The Tropical South

Best price guaranteed
No booking fees

4.5 Based on 16 Reviews

Previous Next

COVID-19protected
Festivals and events
Cultural, religious and historic sites

See Itinerary

duration 14 days
tour type Group
age requirement 16+ yrs
max group size 16
guiding method Live Guide/Instructor

Starts Kochi, India
Ends Kovalam, India

HIGHLIGHTS Download trip notes

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

The Tropical South trip starts from Kochi and ends in Kovalam. It is a cultural, religious and historic sites trip that takes 14 days taking you through Kochi, Erattupetta, Madurai and 5 other destinations in India. The Tropical South is a guided small group trip that 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.

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.”

Read more reviews

ITINERARY Expand All

Day 1: Start Cochin.
Day 2: Sightseeing around Cochin; optional sunset cruise at Fort Cochin and explore historic spice port.
Day 3: To Munnar.
Day 4: Day trek through tea plantations and the hills of Munnar.
Day 5: To Madurai.
Day 6: Visit colourful Sri Meenakshi Temple; optional cycle rickshaw ride through town.
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.
Day 8: Explore Periyar; morning jungle walk followed by an optional boat trip on the lake.
Day 9: To Erattupetta Planters Homestay.
Day 10: To Muhamma; village walk.
Day 11: Board houseboat for backwater cruise.
Day 12: Leave houseboat and drive to Kovalam.
Day 13: Free time for relaxing on the beach or optional trip to Kanyakumari
Day 14: End Kovalam.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

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

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

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.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Real-time prices and availability.
Earn US$ 79+ in travel credits.
Best price guaranteed.
No credit card or booking fees.
100% financial protection.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.

Read more reasons to book with Bookmundiless

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

Excellent

4.71 Average 332 Reviews

Christine

So user friendly! All the pertinent info clearly visible, no re... Read more

Verified Purchase 1 week ago

Tamera

Enjoyed our tour of the garden district and french quarters in N... Read more

Verified Purchase 1 week ago

Lynne

Sarah Thomsen is a major representative for Bookmundi. All my e... Read more

Verified Purchase 1 week ago

Jill

Our trip last year was cancelled due to Covid-19 so we recently ... Read more

1 month ago

Anonymous

I needed to get a refund on a trip due to COVID-19 restrictions,... Read more

Verified Purchase 1 month ago

Jennifer

Very easy! Can't wait for our trip.

Verified Purchase 2 months ago

Jose

I was a bit skeptical in making a deposit for an international t... Read more

Verified Purchase 2 months ago

Anonymous

Very professional and responsive to my questions

Verified Purchase 2 months ago

Maria

Thank you Bookmundi for your services. It is a pleasure to conti... Read more

Verified Purchase 2 months ago

Coleen

Booking was Suu easy, and then they reached out quickly to ask i... Read more

Verified Purchase 3 months ago

Anonymous

Wonderful!!! I recommend Bookmundi. Emma Brown has been very tho... Read more

Verified Purchase 3 months ago

Anonymous

Sarah was super helpful and prompt when I needed to make changes... Read more

Verified Purchase 3 months ago

Anonymous

Great customer service, cancelled my trip with G adventures no p... Read more

3 months ago

William

Emma has been very patient and helpful during these difficult tr... Read more

Verified Purchase 4 months ago

Elke

I had to ask for a fund return because of Corona cancellations .... Read more

4 months ago

Anonyme

Marie was very helpful, the only “problem” was that ... Read more

Verified Purchase 4 months ago

Anil

Its excellant platform.

5 months ago

Randy

All of my interactions and transactions with Bookmundi have been... Read more

5 months ago

Mariana

Great. Now that I know how it works will definitely use again.

Verified Purchase 5 months ago

Adel

I really appreciate the ability to see what is available on a gi... Read more

Verified Purchase 6 months ago

Robin

We arrived in Spain, March 11, on the 13th 2020, we had to fly t... Read more

Verified Purchase 6 months ago

GOOD TO KNOW Download trip notes

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.

Payment

For any tour departures within 18 July 2021, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 18 July 2021, a deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 61 days before trip departure.

Travel Insurance

The 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.

Visa

For 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 Measures

This 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?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're ready to help.

Get help

The Tropical South

Discover Namibia - Lodges

Madagascan Discoverer

Discover Namibia - Camping

Taj Mahal & Wildlife With Royal Stay At Castles Tour