Compare Bike, Hike & Kayak South India by World Expeditions vs Premium South India by Intrepid Travel

Day 1 Join Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Upon arrival you will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the group hotel. The rest of the afternoon is spent at your leisure. This evening we head out for our first group meal, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight Chancery (MG Road) Hotel or similar.

meals : Array

Day 2 Drive to Mysore

After breakfast we drive to Mysore (approx. 3 hours), situated at the base of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is commonly described as the City of Palaces. Upon arrival we will have a sightseeing tour of the city including a visit to the ornately adorned Mysore Palace, one of the most famous in India, and the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. We also visit the Chamundi Hills where we can see two ancient temples and get a panoramic view of the city. Overnight Sandesh the Prince Hotel or similar.

meals : B

Day 3 Cycle to Bandipur and Mudumalai (55km)

You will start cycling a short distance away from the city to avoid traffic, to one of the best wildlife reserves in south India, Mudumalai National Park. The park is nestled away in the foothills of the Nilgiris (The Blue Mountains) and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Here, you can take a jeep safari deep into the midst of this dry deciduous forest, to observe herds of wild Asiatic Elephants, Leopards, Bison, Tigers, the elusive Sloth Bear and primates like the Langur, Bonnet Macaque and Slender Loris, all in their natural habitats. This reserve has achieved many a milestone in conservation efforts, which is evident from the growing number of tigers. Overnight: Bamboo Banks or similar. Cycle approx. 55km

meals : B,L

Day 4 Cycle to Ooty (33km)

This morning we negotiate the Kallatti Ghats toward the colonial town of Ooty. We drive up the Nigiris (literally blue mountains) to the old hill station of Ooty or Udagamandalam. Many ‘hair pin bends’ later you find yourself greeted with pleasantly cool weather at your destination situated at just over 2,200 metres. Cycling along these mountain roads you can find charming English style cottages blending into the landscape. These cottages with teak floors, art-deco armchairs, red-tiled roofs and chimneys also boast well kept gardens with a profusion of flowers that thrive here. The excellent botanical garden at Ooty which is over 160 years old is home to not only a great variety of exotic flora but also many birds. Overnight Accord Hotel or similar. Cycle approx 35km

meals : B,L

Day 5 Coonoor UNESCO heritage train, cycle to Mettupalayam (100km, mostly downhill)

This morning we board the historic Toy Train for a remarkable rail journey with spectacular vistas as we descend to the popular hill station of Coonoor. From here we take a scenic bike ride, mostly downhill (approx 40km) to Mettupalayam – a small town located at the foothills of the Nilgiris. You will leave this busy town behind, and travel on our vehicle to Pollachi (approx. 2.5 hours), near the city of Coimbatore. At Pollachi, you will spend the night at a beautiful resort set amidst a coconut grove. In the evening we will take a walk through the farm & the nearby village. Overnight Coco Lagoon or similar.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 Cycle (70km) to Munnar through tea plantations

One of the longer cycling days, today we hop on our bikes and head towards the tea town of Munnar. En-route we pass by the dry scrub land forests at Chinnar and the sandalwood forests at Marayur before the climb begins to Munnar, situated at a pleasantly cool 1500m in altitude. The mountain scenery we pass today is spectacular, and we have plenty of time to stop and enjoy the views. Overnight: Eastend Hotel or similar. Cycle approx 70km.

meals : B,L

Day 7 Day trek to Meesapulimala (15km)

Your rain forest trek at Munnar begins early, as you to have to ascend to a height of 2640 metres, where the peak of Meesapulimala is located. Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats and your rain forest trek at Munnar involves navigating through the high altitude cloud forests and grasslands to get to this peak. After a brief stop to feast your eyes on a brilliant view of forests and tea estates down in the valleys below, you will trek down to trail head and be transferred back to Munnar. Overnight Eastend Hotel or similar. Hike approx 18km.

