2008 Spice of the South:15 day India Tour

Explore the backwaters of Kerala aboard your private houseboat.

India's laid-back south is a world away from the windswept deserts and busy cities of Rajasthan. Here you will find a lush wonderland of monumental temples and ancient traditions, vivacious markets and impressive wildlife. As you explore the colonial port of Cochin, you will feel like you've been transported back in time. Its rich British, Jewish, Dutch and Portuguese influences make this city an appealing destination on your southern India vacation. Your 'Spice of the South' journey would not be complete without a trip to the spice markets or spotting wild elephants on a visit to the jungles of Periyar National Park, both memorable highlights of your vacation to India's southern destinations.

Bangalore & Mysore, Ooty & Palakkad, Munnar, Madurai, Periyar & Thekkady, Kumarakom, Kerala, Cochin.

Trip grading: MODERATE Suitable for travellers with an average to above-average level of fitness and mobility. Prepare for some long road journeys.

What's included: 12 nights hotel accommodation, 1 overnight home-stay and 1 overnight boat trip, all road transport by air-conditioned vehicles, all sightseeing as specified (excluding entrance fees), Western tour leader based on a minimum of seven travellers, local English-speaking guides throughout, arrival and departure transfers, breakfast daily, five lunches and two dinners.

Tour Leader: Travel Indochina tour leader based on a minimum of 7 people.

Maximum group size: 15

Not Ready to go Home Yet?: Our ‘Highlights of Rajasthan’ Small Group Journey is the perfect complement to this southern odyssey. You will get to know Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan’s windswept deserts, grand walled cities and national parks on this 14-day journey.

Ask our Travellers: "Southern India and the arrangements you put in place were marvelous. The guides and drivers could not have been more helpful, and the quality of their service and the accommodation more than exceeded our expectations." R. Scholefield - UK

Responsible Travel: We’ve specially chosen your ecoresorts in Thekkady and Kumarakom because of their commitment to responsible travel. They grow their own organic food, plant indigenous medicinal plants and recycle on-site.