9-Day South India Classic Tour

9-Day South India Classic Tour

By Lancy | Updated Mar. 17, 2023

Discover the Idyllic Kerala

This impressive 9-day South India Tour lets you experience the diversity of India in every aspect — its architecture, wildlife, landscapes, and culture. Its tea plantations and spice gardens will make you fall in love with this beautiful place.

Days

9

Price

US$1,193 p/p

Best For

Nature fans

Best Time

Oct. to Mar.

Tour Highlights

Watch a traditional Kathakali dance and learn about their costumes and makeup
1
Watch a traditional Kathakali dance and learn about their costumes and makeup
Immerse yourself in the local Indian tea culture, and learn how to make tea traditionally
2
Immerse yourself in the local Indian tea culture, and learn how to make tea traditionally
Explore the forests of South India and encounter some wildlife
3
Explore the forests of South India and encounter some wildlife
Enjoy a one-night cruise in a houseboat in Alleppey
4
Enjoy a one-night cruise in a houseboat in Alleppey
Sunbathe on the beautiful Kovalam Beach
5
Sunbathe on the beautiful Kovalam Beach
 
 
 

Itinerary Details

The below itinerary is only a sample for your reference. You can explore India on your own terms — just tell your travel advisor your interests, needs, and budget.

Day 1
Cochin Arrival

Your local guide and driver will meet you at the airport, then transfer to your hotel directly. The rest of the day is for you to spend as you wish.

Hotel options:
Radisson Blu Kochi (4-star)
Kochi Marriott Hotel (5-star)

Day 2
Cochin Sightseeing Tour for Half Day and Enjoy a Local Dance Show

breakfast & lunch

The first place you will visit is the oldest Portuguese style Christian church, built in 1503 — St. Francis Church. Then, you will visit the Mattancherry Palace (now called Dutch Palace) and feast your eyes on hundreds of Indian murals. Next, click a selfie with the Chinese fishing nets, which are iconic in Cochin.

Then, stroll down the streets of Jew Town and explore the numerous art galleries and crafts shops. You will see Paradesi Synagogue, constructed in 1568, which is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.

At night, you will have the chance to watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance, which is a stylized form of drama. It depicts stories from Hindu classical literature through a combination of dance and mime. The performers' makeup, costumes, and dance gestures are unique.

Day 3
Leave from Cochin to Munnar

breakfast & lunch

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Cochin to Munnar (four hours) by car, and you will meet up with your new guide there.

Visit an Indian tea plantation in the afternoon. Enjoy the natural atmosphere, breathe in the fresh air, and let yourself relax. There are many women locals working on the mountains; if you wish, you can have a small chat with them.

Hotel options:
Golden Ridge Mountain Resort (4-star)
Fragrant Nature (5-star)

Day 4
Enjoy the Nature of Munnar

breakfast & lunch

In the morning, head to a peaceful and blissful place — Mattupetty Lake and Dam, which is the best place to relax in Munnar. If you wish to, you can have a picnic here. Then take some time to visit Eravikulam National Park, which is home to many species of wildlife. The last stop is a visit to the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history of Indian tea, and try making different local teas with your guide.

Day 5
Drive from Munnar to Thekkady, Natural tour of Thekkady

breakfast & lunch

You will start your day with a 3-hour driving from Munnar to Thekkady. After lunch, visit Periyar National Park and soak in the serenity. If you are lucky, you will see some wildlife, such as deer, elephants, and buffaloes. Take a cruise along Periyar Lake and spot wild animals basking in the sun, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

After lunch, spend an afternoon in a local spice garden, and try to recognize spices and learn how locals use them. You can also wander through a spice plantation, listening to stories about how locals make a living growing spices, how to cultivate them, and so on.

Hotel options:
Poetree Sarovar Portico (4-star)
Greenwoods Resort (5-star)

Day 6
Transfer from Thekkady to Alleppey, Enjoy Backwater Cruise

breakfast & lunch

Transfer from Thekkady to Alleppey in a private car (3½ hours) in the morning and check-in at a local houseboat. Discover Kerala’s backwaters as you pass through narrow canals. You may get wet during the cruise, but the beautiful views are definitely worth it!

Hotel options:
Evergreen Houseboat/Xandari River Escapes

Day 7
Drive from Alleppey to Kovalam

breakfast & lunch

Check-out from the houseboat at 9:30 am, then head to Kovalam by car (four hours). Check-in at your hotel first, then bask in the sun on the tropical beach, swim, get a massage, listen to music, and unwind with a tasty juice and seafood.

Hotel options:
Uday Samudra Beach Hotel (4-star)
Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa Kovalam (5-star)

Day 8
Enjoy a Free day in Kovalam

breakfast

You will have a free day in Kovalam — make the best of it and enjoy the view on a stunning beach.

Day 9
Leave Kovalam for Trivandrum for Departure

breakfast

You will be transferred from Kovalam to Trivandrum (30 minutes) to catch your departure flight. Say goodbye to your guide and driver at the airport of Trivandrum. See you next time!

Price Includes

Price from: $1,193 (Tour code: gh-ah-in-77)

One-to-one consultancy
One-to-one consultancy
Knowledgeable local guides
Knowledgeable local guides
Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
Hand-picked hotels
Hand-picked hotels
Breakfasts and meals as listed
Breakfasts and meals as listed
Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
Transportation as listed
Transportation as listed
A 24/7 helpline while traveling
A 24/7 helpline while traveling

Trip Notes

The Best Time to Visit Kerala

We suggest visiting the national park from October to May when you can see herds of wild animals on the banks taking their baths or quenching their thirst. Eravikulam National Park is closed in February and in March.

About the Houseboat

Air-conditioning on the houseboat will be operational from sunset until sunrise when the boat remains stationary.

About the Paradesi Synagogue in Cochin

Visitors to the Paradesi Synagogue should be modestly dressed. People who wear short pants/skirts and sleeveless T-shirts/blouses will not be allowed to enter. Bare shoulders and midriffs are not permitted and should be covered with shawls.

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