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Kerala and the Southern Highlights

  • Duration
    18 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    £3,590pp
  • Read Reviews
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Southern India offers an intensely tropical and laidback experience compared to the north. Travel from the stunning hill stations to the tranquil backwaters on this in-depth journey.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 16 , Lunches: 15 , Dinners: 16
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    16 nights in 3+/4 star accommodation
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 2Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
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Tour Highlights

Our Kerala and the Southern Highlights tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.

Authentic Experiences

Our Kerala & the Southern Highlights Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Tour Itinerary

This tour is suitable for those with a reasonable amount of time and who are interested in travelling to the main sights of southern India. This tour includes travel on train, by road and a night on a houseboat, all of which will give a different perspective on the beautiful and exotic landscape of southern India.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly to Chennai
    Days 1-2: Fly to Chennai

    Fly overnight to the city of Chennai and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Discover Mamallapuram
    Day 3: Discover Mamallapuram

    After breakfast and tour introduction, you will travel to Mamallapuram. On arrival you will explore this coastal temple town, seeing the fascinating 7th and 8th-century rock carvings including the magnificent Shore Temple and the impressive Varaha Cave.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Chennai City
    Day 4: Chennai City

    Return to Chennai. Formerly known as Madras, the city was developed as a British trading post and so is home to a number of colonial sights. A city tour begins at the 13 kilometre Marina Beach before a stop at Fort St. George, established by the East India Company, and the British built St. Mary’s Church. The final stop is the colourful Shiva Kapaleeswarar Temple.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Train to Bangalore
    Day 5: Train to Bangalore

    Rise early to catch the Shatabdi Express to the garden city of Bangalore. Take an afternoon city tour to see the Bull Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Vidhana Soudha.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Mysore
    Day 6: Mysore

    Head to Mysore, stopping at Srirangapatna Fort en route. Visit the magnificent Maharaja's Palace and drive up to Chamundi Hill to admire the 12th-century Sri Chamundeshwari Temple and Nandi Bull. Tonight, enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration hosted by a local family.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Ooty
    Day 7: Ooty

    Journey up into the cool climes of the Western Ghats to the beautiful hill station of Ooty. Relax and appreciate the peace and natural splendour of this quaint town.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Narrow Gauge Railway
    Day 8: Narrow Gauge Railway

    All aboard the miniature, narrow gauge 'Toy Train' to the 2nd hill station of Coonoor. Upon arrival you will tour the tea plantation and enjoy the stunning mountain views. Return to Ooty by coach, to visit the botanical gardens and walk to a small village to meet the locals, gaining insight into their lives.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Travel to Coimbatore
    Day 9: Travel to Coimbatore

    This morning you will depart for Coimbatore, driving driving through the hilly roads for 3 and half hours. Enjoy an afternoon city tour, visiting Sri Svetambra Vimalanthar Jain Temple and Athar Jamid Mosque.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Munnar
    Day 10: Munnar

    Travel to Munnar, a hill station enveloped by lush tea plantations. In the afternoon visit a tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum. This day is at altitude.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

    Amazing Experiences

    • Tea Plantation Tour

      In the cooler climes of Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, tour a tea factory and plantation to learn all about the cultivation and production of the refreshing tea grown in the area.

  • Day 11
    Travel to Thekkady
    Day 11: Travel to Thekkady

    Today explore Eravikulam National Park where you will have the opportunity to spot the local wildlife (closed Feb-Apr, an alternative light trek will be available). Continue your journey to Thekkady, home of Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. This day is at altitude.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
    Day 12: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

    Though designated a Tiger Reserve in 1978, the Periyar Wildlife Reserve is best known for its elephants. Take a walk through the reserve, keeping an eye out for its resident elephant population, as well as wild dogs, barking deer, mouse deer and the elusive Bengal Tiger. Visit a spice village and browse a local market before enjoying a traditional Kalaripayattu (martial art) show this evening.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Drive to Kochi
    Day 13: Drive to Kochi

    Travel to the coastal town of Kochi. This evening enjoy an exuberant Kathakali dance performance.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

    Amazing Experiences

    • Kathakali Dance Performance

      Witness an exuberant performance of the traditional dance-drama that is Kathakali. As Kerala's best-known performing art, it is an extravagant retelling of Hindu epics complete with colourful costumes and elaborate make up.

