Pappadams & Palm Trees

All content by Intrepid

24 days (ex Mumbai)

Destinations visited: India, Chennai (Madras), Mumbai (Bombay), World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,405

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Description

Discover Pappadams and Palm Trees on an Intrepid adventure tour of India from Mumbai to Chennai. This trip is the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. For starters you've got Mumbai, India's most cosmopolitan city. Then travel overland through the Western Ghats for a stay on the stunning beaches of Goa and head into the hills for a homestay in the tea and coffee plantations of Wayanad. Back on the coast we explore the lush waterways of Kerala's backwaters by boat, rounding the southernmost tip of India en route to the magnificent temples of Madurai. Finally, travelling through Tamil Nadu, we pass through a part of the country many travellers never get to see before ending our Indian journey in the bustling city of Chennai.

Highlights

Meet locals over a chai in Kerala.
Learn of the stories behind the Kathakali dances.
Discover the Gallic influences in Pondicherry.
Look out over the Indian Ocean from the sub-continent's southernmost point.
Climb onboard a toy train from Ooty.
Kick back on Goa's beaches.
Experience the bizarre and the beautiful in India.
Imagine the royal life in the Maharaja's Palace.
Take up the challenge of a fiery fish curry.

Itinerary

Day 1 Mumbai

Justifiably known as a feast for the senses, India offers almost everything you could ever imagine and more. Visit the ghats and stroll Mumbai's Chowpatty Beach.

Day 2 Ganpatipule

Leave the lively streets of Mumbai and head for the sleepy coastal town of Ganpatipule. Starkly different to the developed, commercial vibe of the big city, Ganpatipule is the perfect place to relax on spotless beaches by azure waters. Visit the Ganpati Temple and learn why locals consider this idyllic location to be blessed.

Days 3-4 North Goa

With palm-fringed beaches and Portuguese-influenced towns, Goa offers options for both exploration and relaxation. Hang out on the sand or taste a fiery fish curry.

Days 5-6 South Goa

Visit the cathedrals of Old Goa. After exploring the World heritage-listed ruins, sit back and relax in beachside bliss.

Days 7-8 Hampi

Discover the village of Hampi, a picturesque town located within the ruins of Vijayanagara.

Day 9 Bush Camp

Spend a night camping under the stars on route to Mysore.

Days 10-11 Mysore

Breathe in the scent of sandalwood with a visit to the Maharaja's Palace of Mysore. Count out 1,000 steps on the climb up Chamundi Hill.

Days 12-13 Wayanad District

Explore the tea and coffee plantations and surrounding hills of the Wayanad District.

Days 14-15 Kochi

Explore this island city on a boat tour. See India's oldest church and witness the virtuosity of the Kathakali dance performers.

Day 16 Kerala Backwaters

Cruise the canals, stop for chai and visit the markets of Alleppey.

Days 17-19 Varkala

Unwind another notch with a beach break in Varkala. Soak up the sun, play in the surf and taste the local tropical fruits.

Day 20 Madurai

Stand on the southernmost tip of India then shop up a spice-scented storm in the streets and shops of Madurai.

Day 21 Trichy

Explore the amazing stretches of the largest temple complex in India before visiting the Rock Fort and Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Trichy.

Day 22 Pondicherry

Soak up the French atmosphere of Pondicherry and seek out crepes as a change from curry.

Day 23 Mahabalipuram

Visit the shore temples in laidback Mahabalipuram.

Day 24 Chennai

Wind up your India adventure in the humid, historic city of Chennai.

Group Size

Maximum of 21 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (16 nts), Beach hut (1 nt), Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt), Houseboat (1 nt), Guesthouse (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle

Budget

Allow USD $350 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,405

Book now

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