Discover South India - Premium Adventure

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Avoid the classic tourist route to discover the tribal cultures and serene landscapes of South India. Guided by one of our much-loved Indian tour leaders, we head inland to explore forested hills, cruise tranquil backwaters, and tour fragrant coffee, tea and spice plantations. Also experience the best of India’s welcoming hospitality, feasting on delicious lo...
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$6,075
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Explore the lesser-visited spots of South India: coffee estates, tribal communities and peaceful backwaters
    • Marvel at Mysore Palace illuminated at night before visiting the next day
    • Take a heritage steam train around the forested slopes of the Nilgiri Mountains
    • Meet a Kodava family to learn about their warrior clan and cook a traditional pandi curry
    • Glide along the Alleppey backwaters in a Premium houseboat
    • Experience the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Kochi with an immersive tour

What's this trip about?

    Avoid the classic tourist route to discover the tribal cultures and serene landscapes of South India. Guided by one of our much-loved Indian tour leaders, we head inland to explore forested hills, cruise tranquil backwaters, and tour fragrant coffee, tea and spice plantations. Also experience the best of India’s welcoming hospitality, feasting on delicious local dishes and staying in a range of Premium accommodations, including an unforgettable night on a houseboat.From toy trains to tranquil backwaters: Go off the tourist trail to experience authentic culture and majestic landscapes

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 14 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBangalore
End CityKumarakom

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Festivals & Special Events

Destinations

Attractions

  • Kerala
  • Kochi

Activities

  • Culture
  • Festivals & Special Events
  • History
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 14

Trip includes

    • Thirteen breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Entrances fees to monuments (as per itinerary)
    • Tour leader, chosen for their expertise and great customer feedback
    • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Transfer to Mysore; witness Mysore Palace illuminations; welcome dinner

Arriving at Bangalore International Airport, head towards the exit of the terminal building, where you are met and transferred (approximately 3hr 30min) to Mysore. We then have a welcome meeting at the hotel, in which we get to know each other and our tour leader a l...

Day 2 Sightseeing tour of Mysore

Discover the highlights of Mysore today, beginning with an exploration of Mysore Palace. We also visit other city landmarks, including St Philomena’s Cathedral, which was designed to resemble Cologne Cathedral in Germany. After, we head into the Chamundi Hills to visi...

Day 3 Drive to Coorg; enjoy an afternoon tour of coffee and spice plantations

Drive (three hours) this morning to the remote hill station of Coorg, where tiny springs and coffee, tea and spice estates are spread across the misty slopes. Along the way, we stop in Bylakuppe, the largest Tibetan settlement outside of Tibet, to see the intricate ca...

Day 4 Join a Kodava family for a cooking lesson; sightseeing tour of Coorg

Meet a Kodava family this morning, descendants of an ancient warrior clan. Your hosts welcome you into their century-old British-style bungalow and teach you how to make pandi, a typical Coorgi curry made with pork and spices on a wood-fired oven. As you cook, learn a...

Day 5 Drive to Wayanad; enjoy a free afternoon

We drive (4hr 30min) to Wayanad this morning, a hilly region of Kerala known for its natural beauty. The remainder of the day is at leisure. There is the option of cycling an 8mi (12km) trail across the rural landscapes of Kalpetta, the district capital. Along the way...

Day 6 Walking tour of Wayanad; free afternoon to relax

Enjoy a scenic 3mi (5km) walk in the Sugandhagiri range today, which should take around 2hr 30min. Our trail immediately plunges into a tea estate, winding along with beautiful views of the Sugandhagiri mountains and excellent landscape photography opportunities. Cont...

Day 7 Drive to Ooty; visit St Stephen's Church and explore a local market

Today we transfer (four hours) to Ooty in the Nilgiri Mountains, a one-time summer retreat for the British which is dotted with tea gardens, waterfalls and colonial architecture. In the afternoon, we visit St Stephen’s Church, constructed by the British in the 19th c...

Day 8 Scenic ‘toy’ train ride around Nilgiri Mountains; visit Ooty and explore Toda village

Today we enjoy a classic Ooty experience, riding a steam train – known locally as the toy train – through the Nilgiri Mountains to Coonoor. Our picturesque one-hour adventure takes us on the 100-year-old Nilgiri Mountain Railway, through the spectacular forested slope...

Day 9 Take a train from Coimbatore to Kochi

Today, we drive (three hours) from Ooty to Coimbatore to take the train to the old port city of Kochi (approximately 4hr 30min). Riding the rails, we pass through villages and towns with a chance to see daily life in full flow. A light packed lunch is also provided. ...

Day 10 Cultural tour of Kochi; enjoy an optional cultural evening

Embark on a cultural tour, learning about the lifestyles, dress, food, traditions and religious beliefs of the communities who call the Fort Kochi neighbourhood their home. The experience includes trying delicacies that have made their way to the city from other parts...

