About this trip
Twelve days across South India, moving from the wildlife of Periyar to the beaches of Goa, with the tropical backwaters in between. It is a fully guided group trip built for a slower pace, taking in forests, houseboats and coast rather than rushing between cities.
Periyar's forests offer a chance to spot elephants and explore on foot, while a backwater cruise gives you a quieter, waterborne look at Kerala life. Goa closes the trip out with beach time and a change of gear after the wildlife and cultural stretch.
With family-friendly styling and a relaxed itinerary, this suits travellers who want variety without constant movement, including those planning to be away over Christmas or New Year.
What you'll do
- Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on the lookout for elephants
- Cruise the tropical backwaters by houseboat
- Unwind on the beaches of Goa
- Travel through coconut palm forests and rural South Indian landscapes
- Join a small group on a fully guided route across South India
- Relaxed pace with beach and backwater time built in, not a fast-moving itinerary
- Family-friendly styling makes it suitable for mixed-age travelling groups
- All-inclusive format, so meals and transport are handled as part of the trip
Worth it if you want a well-organized blend of Kerala backwaters, wildlife spotting and Goa beaches with attentive guides. Think twice if you're solo—limited group sizes mean less social dynamic—or if hidden costs (driver meals, entrance fees) bother you.
- Guides like Ramesh and Ranjith genuinely knowledgeable; brought landscapes and temples alive with real stories and wildlife spotting expertise.
- Hidden costs not pre-disclosed: driver meals, sightseeing entrance fees, and solo traveller isolation when groups don't fill. Budget accordingly.
- Houseboat food and chef exceptional; Periyar Lake boat ride and elephant spotting genuinely memorable wildlife moments, not staged.
- 12 days is long; expect fatigue by day eight despite good pacing. Drivers skilled but some speak limited English; clarify communication upfront.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
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Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Chennai (Madras) · 20 Jul – 21 Jul
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