9 November – Check In Auckland
Meet your fellow travellers at Auckland Airport this evening for the start of your journey to South India.
10 November – Fly to Bangalore
Fly via Singapore, arriving mid-morning. Settle into your hotel or join an optional colonial heritage walk through Bangalore.
11 November – Bangalore to Mysore
Travel to Mysore, stopping in Channapatna, famous for its handcrafted wooden toys, and the historic fortress town of Srirangapatna. In the evening, see Mysore Palace beautifully illuminated.
12 November – Mysore
Visit the intricately carved 13th-century Somanathapura Temple, then explore the opulent interiors of Mysore Palace.
13 November – Mysore to Coorg
Visit a local village to learn about silk production, then continue to the hill station of Coorg, stopping at the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe en route.
14 November – Coorg
Enjoy a hands-on “Coffeology” experience and take a guided walk through a coffee and spice plantation. Evening at leisure.
15 November – Coorg to Kannur
Visit a Kodava family for a traditional home-cooked lunch and cultural insight, before continuing to coastal Kannur in northern Kerala.
16 November – Kannur (Theyyam Ritual)
Witness the sacred Theyyam ritual, a powerful spiritual performance. Enjoy lunch with a local Mappila family as we explore this less visited area of Kerala.
17 November – Train to Thrissur / Arattupuzha
Travel by train to Thrissur, then transfer to the peaceful village of Arattupuzha. Enjoy a sunset boat ride and walk to a riverside temple.
18 November – Chimmony Wildlife Reserve
Take a gentle guided walk in Chimmony Reserve’s tropical forest. In the evening, enjoy an interactive Kathakali theatre experience.
19 November – Arattupuzha to Kochi
Travel to Fort Kochi. The afternoon is at leisure. Optional cooking demonstration and dinner with a local family available.
20 November – Explore Fort Kochi by Tuk-Tuk
Tour the heritage streets of Fort Kochi by tuk-tuk, sampling local street food and learning about the town’s multicultural history.
21 November – Kerala Hinterland Village Experience
Explore a nearby village by tuk-tuk, guided by local drivers. Enjoy a home-style breakfast and lunch with local families.
22 November – Kochi to Kumarakom Peninsula
Travel to the peaceful Kumarakom Peninsula and stay at Coconut Lagoon, a heritage eco-retreat on Vembanad Lake.
23 November – Alleppey & Houseboat Cruise
Explore historic Alleppey before cruising the backwaters by traditional houseboat, with lunch served onboard.
24 November – Leisure Day in the Backwaters
Relax and enjoy the peaceful surrounds. Optional Ayurvedic treatments or village walks available. Farewell dinner in the evening.
25 November – Depart Kochi
After a relaxed morning, transfer to the airport for your late evening flight via Singapore.
26 November – Arrive Auckland
Arrive back in Auckland in the evening with rich memories of India’s southern heartland.