Day 11 Drive to Alleppey; visit Coir Museum and explore Alleppey; enjoy a backwater cruise and overnight on a traditional houseboat

We transfer (two hours) to Alleppey this morning, famous for its serpentine network of backwaters and thriving coir (coconut fibre) industry. Explore the Coir Museum on arrival to learn about the coir-manufacturing process and see articles and artifacts made from coi...

Day 12 To Kumarakom; walk through Manjira village

Today we travel (1hr 30min) to the village of Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake. We have the rest of the morning free for optional activities such as an Ayurvedic massage (paid for locally). This afternoon, we head out on a village walk. The journey begins in a shikhara boa...

Day 13 Optional Kottayam Heritage Trail with lunch; afternoon at leisure

Choose your own adventure today. Options include exploring the Kottayam Heritage Trail (book through your tour leader), discovering a bygone time when a royal capital flourished along the banks of the Meenachi River. You’re joined by a storyteller, who takes you throu...

Day 14 End Kumarakom

The adventure ends today. Begin your return journey home or, if you’d like a bit more time to explore Kerala, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,500
Price per day$321
Last Updated: 12/20/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Other Exodus Travels Reviews

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Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

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Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

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Sarah R

Nov 2024

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India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

premier
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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Visas and vaccinations
    • Tips for the Tour Leader
    • Single accommodation (available on request)

Accommodation

12 nights comfortable hotel and 1 night deluxe houseboat, all en suite Travel by private air-conditioned bus Additional travel by train and deluxe private houseboat
The accommodations we use on this Premium South India adventure include a range of hotels and a traditional houseboat in Alleppey. Many have excellent facilities, such as a swimming pool and spa, plus restaurants serving tasty local specialties and international dishes. Mysore: Regenta Central Javaji (nights 1-2) Begin your adventure at the Regenta Central Javaji, a contemporary hotel in the centre of Mysore. Enjoy tasty multi-cuisine dishes at Verve, their main restaurant, or sip unique cocktails next to the pool at the rooftop bar, Sky High. After a day of adventure, treat yourself to a relaxing spa session to recharge. Coorg: Lemon Tree Aurika (nights 3-4) Enjoy views of the rainforest and lush coffee plantations with our stay at Lemon Tree Aurika. When it’s time to relax, make use of the swimming pool in the green grounds, star-gazing terrace and the coffee and wine lounge. There’s also a multi-cuisine restaurant, bar, and spa. Wayanad: The Hive (nights 5-6) The Hive in Wayanad is set on coffee plantations 3,280ft (1,000m) above sea level, offering stunning views from its location on Muttil peak. The 30 elegant cottages are designed to blend with nature, providing modern amenities and total privacy. Enjoy traditional Kerala dishes and more at the multi-cuisine restaurant and relax with a swim in the pool surrounded by greenery and breathtaking scenery. Ooty: Taj Savoy (nights 7-8) The Savoy heritage hotel (established in 1829) offers a Colonial-era experience with afternoon tea, croquet on the lawns, and fireplaces. Nestled in the Nilgiri Mountains, it is surrounded by fragrant pine and eucalyptus trees. Enjoy Anglo-Indian and Badaga cuisine at the restaurant and retire to the library. Kochi: Fragrant Nature Hotel (nights 9-10) Fragrant Nature is perfectly located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to the culture-rich Fort Kochi and Mattancherry districts. It features three dining options, including a rooftop restaurant. You can also enjoy the swimming pool, gym, and spa during your stay. Alleppey: Deluxe houseboat (nights 11) Cruise along the Kerala backwaters in a traditional Premium houseboat. Each has private bedrooms with an attached bathroom, and a dining area. Some also offer an upper deck, which gives a wonderful view of the scenic Alleppey backwaters. Kumarakom: Coconut Lagoon (nights 12-13) Coconut Lagoon is nestled in a serene cove on Vembanad Lake, offering a unique arrival by boat through picturesque scenery. The Heritage Bungalows, crafted from restored old mansions, provide an authentic stay with a touch of history. Enjoy birdwatching, relax by the lakeside pool, and rejuvenate with Ayurvedic treatments.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners are included in this trip. Allow at least 1,400-2,400 rupees (US$17-US$29) per day for lunches and dinners not included. India is famous for its food and there is ample opportunity to try various curries. In most towns we visit, there is a good selection of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western food. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap, while a large bottle of beer is approximately 300 rupees (around US$3.60). Mineral water is widely available, but drinking water is provided in a large container in the bus to reduce our use of plastic, so please bring your own refillable water bottle.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 12 Premium nights (11 hotel, 1 houseboat), 2 Superior nights (hotel)
  • Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Travel by air-conditioned private bus and train
Trip ID
exodus-AIU

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