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If you haven’t done it yet, now’s the time! A climb to the roof of Africa is a “high” in more ways than one, and you’ll celebrate your achievement with a fantastic wildlife safari in Africa’s Eden.
Treasures of South India
Exquisite Temples and Tropical Landscapes
![Treasures of South India route-map](javascript:routeMap("/images/trips/asia/india/sindia-map.jpg");)
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $6995 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 14 days |
| Arrive: | Cochin, India |
| Depart: | Chennai (Madras), India |
| Lodging: | 13 nights hotels, 1 night aboard private houseboat describe |
| Meals: | All meals included |
| Activity: | Walking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures |
| Trip Level: |
Overland travel with walking tours, cultural explorations
explain
|
Highlights
- Ancient trading port of Cochin, magnificently set on the Arabian Sea
- Private deluxe traditional houseboat with an on-board chef
- Madurai’s colossal Meenakshi temple, Pondicherry’s French Quarter
- Rock-cut seaside temples of Mamallapuram, a World Heritage Site
- Rural villages with astounding temples
- South India’s diverse and savory cuisine, from curries to dosas
An extremely well thought out and well executed itinerary and the best Trip Leader I’ve ever had.William N.—Long Beach, CA
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
Email Area Manager
References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerDeparture Notes
Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.
Resources
Ancient spice ports, seaside temples, tea plantations—what a colorful world southern India is! We discover the south’s distinctive flavors as we roam the narrow lanes of Cochin, ancient port of entry for spice traders on the Malabar Coast, and travel aboard beautiful private houseboats in enchanting tropical Kerala, watching the pageant of traditional riverside life. In Tamil Nadu, we find ourselves in a virtual outdoor museum of magnificent sacred architecture as we explore tranquil rural villages with astounding temples and gigantic gopuras (towers) soaring above the palm forests and paddy fields. Visits to the former French colony of Pondicherry, the pilgrim town of Kanchipuram, and the exquisite rock-cut seaside temples at Mamallapuram round out our lively South India odyssey.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Days 1-2
Cochin
Intriguing Cochin in the tropical state of Kerala has a stunning location along the Arabian Sea. It’s noted for its elegant cheenavala (fishing nets) dotting the shoreline. Our walks around Fort Cochin and Mattancherry reveal the legacies of Cochin’s European past.
Days 3-4
Kerala Houseboats / Periyar
Gliding by private houseboat, we travel through serene waterways between the sea and the hills of Cochin to see Kerala’s picturesque rural life, where locals fish from longboats. Heading through tea and spice plantations to Periyar in the Cardamom Hills, we enjoy a morning forest walk in a nature reserve.
Days 5-6
Madurai
In Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India, we discover the wonder of fortress-like Sri Meenakshi temple, breathtakingly baroque and full of worshippers making puja (prayer ceremonies).
Days 7-9
Karaikudi / Kumbakonam / Thanjavur
Tamil Nadu, home of the 10th century Chola kingdom, is famed worldwide for its temple architecture. As we explore through the Chola heartland, we visit off-the-beaten path villages sheltering ancient, little-visited temples. We enjoy a full day to explore Thanjavur’s exquisitely carved and colonnaded stone temples, including the colossal shrine tower of the Brihadishwara Temple.
Day 10
Pondicherry
We enjoy a walking tour in Pondicherry, the former capital of French India, picturesque with its beachside French Quarter promenade and richly ornamented Catholic churches.
Days 11-14
Mamallapuram / Kanchipuram / Chennai
From our beachside accommodation, we explore Mamallapuram, a World Heritage Site of extraordinary rock-cut temples by the sea, as well as the pilgrim town and sari-weaving center of Kanchipuram. After a visit to Chennai (Madras) on Day 13, depart on Day 14.
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
- Taj Mahal and Jaipur Extension (4 days)
- Varanasi and Khajuraho Extension (4 days)
- Kanha National Park Extension (5 days)
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 1+, easy. It is a vehicle-based cultural and natural history adventure. Accommodations are in hotels and lodges. Although this is not a difficult trip, please remember that overland 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.
