Southern India

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure starts today in Kochi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, there are plenty of things to see and do. Once an important spice-trading centre, Kochi has been under Portuguese, Dutch and British rule at various times throughout history. Explore with one of our Urban Adventures or wander down to the shore and seek out the huge Chinese fishing nets dotted along the coast of Fort Cochin.

This morning, take on Kochi with a leader-led orientation walk and city tour. Take a local tuk-tuk to Mattancherry and drop by the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century before it was renovated and presented to the Rajas of Cochin by the Dutch. Maybe visit the Paradesi Synagogue – the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth and home to many rare antiques. Then, amble around the spice bazaars and antique stores of Fort Cochin. In the evening, experience a Kathakali performance – this Keralan dance is an ornately costumed display of storytelling, requiring complete control of the body.

Buckle up, because most of today is spent travelling. Catch a train to Coimbatore, then when you arrive, hop in your private vehicle to Conoor – known for its tea estates in the surrounding Nilgiri hills. Watch the lush scenery pass you by, get stuck into a good book or play road trip games with your fellow travellers. When you arrive in Conoor, you’ll sit down for a group dinner at your accommodation.

Spend the morning in Conoor with an orientation walk and a visit to a tea plantation to learn about the history of tea production. Later, board Ooty’s renowned toy train for a ride along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Be sure to get a window seat for great views over the lush countryside. Spend the rest of the day exploring Ooty’s Botanical Gardens, which are home to over 650 species of plants and trees. You can also opt to turn on the romance with a boat ride on the lake.

Take a private vehicle for the short drive to Bandipur today. Set against the backdrop of the Nilgiri Hills, Mudumalai National Park was once the Mysore Maharaja's private hunting ground. In 1974 it was brought under Project Tiger and is now one of the best sanctuaries in India to observe wildlife in close proximity. Embark on a short safari in search of tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, sambars, spotted deer and much more. There's also an amazing variety of birdlife in the park.

Travel by private vehicle across the scenic Karnataka plains to Mysore – an easy-going town with a pleasant climate, perfect for wandering around on foot. When you arrive, you’ll head to local family’s home for a home-cooked lunch of traditional favourites. Get to know the family, who will show you the practise of making incense – one of the traditional arts from Mysuru. Learn about how it’s made and maybe even have a go yourself! Then, head out on an orientation walk around the town to get your bearings. No visit to Mysore is complete without a look around Mysore Palace – one of the most ornate palaces in India, its interior is full of colour, mosaics and mirrors.

This morning, head out to climb Chamundi Hill to the Sri Chamundeswari Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga. After, continue to the Keshava Temple in the small town of Somnathpur – an excellent example of Hoysala architecture. You’ll also have some time to visit to Tipu Sultan’s mausoleum in Sriranga Patna. You can also opt to return to Mysore for a palm reading catch a film at the local cinema. Tonight, board an overnight sleeper train to Chennai.