Southern India Encompassed
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. In the evening, join your CEO for a welcome meeting, followed by an orientation walk around Colaba and the waterfront market.
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
- Colaba Orientation Walk: Walk through the charming Colaba neighbourhood of Mumbai.
Spend the day getting acquainted with Mumbai on a sunrise walking tour followed by a driving tour of the city. For a cooler, quieter and even more beautiful experience, we head out around sunrise to see places like Gateway of India, Flaura Fountain and Rajabai Clock Tower. Then hop into a local taxi to visit places like Dhobi Ghat and Baangang Water reservoir.
- Colaba and Gateway of India Sunrise Walk: Walk through Colaba and the Gateway of India at sunrise, visiting some highlights along the way. Enjoy the architecturally splendid Gateway of India, magnificent colonial buildings, popular with tourists from India and around the world, was built during the British rule and offers amazing views of the Arabian Sea, with boats bobbing in the water close to it, as well as charming cafes, and high-end boutiques.
- Mumbai Driving Tour: Visit the main highlights of Mumbai on either a half-day or full-day driving tour of this lively city. Tours will visit the Victoria Terminus Train Station (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Marine Drive, and Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundry area in Mumbai, among other highlights.
- Free Time: Spend the afternoon at leisure in Mumbai.
An early morning train brings us to Goa by the mid afternoon. After checking into the hotel, join your CEO for an orientation walk of Panjim Fontainhas.
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Panjim Fontainhas Orientation Walk: Follow your CEO on an orientation walk of the Panjim Fontainhas, the historic Portuguese Quarters of Goa. Admire the colourful colonial architecture, beautiful streets and red tiled roofs.
Today is yours to explore the amazing beach town of Goa. Choose to spend the day however you’d like, from taking a tour of Old Goa Church, visiting a spice plantation or relaxing on the beach. In the evening, take an overnight train towards Hampi.
- Free Time: Spend the day exploring Goa on your terms.
- Basic Overnight Train (beds): Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
- Old Goa Visit: Explore the rich history and impressive architecture of Old Goa, the former colonial capital of the state. The convents and churches are stunning, and the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the relics of St Francis Xavier.
- Goa Beach Visit: Relax on some soft, white sand -- Goa's beaches are famous the world over for good reason. Hydrate with a smoothie or fresh coconut water.
Pull into Hubballi early this morning and switch to a private vehicle for the remainder of the way to Hampi, famous for its incredible ruins and historic temples. After arrival, drop your things at the hotel, eat some breakfast then enjoy some free time to rest or explore. We’ll head to Raghunatha Temple in the evening for an amazing sunset view over the temple boulders.
- Free Time: Spend some time on your own to explore Hampi or rest before the evening activity.
- Shri Malyavanta Raghunatha Temple: Visit the beautiful temple atop the boulder for sunset.
Start the day by watching the sun rise over Bada Nandi, the famous monolithic bull sacred to Lord Shiva. The Hampi adventure continues with a tuktuk tour through the famous ruins. Learn about the interesting history of this place while admiring some of India’s most incredible temple ruins and historic architecture. Following the tour, enjoy a free afternoon. Opt to visit the Kishkinda Foundation, a project dedicated to supporting the development of the local women and children.
- Bada Nandi Monolithic Bull: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Hampi Bada Nandi, aka the Monolithic Bull. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this single-boulder granite sculpture is 8-feet tall and a symbol of power and devotion to Hinduism.
- Hampi Ruin Tuktuk Tour: Explore the spectacular ruins of Hampi Palaces, Hazararama Temple, and the boulders on the river on this tuktuk tour.
- Free Time: Enjoy a free afternoon in historic Hampi.
- Kishkinda Foundation Visit: Visit the Kishkinda Foundation, an organization dedicated to the development of local children's education, and women's employment. Browse through their handicrafts, meet the local women and buy some beautifully handmade souvenirs.
Head out for a scenic drive to Halibedu, the ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire and known for its amazing temples. After arrival, take a tour of the Halibedu ruins and learn of the long, interesting history if this place twice plundered by the Muslim armies of Northern India.
- Halibedu Ruins: Visit the 12th-century Hindu temple, the Halebidu Temple, dedicated to lord Shiva.
Visit the spectacular Hoysaleswara Temple at sunrise this morning, the only surviving monument in Halibedu. In the afternoon, drive to Mangalore and enjoy a restful evening.
- Hoysaleswara Temple: Visit the Hoysaleswara Temple, an iconic image of Southern India from the 12th century with bout 340 large hindu relief sculptures.
- Free Time: Spend the afternoon free in Mangalore.
Travel by train and tuktuk to Kochi, a historic port town in Southwest India. Enjoy the day to rest or explore. Then, in the evening, join your CEO for an orientation walk of Fort Kochi.
