Comfort
Explorer
Classic South India
9 days • 4.9
5
Excellent
61 reviews
9 days
Start
Kochi, India
Finish
Kovalam, India
Trip Code
HHKS
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
8 breakfasts, 4 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Ferry
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Resort (1 nights)
From £1,150(9 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Discover how to make local cuisine during a cooking class in Periyar and savour Keralan favourites at a restaurant that provides training and employment to local women.
Visit a tea museum in Munnar to learn about the region’s tea-making history, walk among the rolling hills of tea bushes and enjoy a boat ride on Mattupetty Dam, known for wildlife sightings.
Witness the diversity and history of Kochi through a tour of its buildings, like India’s oldest functioning synagogue, alongside a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British architectural influences.
Enjoy the dramatic beauty of Kathakali – a captivating storytelling dance – and kalarippayattu –one of the oldest surviving martial arts in the world.
Is this trip right for you?
For the temple visits, please remember to wear clothing that covers your arms, legs and shoulders.
Southern India can get very hot during the summer, so remember to drink lots of water and use sun protection. Wearing light, loose layers is one of the best ways to tackle the heat.
Since we'll be navigating diverse terrain in national parks and villages, it’s important to have a basic level of fitness and wear comfortable walking shoes. Leech socks will be provided for the Periyar nature walk.
Itinerary
Embrace the slow life from coast to backwaters
Embark on an unforgettable journey through southern India, starting in the vibrant streets of Kochi and ending on the shores of Kovalam. Discover a thousand shades of green, indulge in some of the continent’s freshest food and share moments of connection with locals. Journey through tea plantations in Munnar and encounter wildlife in Periyar National Park. Cruise the serene backwaters of Kumarakom and see sunsets over Vembanad Lake. Delve into the region’s spice trade and Ayurvedic traditions in the Western Ghats mountains before unwinding on the beaches of Kovalam. This adventure introduces you to the natural beauty of an area less travelled from the comfort of a private vehicle.
Inclusions
Meals
8 breakfasts, 4 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Ferry
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Resort (1 nights)
Included activities
Kochi - Kathakali performance
Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
Munnar - Tea Museum
Munnar - Echo point hill
Munnar - Mattupetty Dam
Munnar - Tea plantation
Munnar - Martial Art Performance
Munnar - Spice Plantation
Periyar - Kerala cooking class
Periyar - Guided Nature Walk
Kerala sunset cruise (1 Hour)
Kerala Backwaters - Guided walk around village
Vizhinjam - Positive Change for Marine Life (The Tuuur Foundation partner) visit
Optional activities
Kochi - Optional Welcome Dinner - Free
Munnar - Boating at Mattupati Dam - Free
Periyar - Lunch at Spice plantation - Free
Periyar NP - Ayurvedic Massage - INR700
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
Reviews (59)
5 stars
55
4 stars
4
Maria
Mar 09, 2025
I have just completed a tour of the north & south of India. Loved both tours. The fast , exciting pace of the north & the calm, relaxing, breath taking moments of the south. I highly recommend completing both tours one after the other. I have met so many beautiful, welcoming & wonderful people, fellow traveller's, Indian people & awesome tour guides. Every day was full of fun, joy & laughter.
Karen
Mar 09, 2025
India was phenomenal. I travelled north & south, the sari’s so colourful, people so friendly & experiences blew my mind. Highly highly recommend
Cherie
Mar 06, 2025
I would recommend this tour to explore what the South has to offer. Our guide Chandra was terrific, fun and very knowledgeable. He took care of all our needs and made it a very memorable experience.
Rob
Feb 26, 2025
As our introduction to travelling in India, the Classic South India trip was hugely enjoyable on every level - the cheerful & welcoming people, fascinating history, rich cultures & religions, town & village life, & tasty foods. Big thanks to tour guide G & driver Hari.
Esther
Feb 19, 2025
Fiona
Feb 03, 2025
It's a shame that Intrepid will no longer be running this trip from April 2025. This trip is a wonderful blend of the cultures of Tamil Nadu and Kerala with so many varied activities. Particularly enjoyed Puducherry, Thekkady, Kochi, and the Kerala backwaters.
Gayle
Feb 03, 2025
Outstanding trip, wouldn't change a thing. Tour leader Pradeep went above and beyond everytime. Accommodation was great with with aircon and a pool.
Anne
Feb 03, 2025
Classic South India was an amazing experience. Fantastic value for money, great accomodation& very knowledgable and approachable tour guide. Every day was a unique experience . This trip went above and beyond my expectations.
Ajay
Feb 02, 2025
It was an experience of South India Trip with Intrepid. Impressive Team work in very organized manner
John
Jan 20, 2025
The Classic South India tour is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich and diverse history, culture, and landscapes. The food is the best - tasty, spicy but not hot, and rich in flavour.
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