India's South - Kerala & Madurai's Temples – Exclusively Solos
India's South - Kerala & Madurai's Temples – Exclusively Solos
11 Days
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98385
From:
$4558
$4115 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Barrhead discount: -$443
NB: Prices correct on 19-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Madurai’s ancient temples and Kerala’s striking mountain vistas provide the perfect backdrop for a truly unique solo travel experience.
Discover the rich cultural heritage of?India’s tropical south with a journey stretching from the forested uplands and plantations of the Western Ghats to the sprawling cityscapes of Madurai and Kochi, where you’ll experience the Keralan sights on a traditional rickshaw ride. Guided tours of the impressive Meenakshi Temple, an iconic sight amidst Madurai’s skyline and a sacred site for Hindus across the world, and Mattancherry Palace, adorned in spectacular murals, follow promising memorable insights into the vibrant history of the region.
Take in the tropical landscapes and vibrant wildlife of India’s south with a cruise along palm-studded Periyar’s lakes. You’ll also be immersed in the culture with stops in rural fishing villages as you trace Alleppey’s backwaters and observe age-old traditions with thrilling Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances. Cultural delights, paired with accommodation of a very high standard and a friendly tour manager accompanying you from start to finish, make this an ideal introduction to the country for solo travellers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly To Kochi
Begin your South Indian adventure with an overnight flight to Kochi
Day Two – Day At Leisure And Included Evening Kathakali Performance
Meet your tour manager at the airport before transferring to your local hotel. After checking in, feel free to settle in at your own pace with an afternoon at leisure. Whether you’d prefer to explore Kochi’s bustling city streets or relax by the pool, this is a great opportunity to meet your fellow solo travellers This evening, admire the intricate choreography, glorious costumes and colourful make-up of a traditional Kathakali dance performance before a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day Three – Travel To Munnar And Evening At Leisure
The first full day in Kerala will see you take an early breakfast before boarding your coach for a scenic journey eastward to Munnar, a former resort town hidden amongst rolling hills and tea plantations. As you drive into the mountains, be sure to take in the truly impressive sights of the Keralan countryside from its palm-lined roadsides to vibrant green rolling hills – you may even get a glimpse of the region’s free-roaming elephants.
You’ll then be free to spend the evening as you see fit. Why not take a traditional Ayurveda massage (at extra cost) or unwind with a spa treatment? This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day Four – Included Tour Of Local Tea Plantation And Visit To The Tata Tea Museum
Tea lovers rejoice; this will be the day for you! Fuel yourself for the morning with breakfast at your hotel and look back into Munnar’s history of tea production with a guided tour of a local plantation. You’ll be offered a comprehensive insight into the life cycle of one of the UK’s favourite beverages, from the tea tree plantations to its drying, threshing and packaging in a neighbouring factory.
Afterwards, stop in at the Tata Tea Museum, which chronicles the development and popularisation of tea in the local area. Witness the evolution of the tea-making process under the British Raj with a wide range of antique machinery and original photographs telling the tale of such humble crops.
As you come to the end of the afternoon, reconvene at the hotel for an evening under your own steam before dinner with the rest of your tour group.
Day Five – Travel To Madurai And Optional ‘Going To Bed’ Ceremony At Sri Meenakshi Temple
Take breakfast this morning at your hotel and then it’s time for the next leg of your journey to Madurai, home to the world-famous Sri Meenakshi Temple. As you drive through Munnar’s mountainous terrain, take in the city’s skyline, dominated by its magnificent gopurams - or gate towers.
Arriving in Madurai, settle into your new hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. Whether you fancy a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, or perhaps a relaxing drink at the hotel’s bar, you’ll find plenty of ways to re-energise yourself right in the comfort of your hotel.
After dinner, you'll have the opportunity to pay an evening visit to Sri Meenakshi Temple for its extraordinary ‘Going to Bed’ ceremony. Experience authentic Hindu tradition with this celebration of colour, dance and music which sees images of the temple’s patron goddess, Meenakshi (or Parvati), reunited with her consort, Shiva, for the night’s rest.
Day Six – Included Rickshaw Ride And Sightseeing Tour Of Madurai
Today begins in Madurai’s Old City. Take breakfast at the hotel before venturing out for your tour where the ornately carved façade, colonnades, shrines and quartet of towering gopurams of the Meenakshi temple are the breath-taking highlight. Marvel at the continual ceremonies and devotions, take in the bustle of the temple markets and stroll the labyrinth of corridors and walkways. Enjoy a rickshaw ride, a popular mode of transport in India’s busy inner cities, on the way to Madurai’s local market.
After time to browse the city’s market stalls, continue the excursion with a visit to the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Mahal. This grand palace, built in dramatic Indo-Saracenic style, served as the seat of the Nayak dynasty’s power for over 200 years and is a true feast for the eyes. Look out for the Mahal’s vibrant stucco-covered walls and its delicate frescos, depicting ancient Hindu history and mythology.
This evening, head back out of the hotel for a culinary walking tour. Join your fellow guests for a walk around the local market and taste some of the best local treats that the city has to offer. Indulge yourself in a celebration of South Indian scents and flavours, sampling the very best signature dishes of Madurai’s local eateries. What’s more, this tour caters to every diet and can be tailored to your needs, meaning you’ll be sure to find something for everyone amongst vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare.
