Discover South India - Premium Adventure

Discover South India - Premium Adventure

14 Days Starting in Bangalore, India and ending in Kumarakom, India

Visiting: Mysore, Coorg, Wayanad, Ooty, Kochi, Alleppey, Kerala, Kumarakom, Kottayam

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

AIU

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 14

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $4500

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of South India with the "Discover South India - Premium Adventure" tour. This immersive experience takes you through the serene backwaters of Kerala, the majestic Mysore Palace, and the lush coffee estates of Coorg. Delight in a heritage steam train ride through the Nilgiri Mountains and savor the flavors of traditional pandi curry with a Kodava family. Cruise the tranquil Alleppey backwaters aboard a premium houseboat and explore the vibrant heritage of Kochi. With luxurious accommodations, including a stay in a colonial-era hotel and a traditional houseboat, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Enjoy guided tours, local culinary experiences, and the breathtaking natural beauty of South India on this unforgettable adventure.

Highlights

  • Explore the lesser-visited spots of South India, including coffee estates and peaceful backwaters.

  • Marvel at the illuminated Mysore Palace at night.

  • Take a heritage steam train ride around the Nilgiri Mountains.

  • Meet a Kodava family and learn to 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.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Transfer To Mysore; Witness Mysore Palace Illuminations; Welcome Dinner

Location: Mysore

Meals Included: 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 little better. In the evening, we visit Mysore Palace, one of the largest in India, to see it illuminated by more than 100,000 bulbs – a dazzling opening to our adventure. That’s followed by dinner with a local family.



Superior accommodation: Regenta Central Javaji

Day 2 : Sightseeing Tour Of Mysore

Location: Mysore

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 visit two Hindu temples: the golden Chamundeshwari Temple and Nandi Temple, home to a giant 350-year-old bull statue. Visit Rajendra Art Gallery in the afternoon, which exhibits works by Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma and traditional paintings in the Mysore style.



Superior accommodation: Regenta Central Javaji

Day 3 : Drive To Coorg; Enjoy An Afternoon Tour Of Coffee And Spice Plantations

Location: Coorg

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 carvings at the Golden Temple.



Having completed our journey to Coorg, we join a local guide on a walk through sprawling coffee fields to learn about the history and art of producing coffee. We also learn about the evolution of spice plantations and see how spices are produced, from planting to packaging.



Premium accommodation: Lemon Tree Aurika

Day 4 : Join A Kodava Family For A Cooking Lesson; Sightseeing Tour Of Coorg

Location: Coorg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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 about the history of the Kodava clan and their martial legacy. Later, dress up in traditional Coorgi attire: full warrior regalia for men and a uniquely draped saree for women. Sit down with your hosts to enjoy your pandi along with a variety of other dishes and home-brewed wines. Good food and great conversations make the experience one to cherish.



After lunch, set off on an exploration of the sights in and around Coorg. Begin at Madikeri Fort, first built in the 17th century by Mudduraja, before being reconstructed in granite by Tipu Sultan, a ruler known as the Tiger of Mysore. Later, the British added elements, including a clock tower and porch. Other landmarks we visit include a palace inspired by an English lodge, temples, and Indo-Saracenic-style tombs dedicated to the Kodava royalty and elites.



Premium accommodation: Lemon Tree Aurika

Day 5 : Drive To Wayanad; Enjoy A Free Afternoon

Location: Wayanad

Meals Included: Breakfast

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, you can visit the local temples, pepper and coffee estates, lemongrass plantations and a tribal village. Alternatively, enjoy the facilities at the hotel, strolling through the on-site plantations or taking a dip in the pool.



Premium accommodation: The Hive

Day 6 : Walking Tour Of Wayanad; Free Afternoon To Relax

Location: Wayanad

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. Continue along the forest edge before entering coffee plantations. This area is great for birding with a diverse range of species. The trail then emerges back into the tea estate and we return to the starting point. The remainder of the day is at leisure.



Premium accommodation: The Hive

Day 7 : Drive To Ooty; Visit St Stephen's Church And Explore A Local Market

Location: Ooty

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 century to coincide with the birthday of King George IV. Later, enjoy leisure time perusing the produce in the local vegetable market before heading back to the hotel.



Premium accommodation: Taj Savoy

Day 8 : Scenic ‘Toy’ Train Ride Around Nilgiri Mountains; Visit Ooty And Explore Toda Village

Location: Ooty

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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 slopes and tea estates of the Nilgiri Mountains.



After, we return to Ooty to explore the Government Botanical Garden, which has vibrant displays planted in English-style terraced beds.



Then enjoy lunch at the Fernhills Palace, a one-time royal residence resembling a Swiss chalet; perched at one of the highest points in Ooty, this resort has an amazing view of the Nilgiris. We eat in the restaurant, which was once a dance room for entertaining guests.



After, we visit Toda village, home to the Toda tribe, where we interact with the community, visit their hut-style homes, known as dogles, and watch a shawl-making demonstration.



Premium accommodation: Taj Savoy

Day 9 : Take A Train From Coimbatore To Kochi

Location: Kochi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.



Kochi is the ideal place to learn about Kerala’s unique global exchange, both economic and cultural. While the camel caravans on the Silk Road plodded through the Thar Desert in India’s distant northwest, Spice Route traders looking for black pepper reached Kerala on treacherous sea voyages.



