India
Mountains and temples of Tamil Nadu and lagoons of Kerala
Réf : IKERX
In summary
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Sports
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Duration16 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAsia / India
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions4887.94 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
This journey through South India, from Pondicherry to Cochin, invites us to discover Hindu culture and the majestic temples of the Chola kings of Tamil Nadu. We cross the Cardamom Mountains to reach Kerala, a state blessed with lush and vibrant nature. Our trip begins gently with visits to the temples and cities of Tamil Nadu. We explore the trading post city of Pondicherry and the impressive temples of Ganga, Tanjore, and Trichy. We then discover the Kwikuri Valley with the city of Karaikudi and its ancient mansions of wealthy merchants in the Chettinad region. After visiting the temple of Madurai, we cross the Western Ghats, the mountain range that separates Tamil Nadu and Kerala. We take a nature break in Munnar, where we alternate our hike through forests and tea plantations with beautiful views of the Nilgiri Mountains. Then, we continue to Periyar and walk through the Chako spice reserve and plantations. We travel west through Kerala, passing through hills covered in tea plantations, then coconut palms and rice paddies along the Malabar Coast. We explore the lagoons from our island on Vembanad Lake, and later on a cruise aboard Ketuvallams, traditional boats converted into comfortable dwellings. We conclude this wonderful journey with a visit to Fort Cochin, the historic center with its synagogue district and antique shops...
The highlights
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Discover the charming city of Pondicherry and the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu
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A stroll through the unspoiled valleys of the Covery, a visit to the homes of the Chettinad
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The nature stage in the western ghats, in Munnar and in the Periyar reserve, region of
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
The expert's opinion
Level 1 circuit. Trip accessible to all, no specific training required.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 4h
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
French
English
French
English
Supervisor
Supervisor
Based in India for many years, our local agency guarantees a successful active travel experience, thanks to our guides and logistical infrastructure. During your trip, you will be accompanied by our adventure guides, fully committed to helping you discover unique places in the heart of nature.
- Our trip is led by a French-speaking tour guide. Our French-speaking guides have been selected for their enthusiasm, their knowledge of the destination, and their experience in the field. We regularly train our guides, one of the keys to the success of our trips. They will help you discover their country with passion.
- Local guides are available at some cultural sites.
- A non-French-speaking driver.
Program
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Paris - Chennai
- Transportation Plane - 10h - 8000km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
International flight with a stopover in Chennai.Day 1 -
Chennai - Mahabalipuram
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 60km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival at Chennai International Airport. Then, we'll head to our first destination: Mahabalipuram. Check-in at the hotel. Mahabalipuram is a charming village on the Bay of Bengal, a former capital and important port under the Pallava dynasty. After a well-deserved rest, we'll stroll around the temples and visit the famous sculpture of the Descent of the Ganges, as well as the Shore Temple, which has withstood the sea spray for thirteen centuries. We'll spend the night at the hotel.Day 2 -
Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 100km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we'll visit Pondicherry, the French city nicknamed the White City. Pondicherry is a peaceful maze of colonial buildings, a testament to the city's recent French presence. Strolling through its picturesque streets, we'll be captivated by the distinct French Quarter, with its colonial architecture, vibrant bougainvillea, and charming cafes. We'll visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a center for spiritual practice and enlightenment. The local markets, such as the covered market, pulsate with energy, offering a blend of handcrafted goods and delicious cuisine that reflects the city's diverse heritage. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in the heart of the White City.Day 3 -
Visit to Aurouville and Pondicherry
- Transportation Minibus - 00h25 - 15km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Exploring Auroville and Pondicherry. Early in the morning, we set off to discover the surrounding area: Auroville, an experimental city founded in 1968 with the vision of human unity. Known as the "City of Dawn," Auroville welcomes people from all over the world to live in harmony. The city, designed in part by a French architect, is still in its early stages, but the natural setting is stunning. We visit various sites connected by beautiful shaded paths. We end the day exploring the old French Quarter of Pondicherry (a fine example of French colonial architecture), India's last trading post. We stroll through the narrow streets and along the waterfront. Swimming is possible in the Bay of Bengal.Day 4 -
Pondicherry - Ganga - Kumbakunam
- Transportation Minibus - 03h45 - 145km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off for Kumbakonam, driving through the Indian countryside. Depending on the season, Tamil farmers in this region cultivate sugarcane, rice, bananas, coconuts, and other crops. We regularly see oxcarts and coconut vendors. Along the way, we stop at Gangakondacholapuram, the former capital of the Chola dynasty, the most brilliant kingdom in South India. It was here that the Chola dynasty built a magnificent temple, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to celebrate one of their victories on the banks of the Ganges. At the end of the day, we return to Kumbakonam.Day 5 -
Kumbakonan - Tanjore (Thanjavur) - Trichy
- Transportation Minibus - 02h15 - 115km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we depart for Trichy. En route, we stop in Tanjore (Thanjavur), a city famous for its rich cultural heritage. We explore the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its grand Chola architecture and exquisite sculptures. We continue our journey to Trichy, a city renowned for its historical monuments and vibrant atmosphere. Trichy harmoniously blends its ancient history with modern urban charm.Day 6 -
Trichy - Karaikudi - Madurai
- Transportation Minibus - 03h50 - 190km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We drive to Karaikudi, where we visit the baroque palaces and former residences of wealthy merchants in the Chettinad region. India here, too, is surprising and often overlooked. Far from the main roads, the Cauvery Delta slumbers amidst rice paddies and forgotten villages. For lunch, we savor a traditional meal that reveals the unique flavors of the region. Upon arrival in Madurai, we visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a veritable holy city within a city. The temple complex is one of the most impressive in India, with its towers soaring over 40 meters into the sky.Day 7 -
