The famous Mysore Palace, Mysore, India.jpg

The Epic South Indian Trail - 16 days by Green Earth trails

Price starting from INR 1,95,000 per person

Arrival at Cochin International Airport [COK]
Departure from Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru [BLR]

Program highlights

Kochi

Old colonial town, historic buildings
Chinese nets & City tour of the old colonial town

Alleppey

Lakes, Lagoons, canals and Houseboat
Backwater village tour

Thekkady

Periyar National Park, Boat safari
Kalaripayattu & Spice garden tour

Madurai

Meenakshi Amman temple
Naickar Palace and Flower Market

Sethumadai

Agrarian Tamil village, farm tour

Valparai

Tea Plantations, Heritage Estate Bungalow
Wildlife sighting

Athirapally

Shola Rainforest, Forest drive
Sighting the Great Indian Hornbill [Subject to luck]

Cheruthuruthy

Day with the masters at the Kalamandalam art school
Train journey to the Malabar

Thalassery

Thalassery Fort, Kalaripayattu martial art school visit
Theyyam ritual visits to local temple [November to May]

Coorg

Coffee Plantations

Hassan

12th century Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu

Mysore

The Mysore Palace of the Wodeyar Kings
Chamundi hills, silk weaving unit, market visits

Five days Kerala itinerary route map

South India Experiential Potpourri - 16 days Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at Cochin airport and transfer to Fort Kochi [1.5 hours]

Upon arrival at Cochin International airport, our representative will receive you at the airport. Further drive to Fort Kochi. Check in at the hotel after the long haul flight, you have the day at leisure or you can opt to go for a 2.5 hours Fort Kochi tour with a guide.

Fort Kochi, also known as Old Kochi or West Kochi, is a charming seaside region in the city of Kochi, Kerala, India. It's renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, a legacy of Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. Some important attractions would be the Chinese nets at the backwaters, St. Francis Church [the first church built by the Portuguese], The Dutch Palace of Mattancherry and the Synagogue at the Jew town adjacent to the palace.

Day 2 - Drive to Alleppey backwaters [2.5 hours]

After breakfast, drive to the backwaters of Alleppey. The Alleppey (Alappuzha) backwaters are a stunning network of interconnected canals, lagoons, lakes, and rivers stretching across approximately 900 kilometers in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. Often dubbed the "Venice of the East," these serene waterways are fringed by lush green paddy fields, swaying coconut palms, and quaint villages, offering a mesmerising glimpse into the tranquil backwater life of Kerala.

Board a houseboat upon arrival for a half day cruise with meals served on board. After a nights halt at the banks of the backwaters, the cruise resumes the next day morning during breakfast. There would be a country canoe cruise through the remote villages by evening.

Day 3 - Drive up to the Cardamom Hills - Thekkady [4 hours]

The Cardamom Hills, also known as the Yela Mala, are a significant mountain range in the Western Ghats of Kerala, extending into some parts of Tamil Nadu. Their name is derived from the extensive cultivation of cardamom, a highly valued spice, that thrives in the region's cool, high-altitude climate.

Apart from Spices, these hills were once a known gaming sanctuary of the Travancore Kinds. Today they have transformed in to a tiger reserve with a thriving tiger population, elephants, Indian guar and a lot of more of the wild. There are very interesting hikes and treks available at the park which you would experience the next day.

Nature walk at Periyar National Park.jpg

Day 4 - Programs at the Periyar National Park - hike and boat safari

Early morning proceed for an interpretive trekking program focused on experiencing the natural environment of Periyar National Park on foot. The program is operated in small groups with a trained tribal guide who possesses in-depth knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and the overall ecosystem. It takes around 2.5 hours to cover a hike of around 4 Kilometres. Return to the hotel after the trek.

Later in the afternoon, there is a group boat safari organised at a different location of the park. This 1.5 hours boat safari through the reservoir gives you a chance to witness the wildlife on both sides of the boat. Elephants, sambar deer, wild dogs, otters are a common sight, though very much subject to luck.

The Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It features

Day 5 - Drive down to the plain lands of Tamil Nadu to Madurai [3.5 hours]

Madurai, often called the "Temple City" or the "Athens of the East," is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India, with a rich history stretching back over 2,500 years. Located on the banks of the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu, it served as the capital of the Pandya kingdom for centuries and has been a significant cultural and commercial center.

Upon arrival at Madurai, your guide will meet you to take you to the Madurai Meenakshi Temple - the heart and soul of Madurai. This magnificent temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) is an architectural marvel in the Dravidian style. Its towering gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with intricate sculptures narrating mythological stories are awe-inspiring.

Day 6 - Drive east, towards the quaint Tamilian village of Sethumadai

Sethumadai is a serene and picturesque village nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats on the Eastern side. The place is surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and cascading waterfalls, Sethumadai is considered a haven for nature lovers. The region boasts rich biodiversity.

Later in the afternoon, proceed for a farm tour, the region is known for its fertile farmlands, benefiting from the rivers originating in the nearby hills. Coconuts are a major crop, often intercropped with cocoa, nutmeg, pepper, and vanilla. Seasonal crops like groundnuts and mangoes are also cultivated. The agricultural landscape offers opportunities to experience rural farming practices.

A walk through the tea plantations of Munnar

Day 7 - Drive up the Western Ghats to Valparai [2 hours]

Valparai is a serene hill station nestled in the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats at an altitude of about 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) above sea level. Valparai offers a tranquil escape surrounded by lush tea estates and evergreen forests.

Upon arrival check in to a colonial era plantation bungalow, reflecting the history of the tea plantations in the region. It offers a nostalgic experience of the planter's lifestyle. The original bungalows were built in the late nineteenth century. By evening proceed for a tea factory visit part of the plantations.

Athirappilly Falls in Chalakudy Taluk of Thrissur District in Kerala, India.jpg

Day 8 - Forest Drive - Valparai to Athirapally - Thrissur [3.5 hours]

After breakfast, prepare yourself for a drive down to the plains through the tea plantations and later you'll find yourself winding through dense tropical rainforest. You will have a local guide with you and you're literally driving through a biodiversity hotspot! You might spot playful monkeys leaping across branches, vibrant butterflies flitting around, and if you're lucky (or perhaps unlucky, depending on your comfort level!), you could catch a glimpse of elephants or bison grazing near the roadside. It's like a mini wildlife safari!

Upon reaching Athirapally in the afternoon you can go for a waterfall trek where you hike on the banks of the Chalakudy river towards the mighty Athirapally waterfalls. The guided hike will be a treat to your senses. Later drive towards Thrissur where your overnight stay is organised.

Kalamandalam day with the masters program.jpg

Day 9 - Art School visit - Train to Thalasserry [2 hours]

Drive to Cheruthuruthy where you sign up for a guided day tour of an exclusive art school named Kalamandalam, where students are taught and trained for different art form from Kerala. You get to visit the training spaces for various art forms like Kathakali (including acting, makeup, vocal music, and cholliyattam), Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Koodiyattam, and percussion instruments like Chenda.

After lunch board a train to travel north towards malabar. The train journey gives you a glance of the Keralan countryside, a lot of rivers and estuaries. Your next stop is the land of looms and lores - Kannur. Upon arrival you would be taken to the place of stay.

Day 10 - Local visits in Kannur

Today you would visit the St. Johns Church at the shores of the Arabian sea. Drive towards Kannur passing by the drive inn beach at Muzhapilangad. Upon reaching Kannur visit a local handloom centre and beedi making unit, which are local occupations that you might not find elsewhere. The St. Angelo Fort in Kannur was one of the first fort built by the Portuguese to establish their presence in the Malabar region of the Indian West coast.

Depending on the time and availability, the guide would take you to a local temple where Theyyam - a temple ritual is being performed. Theyyam is considered to be the "dance of the gods". The core belief is that during the performance, the spirit or deity enters the body of the performer, transforming him into a living representation of that divine being.