Departures & Leaders
Jan 8-21, 2013 Hashmat Singh
Jan 24-Feb 6, 2013 Buddha Basnyat
Tour Costs
Prices valid through Spring 2013
$6995 (14-16 members)
$7295 (10-13 members)
$7595 (7-9 members)
Single supplement: $1995
Forced single supplement: $1995
more on pricing
Extension Costs
Taj Mahal and Jaipur Extension
from: $2195
Varanasi and Khajuraho Extension
from: $1125
Kanha National Park Extension
from: $1895
Tour Cost Includes:
- Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- Accommodations
- All meals included
- Sightseeing as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
- Land and boat transportation
- Airport transfers for passengers arriving Day 1 and departing Day 14
- Baggage handling
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare to and from India or flights within India, individual airport transfers, airport departure taxes, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, optional gratuities to leaders and staff, additional hotel nights made necessary by airline schedule changes or other factors, expenses such as immunizations (if any), travel insurance, and other items of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, bottled water, etc.).
Taj Malabar
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Cochin, India
Set along the harbor on Willingdon Island a few miles from the city, this hotel enjoys great views over the Arabian Sea and toward Cochin’s ...
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Traditional Houseboat
Day 3 (1 night), Alleppey, India
The beautiful houseboats of Kerala, called kettuvallams, were once used to transport rice, spices, and other goods to the port of Cochin. ...
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Elephant Court
Day 4 (1 night), Periyar, India
Set in a lush, hilly landscape near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Elephant Court is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, with its grounds full of ...
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Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
Days 5 to 6 (2 nights), Madurai, India
This restored colonial home, with its unique hilltop location overlooking the temple city of Madurai, is full of character and charm. Built atop ...
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Visalam Hotel
Day 7 (1 night), Karaikudi, India
A restored Art Deco-style Chettinard mansion, the Visalam has spacious guest rooms and lovely public areas, along with excellent Chettinard cuisine, ...
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Mantra Veppathur
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Kumbakonam, India
This eco-friendly hotel is spread over landscaped acres along the banks of the Veera Chozha River. It has comfortable air-conditioned guest ...
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Hotel de L'Orient
Day 10 (1 night), Pondicherry, India
The Hotel de L’Orient is a heritage building in the heart of Pondicherry's French district. A restored mansion, it has the feel of ...
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Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay
Days 11 to 12 (2 nights), Mamallapuram, India
Spread across 46 acres along a stretch of private beach, this resort complex has spacious, well-kept rooms, either beachside or poolside, as ...
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Taj Coromandel
Day 13 (1 night), Chennai, India
The Taj Coromandel, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, is located in the heart of Chennai’s business district. Guest rooms are large ...
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Extension Accommodations
If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:
- Taj Mahal and Jaipur Extension (4 days)
- Varanasi and Khajuraho Extension (4 days)
- Kanha National Park Extension (5 days)
Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Our Trip Leaders
Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).
Buddha Basnyat, MD, of Nepal, is a physician trained in the US and board-certified in Internal Medicine. He has led numerous treks and cultural odysseys for Wilderness Travel in India, Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. When not guiding, Buddha is Professor of Clinical Physiology at the Institute of ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
Hashmat Singh has led over 100 journeys on three continents for us since 1990. He holds a BA in History from Delhi University and is a noted photographer. His book, Trekking in the Himalaya (Roli Books), features photographic essays from Ladakh to Bhutan. Born an army brat, Hashmat traveled ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
India
Kanha National Park Extension
Gameviewing in one of India’s Great Wildlife Reserves
Wildlife & Natural History
5 days
-
Level 2
Taj Mahal and Jaipur Extension
Romantic Rajasthan, the Land of Princes
Cultural Adventures
4 days
-
Level 1
Varanasi and Khajuraho Extension
Holy City Along the Ganges, Magnificent World-Famous Temples
Cultural Adventures
4 days
-
Level 1
Client Comments
An extremely well thought out and well executed itinerary and the best Trip Leader I’ve ever had.William N., Long Beach, CA
Hashmat's enthusiasm for his country is infectious, his enjoyment of people unending, and his work and efficiency unbelievable. I'm looking forward to another trip with him.Roberta R., Woodstock, VT
One of the best trips we’ve ever been on.Joe K., Mission Hills, CA
One of the best trips my husband and I have taken—a feast for the senses and the intellect. Fabulous temples, beautiful countryside. I especially appreciated our many glimpses into village life, religious practices, and traditions.Joanne C., Pittsboro, NC