Madurai - Munnar
- Transportation Minibus - 04h15 - 180km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From Munnar, we travel to a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala. This mountain range stretches for approximately 1,600 km along India's west coast. Older than the Himalayas, the Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for their exceptional biodiversity. Along the way, we pass through dense primeval forests, the natural habitat of elephants, wild bison, and hundreds of bird species. We explore the area around Munnar, catching glimpses of spice, coffee, and tea plantations. The rest of the day is free.Day 8 -
Hiking through the Munnar tea plantations
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin our day very early with a sunrise at Kulukkumalai. We then hike through the hills sculpted by tea plantations, enjoying beautiful views of the Western Ghats mountain range. In the afternoon, we visit a tea factory where we learn about the different stages of tea cultivation and production. The return journey by jeep offers stunning panoramic views. We then return to our hotel.Day 9 -
Munnar - Thekkady - Periyar Reserve
- Transportation Minibus - 02h45 - 90km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off for Thekkady via a mountain road to Periyar; the scenery is magnificent. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is an animal reserve at an altitude of 1,000 meters, known for its elephants (nearly 1,000) and tigers (44). It is the largest Indian reserve for wild elephants. We spend the day at our own pace.Day 10 -
Periyar Reserve - Spice Plantation
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Very early in the morning, accompanied by a park expert guide, we hiked through the Periyar rainforest. After lunch, we strolled through a local spice plantation to learn about the cultivation of aromatic spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cloves. We returned to the hotel at the end of the day and had dinner there.Day 11 -
Periyar - Allepey - Vembanad Lake
- Transportation Minibus - 04h15 - 145km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we depart for Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, famous for its serene lagoons, picturesque canals, and lush vegetation. Upon arrival, we board a traditional houseboat for a delightful cruise. We sail through the tranquil waters, discovering colorful villages and swaying coconut palms, between rice paddies and canals, and explore the lagoons of Vembanad Lake. We enjoy a freshly prepared meal on board while relaxing and taking in the surrounding beauty. After the cruise, we spend a relaxing evening at the hotel.Day 12 -
Lake Vembanad - Alleppey
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 35km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer to Kumarakom, a tranquil village on the shores of Vembanad Lake, renowned for its lagoons and bird sanctuary. Upon arrival, we embark on a canoe trip through the picturesque canals, surrounded by lush vegetation and impressive birdlife. We experience the charm of local life as we paddle through the narrow waterways. We stop for a delicious lunch at a local spot, savoring traditional Keralan cuisine. After lunch, we continue exploring the serene beauty of Kumarakom. We conclude the day with a relaxing evening.Day 13 -
Kumarakom - Cochin
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 55km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer to Cochin. After lunch, we visit the city spread across a group of islands. Cochin (Kochi) is the main port from which ships laden with spices depart for foreign destinations. Graceful Chinese fishing nets dot the waterfront. Stroll through the old town, built nearly 500 years ago by the Portuguese.Day 14 -
Cochin
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We spend the morning exploring Fort Kochi, a historic district known for its colonial architecture. We visit the famous Chinese fishing nets, the ancient Church of St. Francis, and the vibrant Jewish Quarter with its bustling spice markets and historic synagogue. We stroll through picturesque streets lined with artistic cafes and boutiques. In the afternoon, we delve into Kerala's rich cultural heritage by attending a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance-drama renowned for its elaborate costumes, expressive gestures, and captivating storytelling.Day 15 -
Arrival in Paris
- Transportation Plane - 10h - 8000km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Flight with a stopover to Paris. Arrival in Paris.Day 16
Note
This itinerary is provided as a guide only: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
Accommodation
🏨 2-star hotel - Days 2 to 15
Overnight stay in a double room in a good quality hotel. In India, standard hotels are often unreliable, so we have been particularly careful to select superior hotels to guarantee you good accommodation conditions.
The hotels were chosen for their comfort, but also and especially for their character (when possible) and their relevance to the sites visited. Almost all of them have a swimming pool.
Access
Departure
Chennai
Day 1
: 00h00
End of stay
Chennai
Day 16
- 00h00
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isMAA - Chennai - Aéroport International de Madras
1. International transport:
For flights to India, we use scheduled flights departing from Paris. You will primarily fly with Emirates and Air India. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, we may also offer flights with other airlines.
We pre-purchase a stock of flights departing from Paris on these different airlines in order to guarantee you the best fares and availability for as long as possible. Departures from certain provincial cities are possible upon request and subject to an additional charge.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- International flights departing from Paris
- Air taxes
- Local transfers
- Accommodation
- Full board from breakfast on day 3 to breakfast on the last day
- Entrance fees to sites
- The tour is led by a French-speaking guide and a driver.
The price does not include
- Indian visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Drinks
- Tips for local teams (see "Tips" section).
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- 1 headlamp
- Wipes
- 1 notepad and 1 pen
- Gourd
- Please bring your own adapter for electrical outlets (type E/G).
Clothing to bring
Adapt it to the climate. Choose comfort and simplicity, and cotton clothing.
- 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes.
- 1 pair of sneakers or sandals for the stops in town.
- Shorts or bermuda shorts.
- 1 pair of lightweight canvas trousers.
- T-shirt.
- 1 fleece jacket (from November to February).
- 1 waterproof windproof jacket (Goretex style).
- 1 hat, cap or scarf for sun protection.
- Sunglasses.
- 1 sunscreen cream.
- 1 mosquito repellent cream.
- 1 swimsuit.
- Toiletries (wipes to replace water, etc.). Whenever possible, choose biodegradable products (Marseille soap and shampoo).
- Change of clothes for the evening.
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
4.4/5
(1436 reviews)
• 445 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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