Discover South India - Premium Adventure

Offer :

Save 10% on trips departing between November 2025 to March 2026, use code WINTER25USD. Find out more.

14 Days Excluding Flights From

15 Days from

~~USD 4723~~ USD 4200

Culture

Activity Level

Easy

Comfort Level

Premium

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Premium Adventures

Activity :

Culture

Group Size :

4 - 14

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

AIU

Carbon Footprint :

34kg CO2e per person per day

From toy trains to tranquil backwaters: Go off the tourist trail to experience authentic culture and majestic landscapes

Avoid the classic tourist route to discover the tribal cultures and serene landscapes of South India. Guided by one of our much-loved Indian tour leaders, we head inland to explore forested hills, cruise tranquil backwaters, and tour fragrant coffee, tea and spice plantations. Also experience the best of India’s welcoming hospitality, feasting on delicious local dishes and staying in a range of Premium accommodations, including an unforgettable night on a houseboat.

Highlights

Explore the lesser-visited spots of South India: coffee estates, tribal communities and peaceful backwaters
Marvel at Mysore Palace illuminated at night before visiting the next day
Take a heritage steam train around the forested slopes of the Nilgiri Mountains
Meet a Kodava family to learn about their warrior clan and cook a traditional pandi curry
Glide along the Alleppey backwaters in a Premium houseboat
Experience the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Kochi with an immersive tour

Key Information

Accommodation: 11 Premium nights (10 hotel, 1 houseboat), 2 Superior nights (hotel)
Travel by air-conditioned private bus and train
Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Some departures led by Biju Badri Kumar, runner up for Exodus Tour Leader of the Year 2024 (see Dates & Prices)
Combine with India’s Taj Mahal and Tigers - Premium Adventure

Countries visited: India

What's Included

All breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback
Arrival and departure transfers

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Tip for the tour leader

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

AIU - Discover South India – Premium Adventure

Departure Date

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

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Sunday Saturday

05 Oct 2025 04 Oct 2025

Saturday Saturday

18 Oct 2025 18 Oct 2025

Availability Guaranteed (On Request)

Land Only Trip Price Usually USD 4723Now USD 4200Saving USD 523 Usually USD 4723Now USD 4200Saving USD 523

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1988

Led by Biju Badri Kumar - Exodus Tour Leader Awards 2024 - Runner Up

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

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Sunday Saturday

02 Nov 2025 01 Nov 2025

Saturday Saturday

15 Nov 2025 15 Nov 2025

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 4725

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1988
Available upon Request

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

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Sunday Saturday

30 Nov 2025 29 Nov 2025

Saturday Saturday

13 Dec 2025 13 Dec 2025

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 4725

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1988

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

25 Jan 2026 24 Jan 2026

Saturday Saturday

07 Feb 2026 07 Feb 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 4800 USD 4800 Book with USD 1200 deposit Book with USD 1200 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2190

Availability

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Sunday Saturday

15 Feb 2026 14 Feb 2026

Saturday Saturday

28 Feb 2026 28 Feb 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 4950 USD 4950 Book with USD 1237 deposit Book with USD 1237 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2280

Availability

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Sunday Saturday

15 Mar 2026 14 Mar 2026

Saturday Saturday

28 Mar 2026 28 Mar 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 4800 USD 4800 Book with USD 1200 deposit Book with USD 1200 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2190

Availability

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Sunday Saturday

12 Apr 2026 11 Apr 2026

Saturday Saturday

25 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4800 USD 4800 Book with USD 1200 deposit Book with USD 1200 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2003

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

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Sunday Saturday

20 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026

Saturday Saturday

03 Oct 2026 03 Oct 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4800 USD 4800 Book with USD 1200 deposit Book with USD 1200 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2003

Availability

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Sunday Saturday

04 Oct 2026 03 Oct 2026

Saturday Saturday

17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4950 USD 4950 Book with USD 1237 deposit Book with USD 1237 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2205

Availability

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Sunday Saturday

18 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026

Saturday Saturday

31 Oct 2026 31 Oct 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 4950 USD 4950 Book with USD 1237 deposit Book with USD 1237 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2205

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

01 Nov 2026 31 Oct 2026

Saturday Saturday

14 Nov 2026 14 Nov 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 4950 USD 4950 Book with USD 1237 deposit Book with USD 1237 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2205

