Compare South India Revealed by Intrepid Travel vs Kerala & Maldives Adventure by World Expeditions

Day 1 Trivandrum

Welcome to India! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting this evening at 6 pm. Afterwards, join your local leader on an orientation walk around Trivandrum. Tonight is all about introductions, so perhaps get together with your group after the walk and have an optional dinner – your leader will be able to suggest the best neighbourhoods for a delicious local meal.

Day 2 Varkala

In the morning, head up the coast by private vehicle for around 2 hours to the town of Varkala. Once settled into your hotel, use the free time to explore the Keralan coast, which is home to some of India’s best beaches. Soaring cliffs protect Varkala’s sandy bay and, depending on the time of year, dolphins can be spotted from high up on the rocks. In the evening, maybe head into town to one of the numerous restaurants serving fresh, local seafood caught right off the coast.

Day 3 Varkala

Enjoy a free day in Varkala. This is a great place to sit back and relax, but if you want to get active there are plenty of water activities on offer, such as surfing and windsurfing. Even though this is a popular destination for Indian tourists, the beaches are quiet and pretty laidback. Today is also the perfect time to check your Lonely Planet app and see what else is popular around the area. Take the rest of the day to relax, beachside, or otherwise, before the rest of South India beckons.

Day 4 Kerala Backwaters

This morning, take a 3-hour train journey along the Keralan coastline to Alappuzha (Alleppey). Once an important trading port and now renowned for the annual Snake Boat race in August, Alappuzha is the starting point for most journeys into the backwaters. An auto-rickshaw will take you from the train station to the boat boarding point before heading to an island village for an overnight homestay with a local family. Get settled, then explore the Keralan Backwaters in a pole boat, your guide will also take you on a walk around the village and introduce you to the community.

Day 5 Kochi

In the morning, cross the backwaters by private boat back to Alappuzha. You’ll then take a 2-hour local bus to Kochi, arriving around midday (12 pm). Once arrived, go for a walk around the Fort Kochi area, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. In the early evening, there’s the option to attend a classic Kathakali dance performance – a snapshot into traditional cultures of the region.

Day 6 Kochi

Today, head to the Mattancherry part of Fort Cochin to explore the old Jewish quarter, synagogue, and Dutch Palace (Kochi Palace) on a guided walking tour. The tour takes around three hours, with the rest of the day free to do as you wish. Afterward, why not join an Urban Adventure day tour, such as Aromas of Kochi, to get more of an in-depth look into this city and its cuisine. Visit urbanadventures.com/destination/kochi-tours for more information, and check with your local leader in advance if you’d like to book one of these trips.

Day 7 Periyar

This morning, get ready for a day of travel as you head by private vehicle to Periyar National Park (approximately 7–8 hours). After checking in to your hotel, head out on a tour of a local spice farm. Walk through the winding pathways among the plantations as the scent of cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla lingers in the air. Take in the beauty of the cardamom flowers, enjoy the cool breeze and watch the sunlight seep in through the leaves of the pepper plants surrounding you. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed evening around your accommodation, perhaps settling in for an early night.

Day 8 Periyar

After breakfast, enjoy a free day with an optional walk around Periyar National Park. Encounters with animals in the wild are never guaranteed, and this is more of a jungle walk than an animal-spotting tour, but do keep an eye out for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants, or gaur – the world's largest species of buffalo. In the afternoon, unwind with an optional ayurvedic massage or just relax in your scenic setting.

Day 9 Madurai

In the morning, take a local bus to Madurai (approximately 4–5 hours). This buzzing city is crammed full of bazaars, pilgrims, and cycle rickshaws. After a walking tour to see the sights, perhaps visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple. This ancient temple is still in use and features a labyrinth of lamplit corridors leading to shrines.

Day 10 Madurai – Overnight Train

Today is a free day in Madurai. Perhaps head to the Gandhi Museum to learn about the man who fought for India’s independence or wander through the 1000 pillars of Aayiram Kaal Mandapam. This is also a great opportunity to haggle with vendors at the bazaars and the tailors' market. Keep in mind that this evening, you’ll take an overnight sleeper train to Mysore. The journey is approximately 14 hours, so you may want to bring some extra snacks.

Day 11 Mysore

On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Mysore. Mysore is an easygoing town with a pleasant climate. Go on a walk with your group, checking out the ornate Mysore Palace along the way. There’s also the option to visit the Keshava Temple in Somnathpur, which is a stunning example of Hoysala architecture. The temple is a 1-hour drive out of town.

Day 12 Mysore – Overnight Train

Today is a free day in Mysore, with plenty of optional activities to keep you busy. If you’ve seen all you need to in town, perhaps explore the countryside surrounding Mysore. Climb up Chamundi Hill to the Sri Chamundeswari Temple at the top, which is dedicated to the goddess Durga. At around 7 pm tonight, meet up with your group and board a 10-hour overnight train to Hampi.

Day 13 Hampi

In the morning, arrive in Hampi and travel to your guesthouse. Hampi is a temple town situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Once you’re settled in, make an optional visit to the architectural masterpiece of Vittala Temple. This 16th-century temple contains mandapas (pillared pavilions), a pool, a palace, and the popular stone chariot, which according to Hindu mythology was the vehicle of the Lord Vishnu.

Day 14 Hampi - Overnight train

After breakfast, explore the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire and the huge boulders on the outskirts of town. In the early evening, drive for around 3 hours by private vehicle to Hubli, where you’ll board a 9-hour overnight train to Goa.