  • Day 14
    Explore Kochi
    Day 14: Explore Kochi

    Take a full day tour of Kochi. Start at St Francis Church, the first European church built in India, before a visit to Santa Cruz Basilica, where you can get excellent views of more Chinese fishing nets. Finish by admiring the synagogue in the heart of the Jewish Quarter and a stroll around the nearby markets.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Backwaters Cruising
    Day 15: Backwaters Cruising

    Travel to Kumarakom where you’ll board your houseboat, stopping en route at Kumbalangi, a village created to highlight the lifestyle of fisher-folk in the area. Later board your houseboat a converted rice barge, known as a kettuvallam. Sit back and watch life on the water and the surrounding, untouched wilderness as you cruise unhurriedly along the canals. A delicious dinner of traditional cuisine will be served on board and you'll spend a comfortable night on the water.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Discover Trivandrum
    Day 16: Discover Trivandrum

    Take breakfast on your boat before disembarking and heading for the beach town of Kovalam. Stop on the way in Kerala's capital Trivandrum to discover the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Observatory and Sri Chitra Art Gallery.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 17
    Kovalam
    Day 17: Kovalam

    This morning take a walking tour of the town and visit the lighthouse. The rest of the day is yours to relax, or head to the beach, until a farewell dinner this evening.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 18
    Fly Trivandrum to UK
    Day 18: Fly Trivandrum to UK

    Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

    • Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

  • Nights 3
    Residency Hotel
    No 49 GN Chetty Road, Chennai (Madras) 600017 India
    Residency Hotel
    The Residency Hotel is a short distance to the city’s corporate and shopping areas. The en-suite rooms feature modern amenities including, TV and and tea/coffee facilities. A breakfast buffet is served daily in the Spice Bar, which also offers lunch and dinner, with guests also having the option to order a la carte from the Chin Chin restaurant.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Night 1
    The Ideal Beach Resort
    The Ideal Beach Resort
    Located along the Bay of Bengal and surrounded by 12 acres of lush greenery, The Ideal Beach Resort is the perfect place to relax after a day filled with adventure. Home to a private beach, finished with huts and hammocks, the resort will offer a truly Ideal holiday experience. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Ayurvedic massage centre and spa. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and offer tea and coffee making facilities, a safe and daily newspaper.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
  • Night 1
    Adarsh Hamilton Hotel
    #2 / 4, Langford Garden Road Richmond Town, Bengaluru 560025 India
    Adarsh Hamilton Hotel
    Situated in a quiet neighbourhood off Richmond Circle in the heart of Bangalore's Central Business District, Adarsh Hamilton Hotel offers luxurious en-suite rooms featuring modern amenities including, TV, tea/coffee facilities and a safety deposit box. Superb facilities include a restaurant, free Wi-Fi and fitness centre.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
  • Night 1
    The Grand Mercure
    The Grand Mercure
    Conveniently located just minutes away from the Mysore Palace and Mysore Zoo, The 4* Grand Mercure Hotel sits within the heart of the city. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with a modern flare and is equipped with a rooftop pool, gym and all day dining restaurant. Other facilities include a bar, serving a sophisticated collection of cocktails, mocktails, spirits and wines.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    Fortune Resort Sullivan Court
    123 Selbourne Road, Garden Rd, Rose Garden Road, Ooty (Udhagamandalam) 643001 India
    Fortune Resort Sullivan Court
    Located within the scenic surroundings of Ooty, the 4* Fortune Resort Sullivan Court is a modern-day tribute to the founder of the city, John Sullivan. The resort is just 1km from the city centre and provides a wide selection of facilities to guests, including restaurants, serving flavours of India as well as cuisines from around the world, as well as a contemporary bar, spa and gym. Rooms are beautifully furnished and equipped with a minibar, coffee and tea maker as well as air conditioning and flatscreen TV.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
  • Night 1
    The Silvertips
    The Silvertips
    With its convenient location, The Silvertips hotel offers easy access to Munnar’s must-see destinations. The hotel features 60 beautifully appointed en-suite rooms, many of which include a balcony/terrace, complimentary bottled water, TV and a coffee/tea maker. The hotel also offers access to a vast array of services, including free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and spa.
  • Nights 2
    Poetree Sarovar Portico
    Poetree Sarovar Portico
    Located in the midst of untouched land, the 4* Poetree Sarovar Portico resort allows guests to immerse themselves within nature, allowing for unforgettable views over the Periyar Forest, home to some of the most conservated wildlife in the country. Resort facilities include a spa and sanctuary, offering only the best Indian rejuvenation therapies, as well as a variety of dining options serving both Indian and international cuisines. Rooms here are inspired by warm tones and are equipped with air condition, mini bar and tea/ coffee making facilities plus much more.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
  • Nights 2
    Casino Hotel Kochi
    Willingdon island, Kochi (Cochin) 682 003, India
    Casino Hotel Kochi
    Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Fort Cochin, the Casino Hotel combines relaxed Keralan style with modern comforts. There is an outdoor pool, gym, lounge and shop, whilst the restaurants serve Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine and specialise in fresh fish dishes. There is also free Wi-Fi and an Ayurveda massage service. Bedrooms are bright and spacious with typically Keralan aspects and offer air conditioning, safe, minibar, television and en suite bathroom.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
  • Night 1
    AC Deluxe Houseboat
    Kaippuzhamuttu, Kumarakom, Kerala 686144, India
    AC Deluxe Houseboat
    Located in Allepy, the traditional 80 feet long crafts have been adapted into luxuriously furnished houseboats. Each houseboat is beautifully decorated with coir mattress on the floor. Modern comforts include a spacious living/dining area and sun deck, with an airy passage and neat kitchen. Clean towels and blankets are also provided.
  • Nights 2
    Uday Samudra Beach Resort
    Uday Samudra Beach Resort
    Located by the famed beaches of Kovalam, 15 metres from the sea, Uday Samudra Beach Resort is an exclusive 5 Star leisure beach hotel - a destination by itself. The hotel boasts luxurious air-conditioned en-suite rooms with modern amenities and the restaurant serves a variety of delicious Chinese, continental and local dishes. Live cultural programmes also can be enjoyed during dinner time.