Premium accommodation: Fragrant Nature Hotel

Day 10 : Cultural Tour Of Kochi; Enjoy An Optional Cultural Evening

Location: Kochi

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 of India and the world.



After, we take a sightseeing tour of the city, taking in the adjacent historic neighborhoods of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.



In Fort Kochi, we visit: St Francis Church, where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was first buried after his death in 1524; Santa Cruz Cathedral, originally used as a warehouse by the British; and the fishing nets lining the harbor entrance, which were introduced by the Chinese in the late-14th century.



In Mattancherry, we visit Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in the mid-1500s in a traditional Keralan style, and Jew Town, once home to a Jewish community and now a great place to peruse antique shops and warehouses. You can also visit Thomas Chettan in the Little Queen Embroidery shop to learn about hand lace work, a dying art using bobbin lace.



There is the option in the late afternoon to see a performance showcasing the dance styles of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Bharatanatyam, plus the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu.



Premium accommodation: Fragrant Nature

Day 11 : Drive To Alleppey; Visit Coir Museum And Explore Alleppey; Enjoy A Backwater Cruise And Overnight On A Traditional Houseboat

Location: Alleppey, Kerala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 coir. Also stroll around the local market and town of Alleppey before we board our houseboat at midday and begin our cruise along the Kerala backwaters.



The houseboat cruise is one of the trip highlights – these enchanting boats, built of anjili (wild jack) wood and bamboo, transported goods for hundreds of years. Now they have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise boats. As our boat meanders through tropical vegetation, we can see prolific bird life and gain a different perspective on the village. The cruise takes us along shallow, palm-fringed canals where coconut fibre, coconut meat, and cashews are loaded onto dugout canoes. In the evening, the boat is anchored by the bank and we watch the sun set over the paddy fields.



Premium accommodation: Houseboat

Day 12 : To Kumarakom; Walk Through Manjira Village

Location: Kumarakom

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 boat, cruising to the banks of Manjira village. Through our local village guide and the community, we learn about many of their practices and products, including the art of climbing a coconut tree and coconut leaf weaving. We also see a skilled fisherman cast his net and enjoy a stroll by the green paddies. For a light refreshment, try a freshly cut coconut before learning about (and sampling) fresh Kerala toddy, a specialty of the area.



Premium accommodation: Coconut Lagoon

Day 13 : Optional Kottayam Heritage Trail With Lunch; Afternoon At Leisure

Location: Kottayam

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 through the highlights of Old Kottayam, including unique geographical features, heritage buildings and centuries-old places of worship. There are also several other options, including a sunset cruise and dance performance, butterfly garden visit, Ayurvedic massage and kayaking (all payable at the hotel).



Premium accommodation: Coconut Lagoon

Day 14 : End Kumarakom

Location: Kumarakom

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

What's Included

  • Thirteen breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners

    The tour includes thirteen breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners.

  • All accommodation

    All accommodation during the tour is included.

  • All transport and listed activities

    All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included.

  • Entrances fees to monuments (as per itinerary)

    Entrance fees to monuments as per the itinerary are included.

  • Tour leader, chosen for their expertise and great customer feedback

    A tour leader, selected for their expertise and excellent customer feedback, is included.

  • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone

    Free arrival and departure transfers are provided for all participants.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Visas and vaccinations

    Visas and vaccinations are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.

  • Tips for the Tour Leader

    Tips for the tour leader are not included and are at the discretion of the traveler.

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

    Single accommodation is not included but can be requested at an additional cost.

Food

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.

Accommodation

Experience a range of accommodations on this Premium South India adventure, including hotels with excellent facilities like swimming pools and spas, and a traditional houseboat in Alleppey. Enjoy local specialties and international dishes at on-site restaurants, ensuring a comfortable and authentic stay throughout your journey.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with all transport included, featuring scenic drives, a heritage steam train ride through the Nilgiri Mountains, and a memorable houseboat cruise along the Alleppey backwaters. Enjoy free arrival and departure transfers, ensuring a seamless travel experience from start to finish.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes several unique experiences such as a heritage steam train ride around the Nilgiri Mountains, a cooking lesson with a Kodava family to learn about their warrior clan and traditional pandi curry, and a cruise along the Alleppey backwaters in a Premium houseboat.

  • What cultural activities can I expect during the tour?

    You can expect a variety of cultural activities including a visit to Mysore Palace, a sightseeing tour of Kochi's historic neighborhoods, and an optional cultural evening showcasing traditional dance styles and martial arts. Additionally, there is a village walk in Kumarakom to learn about local practices and products.

  • Are there any opportunities to interact with local communities?

    Yes, the tour offers opportunities to interact with local communities, such as meeting a Kodava family for a cooking lesson and visiting a Toda village to learn about their culture and watch a shawl-making demonstration.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides a range of accommodations including hotels with excellent facilities and a traditional houseboat in Alleppey. Some hotels offer amenities like swimming pools, spas, and multi-cuisine restaurants.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes thirteen breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners. Additional meals can be purchased at local restaurants during the tour.

  • What is the highlight of the Alleppey backwater cruise?

    The highlight of the Alleppey backwater cruise is the opportunity to travel on a traditional houseboat, observing the local village life and enjoying the scenic views of the palm-fringed canals and paddy fields.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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