Day 11 - Drive to Coorg - Coffee county [3 hours]

Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Coorg is the "Coffee Capital of India" and its sprawling coffee plantations are an integral part of its identity and economy. The coffee plantations add to the scenic charm of Coorg, blanketing the hillsides in lush greenery. Walking through these estates, with the aroma of coffee beans in the air, is a unique experience.

Check in to the coffee plantation retreat upon arrival at Coorg. The day is more or less dedicated to in house activities and things to do around coffee.

Temples of Tibetean Monastery in Kushalnagar, Bylakuppe, India.jpg

Day 12 - Drive to Hassan - Enroute Bylakuppe [3 hours]

Drive to Hassan enroute take a break at Bylakuppe, primarily known for being the largest Tibetan settlement in the world outside of Tibet. It's often referred to as "Mini Tibet" or "Little Tibet" in India. These settlements were established for Tibetan refugees who fled Tibet after the Chinese occupation in 1959. Bylakuppe is home to several large and significant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries representing different schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Later drive to Hassan, Check in at the resort upon arrival. You have the rest of the day at leisure with in house activities at the resort.

Day 13 - Hoysala Temples of Belur & Halebidu - Later to Mysore [4 hours]

After breakfast visit the 12th century temples of the Hoysala dynasty. These two temples are recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas," are celebrated for their exceptional artistry and unique architectural style. The most striking feature of these temples is the sheer abundance and exquisite detail of the sculptures that adorn almost every surface – walls, pillars, and ceilings.

Later proceed to the Mysore the cultural capital of Karnataka often referred to as the City of Palaces. Upon arrival check in at the hotel of stay, you have the next day dedicated for the city tour of Mysore.

Day 14 - City tour of Mysore

After breakfast, prepare yourself for a full day sightseeing tour of Mysore. You start with the Mysore Palace, the magnificent seat of the Wadiyar dynasty and one of the most grand palaces in India. Its Indo-Saracenic architecture and intricate artwork, it will take at least 2-3 hours to explore. Later proceed to the govt silk factory where you get to see silk saree production. You can move to the hotel for a few hours of rest and then proceed to Chamundi hills by evening, this hill offers panoramic views of Mysore. The ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the patron deity of the Wodeyars, is a significant pilgrimage site. You can also see the Mahishasura statue and the Nandi bull statue here.

Day 15 - Visit Srirangapatana and drive to Bangalore [3 hours]

After breakfast, be get ready for the drive to Bengaluru [Bangalore]. Enroute visit Srirangapatana, an island town near Mysore, steeped in history and boasts several significant sites, primarily related to its time as the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. There is a beautiful palace made of teakwood which showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture. It features intricate woodwork and vibrant murals depicting historical events, including Tipu Sultan's battles. It now serves as a museum displaying artifacts related to Tipu Sultan and his era.

Drive to Bengaluru, check in at the hotel for overnight stay, prepare yourself for the international departure flight.

Day 16 - Departure transfer to Bangalore Airport [1 hour]

On time departure transfer to Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. The tour comes to an end, taking home amazing memories and experiences of South India.

Accommodation & Pricing per person

The above rates are per person rates based on minimum two adults traveling together.
Rates valid until 30th May 2026
Rates are not valid from 15th December to 10th January and for the month of February 2025
The program can be tailored to the guest's requirement, also alternate hotels can also be incorporated in case if you intend to spend a lesser or a higher price for the tour

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The program includes

South India tour program based on the above itinerary.
All transfers and sightseeing in comfortable Large car with a professionally experienced driver from arrival till departure.
Bottled drinking water and cab amenities through out the tour.
Hotel accommodation as mentioned above with the respective meal plan.
Service of an English speaking local guide in Kochi, Madurai, Sethumadai, Valparai, Athirapally, Cheruthuruthy, Thalassery, Hassan and Mysore.
Entrance tickets at places of interest.
Tea factory and tea tasting session at Valparai.
Spice plantation tour in Thekkady.
Boat safari at Periyar National Park.
Kalaripayattu show at Thekkady.
Houseboat day cruise with all meals served on board with a country canoe cruise in the evening.
Kathakali dance show at Kochi.
Farm tour at the plains of Tamil Nadu at Sethumadai.
Theyyam ritual performance at a local temple in Thalassery or Kannur
Day with the Masters program at Kalamandalam art School [Not available on public holidays and summer vacation]
Coffee plantation tour at Coorg
5% Goods and Service Tax.
24 / 7 customer support / assistance.