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 Cycle the Cardamon Hills (30km), transfer to Periyar National Park

The Cardamom Hills are famed all over the globe as the spice centre of the world, and today we cycle through the shadow of these hills. We ride around Anaerangal Lake and along wonderful mountain roads to Nedungandom where we stop for lunch. We pass through thick forests, cardamom estates, and spice gardens that have given these Cardamom Hills their name. In the afternoon we drive to Periyar and check into our accommodation where we can relax or explore the jungle. Periyar is one of the best wildlife reserves in India. Here we have an opportunity to meet some of the local people and see their fascinating way of life. Overnight Forest Canopy Hotel or similar. Cycle approx 60km.

meals : B,L

Day 9 In Periyar

Early this morning we venture into the national park. Mannans are among the oldest indigenous group of people to inhabit Periyar. As late as the 1940’s, they lived in the remotest areas of the reserve seeking out a simple life, fishing in the lake and cultivating a few crops, today they are instrumental in the conservation of the forest. There is also the opportunity to do bamboo rafting for those that are feeling adventurous. In the afternoon we visit the Natural History Museum, and the cardamom and pepper plantations.

meals : B

Day 10 Cycle through Western Ghats to a spice farm (80km)

Another long day ahead of us and perhaps the best day of the trip. It is also the most challenging day of the week with undulations all through. The view is magnificent and we have spice plantations on either side. We would see the famous arch dam of Idukki on the way and just before we reach our destination for the night we cross the beautiful Kulamavu dam. The last bit is a tough climb and a worthwhile challenge. Overnight Greenberg Hotel or similar. Cycle approx 80km.

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 Cycle (55km) and transfer to Alappuzha (Allepey), kayak through Keralan Backwaters

Today, you will be taking a downhill ride through the mountain passes to the plains and from there through the rubber country of Palai to Alleppey, the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. Here, you will settle into a beautiful resort at Alleppey. Overnight Lake Canopy Hotel or similar. Cycling approx. 55km.

meals : B,L

Day 12 Backwaters cruise, overnight on houseboat

Today morning we are in for a different adventure, exploring the backwaters on Kerala on a Kayak. You will kayak through the narrow canal, a great opportunity to experience the village life that evolves around the backwaters. Before noon we will complete the kayaking and board Kerala’s most luxurious forms of accommodation and transport, the houseboat. Reclining on cushions and drifting through quiet canals, you will pass through paddy fields grazed by ducks, floating markets, local toddy shops, temples and churches. Overnight aboard houseboat.

meals : B,L,D

Day 13 Cycle to historic Fort Kochi

We end our journey at Fort Kochi with a fabulous beach side ride. After a chance to relax and freshen up we have lunch, and then spend the rest of the afternoon discovering a little of this amazing city. 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. The city was founded in 1341 following a flood which created a natural and safe harbour and quickly became the chief port on the Malabar Coast. From the 1400’s it attracted Jewish, Arab and Christian settlers from the Middle East as a result of the Royal Family’s move to the city from Muziris, 50 kms north. The Europeans began settling from 1500’s as the Portuguese, Dutch and English competed to control the port and the lucrative spice trade. The city has three distinctive regions – Ernakulam, the modern region to the East, and the older districts of Mattancherry and Fort Kochi located on a peninsula in the west. We are staying in the heart of the historic Fort Kochi, India’s Oldest Indo – European town. We will discover a little more off the rich cultural history of this place during our visits to museums and temples that dot the city and surrounding areas. In the evening we can enjoy traditional Keralan dances like kathakali and mohiniattam. Overnight Dutch Bungalow Hotel or similar. Cycle approx 60km.

meals : B

Day 14 In Kochi, trip concludes

Trip concludes after breakfast.

meals : B

Day 1 Chennai

Welcome to India! Your adventure begins in Chennai, India’s cultural heart and fourth largest city. You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Meet your fellow travellers and experienced group leader for an important 6pm welcome meeting. If you arrive in Chennai with time to spare, you may like to pay a visit to the colourful market stalls of the Georgetown Bazaar. After your meeting, join your leader and group for a welcome dinner at Chennai’s first chain restaurant, serving up an iconic array of south Indian vegetarian dishes like idly, dosa and poori. It’s never hard to find something fantastic to eat in south India, the only challenge is deciding what to order. Luckily your leader is on hand to help you navigate the flavour-filled menu.

