India - The Tropical South (14 Days)
Spice ports, hill stations, backwater boat trips, tea plantations, temples and palm-fringed beaches overlooking the Indian Ocean
We journey along the backwaters and lagoons of Kerala on board a traditional houseboat and visit villages en route to the old spice town of Cochin. Away from the coast the wildlife sanctuaries at Eravikulam, Periyar and Kottayam are home to an array of wildlife and an abundance of colourful birdlife. We visit the old Raj town of Munnar, surrounded by tea plantations, grassland and verdant forest. Christianity and even Judaism have left their mark on the coastal regions but it is Hinduism that dominates, producing one of India's most elaborately decorated temples at Madurai. We finish on the sweeping beaches of Kovalam with the chance to relax and try some delicious fresh seafood.
- Day 1:Start Coir village resort at Thrikunpuzha.
- Day 2:Houseboat for backwater cruise to Alleppey.
- Day 3:To Cochin; free afternoon.
- Day 4:Sightseeing by motorboat around harbour of Cochin; free afternoon.
- Day 5:To Munnar.
- Day 6:Day walk through tea plantations to Anamudi Peak.
- Day 7:To Madurai.
- Day 8:Visit colourful Sri Meenakshi Temple; optional cycle rickshaw ride through town.
- Day 9:To Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to wild elephant and many other animals and birds.
- Day 10:Explore the wildlife sanctuary including motorboat trip on Periyar Lake.
- Day 11:To Kumarakom via Kottayam Bird Sanctuary.
- Day 12:To tropical beaches of Kovalam.
- Day 13:Free to relax on beach; optional visit to Kanyakumari the southernmost tip of India.
- Day 14:End Kovalam.
Operated by Exodus Travel (AIT)
Departures: October to April & August
- Contact us for more information, current costs and to make a booking on this tour