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

15 Nov 2026 14 Nov 2026

Saturday Saturday

28 Nov 2026 28 Nov 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 4950 USD 4950 Book with USD 1237 deposit Book with USD 1237 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2205

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

29 Nov 2026 28 Nov 2026

Saturday Saturday

12 Dec 2026 12 Dec 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4950 USD 4950 Book with USD 1237 deposit Book with USD 1237 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2205

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

06 Dec 2026 05 Dec 2026

Saturday Saturday

19 Dec 2026 19 Dec 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4950 USD 4950 Book with USD 1237 deposit Book with USD 1237 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2205

Availability

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Sunday Saturday

10 Jan 2027 09 Jan 2027

Saturday Saturday

23 Jan 2027 23 Jan 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4920 Book with USD 1230 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2288

Availability

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Sunday Saturday

24 Jan 2027 23 Jan 2027

Saturday Saturday

06 Feb 2027 06 Feb 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4920 Book with USD 1230 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2288

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

31 Jan 2027 30 Jan 2027

Saturday Saturday

13 Feb 2027 13 Feb 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4920 Book with USD 1230 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2288

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

14 Feb 2027 13 Feb 2027

Saturday Saturday

27 Feb 2027 27 Feb 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4875 Book with USD 1218 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2393

Availability

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Sunday Saturday

28 Feb 2027 27 Feb 2027

Saturday Saturday

13 Mar 2027 13 Mar 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4875 Book with USD 1218 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2393

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

14 Mar 2027 13 Mar 2027

Saturday Saturday

27 Mar 2027 27 Mar 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4920 Book with USD 1230 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2288

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

28 Mar 2027 27 Mar 2027

Saturday Saturday

10 Apr 2027 10 Apr 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4920 Book with USD 1230 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2288

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

11 Apr 2027 10 Apr 2027

Saturday Saturday

24 Apr 2027 24 Apr 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4875 Book with USD 1218 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2100

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

19 Sep 2027 18 Sep 2027

Saturday Saturday

02 Oct 2027 02 Oct 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4875 Book with USD 1218 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2100

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

03 Oct 2027 02 Oct 2027

Saturday Saturday

16 Oct 2027 16 Oct 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 5100 Book with USD 1275 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2303

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

17 Oct 2027 16 Oct 2027

Saturday Saturday

30 Oct 2027 30 Oct 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 5100 Book with USD 1275 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2303

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

31 Oct 2027 30 Oct 2027

Saturday Saturday

13 Nov 2027 13 Nov 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 5100 Book with USD 1275 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2303

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

14 Nov 2027 13 Nov 2027

Saturday Saturday

27 Nov 2027 27 Nov 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 5100 Book with USD 1275 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2303

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

28 Nov 2027 27 Nov 2027

Saturday Saturday

11 Dec 2027 11 Dec 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 5100 Book with USD 1275 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2303

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

05 Dec 2027 04 Dec 2027

Saturday Saturday

18 Dec 2027 18 Dec 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 5100 Book with USD 1275 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 2303

Availability

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Bangalore Kumarakom

Arriving at Bangalore International Airport, head towards the exit of the terminal building, where you are met and transferred (approximately 3hr 30min) to Mysore.

We then have a welcome meeting at the hotel, in which we get to know each other and our tour leader a little better. In the evening, we visit Mysore Palace, one of the largest in India, to see it illuminated by more than 100,000 bulbs – a dazzling opening to our adventure. That’s followed by dinner with a local family.

Want more time in Bangalore? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Superior accommodation: Regenta Central Javaji

Meals included: Dinner

Discover the highlights of Mysore today, beginning with an exploration of Mysore Palace. We also visit other city landmarks, including St Philomena’s Cathedral, which was designed to resemble Cologne Cathedral in Germany. After, we head into the Chamundi Hills to visit two Hindu temples: the golden Chamundeshwari Temple and Nandi Temple, home to a giant 350-year-old bull statue. Visit Rajendra Art Gallery in the afternoon, which exhibits works by Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma and traditional paintings in the Mysore style.

Superior accommodation: Regenta Central Javaji

Meals included: Breakfast

Drive (three hours) this morning to the remote hill station of Coorg, where tiny springs and coffee, tea and spice estates are spread across the misty slopes. Along the way, we stop in Bylakuppe, the largest Tibetan settlement outside of Tibet, to see the intricate carvings at the Golden Temple.

