Our South India Small Group Trip delves into the full range of sights and experiences unique to South India. The trip features several lovely homestays and B&B-type accommodation, in addition to a luxury wildlife resort and some special heritage hotels. Gentle walks, local activities and interaction make for an engaging and insightful overall experience.

The diversity of South India is staggering. Every state speaks a distinct language and everywhere Hinduism manifests differently, in addition to vibrant Muslim and Christian communities. Physically, there are the extremes of the hot, dry Deccan Plateau and the lush, tropical backwaters of Kerala. Agriculture is the predominant industry, though increasingly knowledge and service industries, such as IT, are playing a role in the economies of the southern states.

Day 1 Goa

Goa eases us into India. It has a laid back atmosphere, quiet beaches and delicious Portuguese-influenced cuisine. Some low-key local activities and acclimatizing is the order of the day. (As with all Small Group Trips and Fixed Departure Tours, travellers are encouraged to arrive one or two days early in order to acclimatise prior to the start of the trip proper – we can make all the necessary arrangements to accommodate your early arrival.)

Day 2 Hampi

This morning we board an air-conditioned train bound for Hampi. Sit back and enjoy a cup of chai as the countryside rolls by. On arrival we will be met by friends and transferred to their simple guest house, where we are welcomed with genuine hospitality by the family.

Day 3 Hampi

A full day with a local guide visiting the ruins in and around Hampi. We walk and auto rickshaw around the remarkable ruins of the ancient city of Vijayanagar which some claim is the world’s largest archaeological site. On its way to increased visitor numbers but still relatively unknown, this is one of the great ancient marvels of the world, in pristine condition, populated by no more than a few backpackers and banana farmers.

Day 4 Bangalore

Only on your second day in Hampi will you start to appreciate the magnitude of this once thriving city. Today we visit the most well preserved and impressive remains. In the evening we board a train for Bangalore; overnight on board the train.

Day 5 Mysore

After arrival and breakfast in Bangalore we drive 3 hours to Mysore. Mysore, the former capital of the region, was once led by a forward thinking Maharaja who gave the city electricity, universities and one of the most kitsch palaces you will ever see. The city’s tree-lined avenues give it a laid back feel, while its bustling markets and central shopping area are great fun to explore.

Day 6 Mysore

Day spent sightseeing with a local guide, including its famously elaborate princely palace, lively market and otherwise laid back atmosphere. Being a Sunday, in the evening we get to see the 97,000 light bulbs on the palace switched on – along with the carnival atmosphere – to make an awesomely illuminated scene.

Day 7 Nagarhole

This morning drive approximately 3 hours to Nagarhole. Our accommodation here is adjacent to the Nagarhole National Park. As a result, it isn't uncommon to hear the calls of animals and the trumpeting of elephants as they pass by the resort.  This is one of the high points of the tour in terms of accommodation – a luxurious resort set on the bank of the Kabini reservoir. Afternoon free.

Day 8 Nagarhole

Full day to enjoy the resort, including an early morning jeep safari with the resident naturalist and a late afternoon safari by boat on the Kabini reservoir. There are other naturalist activities on offer here, such as guided walks and bird watching.

Day 9 Kannur

Optional early morning guided nature walk through the resort property. After breakfast leave for the 4 - 5 hour drive (approximate, depending on the condition of the road) down the steep mountain road which leads from the cool, dry heights of the Deccan plateau down to tropical sea level at Kannur. Our home for the next two nights is a small, simple guest house overlooking the Arabian Sea, where the food is a standout.

Day 10 Kannur

Today we will dedicate some serious time to relaxing and enjoying the location and the semi-private beach on offer. During our stay here, there will hopefully be an opportunity to see a ‘Theyyam’ Hindu ritual dance, which is a blend of ancient local tribal beliefs and the ‘newer’ – though more than 1500 year old – influence of Hinduism. This is a truly mysterious and awe-inspiring devotional ritual. [Image: freebird(bobinson)].

Day 11 Cochin

Transfer to the station to board an early morning Cochin-bound train. On arrival we transfer to Cochin and to the Fort Kochi area of the city. Fort Kochi has been in the hands of the Dutch, British, Portuguese and Chinese, with each having influenced the history and appearance of the Fort area in subtle yet unmistakable ways. With virtually no traffic, it’s the perfect place to explore by foot and enjoy the lovely heritage accommodation on offer.

Day 12 Cochin

Full day to discover Cochin with a local guide, including India’s oldest church, the Jewish quarter, and the much photographed Chinese fishing nets. Later in the afternoon, there is the option to attend a Kathakali dance performance, where heavily made up and elaborately dressed artists play out the Hindu epics – a tightly choreographed performance compared to the seemingly wild Theyyam of Kannur.

Day 13 Pala

In the morning drive to Alleppey and board a houseboat for a day cruise through the famous backwaters of Kerala. Lunch will be served on board. This is a perfect time to relax in a cane deck chair, read a book or just watch the picturesque tropical scenery go by. In the afternoon, disembark and drive 2 hours to Pala; overnight Pala.

Day 14 Pala

A sprawling rubber plantation with a palatial family home, this property (“Ann’s Homestay”) is set deep in the coffee, tea and spice plantations of the Keralan midlands, and is memorable for many reasons – not least the unique home-style Syrian Catholic food on offer. You can join Ann in the kitchen for a cooking demonstration and (hopefully) we can see elephants at work in the nearby plantations.

Day 15 Madurai

Today involves a 7 hour drive (driving time depends on how well the roads fared during the monsoon) up and over the Western Ghat mountain range, with beautiful views as we go. We can break the drive in Periyar with lunch. An afternoon arrival in Madurai leaves us just enough time for a cursory foray into the busy central streets of this temple town.

Day 16 Madurai

Madurai is famous for its Sri Meenakshi temple. Covering six hectares, with 50 metre high towers and a 1000 pillared hall, this is one of the most awe-inspiring temples to visit in the whole of India. We also have the option to visit the insightful Gandhi museum and bustling tailors’ market, which is great for sharpening your bargaining skills and stocking up on gifts for friends and family at home.

Day 17 Kumbakonam

In the morning we drive 5 hours to Kumbakonam, with a stop en route at Tanjore. Tanjore is dominated by the World Heritage listed Brihadeeswara temple, where an 80 tonne piece of granite crowns the 60 metre high central vimana or tower. A local guide will explain the complex system of ramps and wheels used to construct the temple more than 1000 years ago. Continue on to our resort-style hotel in Kumbakonam, which features traditional Tamil architecture.

Day 18 Pondicherry

Morning drive 4 hours to Pondicherry. Pondicherry has a fascinating history closely tied to the French and their imperial aspirations in India. The French connection has survived Pondicherry’s union with the Indian republic through language, food and the many visitors and residents of French origin. We stay in a heritage property run by a French-Indian family, where the coffee and croissant breakfasts are not unwelcome.

Day 19 Pondicherry

A walk through the French Quarter, visiting some of the significant historical buildings, will give you a feel Pondicherry’s heritage charm. We may visit the paper and incense making units of the Aurobindo ashram. Shopping and eating are highlights of Pondicherry, with high-quality French-influenced restaurants and shops – so some time should be dedicated to these important activities.  In the afternoon there is the option to visit Auroville, a UN sponsored ‘utopian society’.

Day 20 Chennai

After breakfast we have a short drive up the coast to Chennai airport, with a stop en route to visit the 7th century World Heritage listed monuments at Mahabalipuram. Transfer to airport for flights home.