South India: Backwaters, Temple Towns & Coastal Retreat — 16 Days
Kerala's backwaters and spice plantations, Madurai and Mysore's temple architecture, Hampi's Vijayanagar ruins, and Goa's beaches
This 16-day itinerary moves south from Trivandrum through Kerala's coastal towns and inland waterways, then eastward across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka before ending on Goa's shore. The route alternates between established towns—Varkala, Kochi, Madurai, Mysore, Hampi—and stays overnight in a Kerala backwater village managed by a local family, offering direct contact with regional practices. Transport combines private vehicles, local trains, and boats; three nights travel by sleeper train. The trip takes in temples ranging from active pilgrimage sites (Sri Meenakshi in Madurai) to archaeological ruins (Vittala Temple and the broader Vijayanagar settlement in Hampi), spice plantations in Periyar, and colonial-era districts in Kochi and Goa. A local guide leads throughout, and the itinerary includes substantial free time in most towns to walk bazaars, visit museums, or rest.
Highlights
- Pole-boat passage through Kerala backwaters with overnight stay in a village guesthouse run by a local family
- Sri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai—an active temple with lamplit shrine corridors and interior passages
- Vittala Temple in Hampi, a 16th-century structure on the Tungabhadra River featuring mandapas, stone chariot, and poolside palace
- Spice plantation walk through cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla crops in Periyar
- Fort Kochi's Mattancherry quarter with Jewish synagogue, Dutch Palace, and port-trade architecture spanning centuries
- Optional Kathakali classical dance performance in Kochi
- Vijayanagar Empire ruins and boulder-strewn landscape surrounding Hampi town
- Varkala's clifftop beaches and coastal views over the Arabian Sea
- Goa's Portuguese-influenced colonial districts and sandy beaches
Day by day
1Arrival in TrivandrumTrivandrum · city centre · local restaurant
The journey begins in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala's capital. A welcome meeting takes place at 6 pm, followed by an orientation walk through the city centre with a local leader. The evening is informal—introductions and optional group dinner at a suggested local restaurant.
2Varkala Coastal TownVarkala
A private vehicle carries the group northward along the coast for approximately two hours to Varkala. The town sits on a clifftop overlooking a sandy bay; depending on season, dolphins are visible from the rocks above the water. The afternoon is free to walk the beach or visit the town. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood caught off the coast.
3Varkala's Quiet Beaches and Water ActivitiesVarkala
Varkala offers a rare combination: genuine popularity with Indian tourists, yet remarkably quiet and laid-back beaches. The day is yours to shape. Some choose to rest beachside and absorb the coastal atmosphere. Others take advantage of the water—surfing and windsurfing are both available for those seeking activity. Whether you opt for stillness or movement, use this time to recharge before South India's wider demands resume.
4Kerala Backwaters & Island Village Stayisland village · village · Keralan coastline · Alappuzha (Alleppey) · backwater canals
A three-hour train journey along the Keralan coastline reaches Alappuzha (Alleppey), a historic trading port and the gateway to Kerala's backwater system. An auto-rickshaw transports the group from the station to the boat boarding point. A private boat crosses the backwaters to an island village, where accommodation is a guesthouse owned and managed by a local family. In the late afternoon and evening, a pole boat glides through the waterway canals, and a walking guide leads through the village along paddy fields and smaller channels, explaining local agricultural and fishing practices.
5Kochi & Fort Districtbackwaters · Fort Kochi district · Fort Kochi
A private boat crosses the backwaters back to Alappuzha in the morning. A two-hour local bus ride follows, arriving in Kochi around midday. The group walks through the Fort Kochi district where accommodation is located for the next two nights. In the early evening, there is an option to attend a Kathakali dance performance—a classical form tied to Kerala's cultural tradition.
6Mattancherry Quarter: Jewish Synagogue & Dutch PalaceMattancherry · Jewish synagogue · Dutch Palace
A guided walking tour visits Mattancherry, the old quarter of Fort Kochi. The tour covers the Jewish synagogue, the Dutch Palace (Kochi Palace), and surrounding streets marked by centuries of port trade and foreign occupation. The three-hour walk concludes by midday, leaving the afternoon free.
