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This journey through Southern India begins and ends in Bangalore, accessible via often more direct and economical international flights. From the capital of Karnataka, you'll explore Kerala and Tamil Nadu, discovering beaches, backwaters, plantations, and majestic temples.
Request a quoteA captivating journey through Southern India, from the historic port of Fort Kochi to the majestic temple of Madurai. Discover the peaceful backwaters of Kerala, the lush tea plantations of Munnar, the rich biodiversity of Thekkady, and the fascinating culture of the Tamil region—all while enjoying authentic experiences and a millennia-old cultural heritage.
Warm welcome at Cochin Airport after your connecting flight from Bangalore. Transfer to Fort Kochi, a former colonial trading post with a rich historical past blending Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Explore this charming port city at your own pace. Stroll through its picturesque streets, admire the colonial architecture, and soak in the unique atmosphere of a place where history is palpable at every turn.
In the morning, enjoy a guided tour in French of Fort Kochi’s historical heritage: St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church), the Portuguese Museum tracing colonial history, the Dutch Palace with its mural paintings, the famous Chinese fishing nets, and the old Jewish Quarter with its synagogue. In the afternoon, visit the Folklore Museum, home to numerous cultural treasures. In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali performance, the emblematic dance-theater of Kerala.
This morning, depart for Mararikulam, a peaceful coastal village renowned for its golden sandy beach lined with palm trees. Check in at your seaside accommodation. Free afternoon to relax on the beach, enjoy the serene setting, or explore the surroundings. Mararikulam offers an authentic atmosphere, far from the crowds—perfect for immersing yourself in Kerala’s laid-back way of life.
Free morning to enjoy Marari Beach. In late morning, board a traditional houseboat for an unforgettable cruise through the backwaters, a spectacular network of lagoons, lakes, and canals fringed with coconut trees. Glide past picturesque villages and lush rice paddies while observing traditional life along the water. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay on your private houseboat—an authentic and peaceful experience amid nature.
Hop off after breakfast on board. In the morning, enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage, a relaxing practice rooted in India’s 5,000-year-old medicinal tradition. Lunch with a local family offers a taste of authentic Kerala cuisine in a warm setting. Afterward, depart for Kuttikkanam, a mountainous region famed for its lush landscapes.
Today, embark on a mountain biking excursion from Kuttikkanam, riding through lush plantations and the verdant hills of the Western Ghats. Take in breathtaking views of this mountainous region, perched between 900 and 1,100 meters above sea level. Return to your accommodation for an afternoon rest. In the evening, witness a Kalaripayattu performance, Kerala’s traditional martial art, renowned for its grace, power, and ancient legacy.
Start the day with a Kerala cooking class followed by a communal lunch. In the afternoon, depart for Munnar, a hill station famed for its rolling landscapes and tea plantations. En route, stop at a spice plantation (cardamom, pepper, vanilla) and visit the Lockhart Tea Museum, which traces the history of tea cultivation in the region. Overnight in Munnar.
A day dedicated to exploring Munnar’s stunning landscapes. Guided hike through verdant hills blanketed in endless tea plantations. Pass through remote villages nestled among crops of tea, coffee, cardamom, and black pepper. Discover the unique flora of this high-altitude region (1,600 meters). In the late afternoon, visit Munnar’s local market to shop for spices and other regional specialties.
Depart for Madurai, one of South India’s oldest cities and the cradle of Tamil culture. En route, stop at an artisanal brick factory. Take a guided tour of Tirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th-century masterpiece blending Dravidian and Islamic styles. Then explore the Meenakshi Temple and its 12 colorful gopurams (towering gateways). In the evening, witness sacred rituals dedicated to Shiva and Parvati.
Early morning visit to Madurai’s flower market, where vendors bustle at dawn amid a whirlwind of colors and fragrances—a visual and olfactory feast. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then visit the Mahatma Gandhi Museum, the iconic site where the father of Indian independence renounced Western attire for the traditional dhoti. Stroll through the city’s lively market before transferring to Madurai Airport for your departure flight.
Choose the ideal time to travel with our Weather Calendar.
Designed according to your itinerary stages and based on weather data from the last 3 years (regularly updated), it reliably guides you to select the best travel dates.
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