Day 2 Puducherry (Pondicherry)

This morning you will leave the city behind and drive along the scenic East Coast Road to the fishing town of Mamallapuram, home to sprawling, relaxed beaches. Visit the 8th-century Shore Temple and its mandapams (carved pillars) and watch locals pay their respects to the deity Shiva. Later in the afternoon continue the drive to Puducherry. A French colony until 1954, the old parts of town retain a distinctly European feel. Leafy boulevards are lined with colonial-style houses and trendy boutiques – this place has a certain je ne sais quoi. On arrival, the rest of your evening is free to explore. Puducherry has a varied food scene with traditional Indian and classic French influences. Be sure to ask your leader for some tips on where to grab a fabulous meal.

Day 3 Puducherry (Pondicherry)

This morning is free to enjoy at your leisure before meeting back up with your Leader for a walking tour to see local temples and the elegant French Quarter. Stroll past mustard-coloured buildings draped with vibrant bougainvillea as your leader shares stories of the revolutionaries, generals and kings who once walked these streets. Stop by the pastel pink Church of Notre Dame, perhaps even more gorgeous than its Parisian counterpart. Evidence of the French colonial period is everywhere – the architecture, sprawling town squares and even in the police uniforms. Along the way we will stop at a charming café in White Town to sample some tasty local snacks. The evening is free for further exploration.

Day 4 Madurai

Today, continue to the city of Madurai, with plenty of chai stops along the way. Arrive in the late afternoon and head out on a short orientation walk to get acquainted with one of India’s oldest cities. Once you’ve got your bearings, join your leader on a trip for the taste buds – a tantalising tour of the city’s Tamil cuisine. Madurai is bursting with street food stalls, family-owned restaurants and plenty of regional delicacies – your leader will show you the dishes that aren’t on the tourist menus. Have a taste of mutton dosa or some fish gravy as your leader regales you with stories of centuries-old recipes and the passionate people who make them. Round off the night with some Jigarthanda; Madurai’s most celebrated dessert is a delicious and refreshing blend of condensed milk, almond gum and ice cream.

Day 5 Madurai

Continue your walking exploration of Madurai today. Your leader will guide you through the Tailor's Market, the local bazaars and the Sri Meenakshi Temple. Still in use today, this ancient temple is a maze of lamp-lit corridors leading to shrines where traditional rituals take place. Next is the National Gandhi Museum, dedicated to the life and achievements of the 'Father of the Nation' and the leader of India's fight for independence. Stop by the extravagant Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in the 17th-century by King Tirumala Nayaka. This evening you’ll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Tamil culture when you join a local family for a traditional home cooked dinner. Chat with the family about their lives and try some more wonderful dishes such as chettinad chicken, egg paratha and vegetable korma.

Day 6 Thekkady

Make your way to the countryside town of Thekkady, driving past pineapple and rubber plantations on the way. Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, perched high in the ranges of the Western Ghats. Stop off at a spice plantation where you’ll speak with a local expert and taste, smell and learn about the brilliant array of spices that colour and flavour India’s famed cuisine. Put your new knowledge to good use as you sit down to a flavoursome lunch made with spices from the plantation. The evening is yours to enjoy in Thekkady. Perhaps wander the shops selling fragrant spices and organic tea, or relax in the palm fringed pool at your resort.