Notes

The price is based on 2 adults travelling together.
Houseboat meal menu would be a local backwater cuisine.
The houseboat will be docked from 5 PM to next day 8 AM.
All meals except breakfast are on direct payment basis, excluding houseboat.
Flight tickets, visa to India, travel insurance are excluded and should be availed on own arrangement.
Table Drinks, laundray, expenses of personal nature, shopping, tips, lunch and dinner are on direct basis.

Cabs used in the tour program

The cabs used in the 5 days Kerala program are station wagon / Estate models named Kia Carens or Maruti-Suzuki Ertiga
These cabs are larger in size and offers more space and comfort, specially since the program has some long journeys involved
Kia Carens is diesel and Maruti-Suzuki Ertiga is a CNG / Petrol powered cab
It would be either of the cab used for the program
Both the cabs can comfortably accommodate upto 4 guests at a time, the last row would be dedicated for luggage
The vehicle and the driver would be the same from the point of arrival till the point of departure, unless there is a personal or medical emergency for the driver.

South India tour booking Procedure

Once the tour is confirmed with us we make reservation at the respective hotels / resorts / houseboat.
We shall send you a confirmation voucher based on the confirmation we have received from the service providers.
60% advance deposit is required to guarantee the tour and the rest could be paid on the first day of the commencement of the tour.
We accept payments via credit cards, debit cards, internet banking, UPIs, bank transfers to our overseas local bank accounts for Euro, USD, GBP, and various other currencies. additional charges apply for card transactions.
International wire transfer is available for foreign remittances.
In the event of a cancellation, the cancellation policy applies - kindly refer to the cancellation policy.

Enquiry Now!

Is five days Kerala tour customisable?

The above five days Kerala tour is a private tour program and is 100% customizable, you can add or remove the number of days, change the accommodation option for particular destinations, add or remove the number of people traveling. All this is possible and we can work out revised quotes for the respective customization required.
Are the prices for the Kerala tour on per person basis?

The above Kerala tour price is per person based on two adults traveling together. Essentially you need to double the price for a couple. In case if you have more than 2 people and require additional rooms, we recommend you to get in touch with us and get a customised quote.
Is five days enough to see around Kerala?

Five days is ample to visit the popular destinations of Munnar (2 nights), Thekkady (1 night) and the Kerala backwaters (1 night houseboat). Provided you have a morning arrival flight and evening departure flight from Kochi. We have observed that 4 nights and 5 days is what guests are comfortably ready to allocate for Kerala travel and that is the reason why this is the most popularly sold Kerala tour for us.
Where is the arrival and departure for five days Kerala tour?

Cochin, this five days Kerala tour is a round trip, meaning the arrival and departure is from same place. The program is curated based on an arrival flight before noon and a departure flight by evening from Cochin International Airport.
Why is there multiple price options for five days Kerala tour?

The five days Kerala tour proposal has four different price options. These options are based on the type of hotels incorporated in the program. The multiple price options allow you to have the flexibility to choose the appropriate price for you.
When is the best time to visit Kerala?

The best time to visit Kerala is from August to May, because during June and July you have the South West monsoon. The monsoon season is considered to be an off season, you can expect around 15% to 20% reduction in Hotel prices. August and September is a great time, transition from Monsoon to Winter. However the weather has been changing over the years due to various global reasons, we had less rains in June and July and more rains in August and September in 2023.
Are the five days Kerala tour prices negotiable?