The best time to visit India is from November to March when you’ll enjoy pleasant warm dry days and low humidity.

City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chennai
  • 25°c
  • 22mm
  • Coimbatore
  • 24°c
  • 5mm
  • Kochi
  • 27°c
  • 23mm
  • Kovalam
  • 28°c
  • 21mm
  • Munnar
  • 18°c
  • 18mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chennai
  • 26°c
  • 2mm
  • Coimbatore
  • 26°c
  • 13mm
  • Kochi
  • 28°c
  • 26mm
  • Kovalam
  • 28°c
  • 26mm
  • Munnar
  • 19°c
  • 29mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chennai
  • 28°c
  • 4mm
  • Coimbatore
  • 29°c
  • 15mm
  • Kochi
  • 29°c
  • 31mm
  • Kovalam
  • 28°c
  • 40mm
  • Munnar
  • 20°c
  • 47mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chennai
  • 30°c
  • 8mm
  • Coimbatore
  • 30°c
  • 48mm
  • Kochi
  • 29°c
  • 95mm
  • Kovalam
  • 29°c
  • 119mm
  • Munnar
  • 21°c
  • 129mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chennai
  • 32°c
  • 44mm
  • Coimbatore
  • 29°c
  • 71mm
  • Kochi
  • 29°c
  • 283mm
  • Kovalam
  • 28°c
  • 210mm
  • Munnar
  • 21°c
  • 189mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chennai
  • 32°c
  • 56mm
  • Coimbatore
  • 27°c
  • 27mm
  • Kochi
  • 27°c
  • 706mm
  • Kovalam
  • 27°c
  • 341mm
  • Munnar
  • 20°c
  • 420mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chennai
  • 31°c
  • 100mm
  • Coimbatore
  • 27°c
  • 36mm
  • Kochi
  • 26°c
  • 594mm
  • Kovalam
  • 26°c
  • 239mm
  • Munnar
  • 19°c
  • 583mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chennai
  • 30°c
  • 140mm
  • Coimbatore
  • 27°c
  • 36mm
  • Kochi
  • 27°c
  • 403mm
  • Kovalam
  • 26°c
  • 156mm
  • Munnar
  • 20°c
  • 364mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chennai
  • 30°c
  • 137mm
  • Coimbatore
  • 27°c
  • 74mm
  • Kochi
  • 27°c
  • 280mm
  • Kovalam
  • 27°c
  • 175mm
  • Munnar
  • 20°c
  • 210mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chennai
  • 28°c
  • 279mm
  • Coimbatore
  • 27°c
  • 123mm
  • Kochi
  • 27°c
  • 320mm
  • Kovalam
  • 27°c
  • 268mm
  • Munnar
  • 19°c
  • 253mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chennai
  • 26°c
  • 407mm
  • Coimbatore
  • 25°c
  • 122mm
  • Kochi
  • 28°c
  • 175mm
  • Kovalam
  • 27°c
  • 192mm
  • Munnar
  • 18°c
  • 164mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chennai
  • 25°c
  • 191mm
  • Coimbatore
  • 24°c
  • 46mm
  • Kochi
  • 27°c
  • 43mm
  • Kovalam
  • 27°c
  • 69mm
  • Munnar
  • 18°c
  • 64mm
+ -
Kerala and the Southern Highlights map

Places Visited: UK - Chennai (2N) - Mamallapuram (1N) - Bangalore (1N) - Mysore (1N) - Ooty (2N) - Coimbatore (1N) - Munnar (1N) - Thekkady (2N) - Kerala Houseboat (1N) - Kochi (2N) - Kovalam (2N)

2024 - Download Detailed Itinerary

2025 - Download Detailed Itinerary

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

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