South India Explored

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  Douglas
  Written on February 21, 2018

  4.5 - Excellent

  Guide Sam Benjamin, we could not have asked for better. Transport and drivers were excellent could not have asked for better. Hotels were mostly great except the one at Periyar National Park which was very damp and the quilt was dirty. Itinerary was very interesting but we felt there could have been less temples and more Indian real life, e.g. How they live, cooking, etc. However we were very lucky to have an exceptional team looking after us.

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• 

  Anonymous
  Written on March 16, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  This tour is a very good and comprehensive introduction to the people, cultures and civilisations of South India.  It was well organised and everything went very smoothly with no problems.   Our hotels were all very comfortable and our coach was modern , comfortable and reassuringly equipped with seat belts - an important feature when you're travelling nearly 3000 miles on Indian roads!  We also had a good and careful driver who kept us all safe.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Highlights of the trip were travelling on a rice boat through the backwaters of Kerala; visiting the extraordinary temple of Madurai - like a small town inside, bustling with shops and worshippers; visiting Anokhi in Fort Cochin and buying some lovely clothes for a fraction of their price in the UK; walking through the spice plantation and seeing spices growing; the beautiful terraces of tea plantations around Ooty; the ride on the toy train from Ooty; visiting a primary school; the fishing nets in Fort Cochin; the stone carving on the Tamil Nadu temples.What did you think of your group leader?Surya Monish was an excellent tour leader, knowledgeable and helpful throughout.  His knowledge was very wide ranging and really helped my understanding  of the culture.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?If you are British make sure, when you visit St Stephen's church in Ooty that you visit the road opposite, where the last surviving British colonial buildings can still be seen, if you are interested in seeing what Ooty used to look like when the British were there, as this is the only part of Ooty that gives you a flavour of what it was like in its heyday.  I would recommend reading "The Smile of Murugan" by Michael Wood, before you go, or better still take it with you to read, as this book is very enlightening about understanding the temple culture of Tamil Nadu.  Is there anything else you would like to add?This is a busy but hugely interesting and enjoyable trip.  Although there are some long days travelling on the coach, the journeys were broken up with a variety of interesting stops and watching Indian life through the window is always fascinating.  I would recommend it!
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  Anonymous
  Written on December 10, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  A fabulous but very busy tour which had many interesting things to see and do every day. Suresh Moni stopped whenever he saw something of interest so that we watched a wedding a procession (the bride's) and a couple of days later actually attending a wedding ceremony (where we were made most welcome, we will be in the wedding album!). Delee and Sadjee (driver and assistant) were also excellent and Delee is a very careful driver.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?So many; Belur and Halebid temples, the rock temples at Mahabalipurum and the evening meal there at the restaurant on the beach, the Jain temple at Sravanabelagola, the meal at the home of Christian family in Periyar, the spice walk and the jungle walk in Periyar and the houseboat on the backwaters (very relaxing). The scenery in the Ghats and the "Carpet Hills" and in the hills leading up to Ooty. Driving on the village roads and watching people going about their daily lives was always a source of great interest.What did you think of your group leader?The best I have ever had. Suresh Moni is conscientious, thoughtful (always checking that we were happy with his suggestions) and has a great sense of humour. He made the holiday for me. He gave us a lot of interesting information and told us many lovely stories about the Hindu gods. As I said before, he stopped when he saw something of interest but also had lots of planned surprises along the way not mentioned in the trip notes. We saw salt being worked, carrots being cleaned after harvest, charcoal being made, brick making, tile making, walked through a flower market and watched garlands being made for use in the temples and more. As a measure of what I think of him, I've nominated him for tour guide of the year - hope he's successful.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for some long days, some busy towns (especially Chennai which took us ages to get out of), lots of power cuts (mostly very short), very busy roads, make sure you have an adequate supply of mosquito repellant, remember to take a small bag for the train as there is only a 'parcel shelf' for storage of baggage.Is there anything else you would like to add?My second trip to India and I fell in love with it all over again. India is chaotic, there's litter everywhere, there are lots of power cuts but people everywhere are friendly and genuinely interested in talking to you. This trip was just fabulous, so much to see and do - never a dull moment.
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  Anonymous
  Written on February 13, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  The best trip ever.  From begining to end it was interesting, fun, and varied.  Our guide was fantastic and did everything possible to enable us to experience his country, its people and its culture.  We engaged with local people and their daily activities, visited world heritage sites, banana markets, temples, goat markets, conservation parks, we watched dancers and even danced, swam in the indian ocean; saw a variety of animals and birds, watched elephants getting scrubbed in the river; and much much more; we travelled on boats, trains coaches, ate  amazing food in all sorts of places and as a  bonus didn't get sick at all!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?We were inspired afresh every single day.  It really was a totally amazing experience.What did you think of your group leader?The best ever.  His knowledge and enthusiasm left nothing to be desired.  He willingly shared it all and was great fun to travel with.  He engaged with local people at every level and enabled us to also. We feel we have experienced the reality of India and loved it.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?A really intersting and varied itinary.  we can only highly recommend it. Look out for Suresh Moni as a guide, you're guaranteed a great holiday.Is there anything else you would like to add?I wish I was back there!