This is a popular Kerala tour program and we have incorporated the best prices for all the services included in the program. There are lot more things included in the program than what is mentioned. When it comes to negotiations, something starts to drop out of them. This affects the overall experience of the program and hence we do not encourage price negotiation for these Kerala holiday programs.
Are the entrance tickets to places added in the tour price

No, entrance ticket at places of interest and activity tickets are not included in the price. In this Kerala holiday program, we have incorporated multiple places of interest. We have not considered the entry fee at these places, this is primarily because different guests have different choices and some of them skip some places. In that case if it convenient and comfortable to pay as you enter places of interest.
Is it going to be the same driver for the entire Kerala tour?

Yes, the driver is going to be the same person for the entire Kerala tour. The driver or the vehicle change only if there is an emergency or reasons of personal nature. They stay overnight in the cars and have basic amenities at the hotels to take care of their needs to use the toilet and bathrooms.
Until what time during the day can I use the car while on Kerala tour?

The vehicle is available from morning 8 am to evening 6 pm. However the drivers are generally accommodative and flexible if you would like to go somewhere a bit late in the evening or early morning. However it is not advisable to go very late, drivers do a crucial job and hence ample rest and sleep is very much important.
Does my driver understand and speak English?

Yes, all drivers understand and speak English. Even if they are not fluent in English, they can communicate in English. Most schools in Kerala are English medium schools, we learn everything in English. However some of them might not be fluent in English, this is because we use our native language Malayalam for our daily conversations. Which means, not just drivers, everyone here in Kerala understands and can speak in English.
Does the driver also act as a guide during our Kerala tour?

In Kerala tourist cab drivers are not chauffeur cum guides. They can take you to places of interest and give you a brief about the place. However they are not trained or does not have the license to guide at places of interest. Instead there are licensed guides who can guide and talk a lot about places of interest, which is an additional chargeable service.
Is the cab for our Kerala tour on disposal?

The car is considered to be on disposal based on the Kerala tour itinerary. The vehicle service is priced with an expected running kilometer from airport to airport, and hence deviations are permissible only for extra charges. The vehicle will be available from 9 in the morning until 5 in the evening.
How are the roads between destination for the Kerala tour?

Most roads throughout the high ranges are two lane roads. They are tarred roads, however you can find potholes here and there. The roads towards the high ranges are winding road and there are possibilities of body rolls at turns and winding roads. The drivers take it slow, but since guests are not used to the terrain, there are possibilities of dizziness or even vomiting. Things get better as you reach the desired destination.
Does hotels in Munnar and Thekkady require air conditioning ?

Munnar and Thekkady are hill stations and generally do not require air conditioning. However you might have seen AC rooms in Munnar and Thekkady in some of our Kerala itineraries. Since 2020, lot of hotels in Munnar and Thekkady have been adding air conditioning to their rooms. This is because during summer (March to May) it tends to become relatively humid and hot. Climate change is happening and we have to be serious about it.
What time should I start the sightseeing tour of Munnar?

The ideal time to start the sightseeing tour of Munnar is 8 AM just after the breakfast. You can drive up to Eravikulam National Park, and come down to the town center after the visit. After an early lunch drive towards top station where enroute you visit Blossom park, Mattupetty dam, Kundala Lake, Echo Point, and finally Top Station. You return to the hotel of stay by evening, and it would be a long day. You tend to miss places if you do not start the sightseeing tour of Munnar as early as 8 AM.
How to book for boating at Periyar National Park Thekkady?

Boating at Periyar National Park can be booked online at https://www.periyartigerreserve.org. The boating is for 1.5 hours and there are five time slots available - 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:15 am, 01:45 pm and 03:30 pm. Most sighting happen during the 7:30 am and 3:30 PM rides. There are shuttle bus services from the parking place in Thekkady to the National Park, no private vehicle is allowed inside the Periyar National Park, Thekkady.
Should I need to carry winter clothes for Munnar and Thekkady?

