South India: Adventurous Dravidian land with culture

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What to Expect on this South India Tour Package

India is far more than the tourist belt of the Golden Triangle. This carefully curated South India tour itinerary showcases the very best this part of the country has to offer.

During the trip, we visit the majestic cities of Pondicherry and Madurai as well as lesser-known places like Hampi and Marari.

You can witness the pious proceedings at Meenalakshmi Temple, create the world-famous Chettinad pepper chicken, and roam Pondicherry’s beautiful French Quarter.

This 15-day South India group travel package delves into history, traditions, and secrets. It digs beneath the mystique of an overlooked but fascinating region.

An authentic South Indian experience awaits you! And as part of our regenerative travel revolution, you can give back to your host communities, helping them grow and flourish in a sustainable way.

For adventures in the north of the country over a similar timescale, consider the Colours of India: Northern Discovery to Goan Beaches tour.

If you have more time and want to travel the length of the country, let us introduce you to our incredible 30-day tour: India Encompassed: Northern Discovery and Southern Adventure.

For more information about our tours of India, or to take the first step towards booking, please schedule a call with us.

Trip Highlights

What’s Included?

Accommodation : 13 nights (1 overnight train)

Tour leader, 24X7 backup and pre-departure support

Meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 4 dinners

All domestic transport and transfer

15 days, 10 stops
Is this for you?
Max group size: 12
Difficulty Level: Light
Age Requirement: Designed for
18-35s

Exclusions

Flights to India

Indian tourist visa

Travel insurance

Non-included Meals, Transport and Activities

Personal expenses

Tips and gratuity

South India Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kochi

Namaste!

Ready to kick start this adventure? Heck Yes! After landing at Cochin International Airport, meet your team and tour leader and go to the hotel. Get ready for the Meet Your Crew Session where you will meet the rest of the crew. Later on, hit the town with your new gang for your Crew Bonding Night Out! Right from the fisherman’s cove to Jew town, let’s get it started!

What’s included

Transfer from Airport
Meet Your Crew Session
Kochi Jew Town walk with street food
Crew Bonding Night Out
Dinner
Twin Accommodation: Bastian Homestay

Impact inclusions

Get introduced to the culture of South India in an interactive group session hosted by your tour leader!

Day 2: Cheruthuruthy

Meet local artists!

Let’s kickstart this day already!Head to Cheruthuruthy where you will meet different craftsmen and artists who live on the banks of the river Nila, especially the famous potter Gopalan. You will attend a musical trial show and visit a women’s cooperative to interact with them in order to learn about women’s cooperative movement. The evening is dedicated to independent activities with your crew!

What’s included

Visit mat weaving unit and local potters
Musical Trail show
Breakfast
Twin Accommodation: River Retreat

Impact inclusions

Visit local potters and women’s cooperatives to learn about local trades and social
movements in Kerala!

Day 3: Cranganore

Resilience!

After a hearty breakfast, let’s drive towards Cranganore. Today, let’s get inspired by a unique community-based initiative by the local farmers, who are protecting the Pokkali rice from extinction for Your Responsible Activity. Later, visit the Muziris to check out the Jewish Synagogue and Cheraman mosque. Later, head to your home for the next two days, the white sand beaches of Marari!

What’s included

Your Responsible Activity: Pokkali
Cranganore orientation walk
Breakfast and Lunch
Twin Accommodation: Sea Scape

Impact inclusions

Attend an insightful activity to learn how farmers are trying to protect their traditional livelihood

Day 4: Marari

Get Beachy!

Cleanse your soul sipping on some margaritas and taking in that Vitamin SEA. Today, you are free to explore whatever you want. This beautiful town of Marari, unlike other beaches in Kerala, is untamed. So, hit the Arabian Sea, and soak in the cool breeze. Go click some pictures and create some trendy reels. It’s time to Explore With Your Crew and wash off all your worries by having a good time!

Explore With Your Crew
Breakfast
Twin Accommodation: Sea Scape

Day 5: Alleppey

Calm Backwaters!

Heard of world-famous Kerela Backwaters? Go on an authentic village tour in Alleppey. Learn about this amazing community, drift through the picturesque paddy fields, and form memories. Enjoy Your Rural Experience while canyoning in the mesmerising backwaters. This will be topped off with lunch prepared by a local family which is a great opportunity to interact with locals and engage in a cultural exchange. Return to Marari and spend the night there.

What’s included

Your Rural Experience: Alleppey backwaters excursion
Overnight in Marari
Breakfast & Lunch
Twin Accommodation: Sea Scape

Impact inclusions

Explore the backwaters of Alleppey and interact with local families to learn about the village way of life

Impact

Orientation and Support

Cultural Exchange

A Usual Day on this South India Tour Package

Look forward to what the day has to offer. Enjoy the breakfast provided by the host family at 8:30 AM. Freshen up, and get ready. By 9:30, join your fellow travelers for an exciting day. Get greeted by Novoto executives, as they take you sight-seeing as per the daily itinerary. At noon, we make a stop for lunch and refreshments. After lunch, we continue with the sight-seeing with regards to the schedule. Enjoy your day as you come across well-known and new destinations.After 5 PM, the evening is usually kept free for a range of independent activities with fellow travellers. Occasionally, there shall be organised social events in the evening. Finally, dinner is provided as per the schedule in the itinerary. Then of course, rest and think about the fond memories created in South India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are flights included in my trip?

International flights booked for arrival/ departure have not been included in our travel fee. It must be purchased separately. However, in case of any inquiries, you can contact us.

Which flight should I take?

There are multiple flights arriving at the Cochin International Airport. During departure, you are welcome to take a train to Bangalore or Hyderabad, and then a flight to your destination.

What do I do about the visa?

You will be required to obtain either an Indian E-Visa (you can check your eligibility here – https://www.visahq.co.uk/) or apply in person at your nearest Indian Embassy prior to your travels.

What are the extra costs that I should keep in mind?

The itinerary has been curated with the most observant prior due diligence. Any additional expenses individuals incurred during the tour are at their own discretion, such as any shopping and souvenirs they might wish to purchase, additional meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary, and of course, the booze.

What do I carry?

For a trip of 15 days, you would be better off with a light packing. Carry comfortable footwears and light clothes. Make sure you carry the essentials- your passport, VISA, and Indian currency. Oh also, leave some room in your suitcases. You never know what you might like to buy here.

Is tipping included?

No, tipping has not been included in your travel plan. It’s up to you to decide the amount for the same. We totally respect your discretion.

Who are my travel companions?

We very much believe in privacy. Hence, we are sorry that we cannot reveal their names. However, we have a wide range of travellers from all over the world who you will meet on your first day.

How do I contact, in case of an emergency?

No need to worry! We have our on-ground team for your assistance. Besides that, you can get in touch with us through our social media handles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can call us on our helpline.

Can I join a trip late, or extend my stay?

As much as we would LOVE you to join us, it will be difficult for us to accommodate you in an already on-going trip. Good news? You are more than welcome to extend your stay, but the expenses for the same have to be taken by you.

Is there any minimum age requirement?

Although our trips are designed for 18-35s, we don’t believe in limiting it to them. So, as long as you’re 18+, feel free to be a part of the tours!

Does Novoto provide me with a travel insurance?

Unfortunately, no. We leave that to your discretion to book travel insurance of your choice.

Will there be any showcase?

Definitely! Your entire experience would be well-documented in the form of videos, and also in other means as approved by the group.

What’s the weather like?

April to September is summer in India where temperatures are generally soaring around 40 C at most destinations in this tour. From October onwards the temperatures start going down averaging around 28 C during the day at most locations.