Day Seven – Travel To Thekkady And Included Traditional Kalaripayattu Performance
This morning, fuel yourself for the day’s travels with breakfast in the hotel. You’ll then take a scenic drive eastwards to Thekkady, bordering the breathtaking Periyar National Park.
Upon arrival, check into your resort hotel and relax as you see fit ahead of your evening entertainment. As the sun sets over Kerala join the other guests for an evening of traditional Indian martial arts performances known as Kalaripayattu.
Afterwards, return to your hotel for dinner and spend the rest of the evening under your own steam.
Day Eight – Included Tour Of A Spice Plantation And Periyar Lake Boat Ride With Optional Morning Hike
Rise early this morning, if you wish, for an optional hike along the Periyar nature trek accompanied by a local guide. This adventure, deep into the pristine landscapes of the Periyar National Park, offers an unmissable opportunity to witness Kerala’s local wildlife in its untouched natural habitat. From vibrant birdlife and butterflies to the elusive lion-tailed macaque, a walk through Periyar’s stunning wilderness promises a truly rewarding experience for animal and nature lovers alike.
Reconnecting with the rest of your group, you’ll then delve into the mysteries and history of Indian tea and spices with a tour of a local spice plantation. Growing in abundance on Periyar’s sloping landscapes, you’ll witness the intricate processes that bring the world’s most popular spices from farm to table.
You’ll then drive deep into the heart of the Periyar National Park, which is an important sanctuary for a wide variety of native wildlife, for a relaxing afternoon boat ride on the park’s lakes. As you meander through tranquil waters, keep an eye out for the region’s resident Bengal tigers and Indian elephants. You’ll then return to your Thekkady hotel for dinner.
Day Nine – Travel To Alleppey And Included Backwaters’ Houseboat Cruise
After breakfast, your group will make the short drive to Alleppey with its winding canals and backwaters. Here, you’ll board a traditional, thatch roofed Kettuvallam houseboat for a lazy cruise through a labyrinth of canals and waterways. Sit back and relax as you witness Kerala’s natural world at its untouched best as you glide past coconut groves, rice fields and ancient temples. This landscape of tiny islands is home to fishermen, buffalo farmers and coconut growers.
Enjoy the afternoon’s cruise, with lunch and dinner provided, and settle into your cabin for a night on board.
Day 10 – Return To Kochi And Included Tour Of The City
Wake up in true calm on the Alleppey backwaters and enjoy breakfast with views of the Keralan sunrise.
Make the short journey back to Kochi where you’ll discover the historic city’s most iconic sights with an included guided tour. Witness the exquisite murals of "Dutch" Mattancherry Palace, the ancient Jewish synagogue and Fort Kochi, home to the famous Chinese fishing nets that have become one of India’s most photographed sights. Elsewhere in the city, historic St Francis Church overlooks a village green straight from a genteel English scene.
Check into the hotel this evening for your final night in the Indian south and reminisce on beautiful new memories in the company of your fellow travellers.
Day 11 – Return Flight To The Uk
Your Keralan adventure comes to an end today, and you’ll travel to the airport for your flight back home.
What's Included
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Eight nights’ half-board hotel accommodation in Kochi (2 nights), Munnar (2), Madurai (2) and Thekkady (2)
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One night’s full-board accommodation aboard a houseboat in Alleppey
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Tour of tea plantations and visit to the Tata Tea Museum
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Guided tour of Madurai’s landmarks, an evening ceremony in Meenakshi Temple and a rickshaw ride
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Evening food tour of Madurai’s local markets
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Tour of a Periyar spice plantation
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Wildlife cruise on Periyar Lake
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Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances
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A sightseeing tour of Kochi
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Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
Passport and Visa information
British citizens require machine-readable passports when travelling overseas. Your passport must contain two blank pages and be valid for 180 days after your return date from India.
British CITIZENS and most other European nationals satisfying certain conditions may use the online e-Tourist Visa application process at a cost of $10 (US) per person for entry to India for arrivals in the months of April, May and June or $25 (US) per person for arrivals in other months. Fees are subject to change. Other passport holders must apply for a full visa.
Note that all travellers of Pakistani descent, regardless of citizenship, will generally be subject to more detailed processing by the Indian authorities, which can take up to four months from application.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 30 minutes.
Alcohol sales in Kerala
Local laws prohibit some hotels in Kerala from selling alcohol.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Road conditions
In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.
Passport and Visa information
British citizens require machine-readable passports when travelling overseas. Your passport must contain two blank pages and be valid for 180 days after your return date from India.
British CITIZENS and most other European nationals satisfying certain conditions may use the online e-Tourist Visa application process at a cost of $10 (US) per person for entry to India for arrivals in the months of April, May and June or $25 (US) per person for arrivals in other months. Fees are subject to change. Other passport holders must apply for a full visa.
Note that all travellers of Pakistani descent, regardless of citizenship, will generally be subject to more detailed processing by the Indian authorities, which can take up to four months from application.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 30 minutes.
Alcohol sales in Kerala
Local laws prohibit some hotels in Kerala from selling alcohol.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Road conditions
In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
Monday - Thursday
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Nov 02, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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Terms and Conditions
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