South India & Kerala holiday
Enjoy two weeks as part of a small group on a clockwise round-trip from Kochi including two overnight sleeper trains between Mysore and Madurai.
Kochi Conoor Mudumalai National Park Mysore Mamallapuram Pondicherry Madurai Periyar National Park Kerala Backwaters
Price
£1325£1028To£1530£1485excluding flights
More info
Single supplement from £365 - £415.
Offers
Up to £340 off selected dates.
Late availability on these dates: 14 Nov, 17 Nov, 24 Nov, 08 Dec, 15 Dec, 17 Dec, 22 Dec, 12 Jan, 19 Jan, 09 Feb, 11 Feb
Late availability on these dates: 14 Nov, 17 Nov, 24 Nov, 08 Dec, 15 Dec, 17 Dec, 22 Dec, 12 Jan, 19 Jan, 09 Feb, 11 Feb
Description of South India & Kerala holiday
This two week south India & Kerala holiday takes you into the luscious tropical foliage of southern India as you experience life amongst the fishing villages and seaside communities rich in relaxation, wildlife and spirituality.
As you’d hope from a south India & Kerala holiday you’ll be given every chance to meet local people and immerse yourself in the industrious and laid back lifestyles that have kept the region, and the rest of India, afloat, in every sense.
From the cultural contrasts of Mysore to the backwaters of Kochi and Kerala, a south India & Kerala holiday summons up the sanctuaries and the waterways that provide a perfect pocket of calm outside the more hectic urban centres, further north.
Map
Price information
£1325£1028To£1530£1485excluding flights
Single supplement from £365 - £415.
Check dates, prices & availability
Travel guides
Kerala is like opening up a lucky bag of surprises. The first thing most people pick out is the western coastline that unfurls along the Arabian Sea. ...
Holiday information
Small group tour, ideal for solos & couples:
Small group travel is not large group travel scaled down. It is modeled on independent travel – but with the advantage of a group leader to take care of the itinerary, accommodation and tickets, and dealing with the language. It’s easy to tick off the big sights independently – but finding those one-off experiences, local festivals, travelling markets and secret viewpoints is almost impossible for someone without the insider knowledge gained from years in the field. For those with limited time, a small group tour will save valuable time in planning, and on holiday.
Reviews
2 Reviews of South India & Kerala holiday
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 14 Feb 2018 by Julia Fletcher
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting lots of kind local people, and all the selfies they wanted.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light, expect the unexpected, always think about hygiene and keep a sense if humour. Listen to people that have been to India before.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism is good for the local people, but doesnt help the road congestion or smells. It did support less use of plastic.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fascinating once i got used to the congestion and number of people, enjoyed the rural parts more than the towns and cities. Quite a lot of sitting on trains and hard seats, some days great, some okay, and some extra good. Very energetic people i travelled with, and we had a great time. Our guide Maddy was fun and he kept us safe, well done!!
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2017 by Marilyn Scholtz
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Experiencing the varied natural beauty of South India including the Western Ghats.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Great for those who wish to experience the local foods, sites, forms of transport and culture in a safe and meaningful way.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes- supported local business and industry, environmentally responsible.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful experience - very professionally and sensitively handled.
Responsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing it will help support the places and people that you visit, and the planet. Read how below.
Planet
Our jungle retreat in the Nilgiri Mountains makes the most of its natural environment in having created a charming getaway made totally from eco-friendly materials and powered by solar panels. You can take a walk in these beautiful surroundings, led by the retreat’s owner, who is also a passionate naturalist and environmentalist and shares a strong relationship with the local Badaga and Toda tribespeople. There is the possibility of purchasing some of the shawls that are made by the Toda tribes. On a visit to Periyar National Park, you will be supporting the park in its work to protect the many endangered species that live there, including the majestic Indian elephant.People
You will have many opportunities to interact with the friendly locals in your visit through southern India. In the Alleppey backwaters, the group is split between a few of the village homes for a couple of nights – a great opportunity to meet the local families and learn about how they live in the unique landscape. You can support individuals in this community by going punting with some of the locals who come from poorer families, having the local women sing for the group, or buying local handicrafts to provide extra income and ensuring these skills do not die out. In Mysore, our local friend Raju may take you into his home for lunch, where you can meet his family and learn the Muslim customs his family maintain.You will have the option of visiting ‘Little Angels’ in the fishing village of Mamallapuram – a project that works with orphans and under-privileged children run by our guide, Stephen. By meeting some of the kids and buying some of the delightful Christmas cards they make, or making a donation, you can help support the resident 32 children to complete their schooling. In December 2004, this seaside town (along with many Indian coastal towns) suffered much damage and some loss of life during the devastating Tsunami. Visiting this area and supporting local businesses helps them get back on their feet.
At the end of our journey, travellers may donate any unwanted clothing, medicines and bandages, which are distributed to an appropriate local charity or support group in Kochi.
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