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Soul of India: The Colorful South

India: Mahabalipuram, Trichy, Madurai, Thekkady (Periyar), Kerala Backwaters, Cochin, Mumbai

Group size

No more than 16 travelers

Reviews

Activity level

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Single Supplement: FREE

From $5,195 per person

18 Days | $289 per day

Includes airfare

View dates and prices

Physical Requirements

What to expect:

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Moderately Easy

Pacing

  • 7 locations in 18 days
  • Multiple pre-dawn departures

Physical requirements

  • Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids
  • Must be able to withstand hot temperatures, including averages around and beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Must be able to walk 2-3 miles unassisted each day and participate in 3-5 hours of daily physical activities, including scaling several steep steps without handrails
  • We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group's experience

Climate

  • South India has a tropical climate and daytime temperatures range from 90-100°F
  • The rainy season is from June to October

Terrain & Transportation

  • Travel over some rugged paths, as well as bumpy, unpaved, dusty roads, both by bus and on foot
  • Travel through South India via bus (no heat or toilet on board), rickshaw, Jeep, and game-viewing vehicle (locally made and the best available in the region)
  • Several long overland drives of 5-6 hours

Flight Information

  • Travel time will be 21-31 hours

Accommodations & Facilities

  • All accommodations are hotel-standard with a variety of amenities including Western-style toilet facilities
  • Houseboat accommodations are small and basic, but comfortable and feature private bath
  • Asian squat-style toilets must be used in some villages without other facilities

Cuisine

  • Meals will be based on the local cuisine, which features Indian spices; milder Western food is limited but available
  • A variety of vegetarian options will be available

Cultural insight

  • We may see people living in poverty, which could be distressing for some travelers