provides employment and training to local women, where you might try traditional dishes like fish curry, meen pollichathu (fish marinated with spices and wrapped in banana leaves) and avial (a vegetable dish with coconut).
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Kovalam
Location: Kovalam
Accommodation Name: Sagara Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, continue your journey further south to Kobalam. Once a quiet coastal village known for exporting fresh fish and coconuts, Kovalam has transformed into one of India’s beloved beach resorts. In the afternoon, visit Positive Change for Marine Life – an NGO and Intrepid Foundation partner collaborating with locals to reduce plastic use. Maybe gather your group for a farewell meal together tonight – the local cuisine is known for its use of coconuts, curry leaves and fresh seafood, so dig in while you have the chance.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Departure
Location: Thiruvananthapuram
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast and you’re free to leave the accommodation at any time.
What's Included
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Kochi - Kathakali performance
Enjoy a captivating Kathakali performance in Kochi.
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Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
Explore Fort Kochi with a leader-led walking tour.
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Munnar - Tea Museum
Visit the Tea Museum in Munnar to learn about the region's tea-making history.
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Munnar - Echo point hill
Experience the scenic views from Echo Point Hill in Munnar.
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Munnar - Mattupetty Dam
Enjoy a visit to Mattupetty Dam, known for wildlife sightings.
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Munnar - Tea plantation
Walk among the rolling hills of tea bushes at a tea plantation in Munnar.
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Munnar - Martial Art Performance
Witness a performance of kalarippayattu, one of the oldest surviving martial arts.
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Munnar - Spice Plantation
Explore a spice plantation in Munnar and learn about the region's diverse plant life.
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Periyar - Kerala cooking class
Participate in a Kerala cooking class in Periyar.
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Periyar - Guided Nature Walk
Enjoy a guided nature walk in Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and optional activities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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International Flights
International flights to and from the destination are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into India are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation in India includes private vehicles with experienced drivers, local trains, and auto-rickshaws. Trains offer a scenic view of the countryside but may face delays. Flights are of excellent quality, and auto-rickshaws provide a local travel experience without seatbelts.
Accommodation
The accommodation on this tour includes air-conditioned hotel rooms, with some properties experiencing daily load shedding. Most hotels have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals, though alcohol may not be available. WiFi is generally accessible, sometimes free in rooms or available in public areas.
Important Information
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.3. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
For the temple visits, please remember to wear clothing that covers your arms, legs and shoulders.
Southern India can get very hot during the summer, so remember to drink lots of water and use sun protection. Wearing light, loose layers is one of the best ways to tackle the heat.
Since we'll be navigating diverse terrain in national parks and villages, it’s important to have a basic level of fitness and wear comfortable walking shoes. Leech socks will be provided for the Periyar nature walk. -
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.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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