Having completed our journey to Coorg, we join a local guide on a walk through sprawling coffee fields to learn about the history and art of producing coffee. We also learn about the evolution of spice plantations and see how spices are produced, from planting to packaging.

Premium accommodation: Coorg Wilderness Resort & Spa

Meals included: Breakfast

If you’re an early riser, consider one of the complimentary activities offered by the hotel. The Twitchers Trek is an exploration of the surrounding woods led by the in-house naturalist with the chance to see some of the 350-odd bird species that call Coorg home. Or, for a bright start to the morning, join the 30-minute yoga session.

After breakfast, head out to meet a Kodava family, descendants of an ancient warrior clan. Your hosts welcome you into their century-old British-style bungalow and teach you how to make pandi, a typical Coorgi curry made with pork and spices on a wood-fired oven. As you cook, learn about the history of the Kodava clan and their martial legacy. Later, dress up in traditional Coorgi attire: full warrior regalia for men and a uniquely draped saree for women. Sit down with your hosts to enjoy your pandi along with a variety of other dishes and home-brewed wines. Good food and great conversations make the experience one to cherish.

After lunch, set off on an exploration of the sights in and around Coorg. Begin at Madikeri Fort, first built in the 17^th century by Mudduraja, before being reconstructed in granite by Tipu Sultan, a ruler known as the Tiger of Mysore. Later, the British added elements, including a clock tower and porch. Other landmarks we visit include a palace inspired by an English lodge, temples, and Indo-Saracenic-style tombs dedicated to the Kodava royalty and elites.

Premium accommodation: Coorg Wilderness Resort & Spa

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

We drive (4hr 30min) to Wayanad this morning, a hilly region of Kerala known for its natural beauty. The remainder of the day is at leisure. There is the option of cycling an 8mi (12km) trail across the rural landscapes of Kalpetta, the district capital. Along the way, you can visit the local temples, pepper and coffee estates, lemongrass plantations and a tribal village. Alternatively, enjoy the hotel facilities, strolling through the plantations or taking a dip in the pool.

If you fancy a pre-dinner treat, join a chef-led complimentary cooking demonstration. You’ll be guided through the preparation of typical dishes, before sampling a few of the delicious creations. Just let your tour leader know you’d like to join on arrival, so they can book you in (minimum four people required).

Premium accommodation: Vythiri Resort
Upgrade to a Tree House room today – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a scenic 3mi (5km) walk in the Sugandhagiri range today, which should take around 2hr 30min. Our trail immediately plunges into a tea estate, winding along with beautiful views of the Sugandhagiri mountains and excellent landscape photography opportunities. Continue along the forest edge before entering coffee plantations. This area is great for birding with a diverse range of species. The trail then emerges back into the tea estate and we return to the starting point. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

If you’re keen to continue exploring the local flora and fauna, join the hotel naturalist for a guided nature walk through the rainforest and the coffee and pepper plantations. Just book through your tour leader or at reception.

Premium accommodation: Vythiri Resort
Upgrade to a Tree House room today – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we transfer (four hours) to Ooty in the Nilgiri Mountains, a one-time summer retreat for the British which is dotted with tea gardens, waterfalls and colonial architecture.

In the afternoon, we visit St Stephen’s Church, constructed by the British in the 19th century to coincide with the birthday of King George IV. Later, enjoy leisure time perusing the produce in the local vegetable market before heading back to the hotel.

Premium accommodation: Taj Savoy

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we enjoy a classic Ooty experience, riding a steam train – known locally as the toy train – through the Nilgiri Mountains to Coonoor. Our picturesque one-hour adventure takes us on the 100-year-old Nilgiri Mountain Railway, through the spectacular forested slopes and tea estates of the Nilgiri Mountains.

After, we return to Ooty to explore the Government Botanical Garden, which has vibrant displays planted in English-style terraced beds.

Then enjoy lunch at the Fernhills Palace, a one-time royal residence resembling a Swiss chalet; perched at one of the highest points in Ooty, this resort has an amazing view of the Nilgiris. We eat in the restaurant, which was once a dance room for entertaining guests.

After, we visit Toda village, home to the Toda tribe, where we interact with the community, visit their hut-style homes, known as dogles, and watch a shawl-making demonstration.

Premium accommodation: Taj Savoy

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we drive (three hours) from Ooty to Coimbatore to take the train to the old port city of Kochi (approximately 4hr 30min). Riding the rails, we pass through villages and towns with a chance to see daily life in full flow. A light packed lunch is also provided.

