India's South - Kerala & Madurai's Temples – Exclusively Solos

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Begin your South Indian adventure with an overnight flight to Kochi.
• Day 2
  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 3
  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 or unwind with a spa treatment? This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel. 
• Day 4
  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 5
  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 6
  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 7
  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 8
  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 9
  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
  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.