East to West Coast: Southern India - 9 Days

From £599£67 per day

Who is this trip for

Age range

12 - 100

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 15

Meals included

5

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Summary

Southern India is a kaleidoscope of colour, culture, and calm — and this journey takes you straight into its heart. Wander the sculpted temples of Mamallapuram, stand in awe at Thanjavur’s towering Brihadeshwara Temple, and lose yourself in Madurai’s vibrant Meenakshi complex. Between temple visits, you’ll taste spices where they’re grown, float through Kerala’s famous backwaters, and discover daily life in bustling markets and quiet villages. It’s history, nature, and culture rolled into one unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Mamallapuram

    Arrive at anytime. Join your CEO and group for a welcome meeting this evening, followed by an orientation walk of Mamallapuram.

  • Day 2

    Mamallapuram

    An early morning is dedicated to a tour of the Shore Temple, an iconic complex of temples and shrines known to the be one of the oldest stone temples in India, and best viewed at sunrise. After an incredible walking tour, take the remainder of the day for your own exploration of Mamallapuram. Most use this time to enjoy a visit to the beach or a yoga class.

  • Day 3

    Mamallapuram/Thanjavur

    Leave Mamallapuram and drive to Chennai. Then transfer to a train to arrive in the afternoon to Thanjavur, a town renowned globally for its bronze metal sculptures. After settling in, visit the 200+ foot tall Brihadeeswarar Temple and a walk around the markets.

  • Day 4

    Thanjavur/Madurai

    This morning, drive to Kanadukathan, known as the land of Chettiars, the collection of over 75 villages. Here we will visit the traditional houses of Chettinad, famous for their spaciousness, opulence and intricate tiles. Afterwards, continue on to Madurai, considered the home of goddess Parvati in her form of Meenakshi - the fish eyed goddess.

  • Day 5

    Madurai

    Explore the best of Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with tours of Thirumalai Nayakar Palace and Meenakashi Temple. The afternoon leaves you with time to venture on your own before we hop on a cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city.

  • Day 6

    Madurai/Thekkady

    Drive to Thekkady this morning. Thekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India.  Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore Thekkady how you wish maybe on a boat tour on Periyar Lake or an ayurvedic massage.

  • Day 7

    Thekkady/Kerala Backwaters

    For this homestay, you will only need to take a small overnight bag. Your main bags will be transferred directly to the hotel in Kochi.

  • Day 8

    Kerala Backwaters/Kochi

    Spend the morning enjoying your last moments with your host family before departing for Kochi. On the way, stop at your the tour operator-supported project TWE, a coop run by local women, for lunch. Head out for an orientation walk after arrival in Kochi, then enjoy an evening performance of Kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.

  • Day 9

    Kochi

    Depart at any time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (7 nts), homestay (1 nt, multi-share).

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 2, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 1

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Jan 26

    from £749
  • Feb 26

    from £749
  • Mar 26

    from £679
  • Apr 26

    from £599
  • May 26

    from £599
  • Jun 26

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  • Jul 26

    from £599
  • Aug 26

    from £599
  • Sep 26

    from £599
  • Oct 26

    from £679
  • Nov 26

    from £749
  • Dec 26

    from £749
  • Jan 27

    from £599
  • Feb 27

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  • Mar 27

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  • Apr 27

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  • May 27

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  • Jun 27

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  • Jul 27

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  • Aug 27

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  • Sep 27

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  • Oct 27

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  • Nov 27

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  • Dec 27

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  • Jan 28

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  • Wed 13 Jan 2027 > Thu 21 Jan 2027Guaranteed Departure
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  • Fri 15 Jan 2027 > Sat 23 Jan 2027Guaranteed Departure
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Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

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