Kochi is the ideal place to learn about Kerala’s unique global exchange, both economic and cultural. While the camel caravans on the Silk Road plodded through the Thar Desert in India’s distant northwest, Spice Route traders looking for black pepper reached Kerala on treacherous sea voyages.

Premium accommodation: Fragrant Nature Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Embark on a cultural tour, learning about the lifestyles, dress, food, traditions and religious beliefs of the communities who call the Fort Kochi neighbourhood their home. The experience includes trying delicacies that have made their way to the city from other parts of India and the world.

After, we take a sightseeing tour of the city, taking in the adjacent historic neighborhoods of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.

In Fort Kochi, we visit: St Francis Church, where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was first buried after his death in 1524; Santa Cruz Cathedral, originally used as a warehouse by the British; and the fishing nets lining the harbor entrance, which were introduced by the Chinese in the late-14th century.

In Mattancherry, we visit Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in the mid-1500s in a traditional Keralan style, and Jew Town, once home to a Jewish community and now a great place to peruse antique shops and warehouses. You can also visit Thomas Chettan in the Little Queen Embroidery shop to learn about hand lace work, a dying art using bobbin lace.

There is the option in the late afternoon to see a performance showcasing the dance styles of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Bharatanatyam, plus the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu.

Premium accommodation: Fragrant Nature

Meals included: Breakfast

We transfer (two hours) to Alleppey this morning, famous for its serpentine network of backwaters and thriving coir (coconut fibre) industry.

Explore the Coir Museum on arrival to learn about the coir-manufacturing process and see articles and artifacts made from coir. Also stroll around the local market and town of Alleppey before we board our houseboat at midday and begin our cruise along the Kerala backwaters.

The houseboat cruise is one of the trip highlights – these enchanting boats, built of anjili (wild jack) wood and bamboo, transported goods for hundreds of years. Now they have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise boats. As our boat meanders through tropical vegetation, we can see prolific bird life and gain a different perspective on the village. The cruise takes us along shallow, palm-fringed canals where coconut fibre, coconut meat, and cashews are loaded onto dugout canoes. In the evening, the boat is anchored by the bank and we watch the sun set over the paddy fields.

Premium accommodation: Houseboat

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we travel (1hr 30min) to the village of Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake. We have the rest of the morning free for optional activities such as an Ayurvedic massage (paid for locally).

This afternoon, we head out on a village walk. The journey begins in a shikhara boat, cruising to the banks of Manjira village. Through our local village guide and the community, we learn about many of their practices and products, including the art of climbing a coconut tree and coconut leaf weaving. We also see a skilled fisherman cast his net and enjoy a stroll by the green paddies. For a light refreshment, try a freshly cut coconut before learning about (and sampling) fresh Kerala toddy, a specialty of the area.

Premium accommodation: Coconut Lagoon

Meals included: Breakfast

Choose your own adventure today. Options include exploring the Kottayam Heritage Trail (book through your tour leader), discovering a bygone time when a royal capital flourished along the banks of the Meenachi River. You’re joined by a storyteller, who takes you through the highlights of Old Kottayam, including unique geographical features, heritage buildings and centuries-old places of worship. There are also several other options, including a sunset cruise and dance performance, butterfly garden visit, Ayurvedic massage and kayaking (all payable at the hotel).

Premium accommodation: Coconut Lagoon

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

The adventure ends today. Begin your return journey home or, if you’d like a bit more time to explore Kerala, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 1 (Easy). For more information on our trip gradings, please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

This trip is ideal for culturally curious adventurers eager to explore and experience as much as possible. The itinerary is generally fast paced, prepare for some long days and early starts. While the heat and bustle of some cities can be a little overwhelming, the hillside stays tend to be cooler, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

Journey times: The times stated in the day-to-day itinerary are driving times and do not include photo, tea, comfort or lunch breaks. Journeys can sometimes take longer due to traffic or road damage.

Monuments: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India; very occasionally, this may mean work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI schedule is never published, so it is not possible to warn you when work is taking place.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Regenta Central Javaji, Bogadi Road, Near AIIS, Gangothri Layout, Mysore, Karnataka 570026
Phone: +91 8212000111
Recommended arrival time: Check-in is typically from 2pm. There is a welcome briefing and group dinner in the evening
Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (BLR)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately three to four hours’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Cochin International Airport (COK) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Bangalore
Location end: Kumarakom

Vaccinations and Health

India

You require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some visitors. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.

