Kerala & the Southern Highlights

Trip Code:3403
(AUD) Twin Share from $7,180pp
Days 18
Nights 16

Southern India offers an intensely tropical and laid-back experience compared to the north. Travel from its stunning hill stations to the tranquil backwaters on this in-depth journey.

  • 22 Oct 2026 – 07 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $6,130 pp twin share / $8,210 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $7,330 pp twin share / $9,410 pp sole use *
  • 29 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $6,130 pp twin share / $8,210 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $7,330 pp twin share / $9,410 pp sole use *
  • 12 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $6,130 pp twin share / $8,210 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $7,330 pp twin share / $9,410 pp sole use *
  • 14 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027
    Land only: from $6,430 pp twin share / $8,810 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $7,630 pp twin share / $10,010 pp sole use *
  • 28 Jan 2027 – 13 Feb 2027
    Land only: from $6,430 pp twin share / $8,810 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $7,630 pp twin share / $10,010 pp sole use *
  • 11 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027
    Land only: from $6,430 pp twin share / $8,810 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $7,630 pp twin share / $10,010 pp sole use *
  • 04 Mar 2027 – 20 Mar 2027
    Land only: from $6,280 pp twin share / $8,660 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $7,480 pp twin share / $9,860 pp sole use *
  • 16 Sep 2027 – 02 Oct 2027
    Land only: from $5,980 pp twin share / $8,360 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $7,180 pp twin share / $9,560 pp sole use *
  • 21 Oct 2027 – 06 Nov 2027
    Land only: from $6,280 pp twin share / $8,660 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $7,480 pp twin share / $9,860 pp sole use *
  • 28 Oct 2027 – 13 Nov 2027
    Land only: from $6,430 pp twin share / $8,810 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $7,630 pp twin share / $10,010 pp sole use *
  • 11 Nov 2027 – 27 Nov 2027
    Land only: from $6,280 pp twin share / $8,660 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $7,480 pp twin share / $9,860 pp sole use *
  • 02 Dec 2027 – 18 Dec 2027
    Land only: from $6,280 pp twin share / $8,660 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $7,480 pp twin share / $9,860 pp sole use *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice. Land only prices exclude international flights.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Fly To Chennai:
    Fly to the city of Chennai and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
  • Day 2 – Discover Mamallapuram:
    After breakfast and a 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, enigmatically called ‘Decscent of hte Ganges’.
  • Day 3 – Chennai City:
    Return to Chennai, formerly known as Madras. This city was developed as a British trading post and 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 and the British-built St. Mary’s Church. The final stop is the colourful Shiva Kapaleeswarar Temple.
  • Day 4 – Train To Bangalore:
    Rise early to catch the Shatabdi Express to the garden city of Bangalore, where you will enjoy an afternoon city tour to see the Bull Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Vidhana Soudha.
  • Day 5 – Mysore:
    Head to Mysore, stopping at Srirangapatna Fort en route. Visit the magnificent Maharaja’s Palace and drive to Chamundi Hill to admire the 12th-century Sri Chamundeshwari Temple and Nandi Bull.
  • Day 6 – Ooty Hill Station:
    Today you will journey to the hill station of Ooty, one of three Nilgiri stations, that sits high above the southern plains. The road twists through hairpin bends, misty forests, and tea plantations and offers breathtaking views. You have the rest of the afternoon to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
  • Day 7 – Narrow Gauge Railway:
    All aboard the miniature, narrow gauge ‘Toy Train’ to the 2nd hill station of Coonoor, where you will be surrounded with spectacular mountain views. Visit a botanical gardens, created in 1847 and is home to many tree species, including a 20-million-year-old fossilised tree.
  • Day 8 – Travel To Coimbatore:
    Drive to Coimbatore and enjoy half a day of sightseeing including visits to the Sri Svetambra Vimalanthar Jain Temple, St. Michael Xavier Cathedral and Athar Jamid Mosque.
  • Day 9 – Munnar:
    Travel to Munnar, a hill station enveloped by lush tea plantations. In the afternoon visit a tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum.
  • Day 10 – Travel To Thekkady:
    Today explore Eravikulam National Park and have the opportunity to spot the local wildlife (closed Feb-Apr, when an alternative light trek will be available). Continue your journey to Thekkady, home of Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Day 11 – Periyar Wildlife Reserve:
    Though designated as a Tiger Reserve in 1978, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary 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 before enjoying a traditional Kalaripayattu (martial art) show this evening.
  • Day 12 – Drive To Kochi:
    Travel to the coastal town of Kochi. This evening enjoy an exuberant Kathakali dance performance.
  • Day 13 – 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. Tonight, enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration hosted by a local family
  • Day 14 – Backwaters Cruising:
    Travel to Alleppey 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.
  • Day 15 – Discover Trivandrum:
    Have breakfast onboard before disembarking and heading for the beach town of Kovalam. Stop on the way in Kerala’s capital Trivandrum to see the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Observatory and Sri Chitra Art Gallery.
  • Day 16 – Relax In 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, before a farewell dinner this evening.
  • Days 17-18 – Fly To Australia:
    Transfer to Trivandrum and fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

Highlights

  • Explore colonial Chennai and the Periyar Wildlife Reserve.
  • Cruise the Kerala Backwaters on a private houseboat.
  • Immerse yourself in the laid-back tropical atmosphere.

Southern India offers an intensely tropical and laid-back experience compared to the north. Travel from its stunning hill stations to the tranquil backwaters on this in-depth journey.

Inclusions

  • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected).
  • Domestic transportation.
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees.
  • 3 – 4 star accommodation.
  • Visa fees for Australian passport holders.

FAQs

  • Residency Hotel
  • The Ideal Beach Resort
  • Adarsh Hamilton Hotel
  • The Grand Mercure
  • Fortune Resort Sullivan Court
  • The Silvertips
  • Poetree Sarovar Portico
  • Casino Hotel Kochi
  • AC Deluxe Houseboat
  • Uday Samudra Beach Resort

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 18 days and 16 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 22 Oct 2026 and 18 Dec 2027, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

Are discounts available?

Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.

Provided by: Wendy Wu Tours

Fine Print

  • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
  • Customary tipping amount of approximately US$100pp (AU$154pp) is paid locally in India.
  • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights’ accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

(AUD) Twin Share from $7,180pp
Days 18
Nights 16

Enquire Now

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Phone: +61 421 934 498
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