- Local Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Tuk-Tuk: Jump in India's traditional mode of transport - the tuk tuk.
- Orientation Walk: Get to know the delightful city of Kochi through this guided walk, with a chance to explore St Francis Church, the oldest church in India.
Walk along the cobblestones streets of Fort Kochi on a sightseeing tour of this historic city. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. Tonight, take an overnight train to Bangalore.
- Fort Kochi Visit: Enjoy your stay in charming Fort Kochi, which evokes an era long gone. Walk through the cobblestone streets, visit delightful tea houses, and have a relaxing drink while sitting by the water. Be sure to check out Vasco de Gama's tombstone and the famous blue synagogue.
- Free Time: Enjoy an afternoon free to explore Kochi.
- Basic Overnight Train (beds): Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
After a night on the train, we'll pull into Bangalore in the morning. The first stop of the day is breakfast. Second stop of the day is to the beautiful Lal Bagh Botanical garden. Walk through the incredible green houses full of colourful flowers and unique sculptures. The remainder of the day is yours to see the city. In the evening, regroup for an orientation walk through the main iconic commercial streets of Bangalore.
- Lal Bagh Gardens Visit: Enjoy a visit to the splendid Lal Bagh—literally "red garden"—a delightful botanical garden that was built in the 1760s by Mughal royalty. One of the most famous attractions in Bangalore, it boasts India's largest collection of tropical plants. Walk around the gardens and check out the lake and famous Glass House—a huge greenhouse where a popular flower show is held each year.
- Free Time: Spend the day exploring Bangalore on your town terms.
- Bangalore Orientation Walk: Take an orientation walk around Bangalore's Mahatma Gandhi Road, Brigade Road and Church Street, the heart of the city's most commercial zone.
- Bangalore Palace Visit: Get a taste of life with the royals with a visit to this magnificent palace, built between 1862 and 1944. Owned by the Mysore royal family, it was built in Tudor style architecture that has been said to resemble Windsor Castle in England.
Depart from Bangalore and drive to Srirangapatna to visit the incredible Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and the Tipu Sultan's tomb. Then continue on to Mysore for an afternoon of free time to explore the city before an evening orientation walk in Devraja Market and an optional group dinner.
- Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Visit: Visit the ornately beautiful Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple. Standing over 73 m tall (240 ft), the main structure can be seem from across the city. Visit the colourful temple dedicated with Ranganatha, the resting form of Vishnu.
- Tomb of Tipu Sultan: Visit the beautiful Tipu Sultan's tomb. Constructed in 1782, Tipu Sultan, known as the Tiger of Mysore, originally built this white mausoleum for his parents' grave. See the amazing architecture, learn of its history and wander the gardens.
- Devraja Market Visit and Orientation Walk: Visit the beautiful Devaraja Market, where fruit and flowers are seemingly arranged in colourful coordination. Get acquainted with the liveliness of the market and the city of Mysore.
Explore the best of Mysore today with visits to Chamundeshwari Temple at Chamundi Hills, the Mysore Palace and St. Philomena Cathedral. The rest of the day is yours to explore this historic, opulent city.
- Chamundi Hills Visit: Enjoy a visit to the gorgeous temple devoted to the Hindu goddess, Chamundi, located on Chamundi Hill.
- Mysore Palace Visit: This stunning palace was the home of the Maharajas of Mysore, the former royal family, which ruled from 1399 to 1950. Learn about the rich history of Indian royalty and soak in the splendor of an era long gone.
- St. Philomena's Cathedral Visit: Visit the Neo Gothic Catholic church in Mysore, one of the largest cathedrals in all of India. Built in 1936, it was constructed with inspiration of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
- Free Time: Spend the afternoon free to explore Mysore.
Take a train to Chennai and transfer to a private vehicle to arrive to Mamallapuram by the afternoon. This famous town is steeped in myth and history, so enjoy the opportunity to experience it with a free afternoon.
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Free Time: Spend the afternoon at leisure in 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.
- Sunrise Shore Temple Visit: Explore this impressive group of monuments that were sculpted during the 7th and 8th century, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at sunrise. Of these, the Shore Temple stands out for its a marvelous view of the Bay of Bengal's shore. Made of granite, it's actually a twin-temple dedicated both to the Hindu gods, Vishnu and Shiva.
- Free Time: Enjoy a free afternoon in Mamallapuram.
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.
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Brihadeeswara Temple: Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient Hindu temple built in 1010 AD. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this popular pilgrimage site is a stunning example of the Great Living Chola Temples.
- Bronze Casting Workshops: Admire the famous Thanjavur bronze statues. Explorethe traditional bronze casting workshops that still follow the age-old "lost wax technique" to cast statues and idols.
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.
- Chettinad Traditional House Visit: Visit the traditional Chettinad houses in Kanadukathan and see the making of the beautiful Athangudi colored tiles on a CEO led tour of this heritage village.
