9-Day Classic South India Tour

Your guide will meet you as you exit the arrivals building after which you will be transferred to your hotel to check in. The rest of this day is free for you to spend at your leisure.

After having breakfast in your hotel, visit the St. Francis Church and the Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the Portuguese for the Raja of Cochin in exchange for trading rights. You will also see the Chinese fishing nets. These nets symbolize the friendship between old Chinese and Cochin kings. Besides China, it-s said that these nets are only found in Cochin.

Chinese fishing nets

Afterward, walk through the narrow cobbled streets in Jew Town, which are lined with antique and handicraft shops, to the Paradesi Synagogue. It is the oldest synagogue in the world.

Enjoy an evening show of Kathakali dance, which is the traditional dance of Kerala. It will depict epic Indian stories. You will be impressed by the colorful makeup, the elaborate costumes, and the hand gestures, which are quite typical in this classical Indian dance.

The dancer of Kathakali dance

In the morning, you will be driven to Munnar. Upon arrival, your guide will help you to check in at your hotel.

After lunch, You will have a walk in the tea plantaion. Enjoy the idyllic scenery and the fresh air. Say hello to the India ladies who are working on the slope of the mountain. Find a pretty church which appeared in the movie directed by Ang Lee- Life of Pi.

Enjoy the pretty view and the fresh air in the tea plantation

After breakfast, visit Mattupetty Lake and Dam, which is a very beautiful picnic spot. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and fill your soul with peace. Visit Eravikulam National Park, a natural habitat for a rare mountain goat - the Nilgiri tahr - and home to Anamudi, which has the highest peak (2,695 meters) in South India. Then visit a tea museum, discover the different stages of tea processing, and learn about the production of the local black tea.

Find the trails of the rare mountain goats in Eravikulam National Park

After having breakfast in your hotel, you will be driven to Thekkady. On arrival, check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Periyar National Park. The sanctuary is centered on a large artificial lake, formed by the dam across the Periyar River. It is the best elephant sanctuary in India. It also has tigers as well as monkeys, wild boars, and sambar deer. Have a cruise on Periyar Lake. We will book the tickets in advance so that you don-t need to wait for a long time. You can see wild animals on the banks taking their baths or drinking.

The deer in Periyar National Park

Visit a local spice garden and discover crops, such as cardamom, nutmeg, pepper, coffee, and tamarind, in their native environment and learn about their varied uses. Enjoy a walking tour of a spice plantation. Get to know how the local people make their living by cultivating, growing, and processing the spices.

The popular India spices

You will be driven from Thekkady to Alleppey. Upon arrival, board a traditional houseboat. Start your cruise to explore Kerala's backwaters. Get lost in a narrow maze of canals and backwaters surrounded by coconut plantations. Don't be surprised if you are caught in a shower. A rainbow behind the coconut trees is a gift it gives in return.

Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the backwater

Disembark from your houseboat at 09:30. Upon arrival, you will be driven to Kovalam. After you have checked in at your hotel, relax on the tropical beach. Enjoy sunbathing and swimming or arrange an optional activity, such as Ayurvedic rejuvenation, yoga, meditation, an herbal body toning massage, or a catamaran cruise. The fishing village provides fresh fish, fruit, and toddy (coconut beer).

Enjoy your free time at Kovalam Beach

Enjoy your free day on the beautiful beach.

Enjoy a free morning in Kovalam. Check out from your hotel according to your flight schedule and then you will be driven to Trivandrum for your departure.