Intrepid Travel
South India Revealed
South India Revealed
Unplug from everyday routine and head to the beaches and backwaters of southern India. Explore the lush landscapes, intriguing cultures, bustling bazaars, and incredible cuisine of this region. Jump on and off local transport and go rural through coconut groves and fishing villages, discovering the heart of the subcontinent. See ancient ruins and stunning temples, eat spicy curries, and drink luscious lassis. You’ll zen out in the relaxed, unique towns of Varakala and Hampi. Explore the Keralan Backwaters in a pole boat before heading to an island village for an overnight homestay with a local family. Join the bustle of city streets and, at the end of it all, unwind on the beautiful beaches of Goa.
Activities
- Trivandrum – Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Kerala Backwaters – Pole boat ride
- Kerala Backwaters – Guided village walk
- Kochi – Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
- Periyar – Spice plantation visit
- Periyar – Kalaripayattu (Indian Martial Art) performance
- Madurai – Leader-led walking tour
- Mysore – Leader-led walking tour
Highlights
- Golden beaches and age-old fishing villages make Goa one of India’s most popular retreats – and a perfect place to consider extending your southern India adventure.
- Soak up free time in Varkala, Madurai and Mysore, using your afternoons to relax on the beach, visit nearby temples or explore the local culture at the museums.Â
- Glide through the backwaters of Kerala on a pole boat, going ashore for a village stay– a beautiful break from hotels and a perfect way to get close to local customs and culture.
- Cross into Kochi – a major port city in India’s southwest. Explore the seaside Fort Kochi area and consider watching a traditional Kathakali dance performance in your free time.
- Visit a spice plantation in Periyar and be filled with the scent of cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Then, maybe take on the optional guided nature walk at Periyar National Park where you can look out for tiger tracks.Â
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Kerala, India is a lush, tropical paradise that captivates travelers with its serene backwaters, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Kerala boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The tranquil backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom offer a quintessential Kerala experience, where visitors can cruise on traditional houseboats through a labyrinth of canals, lagoons, and lakes, witnessing daily life unfold along the water's edge. Kerala’s rich cultural tapestry is woven with influences from its diverse history, which includes Hindu, Christian, and Muslim traditions. The city of Kochi, a major port since ancient times, reflects this heritage with its blend of colonial architecture, ancient temples, and synagogues. The historic Fort Kochi area, with its narrow winding streets, is home to the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a legacy of the region’s long-standing trade connections with China. No visit to Kerala is complete without experiencing its lush hill stations, like Munnar, famous for its sprawling tea plantations, misty hills, and cool climate. Munnar’s emerald-green landscapes are not only breathtaking but also a hub for adventure enthusiasts who can indulge in trekking, paragliding, and wildlife spotting. For a more immersive experience, visitors can stay in eco-friendly resorts that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Fun fact: Kerala is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for its literacy rate, which is the highest in India at over 96% . This high literacy rate contributes to the state’s progressive society and thriving arts scene, including the traditional dance form Kathakali, which narrates stories from Hindu epics through elaborate costumes and expressive gestures |
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Kochi (formerly Cochin), is a port city on the southwest coast of India and is a frequent stop for cruise ships. Known as the "Gateway to Kerala," Kochi's beaches, delectable seafood, expansive malls, historical sites, and museums make it a popular tourist destination. |
| Day 6 |
Kochi (formerly Cochin), is a port city on the southwest coast of India and is a frequent stop for cruise ships. Known as the "Gateway to Kerala," Kochi's beaches, delectable seafood, expansive malls, historical sites, and museums make it a popular tourist destination. |
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In this temple city, once the capital of the Pandiyan Kingdom, visit the Great Temple, which contains a stone hall of 1,000 pillars, a tank and musical pillars. Tirumala Naik's Palace is also a highlight. |
| Day 10 |
In this temple city, once the capital of the Pandiyan Kingdom, visit the Great Temple, which contains a stone hall of 1,000 pillars, a tank and musical pillars. Tirumala Naik's Palace is also a highlight. |
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Goa, the sun-soaked paradise on India's western coast, is a destination where history, culture, and natural beauty converge in a spectacular way. Known for its golden beaches and vibrant nightlife, Goa is also rich in heritage, reflecting its unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences. The old quarters of Panaji and Margao are dotted with charming colonial-era buildings, quaint churches, and lively markets that beckon travelers to explore the region’s storied past. Stroll through the Fontainhas neighborhood in Panaji, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a different time, with its colorful Portuguese-style houses, narrow winding lanes, and cozy cafes. Beyond the beaches and colonial charm, Goa offers an array of attractions for the culturally curious. The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses the relics of St. Francis Xavier, making it a pilgrimage site for many. The Se Cathedral, with its imposing façade and majestic interiors, is another must-visit, showcasing the grandeur of Portuguese ecclesiastical architecture. For a taste of local culture, the vibrant markets of Mapusa and Anjuna offer everything from spices and handicrafts to contemporary fashion, giving visitors a chance to take a piece of Goa back home with them. Fun fact: Goa’s Carnival, held every February, is one of the most colorful and lively celebrations in India, drawing visitors from all over the world. This vibrant festival, rooted in the Portuguese tradition, features parades, music, dancing, and feasting, encapsulating the joyous spirit of culture. |
| Day 16 |
Goa, the sun-soaked paradise on India's western coast, is a destination where history, culture, and natural beauty converge in a spectacular way. Known for its golden beaches and vibrant nightlife, Goa is also rich in heritage, reflecting its unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences. The old quarters of Panaji and Margao are dotted with charming colonial-era buildings, quaint churches, and lively markets that beckon travelers to explore the region’s storied past. Stroll through the Fontainhas neighborhood in Panaji, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a different time, with its colorful Portuguese-style houses, narrow winding lanes, and cozy cafes. Beyond the beaches and colonial charm, Goa offers an array of attractions for the culturally curious. The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses the relics of St. Francis Xavier, making it a pilgrimage site for many. The Se Cathedral, with its imposing façade and majestic interiors, is another must-visit, showcasing the grandeur of Portuguese ecclesiastical architecture. For a taste of local culture, the vibrant markets of Mapusa and Anjuna offer everything from spices and handicrafts to contemporary fashion, giving visitors a chance to take a piece of Goa back home with them. Fun fact: Goa’s Carnival, held every February, is one of the most colorful and lively celebrations in India, drawing visitors from all over the world. This vibrant festival, rooted in the Portuguese tradition, features parades, music, dancing, and feasting, encapsulating the joyous spirit of culture. |
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