Southern India: West to East Coast - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of the Southern India: West to East Coast tour?

  The tour highlights include strolling Kochi’s historic Jew Town, exploring the Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church, visiting Mysore Palace, wandering Srirangapatna, experiencing Devraja Market, relaxing at Mamallapuram’s Shore Temples on the Bay of Bengal, and exploring Bangalore’s Lalbagh Gardens and lively city parks.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The tour accommodates a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 16 travelers.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the tour price. On some combo tours traveling between two different countries, international flights are included, but not for this specific trip.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation for all 7 nights will be in hotels. Guests can expect a variety of hotel/guest house styles, which may differ from Western standards regarding service, efficiency, and cleanliness. Power cuts can also be a regular occurrence.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The tour includes 1 breakfast.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3.

• What are the age restrictions for participants on this tour?

  The minimum age to participate is 12 years, and the maximum age is 100 years.

• How will we travel between destinations on this tour?

  Transportation will involve walking, basic overnight trains, private vehicles, and local trains. Train travel in India is an experience, offering views and opportunities to interact with local people. Road travel can be different from Western countries, with varying road conditions and driving styles.

• Is there an additional charge for solo travelers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What specific activities are optional on this trip?

  In Bangalore, an optional activity is the Bangalore Palace Visit, which costs 450 INR per person.

• What are the health considerations for this trip?

  It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and inoculations well before departure. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers, and any personal medical requirements. Our CEO is prohibited from administering any type of drug.

• What are the recommended dress guidelines to respect local customs in India?

  India is very conservative. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed as it will restrict your entry into religious buildings and family homes. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is recommended to stay cool.

• What are the general safety recommendations for this tour?

  We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt for safe-keeping of valuables. Leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. During free time, use good judgment; it's recommended to stay in small groups and take taxis at night. Be aware of and avoid protests or demonstrations.

• What are the tipping guidelines on this tour?

  Tipping service providers such as waiters (approximately 10%) is customary in Asia. For local guides or drivers, recommendations range from $4-5 USD per person per day. For the CEO, $8-10 USD per person per day is a guideline. The CEO can offer to collect money and tip as a group.

• What should I know about currency and money exchange during the tour?

  The local currency is Indian Rupees (INR). You can refer to www.xe.com for daily exchange rates. ATMs that accept Visa and Mastercard are available in major cities. We also recommend carrying cash in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.

• What provisions are available for laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry, so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead the group throughout the tour, supported by local guides.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate. It must include medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We also strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.