Day 15 Goa

Once your train arrives in Goa, head to the hotel and check in. Brimming with Portuguese influences and known for the sandy beaches lining its coast, Goa is a fascinating region in India's south-west. The day is free to do what you like. Perhaps relax on the beach, sip a cocktail at a local bar, or go for a city walk. Tonight, why not get together with your travel crew for a beachside dinner – Goa is cause for celebration.

Day 16 Goa

There are no activities planned for the final day and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time. Goa is a great place to end the trip – if you can, we recommend staying on for a couple of nights to relax and explore. If you would like to spend more time in Goa, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Day 1 Join Kochi (Cochin)

Arrival at Kochi. Transfer to Fort Kochi. On arrival, you will check into a heritage hotel at Fort Kochi. You are able to use the remainder of your day at you leisure. An arrival briefing will be held this evening (details will be provided on arrival). Overnight: Dutch Bungalow or similar.

meals : Array

Day 2 Sightseeing in Kochi, then to Marari Beach

After an early breakfast, you will discover this amazing city of Kochi. Kochi (Cochin as it was known in colonial times) is a major port on the west coast of India, set on a cluster of islands surrounded by sparkling blue lagoons and backwaters. Its historic links can be seen in the Colonial bungalows, an old Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, the oldest European church in India and a medieval Portuguese palace. In the afternoon we will move on to the area of Marari Beach approximately one hour away. Overnight: Abad Turtle or similar.

meals : B,L,D

Day 3 Kayaking the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey

After a short transfer to the backwaters, you begin your leisurely 15km kayaking adventure. We begin early so as to enjoy the local communities beginning their day thus gaining insight into the local way of life. Often starting with happy school children skipping along the boardwalks on their way to school. As morning progresses the backwaters come to life, as you observe the ecosystem from water level. Crowds of ducks splash their way across the channel, while Brahminy Kites and Kingfishers dive from high above to snatch a fish from the water. Near here you will pass the famous Karumadikuttan Temple housing an elaborate image of the Buddha. You will be taking time off strolling through the villages, watching coconut climbers at work to tap the ‘toddy’ – a traditional brew for tired souls. Once our kayak adventure is complete we will be checking into the Coir Village – a community initiative of local fishermen, coir makers & the local tourism initiative. Overnight: Coir Village or similar.

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 Cycle to Paravur (55km)

Today we cycle through the backwater & beach areas towards Kollam (Quilon) – an ancient port city with great historical significance especially in relation to the struggles during colonial times. We then continue cycling, mostly on dirt roads that take us through two natural lagoons one at Kollam and one at Paravur. It is at Paravur that we will stay this evening, alongside the quiet backwaters. Overnight: Fragrant Nature or similar.

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 In Paravur, explore the mangroves by boat

Today we explore the the local network of mangroves by boat a true highlight of the area and a crucial element of the local ecosystem, providing shelter to juvenile fish from the larger predatory fish in the open waters. These mangroves are also home to a variety of bird species such as the iconic Kingfisher. Overnight: Fragrant Nature or similar.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 Cycle to Varkala (40km), transfer to Trivandrum

Today, we get back on our bicycles and cycle through the quite villages at Paravur until we reach the Coir Factory. Coir is a meterial made from coconut husks from which matting and ropes can be made. Here we have an opportunity to see the traditional coir making skills. After a short visit, we cycle through village roads with amazing view of the backwaters until we cross the scenic Pozhikara Spillway and hit the beach road. Afternoon we have some spectacular cycling along the coast all the way to Varkala. From here we will transfer to our overnight hotel close to the airport in Trivandrum in preparation for our flight to Male, the capital of the island nation of the Maldives, the following day. Overnight: Udai Suites or similar.

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Fly to Male, transfer to dhoni and cruise to Waagali

Transfer to Trivandrum airport for your departure flight to Male. On arrival at the International airport at Male, you will be transferred to your dhoni. Our dhonis are all equipped with motors as well as private cabins and a sun deck. You will be introduced to the crew before cruising to the uninhabited island of Waagali or to a resort island. Our chef will show off his skills with a buffet lunch aboard. We have the rest of the day to spend swimming and snorkeling before anchoring for the night. It is a wonderful spot for your first lesson in snorkeling the beautiful coral reefs of the Maldives! (Beach towels, snorkel and flippers are all provided on board.)

meals : L,D

Day 8 Cruise to Felidhoo

On the Maldives Dhoni Cruise there’s only one thing to do, relax and enjoy! After breakfast we cruise to the nearby atoll and the village of Felidhoo. Felidhoo Atoll is still quite untouched and its main industry is fishing. Our cruising time will be 4 to 5 hours. We spend the day in the village, meeting the local people and observing their lifestyle before returning to our dhoni for an evening at the lagoon.

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Cruise to Vashugiri

We have plenty of time to relax today as we cruise to the beautiful uninhabited island of Vashugiri. At the beach, you can go skin-diving, snorkeling or swimming. Our crew will organise a beach barbeque where we can enjoy a feast of local seafood. We spend the night at anchor and you may choose to sleep up on deck beneath a blanket of stars.

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 Cruise to Felihoo or Keyodu

Today we cruise to the picturesque inhabited island of either Felidhoo or Keyodu. Here we will meet the islanders, explore the local towns and have some time for local entertainment in the evening. We return to the dhoni in the evening.

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 Cruise to Male Atoll

We cruise back to Male Atoll. You will have time to visit Male city where you may like to do a bit of souvenir shopping, visit the museum or fruit market before we cruise to a nearby resort island for our final night at anchor.

meals : B,L,D

Day 12 In Male, trip concludes

Waking up on the dhoni, we have breakfast before being transferred to the airport.

meals : B