Day 7 Thekkady - Periyar National Park

This morning, take a guided nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Your expert guide will help you look for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants and gaur – the world's largest species of buffalo. You are most likely to encounter Bonnet macaques and the Malabar giant squirrel, a species native to India. After an exciting morning of wildlife spotting, the rest of your afternoon is free. You may want to unwind with an optional ayurvedic massage. In the evening, attend an exciting demonstration of kalarippayattu at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre. Originating in Kerala, kalarippayattu is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India. Watching high-energy fighters leap several feet into the air is a truly thrilling sight.

Day 8 Munnar

This morning drive north to Munnar, an old British Hill Station cradled in a picturesque valley. At 1525 metres above sea level, there’s likely to be dramatic drop in temperature here, so have your jacket ready! Munnar is one of India’s most important hubs for tea trade, and the rolling emerald hills that surround the town are an unforgettable sight. On arrival, take a tour of the tea plantation, where a resident expert will guide you through the steps of the tea making process. Follow narrow pathways and visit the workers picking the best tea leaves, learn how these leaves are transformed into the world’s most popular beverage, and sample some of the different varieties. There may be an opportunity to visit the tea museum, though opening hours are irregular so this cannot be guaranteed. This evening, relax at your mountain resort.

Day 9 Munnar

This morning, take a guided walk around the lush hills of Munnar, often shrouded in ethereal clouds. Be sure to have your camera ready as the beautiful landscape unfolds in front of you. Learn how Munnar’s cool temperatures made the region a favourite summer retreat during the British Colonial era. In the afternoon, journey out to the scenic Mattupetty Dam where you’ll find a beautiful man-made lake and spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Here you’ll have the chance to take an optional motorboat ride around the lake. After some time to appreciate the stunning scenery, return to Munnar for an evening at leisure.

Day 10 Kerala Backwaters

Drive to the backwaters of Kerala this morning and discover Alleppey’s sleepy, palm-shaded waterways. Once a significant trading port, the town is now famed for the long ‘snake boat’ races that take place in August every year. Kerala’s backwaters were once busy with passing kettuvallams; large wooden boats used to transport rice and spices. Today these traditional vessels have been transformed into magnificent houseboats, offering guests the incredible opportunity to explore the lagoons in total comfort, as you will during your Feature Stay for the evening. Conversions are made using traditional and natural materials – bamboo becomes roofing, coir mats are turned into flooring and beds are carefully crafted from the wood of coconut trees. These floating cottages share the comforts of a first-rate hotel, including western toilets, private bedrooms, a dining area and open deck where you can watch the world go by. Sit back for a truly unforgettable evening floating through the dreamy waters of rural Kerala.

Day 11 Kochi

Enjoy a peaceful morning at the Kerala waters before driving to Kochi in the afternoon. Cochin, as it was formerly known, is spread over several islands and is a melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British influences. Join your leader on an orientation walk to learn how these influences manifest in the city’s architecture, restaurants and daily life. In the afternoon, take some time out to enjoy the city – perhaps head to lively Princess street and kick back with a cup of coffee. Tonight you’ll have the special opportunity to watch a Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is a classical Indian dance with roots in Kerala, combining symbolic storytelling with physical technique. It is one of the most vibrant and extraordinary theatre forms in the world and proficiency requires incredible commitment and rigorous training.

Day 12 Kochi

Today you will explore the antique shops and spice bazaars of Kochi – your leader will show you how to haggle with the best of them. Visit the delightful Fort Kochi area and stop by the famous Chinese fishing nets – perhaps Kochi’s most photographed sight. Make a visit to the Mattancherry Palace, built in the 16th-century by the Portuguese and later claimed by the Dutch. Continue to the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest existing Jewish synagogue in India. In the early evening you will meet with an ayurvedic doctor, a practitioner who uses ancient holistic techniques to promote a balance of body and mind, resulting in overall health and wellbeing. Learn all about Satvik Bhojan, the ayurvedic diet, and take part in a cooking demonstration followed by dinner using the methods and recipes discussed.

Day 13 Kochi

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Additional nights in Kochi and an airport transfer to Cochin International airport can be booked in advance.