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South India Unplugged
Trip Valid:
01/01/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
16 days (Chennai to Goa)
Highlights:
Explore Chennai, See the Shore Temples of Mamallapuram, Watch religious traditions in action in Madurai, Check out Varkala's nightlife, Experience rural life in Kerala Backwaters, See the impressive Kochi fort, Shop for silk in Mysore, Explore ancient ruins in Hampi, Chill-out on Goa's beaches
Trip Code:
HRS
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed
Group Size:
Minimum 1, Maximum 12
Price:
USD $745
*(plus local payment INR Rs15000)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
Explore the lush green landscapes southern India, colourful cities and palm-fringed beaches of southern India. Basking in a tropical climate, travel with the locals by boat, bus and even rickshaws. Explore the Keralan backwaters, see ancient ruins and beautiful temples, get a taste of rural life and chill out on beaches that are out of this world.
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passenger feedback rating: 4.53 out of 5 how does this work?
meals included: 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
transport: Overnight train, boat, local bus, auto rickshaw
accommodation: Simple guesthouses (11 nts), homestay (1 nt) overnight trains (3 nts)
budget: Allow USD $200 for meals not included.
departs: Selected Sun
important notes: Some accommodation may be multishare
Day 1 Chennai
An exciting mix of modern commercialism and tropical languor, check out Chennai's museums, palaces and bazaars or hang out with the locals along Marina Beach.
Day 2 Mamallapuram
Relax at the laid-back beaches of Mamallapuram. There is the option to explore the village by bicycle and see the beautifully weathered 7th-century Shore Temples.
Days 3-4 Madurai
This is southern India at its best. Weave through chaotic streets of bazaars, pilgrims, beggars and rickshaws or visit the Disneyesque Sri Meenakshi temple.
Days 5-6 Varkala
Take a dip in the Arabian Sea, sip chai at one of the clifftop cafes, practise some yoga or visit the 2,000-year-old Janardanaswamy temple.
Day 7 Kerala Backwaters Homestay
Nestled among palm trees, rice fields and the intriguing backwaters of Kerala, an island homestay is a chance to experience local life - and cuisine.
Days 8-9 Kochi
Explore the heart of Kerala on a local ferry. See spice bazaars, the beautiful Dutch palace and maybe even a Kathakali Dance performance.
Days 10-11 Mysore
Famous for its silk, incense and sandalwood, relaxed Mysore also has some amazing temples. Be sure to see the palace when it's all lit up at night.
Days 12-13 Hampi
Wander through the ruins of the 14th-century Vijaynagar nestled in an exotic landscape strewn with giant boulders. This ancient town also has plenty of temples and funky bazaars to explore.
Days 14 -16 Goa
The southern adventure comes to an end in Goa, famed for its beaches and easy living. The city's Portuguese influence is palpable in the exotic food and whitewashed churches.
| start date | finish date | places available | bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 14 Sep 08 | Mon 29 Sep 08 | 1 | book now |
| Sun 28 Sep 08 | Mon 13 Oct 08 | bookings closed | |
| Sun 12 Oct 08 | Mon 27 Oct 08 | 3 | book now |
| Sun 26 Oct 08 | Mon 10 Nov 08 | bookings closed | |
| Sun 02 Nov 08 | Mon 17 Nov 08 | bookings closed | |
| Sun 09 Nov 08 | Mon 24 Nov 08 | 1 | book now |
| Sun 16 Nov 08 | Mon 01 Dec 08 | 2 | book now |
| Sun 23 Nov 08 | Mon 08 Dec 08 | 1 | book now |
| Sun 30 Nov 08 | Mon 15 Dec 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sun 07 Dec 08 | Mon 22 Dec 08 | 1 | book now |
| Sun 21 Dec 08 | Mon 05 Jan 09 | bookings closed | |
| Fri 02 Jan 09 | Sat 17 Jan 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sun 04 Jan 09 | Mon 19 Jan 09 | bookings closed | |
| Thu 08 Jan 09 | Fri 23 Jan 09 | 1 | book now |
| Fri 09 Jan 09 | Sat 24 Jan 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sun 11 Jan 09 | Mon 26 Jan 09 | 2 | book now |
| Sun 18 Jan 09 | Mon 02 Feb 09 | bookings closed | |
| Sun 25 Jan 09 | Mon 09 Feb 09 | 3 | book now |
| Sun 01 Feb 09 | Mon 16 Feb 09 | 3 | book now |
| Sun 08 Feb 09 | Mon 23 Feb 09 | 7 | book now |
| Sun 15 Feb 09 | Mon 02 Mar 09 | 5 | book now |
| Sun 22 Feb 09 | Mon 09 Mar 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sun 01 Mar 09 | Mon 16 Mar 09 | 7 | book now |
| Sun 15 Mar 09 | Mon 30 Mar 09 | 7 | book now |
| Sun 22 Mar 09 | Mon 06 Apr 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sun 29 Mar 09 | Mon 13 Apr 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sun 05 Apr 09 | Mon 20 Apr 09 | 7+ | book now |
The Trip Notes provide you with detailed information about your trip.
This is where you will find everything you need to know... from what's included to suggestions about what to take. This is also where you will find the most up-to-date itinerary and any late changes.
The Trip Notes provide you with a detailed outline of your trip itinerary, and important information like where to meet your group, what to pack, what's included, estimates of spending money requirements and much more. They make great reading.
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On 07 June the Australian Government issued an updated travel warning for East Timor strongly advising against travel to East Timor because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Australians in the country are advised to leave. The Travel Warning remains at Category 5 - Do Not Travel.
On Tuesday 07 June we have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of our East Timor trips scheduled to depart in 2006. All travellers will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another trip or obtain a full refund (land content only). We very much regret having to take this action and our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of East Timor during this troubled time.
We are confident of being able to resume our normal schedule of trips to East Timor in 2007 and hope that those travellers who have had to cancel their plans this year will travel with us to East Timor in 2007.
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Every day, hundreds of happy people return from Intrepid trips, and their comments are here for you to read. We do not screen the feedback on this site, all comments are posted here as they were written (unless they used inappropriate language).
Really enjoyable trip
Shelley Goff
This trip offers some of the best that India has to offer. Far different from the north, you can exsperience the south and the breathtaking backwaters and picturesq cliffs of Varkala and ruins of Hampi.
Kayla Rowe
I had a great time in India on this trip and felt that we managed to cover a lot of ground in the 2 weeks we had. It was fun to travel by local transport and interact with the locals and though this was a basic trip I felt pretty comfortable throughout. Karmapriya was a great leader and really knew the country and gave us good advice on what to see and do. I think it was great too that she is a foreigner living in India as this really helped her see India from our perspective and the issues we would have when travelling round.
Alex Herrington
It was called an intrepid basix! It seemed pretty comfortable to me and that's not a complaint.
Peter Burnell
Great trip - planning next trip already!
Lorraine Archbold
A varied, stimulating trip
Susan Crouch
Sorry, only passengers from Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom are able to request flight quotes online at this stage.