Southern India Sample Itinerary

Day 1.
Arrive into Kochi where you will be met at the airport and taken to your homestay accommodation.
Spend the afternoon exploring the town, including the port, the markets and the oldest Indian Christian church.​
Day 2.
​After breakfast, your taxi driver will take you through rice paddy fields to Allepey to board your house boat for a 2 night/3 day river tour amongst the Kerala backwaters. Spend the afternoon cruising through several waterways in amongst the local communities living on the river banks.
Day 3.
​Enjoy cruising more of the backwaters of Kerala, keeping an eye out for the varied and prolific birdlife.
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Day 4.
Once you have disembarked from your houseboat your taxi will be waiting to take you to Kochi to drop your bags back at the homestay.
Spend the afternoon exploring more of what Kochi has to offer including the local synagogue and the Dutch Palace before being entertained at the Kathakali Centre with a spectacular martial arts display.
Day 5.
After breakfast, take the train to Coimbature and then taxi through Nilgiri National Park to Coonar, a picturesque village set in amongst tea plantations in the Tamil Nadu region. Enjoy the evening light as you wander around the plantations and interact with the locals.​
Day 6.
Spend the morning taking a guided walk through tea plantations and forest to a dam built in the 1930s by the British landowners, looking out for Bison and the rare Malaba Squirrel on the way.
In the afternoon your guide will take you to Highfields Tea Factory to see the process of tea making, try samples and have the opportunity to purchase delicious, local teas.​
Day 7.
Your train journey today takes you on part of the Great Train Journey given World Heritage status in 2005. You will climb steeply through highly productive and intensively cultivated land to the old colonial hill station of Ooti. Explore the botanical gardens and grab some lunch before taking a taxi over the Kallety Pass and down through the Western Ghats where you will be treated to spectacular views and stunning waterfalls.
Your taxi driver will take you to your resort where after booking in, you can swim in the pool and relax until it is time to go on an evening safari through the nearby Tiger Reserve.​
Day 8.
Spend the morning relaxing at the resort before once again heading out on safari. Visit the local elephant camp to see working elephants being taken care of. ​
Day 9.
​Make the most of your last dip in the pool before taking the bus to Mysore and checking in to your homestay.
Day 10.
Take a rickshaw to Mysore Palace, a beautiful building designed in a mix of Hindu, Arabic and Colonial style. You can enjoy an elephant ride in the outer grounds of the palace.
Spend the afternoon sightseeing and shopping before grabbing dinner and heading back to the Palace for a spectacular sound and light show.​
Day 11.
You have a further day to explore Mysore. The Mysore zoo is well worth a visit with the highlight being the magnificent tigers. ​
Day 12.
​Take the bus to Bangalore, home to vibrant markets, gracious temples and fantastic shopping.
Day 13.
Spend the day experiencing Bangalore, fitting in your last minute shopping and enjoying the hustle and bustle of this energetic city.
If the kids are hankering for some fun, the water theme park is a great way for them to let off some steam while, for something more sedate for the grown ups, there are many places in town giving relaxing massages and spa treatments should you wish to treat yourself before heading back home.​
Day 14.
Make your way by taxi to the airport for your departing flight.​
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Total indicative cost for the above sample itinerary is NZD$2,000 - $3,000 depending on the level of accommodation chosen.
​This price is based on a family of 2 adults plus 2 children under the age of 12 and includes all accommodation, meals (where provided by the accommodation) and safari tour. It excludes sundry expenses such as spending money, entrance fees to attractions, meals (where not provided by the accommodation), visas (where required) and international airfares.​