7Periyar National Park & Spice PlantationPeriyar National Park · spice plantation · local spice farm
A private vehicle carries you inland to Periyar National Park over seven to eight hours. After settling into your hotel, you join a guided tour of a local spice farm. Wind through plantation pathways where cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla grow among the trees. Notice the delicate cardamom flowers, feel the cool breeze filtering through pepper plant leaves, and breathe in the layered scents that define this region's character. The remainder of your evening is unscheduled—time to rest after the journey and prepare for the days ahead.
8Periyar National Park Optional WalkPeriyar National Park · the accommodation
The day is free, with an optional guided walk through Periyar National Park. The region is home to tigers, spotted deer, Indian elephants, and gaur (the world's largest wild cattle species), though animal sightings are never guaranteed. The walk is jungle terrain rather than a formal wildlife tour. An optional Ayurvedic massage is available in the afternoon, or the group may rest at the accommodation.
9Madurai: Bazaars & Sri Meenakshi TempleMadurai · Sri Meenakshi Temple
A four- to five-hour private transfer reaches Madurai, a busy city filled with bazaars, pilgrims, and cycle rickshaws. A walking tour shows central sites. The Sri Meenakshi Temple is an active place of worship featuring lamplit corridors that lead through a labyrinth of shrines.
10Madurai – Overnight Train to MysoreGandhi Museum · Aayiram Kaal Mandapam · bazaars and tailors' market · Madurai to Mysore
Your day in Madurai is unscheduled, leaving room to wander at your own pace. The Gandhi Museum offers insight into India's independence movement, while the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam's thousand stone pillars showcase intricate temple architecture. The bazaars and tailors' market reward patient negotiators with local finds. This evening, you'll board a 14-hour overnight sleeper train bound for Mysore. Pack extra snacks for the journey and settle in for an authentic Indian rail experience.
11Mysore: Palace & Keshava Temple OptionMysore Palace · Keshava Temple in Somnathpur
The overnight train arrives in Mysore by morning. After transfer to the hotel, a walking tour of the town includes the ornate Mysore Palace. Keshava Temple in Somnathpur, a one-hour drive outside town and a fine example of Hoysala architectural style, is an optional visit.
12Mysore Free Day & Overnight Train to HampiSri Chamundeswari Temple · Mysore to Hampi
The day is free for rest in town or optional countryside excursions, such as a climb to Sri Chamundeswari Temple atop Chamundi Hill (dedicated to the goddess Durga). At 7 pm, the group meets to board a 10-hour overnight sleeper train to Hampi.
13Hampi: Tungabhadra River & Vittala TempleHampi · Vittala Temple
The overnight train arrives in Hampi, a temple town set on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. After transfer to accommodation, an optional visit to Vittala Temple includes the 16th-century mandapas (pillared pavilions), a pool, palace remains, and the stone chariot—a sculptural form tied to Hindu mythology and the deity Vishnu.
14Hampi Ruins & Departure for GoaHampi · ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire · Hubli · Hampi to Hubli
The morning visits the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire and the distinctive boulder-strewn landscape surrounding the town. In the early evening, a three-hour private vehicle drive reaches Hubli, where the group boards a nine-hour overnight sleeper train to Goa.
15Goa: Beaches & Portuguese Colonial ArchitectureGoa · Goa's coast · the town · a beachside restaurant
The overnight train arrives in Goa. After hotel check-in, the day is free. Goa's coast is lined with sandy beaches, and the region carries strong Portuguese colonial influence in its architecture and culture. Options include beachside rest, visits to local bars, or walking through the town. An optional group dinner at a beachside restaurant can be arranged for the evening.
16Goa: Departure
The final day has no scheduled activities, allowing you to depart from your accommodation at any time that suits you. Goa makes an ideal place to conclude your journey—if your schedule permits, we recommend staying an additional night or two to unwind and wander at leisure. Should you wish to extend your time here, we're happy to arrange extra accommodation, subject to availability.
Included
- What's Included
- Accommodation
- Local Guesthouse (1 night), Hotel (11 nights), Overnight sleeper train (3 nights)
- Meals
- Breakfasts: 3, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 1
- Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
- Vegetarian options available
- Local Guide
- Guided
- This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
- Wifi
- Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free