Enchanting Temples, Rich Cultures, and Undiscovered Treasures of India's Vibrant South
South India Private Journey
Overview
A kaleidoscope of adventures await in South India, where ancient temples are alive with the attentions of devout worshipers, colorful festivals abound, and a teeming melange of distinct cuisines and vibrant cultural heritages are evident everywhere you go. On this Private Journey, discover the distinctive flavors of the south as you explore the rock-cut caves of Ellora and Ajanta, the exquisite temples of Madurai, one of India's oldest cities, and seek out wildlife in Periyar, a wildlife reserve set near tea plantations and spice gardens. In enchanting tropical Kerala, travel quiet waterways aboard a beautiful private houseboat to watch the pageant of traditional riverside life and roam the narrow lanes of Kochi (formerly Cochin), ancient port of entry for spice traders on the Malabar Coast.
Arrive: Mumbai, India
Depart: Chennai, India
Highlights
- The rock-cut caves of Ellora and Ajanta, the exquisite Meenakshi temple of Madurai
- Spice gardens and tea plantations, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Travel the quiet waterways of Kerala aboard a beautiful private houseboat
- Roam the narrow lanes of Kochi, ancient port of entry for spice traders on the Malabar Coast
Itinerary
Mumbai (formerly Bombay) was the first part of India to be colonized by the British. Today it is a dynamic powerhouse of business, trade, and industry, including its film industry (“Bollywood”), the largest in the world. With your private guide, visit the Elephanta Caves, a cluster of rock-cut caves carved in the 6th to 8th centuries, and tour the city, including the Gateway of India, the city's iconic landmark overlooking the sea.
On a privately guided visit, explore the cave temples of Ellora and Ajanta, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Built between the 5th and 10th centuries, Ellora's temples are carved into volcanic rock and display elaborate bas-reliefs and sculptures depicting images of the Buddha, other deities, and garden scenes, as well as cathedral-like halls and courtyards. The Ajanta cave temples and monasteries, beautifully situated in a wooded ravine in the Waghora Valley, are hollowed out of granite cliffs. They contain richly ornamented sculptures and are noted for the fresco-like murals depicting Buddhist legends and deities.
Kochi (formerly Cochin), set in a stunning location along the Arabian Sea, has a long history as a trading city. With your private guide, explore the old Fort Kochi and Mattancherry districts, with their interesting cultural monuments reflecting a diverse heritage, view Kochi's trademark fishing nets along the waterfront, and enjoy a traditional Parimaral meal, typical of the intriguing diversity of South Indian cuisine. On one evening, enjoy a performance of traditional arts and dance forms of Kerala.
Aboard your deluxe, private houseboat, cruise through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, a beautiful region nestled between the sea and the hills of Kochi. An overnight journey through this quiet region reveals the picturesque rural life of Kerala people working their fields with water buffaloes, fishing with nets from traditional longboats, and washing their clothes at the water's edge.
Travel through beautiful tea, spice, and rubber plantations to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghat Mountains. At least 260 species of birds have been recorded at Periyar reserve. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to a private spice garden nearby as well as the local spice market, or enjoy a walk on a forested trail in the reserve.
In Madurai, join your guide for a visit to the Shri Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar temple, a fortress-like structure that is breathtakingly baroque with its abundance of gods, goddesses, rearing horses, and mythical figures. Visiting the temple is a truly intense and fascinating experience, with a constant flow of devout worshipers and a profusion of colorful flowers and puja offerings (ritual worship or devotional offerings). You will also visit the 17th century Thirumalai Nayak Palace, with its interesting blend of Dravidian, Islamic, and European styles. Fly to Chennai (formerly known as Madras) for departure on Day 11.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is Level 1+, Easy, according to the Wilderness Travel trip rating system. It is a comfortable, vehicle-based sightseeing trip. Please remember that travel in India can be an adventure. The essential requirements are flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity, enthusiasm about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected.
Review Trip Level Details
South India's best travel season is late November to mid-February. During this period, temperatures are warm to hot, ranging through the mid-70s to 80s. The average high temperature on the coast at Kochi is recorded as 86°F. Rain is not usually a problem in this season, but there can be occasional showers.
Client Testimonials
"The itinerary design was very good, and our guides and drivers were excellent."
Lynne B.
College Station, TX
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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.