In Munnar, the temperature during day is pleasant and manageable, however temperature drops down drastically by night and hence it is advisable to carry winter clothes, or at least a sweater. Thekkady is relatively less cooler and does not require any winter wear. However during the months of December and January, the peak of winter you would definitely require winter wear.
What are the things to do in Thekkady

Thekkady is primarily known for spice plantations and the Periyar National Park. Activities at Thekkady include spice garden tour, activities at Periyar National Park (including boating safari at lake periyar), Elephant rides, Kalaripayattu show, Kathakali dance performance, Jeep safaris to off road tracks and to the outskirts of Periyar National Park (however Jeep safari is not possible in 5 days Kerala itinerary due to time constraints).
What to see during Cochin sightseeing tour

The Cochin sightseeing tour involves two places, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Both are parts of old Kochi, the heritage part of the city. Visit the St. Francis Church (first European church in India), and the Chinese fishing nets. At Mattancherry visit the Dutch Palace, Jew town and the Paradesi Synagogue. Distance between Fort Kochi and Mattancherry is 2 kilometres.
What is a Kerala Houseboat?

The houseboat is a traditional rice barge with a house built on top of its large hull. It will have a living space, a dining space, private bedrooms with attached toilets and a kitchen. The houseboats are popularly found in the Vembanad backwaters accessible by Alleppey and Kumarakom. Most houseboats in Kerala operate from Alleppey.
Is it a private houseboat included in the program?

The houseboat stay included in the program will be a private houseboat exclusive for you. Only the guests and the houseboat crew will be there on board the houseboat. There are shared houseboats in Alleppey which are available at lesser prices, however we do not encourage this or we never apply this shared concept in our private tours.
What is the menu and the food in a Kerala houseboat?

One of the crew member will be a cook who will be freshly preparing the food for the guests on board the houseboat. The menu involves local food prepared by local men and will include fish and chicken as non vegetarian preparations. It will be a limited prefixed local menu. The lunch will have rice, curries / sambar, papad & pickle, vegetable preparation, fish fry, chicken curry and finally a dessert or cut fruits. The dinner menu will have rice, chapathi (Indian bread), vegetable curry, papad & pickle, chicken preparation and a dessert or cut fruits. By evening locally made snacks will be served with tea or coffee. Breakfast will be a Keralan breakfast like appam, dosa, puttu (steamed rice flour), along with bread, butter, jam, tea and coffee.
What is a Kerala houseboat itinerary?

The houseboats primarily cruise along the backwaters, lagoons and canals where guests could see around the backwater life, people, their lifestyle, flora and fauna. The check in is at 12:00 PM and check out is at 0900 AM next day. The cruise starts as soon as the guests board the houseboat. An hour after the cruise, the lunch is served on board. The boat will halt somewhere on the backwater during lunch The cruise resumes until evening 5 PM. The boat is docked from 5 PM till next day morning 8 AM due to government regulations, as fishermen will be casting their nets. You can go for an evening stroll once the houseboat is docked. Dinner is served by night before 9 PM. Lights go off as soon as the guests get into their respective rooms. The crew members stay overnight on board the houseboat. The backwaters look really beautiful by morning Breakfast is served by 0800 AM, during the cruise. Disembark the houseboat - Check out at 0900 AM.
How many rooms will there be in a houseboat?

Houseboats have different room configurations. There are one bedroom houseboats and a maximum size of 6 bedroom houseboats. If there is a requirement for more than 3 rooms, we recommend to take multiple boats. The boats become bigger, when the number of rooms are more. Bigger boats will have limitations in going through narrow canals and hence avail multiple smaller boats if you require more than 3 rooms. We recommend to book an exclusive houseboat and avoid using shared houseboats.
Are there female crew members on a houseboat?

All the crew members in a houseboat will be male staff members. They will be staying overnight on board the houseboat. Generally there will be three crew members, a helmsman who navigates the boat, a steward to assist guests, and a cook. The crew members are more for larger Kerala houseboats.