You may also want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya are known risks in India. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

India

To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.

Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html

Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

For more information on applying for your Indian Visa, including details required for your start hotel and local reference contacts, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners are included in this trip. Allow at least 1,400-2,400 rupees (US$17-US$29) per day for lunches and dinners not included.

India is famous for its food and there is ample opportunity to try various curries. In most towns we visit, there is a good selection of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western food. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap, while a large bottle of beer is approximately 300 rupees (around US$3.60).

Mineral water is widely available, but drinking water is provided in a large container in the bus to reduce our use of plastic, so please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Weather

During October-November and March-April, the days are normally around 30C-35C (86F-95F) and nights slightly cooler (18C-24C/65F-75F) but humidity is very low and little or no rain falls, so it’s a great time of year to travel to this part of India.

From December to early February, it gets cold in the early mornings and evenings (sometimes dropping to 10C/50F) and warm clothes are necessary. The evenings and early mornings (particularly in Ooty) can be surprisingly cool and damp, so come prepared for both cold and warm temperatures during winter.

In July, August and September, expect hot days and warm nights (25C-33C/77F-90F). Rain is also likely at any time from the end of June until September and can be very heavy. However, it moderates the temperatures and humidity.

TRIP

AIU - Discover South India – Premium Adventure

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Premium hotels, heritage resorts and a traditional houseboat

The accommodations we use on this Premium South India adventure include a range of hotels and a traditional houseboat in Alleppey. Many have excellent facilities, such as a swimming pool and spa, plus restaurants serving tasty local specialties and international dishes.

Upgrade to a Tree House room on Day 5 and 6 of the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Mysore: Regenta Central Javaji (nights 1-2)

Discover South India – Premium Adventure

Begin your adventure at the Regenta Central Javaji, a contemporary hotel in the centre of Mysore. Enjoy tasty multi-cuisine dishes at Verve, their main restaurant, or sip unique cocktails next to the pool at the rooftop bar, Sky High. After a day of adventure, treat yourself to a relaxing spa session to recharge.

Coorg: Coorg Wilderness Resort & Spa (nights 3-4)

Discover South India – Premium Adventure

Tucked into the forest, this peaceful resort feels away from it all, while still being well located for our explorations in Coorg. The property has an infinity pool with views over the green valleys, plus a spa with signature treatments designed to help you fully unwind. For more relaxation, gather with the group in the Hunters Lounge, where you can sip fine wines and whiskies with views over the hills.

Wayanad: Vythiri Resort (nights 5-6)

Discover South India – Premium Adventure

Set within a vast tropical rainforest, Vythiri Resort offers a special connection with nature. That starts in your accommodation: a cottage-style villa with a forest-view balcony (plus it has a temperature-controlled jacuzzi-style tub!). During your stay, you can also join nature walks led by the in-house naturalist or a chef-led cooking demonstration for an expert insight into the local cuisine.

Ooty: Taj Savoy (nights 7-8)

Discover South India – Premium Adventure

The Savoy heritage hotel (established in 1829) offers a Colonial-era experience with afternoon tea, croquet on the lawns, and fireplaces. Nestled in the Nilgiri Mountains, it is surrounded by fragrant pine and eucalyptus trees. Enjoy Anglo-Indian and Badaga cuisine at the restaurant and retire to the library.

Kochi: Fragrant Nature Hotel (nights 9-10)

Discover South India – Premium Adventure

Fragrant Nature is perfectly located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to the culture-rich Fort Kochi and Mattancherry districts. It features three dining options, including a rooftop restaurant. You can also enjoy the swimming pool, gym, and spa during your stay.

Alleppey: Deluxe houseboat (nights 11)

Discover South India – Premium Adventure

Cruise along the Kerala backwaters in a traditional Premium houseboat. Each has private bedrooms with an attached bathroom, and a dining area. Some also offer an upper deck, which gives a wonderful view of the scenic Alleppey backwaters.

Kumarakom: Coconut Lagoon (nights 12-13)

Discover South India – Premium Adventure

Coconut Lagoon is nestled in a serene cove on Vembanad Lake, offering a unique arrival by boat through picturesque scenery. The Heritage Bungalows, crafted from restored old mansions, provide an authentic stay with a touch of history. Enjoy birdwatching, relax by the lakeside pool, and rejuvenate with Ayurvedic treatments.