Best of South India

Experience Kerala to Tamil Nadu: cozy hill stations and jungle safaris in Wayanad & Mudumalai, colonial heritage in Kochi & Mamallapuram, spiritual aroma in Madurai, and tranquil backwaters.

Country

India

Duration

14 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Trip Type

Trekking

Max Altitude

2100m / 6889ft

Best Season

anytime

Accomodation

Hotel and Lodge twin sharing bed basis during the trek

Meals

All meals ( Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast) during the trek

Start/End Point

Kochi

Highlights & Overview

Sunrise views over tea hills and colonial architecture of Kochi
Misty hill roads through Wayanad’s spices and forests
Wildlife safari in Mudumalai
Majestic royal palaces, temples, and markets in Mysore & Madurai
Coastal history & rock-cut temples of Mamallapuram
Backwaters houseboat cruise through Kerala’s waterscape
This 14-day Kerala & South India guided journey blends nature, culture, history, and relaxation in one seamless itinerary. Starting from the coastal and colonial charm of Kochi, you move inland to scenic hill stations in Wayanad, observing spice plantations and rainforests. Wildlife enthusiasts will treasure safari experiences in Mudumalai, followed by immersive cultural exposure in Mysore and Madurai with its vibrant temples. Historic Mamallapuram offers seaside temples carved in stone and relaxed beach-village ambiance. The journey culminates in a serene houseboat ride through Kerala’s famed backwaters, ending in Kochi with spiritual visits and local crafts. With varied altitudes—from sea level to hills over 2000m—this trip gives travellers a multi-zone experience without hardcore trekking, ideal for those wanting beauty, wildlife, heritage and relaxation all in one holistic trip.

Best of South India Itinerary

Arrive at Kochi airport, where our representative greetings await you. Transfer to your hotel and unwind. Kochi (Cochin), known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” has been a major spice-trade hub since colonial times. Its rich architecture, gold jewelry trade, and cosmopolitan food reflect Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Evening at leisure enjoying Kerala cuisine.

Max Altitude

0m / 0ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a full morning sightseeing tour: wander Fort Kochi and marvel at its Chinese fishing nets, visit the Dutch Palace, Jew Town with its antique shops and centuries-old synagogue. Then explore the spice market and St Francis Church. In afternoon glide through Kochi backwaters flanked by coconut palms; later enjoy Marine Drive, Willington Island, and museums. Evening Kathakali performance. Overnight in Kochi hotel.

Max Altitude

0m / 0ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Depart Kochi by train and drive to Kalpetta in Wayanad. Wayanad is called the Green Paradise in northern Kerala, with tea, coffee, spice plantations, dense rainforests and tribal culture still thriving. On arrival relax in your hotel, soak in the natural surroundings.

Max Altitude

1100m / 3609ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

After breakfast, visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and explore its 13 reserved forests, then head to Edakkal Caves in Ambukuthi Hills, Glass House in Kottamuda, Pazhassi Tomb, Chembra Peak if time allows, Banasurasagar Dam or Padinjarethara reservoir. Overnight stay in or near Wayanad.

Max Altitude

2100m / 6889ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Travel from Wayanad to Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy afternoon safari exploring valleys, swamps, hills meeting the plains. See elephants, Indian bison, deer, perhaps tiger or panther, many birds. Overnight at lodge/hotel in or near Mudumalai.

Max Altitude

1200m / 3937ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Early departure to Mysore. On arrival, explore Mysore Palace (especially in evening if illuminated), Chamundi Hills with its temple and giant Nandi statue, Lalitha Mahal, local markets and crafts. Overnight in Mysore.

Max Altitude

920m / 3018ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

After a morning exploring galleries (e.g. Jaganmohan Palace), Karanji Lake with butterfly park and bird sanctuary, then board overnight train to Chennai. Overnight on train or at Chennai as per schedule.

Max Altitude

6m / 20ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Arrive at Mamallapuram, famous for ancient Dravidian temples and rock-cut monuments. Visit Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, and enjoy beachside walks or bike rides. Overnight in Mamallapuram.

Max Altitude

10m / 33ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Attend morning arti ceremony at Thirukadalmallai Temple, explore Varaha Cave Temple, Trimurti Cave, and shop local crafts in Mamallapuram. Leisure time by the beach. Overnight in hotel.

Max Altitude

10m / 33ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Depart Mamallapuram early, drive to Pondicherry to explore its French colonial heritage, then take train to Madurai. Arrive in Madurai, check into hotel, explore nearby temples if time.

Max Altitude

137m / 449ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Full day in Madurai: rickshaw ride, visit Vandiyur Mariamman Temple, Meenakshi Temple, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple, Gandhi Museum, and walk through markets. Evening rituals at Meenakshi Temple.

Max Altitude

137m / 449ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Drive to Thekkady in Idukki District, Kerala. Arrive and explore Periyar National Park, spice plantations, enjoy bamboo raft ride on Periyar Lake, wildlife sightings in reserve. Overnight in houseboat or hotel.

Max Altitude

1000m / 3280ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Travel from Thekkady toward Kerala backwaters region. Board houseboat, cruise through palm canals, observe coastal village life. Relax into the tranquil backwaters. Overnight on houseboat.

Max Altitude

5m / 16ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Morning drive to Alappuzha (Alleppey), cruise through backwaters, then drive back to Kochi via villages roads. In the afternoon explore Ambalapuzha Sreekrishna Temple, Pathiramanal Island for birdlife. Return to Kochi and transfer to airport for departure.

Max Altitude

5m / 16ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Breakfast

Price Includes

Accommodation in kochi twin sharing basis with breakfast.
Accommodation in Hotel and Lodge twin sharing bed basis during the trek.
All Transportation AC / Qulise, Innova / Xylo / Mini Tourist Bus
Guide/ leader (Experienced Tour and Trek Guide will lead the tour).
All monument fees, Permit arrangement, All taxes and VAT in Darjling ,Skkim
All meals (lunch, Dinner and Breakfast) during the trek.
Basis medical kit.
Accommodation, meals, insurance, equipment, and allowances of guide and porter.

Price Doesn't Include

Entry Visa fees India.
Travel and medical insurance.
Personal expenses (laundry, bar bills, snacks, phone calls, internet.)
Tips for guide and driver (tipping is expected)
Loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects. (We strongly advise you to get personal travel insurance.)

Packing Lists

Cloathing

Lightweight trousers, shirts
Warm layer (fleece / sweater) for hill stations
Rain jacket or poncho (Thekkady / monsoon)
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
Hat / sunscreen protection

Gears

Daypack for carry essentials
Water bottle or hydration pack
Sunglasses / sunscreen / insect repellent
Camera / mobile with charger / power bank

Personal Items

Medications / first aid kit
Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, wash items)
Copies of passport / ID / travel documents
Wet wipes / hand sanitizer

Other Items You Can Bring

Snacks / energy bars
Local currency (INR) for small purchases
Rain cover for bag
Light binoculars for views & birdwatching

Trip Video

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Best of South India Trek Questions

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