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.
- Thirumalai Nayak Palace Visit: Visit what remains of the 17th century palace of the ruler Thirumalai Nayak -- he contributed extensively to the gorgeous Meenakshi Temple, which is located less than 2km away.
- Meenakshi Temple Visit: Visit the gorgeous Meenakshi Temple, considered to be the finest in South Indian religious architecture. This enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati, or Meenakshi. Even before you pass through the massive stone walls of the temple, the nine striking gopurams (monumental gateways covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals, and monsters all painted in vivid colours) loom high above.
- Cycle-Rickshaw Tour: Sit back and relax during this eco-friendly tour -- you'll be pulled along by a bicyclist! See the sights at a slower pace and form street level. Check out the fruit and vegetable market, watch the pressing of oil by bullocks, and the famous Gandhi museum and palace.
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.
- Cardamom Hills Spice Plantation Tour: Enjoy a guided tour of the plantation and tea factory and learn more about spice and tea production and of this region. You might even get to enjoy a sample or two!
- Free Time: Enjoy a free afternoon in Thekkady.
- Ayurvedic Massage: Ayurvedic medicine is a system of Hindu traditional medicine, and Ayurvedic massage has been practiced in India for centuries and is viewed as a part of holistic medicine. These massage techniques provide relaxation, improve circulation, and eliminate of toxins. Lie back and enjoy!
- Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake -- it's a great way to get to know the region and spot some animals. An early morning provides the best opportunity to catch monkeys, wild boars and elephants starting their day. Periyar National Park is also home to over 200 species of birds and the view from the boat offers a unique perspective for birdwatching.
Travel down to Allepey and catch a private boat for the short ride to the village homestay. In the afternoon, explore the island with a local person to observe the different facets of local life — it's a great opportunity to meet and talk with the people who live in this unique location. Just before sunset, hop on a small country boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding 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.
- Boat: Climb aboard and get your float on.
- Kerala Backwaters Homestay: Enjoy strolling under the palm trees, weaving in between the rice fields that cover the island, and learn more about the lifestyles of the locals. Watch the sunset on the winding backwaters with locals in a small country boat. There may even be time to kick back and enjoy a local toddy (alcoholic drink made from coconut).
Spend the morning enjoying your last moments with your host family before departing for Kochi. On the way, stop at your G Adventures-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.
- Boat: Climb aboard and get your float on.
- Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project: Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch prepared by women of the Planeterra Theruvarom Empowerment Project, which provides women from rural areas an alternative source of income by honing their hospitality and culinary skills. Learn about the local cuisine and socio-economic fabric of the region as you get to know the women. All while taking in live entertainment!
- Orientation Walk: Get to know the delightful city of Kochi through this guided walk, with a chance to explore St Francis Church, the oldest church in India.
- Kathakali Dance: Considered one of the oldest dance forms in India, Kathakali is a combination of drama, dance, music, and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. This dance drama is famous for amazing costumes, extensive makeup, and explosive body movements, and is performed exclusively by men.
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Drift through the peaceful backwaters of Kerala on a traditional boat.
- Watch the sunset glow over Hampi’s ancient ruins.
- Explore Mamallapuram’s Shore Temples and wander local markets.
- Ignite your senses on a spice plantation tour in Thekkady.
- Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Kerala Backwaters Homestay, Alleppey
- Colaba Sunrise Walk
- Heritage walk of Fontainhas (Portuguese quarter)
- Visit to Old Goa churches
- Sunset visit and exploration of Hampi ruins
- Guided exploration of Halebidu ruins
- Hoysaleshwara Temple
- Scenic train journeys: Mumbai → Goa, Goa → Hampi, Mangalore → Kochi
- Fort Kochi Visit
- Free Time in Kochi
- Lal Bagh Gardens Visit
- Free Time Bangalore
- Bangalore Orientation Walk
- Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Visit
- Tomb of Tipu Sultan
- Devraja Market Visit and Orientation Walk
- Chamundi Hills Visit
- Mysore Palace Visit
- St Philomena's Cathedral Visit
- Mysore Free time
- Free time in Mamallapuram
- Sunrise Shore Temple Visit
- Brihadeeswara Temple
- Bronze Casting Workshops
- Chettinad Traditional House Visit
- Thirumalai Nayak Palace Visit
- Meenakshi Temple Visit
- Cardamom Hills Spice Plantation Tour
- Free Time in Thekkady
- Boat through Kerala Backwaters
- Kerala Backwaters Homestay
- Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project
- Orientation Walk in Kochi
- Kathakali Dance
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, Walking, Basic Overnight Train, Local Train, Boat
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels/ Guesthouses (twin-share, 18 Nights); Overnight Trains: (2 Nights); Homestay: (1 Night, Multi-share)
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Get the best of both worlds with as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Read more
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Dates & Pricing
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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