The Tropical South
- Best price guaranteed
- No booking fees
4.5
Based on 16 Reviews
- COVID-19protected
- Festivals and events
- Cultural, religious and historic sites
- duration 14 days
- tour type Group
- age requirement 16+ yrs
- guiding method Live Guide/Instructor
- Starts Kochi, India
- Ends Kovalam, India
HIGHLIGHTS
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- Cruise the Keralan backwaters on a traditional houseboat
- Explore the old spice town of Cochin
- Sample traditional home cooked food in a family home
- Discover the Sri Meenakshi temple of Madurai
Start in Kochi and end in Kovalam, The Tropical South trip is a guided cultural, religious and historic sites tour that takes 14 days. You will travel through Kovalam, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar and 5 other destinations in India. The Tropical South is a small group trip which includes accommodation, transport, meals and others.
India's tropical south is a land full of fertile forests, sweeping grasslands and tea plantations. We visit the two southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, both with distinctive cultures and contrasting scenery. Kerala is a true tropical paradise with an idyllic coastline and lush tropical mountains, which is evident as we travel between the old spice town of Cochin and the beautiful hill station of Munnar. A trip to the wildlife sanctuary at Periyar boasts an array of wildlife and an abundance of colourful birdlife, and dinner with a local family provides a unique insight into Keralan life. In Tamil Nadu, we explore the state's most vibrant and colourful city, Madurai, and marvel at the intricately carved Sri Meenakshi Temple. The climax comes as the lagoons of Kerala are cruised on a traditional houseboat before relaxing on the sweeping beaches of Kovalam and the chance to try some delicious fresh seafood.
India's tropical south is a land full of fertile forests, sweeping grasslands and tea plantations. We visit the two southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, both with distinctive cultures and contrasting scenery. Kerala is a true tropical paradise with an idyllic coastline and lush tropical mountains, which is evident as we travel between the old spice town of Cochin and the beautiful hill station of Munnar. A trip to the wildlife sanctuary at Periyar boasts an array of wildlife and an abundance of colourful birdlife, and dinner with a local family provides a unique insight into Keralan life. In Tamil Nadu, we explore the state's most vibrant and colourful city, Madurai, and marvel at the intricately carved Sri Meenakshi Temple. The climax comes as the lagoons of Kerala are cruised on a traditional houseboat before relaxing on the sweeping beaches of Kovalam and the chance to try some delicious fresh seafood.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
4.5 - Very Good
Based on 16 reviews
Great & unforgettable introduction to India
5 -
Excellent
“A very busy tour schedule but the option is there to opt out of some of the activities: I decided against the 4 hour walk in Munnar because I felt it would be too much for me and didn't want to slow others down. There was no pressure to do everything. On the longer journeys we made frequent stops to look at things & have a snack or drink so it was always interesting with lots of points of interest. This is a real experience of the culture and life of Kerala and the guide was fantastic in the way he shared his knowledge with us, answering questions and acting as interpreter of food people & culture , A great intro into India in one of the most beautiful areas that in comparison to the north seems relatively affluent. The tea plantations and mountains are outstandingly beautiful.”
Intense, exciting and fabulous!
5 -
Excellent
“My first trip to India was everything I hoped it would be. This was my 4th Exodus trip and I knew I would be in good hands. I was a woman in my 60's, travelling solo for the first time, but had no fears or worries. Everything went smoothly and I was in good company from start to finish.The whole experience was incredible and I have over 600 photos to prove it! If you've never been to India before, this is a great trip, avoiding the big cities like Delhi & Mumbai for the gentler pace of Kerala & Tamil Nadu. That's not to say you won't encounter mad tuk tuk drivers and incessant horn tooting - but that's just India! I'd recommend this trip 100% - an adventure of a lifetime. Definitely want to see more of this fascinating country now!”
The Tropical South
5 -
Excellent
“A great variety of experiences: churches, temples, palaces, museums, tea plantations, spice plantations, rubber plantations, cookery demonstration, wildlife park, houseboat on Keralan backwaters, beach resort. The accommodation was a good deal better than expected with 4 hotels sporting swimming pools and the staff unfailingly helpful and welcoming. Food throughout was delicious.”
A perfect balance of culture, leisure and activity
5 -
Excellent
“This trip was exactly what we needed. There was a good mixture of things to see and do, whilst being able to relax and not feel rushed.”
ITINERARY
Expand All
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Day 1: Start Cochin.
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Day 2: Sightseeing around Cochin; optional sunset cruise at Fort Cochin and explore
historic spice port.
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Day 3: To Munnar.
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Day 4: Day trek through tea plantations and the hills of Munnar.
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Day 5: To Madurai.
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Day 6: Visit colourful Sri Meenakshi Temple; optional cycle rickshaw ride through
town.
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Day 7: To Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to wild elephant and many other animals
and birds. Dinner and cooking demonstration in a local family home.
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Day 8: Explore Periyar; morning jungle walk followed by an optional boat trip on the
lake.
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Day 9: To Erattupetta Planters Homestay.
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Day 10: To Muhamma; village walk.
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Day 11: Board houseboat for backwater cruise.
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Day 12: Leave houseboat and drive to Kovalam.
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Day 13: Free time for relaxing on the beach or optional trip to Kanyakumari
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Day 14: End Kovalam.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
WHAT'S EXCLUDED
Accommodation
- 11 nights hotels, 1 night homestay, 1 night houseboat , All accommodation
Meals
- All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners included
Transport
- Transfer for group flights
Others
- Travel by private air-conditioned private bus
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
- Any international flights to Kochi and from Kovalam are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
- Travel insurance is not included in this The Tropical South tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. We recommend purchasing it from World Nomads.
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GOOD TO KNOW
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CANCELLATION
No additional cancellation fees apply for this The Tropical South tour. You can cancel the tour up to 62 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 61 days of departure.
PaymentFor any tour departures within 03 February 2021, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 03 February 2021, a deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 61 days before trip departure.
Travel InsuranceThe Tropical South tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. We recommend using World Nomads' travel insurance.
VisaFor this The Tropical South tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are travelling to, as part of this itinerary.
COVID-19 Safety MeasuresThis trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:
- This tour has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that COVID-19 health and hygiene protocols have been adhered to.
- An average group size of maximum 10 people have been implemented on this tour to protect against COVID-19. Local authority requirements will furthermore be followed.
- Wearing a mask, hand washing and sanitizing has been implemented on this package tour. Frequently touched surfaces are regularly disinfected. Hygiene safety measures and distancing will furthermore be followed in transportation, accommodation and meal venues.
- Several COVID-19 distancing measures have been adopted on this package tour to keep travellers safe.
NEED HELP OR HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THIS TOUR?
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