A Taste of Southern India - Temples and Tea Plantations
Overview
Highlights
- Get a taste for South India on this culinary and cultural journey through beautiful Kerala
- Relax on a traditional houseboat and journey through the famous Kerala backwaters
- Visit spice gardens and sample some of the region's most famous dishes with dedicated vegetarian departures
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Our trip starts in Kochi, a port city on India's Malabar Coast. Also known as Cochin, it's been a port since 1341, when it was used by Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Built across several islands with criss-crossing waterways, the city has a cosmopolitan feel an...
Our destination this morning is the Fort Kochi district. We'll take an autorickshaw to Embarkation Jetty, where we'll take the ferry to cross the water over to Mattancherry Palace. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Extensive renovations by the Dutch hundred...
Today, we'll have an early start to catch culinary Kochi at work. We'll take the public ferry to Ernakulam town, where we'll take a walk through the vegetable market and learn about the exotic fruits, vegetables and spices used in South Indian cooking. We'll also stop...
Today, we'll start by visiting a tea plantation, learning all about the growing and leaf picking process. Moving on to the tea museum, we'll learn about how tea leaves become the product we're used to brewing in our morning cuppa. This afternoon is free to relax at ...
This morning, we'll descend from the highlands and drive to the teak forests that surround Thekkady and Periyar National Park. We'll take a tour of a spice garden with a resident expert, learning the importance of spices in Indian culture and how spices such as cardam...
Leaving Thekkady, we'll head back towards the coast for our two-night homestay. We'll stay with local families in a small village and your tour leader will brief you on local customs and traditions. This is a great opportunity to learn about the Keralan way of life - ...
This morning, we'll begin our tour of Kerala's famous backwaters. We'll board a simple, traditional houseboat to begin our journey into the network of waterways. Taking a relaxed pace, we'll meander past riverside village life, spotting locals tending to animals and...
Waking up to views of rural Kerala, we'll enjoy a relaxed breakfast on board before disembarking mid-morning and returning to Kochi. Arriving in time for lunch, we'll head to a seafood restaurant on the northern tip of Fort Kochi, an ideal spot to watch the boats go b...
Our tour of Kerala ends at our hotel in Kochi. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Cochin International Airport (COK).
Meals Provided : Breakfast
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Taniya
Apr 2024
A Taste of Southern India - Temples and Tea Plantations
Although short in comparison to other trips to India which I’ve done with Explore, it was an extremely full and informative trip. It was unfortunate that we needed t...
Trusted Customer
Mar 2024
A Taste of Southern India - Temples and Tea Plantations
So many opportunities created by our guide Jojan to go behind the scenes and meet locals, try foods and understand cultural aspects that would be inaccessible or ver...
Stephanie
Jan 2024
A Taste of Southern India - Temples and Tea Plantations
I really enjoyed the tea plantation and spice garden...
Ann
Jan 2024
A Taste of Southern India - Temples and Tea Plantations
Beautiful scenery, especially around the tea plantations. Great cookery class and the tea tasting very interesting seeing the process. So much delicious food/ currie...
Victoria
Nov 2023
A Taste of Southern India - Temples and Tea Plantations
Excellent experience - everything was well organised, our guide Chevin was a delight and certainly knew his stuff, every experience was enjoyed and we will definite...
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Tour Operator
About Explore
We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Logistics
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Transportation & flights
- Breakfast : 8
- Dinner : 2
- Lunch : 4
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