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  Anonymous
  Written on February 13, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  The best trip ever.  From begining to end it was interesting, fun, and varied.  Our guide was fantastic and did everything possible to enable us to experience his country, its people and its culture.  We engaged with local people and their daily activities, visited world heritage sites, banana markets, temples, goat markets, conservation parks, we watched dancers and even danced, swam in the indian ocean; saw a variety of animals and birds, watched elephants getting scrubbed in the river; and much much more; we travelled on boats, trains coaches, ate  amazing food in all sorts of places and as a  bonus didn't get sick at all!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?We were inspired afresh every single day.  It really was a totally amazing experience.What did you think of your group leader?The best ever.  His knowledge and enthusiasm left nothing to be desired.  He willingly shared it all and was great fun to travel with.  He engaged with local people at every level and enabled us to also. We feel we have experienced the reality of India and loved it.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?A really intersting and varied itinary.  we can only highly recommend it. Look out for Suresh Moni as a guide, you're guaranteed a great holiday.Is there anything else you would like to add?I wish I was back there!
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  Anonymous
  Written on February 6, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  It was an extremely interesting trip and we learnt a lot about South India and our excellent guide Suresh Muni made it a trully memorable experience. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?We loved the tea plantations, driving along coconut palm trees, enjoyed watching the elephants` bath in the river, have seen exceptional temples, palaces and churches, loved seeing all the various animals along the Periyar lake, endulged in an ayurvedic massage, were surprised by the spice gardens, were excited riding elephants, loved the Kovalam beach and its fishing village, enjoyed the stay at the Coir village (only not the all night temple announcements), loved the boat ride through the back waters. All in all an enjoyable experience which will stay with us forever.What did you think of your group leader?Suresh Muni was excellent and showed and told us so much about the country, its people, its customs, beautiful nature and made the trip enjoyable and memorable. He always had a few surprises along the way wich made some long drives so much more interesting. He is very knowledgeable and has managed the trip really good. He was very patient and tried to accommodate what the group required.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?It is a great trip but be prepared for a lot of bus travel. In relation to tummy problems - we almost had none by sticking to vegetarian food (and fish) which in those parts is really great, and drank coke or beer, and we were careful with water. The food is great so there is a lot to look forward to.Is there anything else you would like to add?The bus we travelled with had green tinted window glass so a huge amount of photographs taken through the windows are greenish, therefore,  really no good. So in future it would be better if the bus windows did not have cloured window glass.The trip includes a lot of travelling by bus and short stays in some places where it would have been great to spend some more time - like in Periyar, Kovalam, Coir village and backwaters.
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  Anonymous
  Written on February 6, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  It was an extremely interesting trip and we learnt a lot about South India and our excellent guide Suresh Muni made it a trully memorable experience. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?We loved the tea plantations, driving along coconut palm trees, enjoyed watching the elephants` bath in the river, have seen exceptional temples, palaces and churches, loved seeing all the various animals along the Periyar lake, endulged in an ayurvedic massage, were surprised by the spice gardens, were excited riding elephants, loved the Kovalam beach and its fishing village, enjoyed the stay at the Coir village (only not the all night temple announcements), loved the boat ride through the back waters. All in all an enjoyable experience which will stay with us forever.What did you think of your group leader?Suresh Muni was excellent and showed and told us so much about the country, its people, its customs, beautiful nature and made the trip enjoyable and memorable. He always had a few surprises along the way wich made some long drives so much more interesting. He is very knowledgeable and has managed the trip really good. He was very patient and tried to accommodate what the group required.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?It is a great trip but be prepared for a lot of bus travel. In relation to tummy problems - we almost had none by sticking to vegetarian food (and fish) which in those parts is really great, and drank coke or beer, and we were careful with water. The food is great so there is a lot to look forward to.Is there anything else you would like to add?The bus we travelled with had green tinted window glass so a huge amount of photographs taken through the windows are greenish, therefore,  really no good. So in future it would be better if the bus windows did not have cloured window glass.The trip includes a lot of travelling by bus and short stays in some places where it would have been great to spend some more time - like in Periyar, Kovalam, Coir village and backwaters.
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  Anonymous
  Written on February 5, 2012

  2.0 - Rather poor

  A good overview of South India, but the trip spent a lot of time in busy cities and on the road. Some more time in the countryside and relaxing by the coast would have been appreciated. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The Jain temple complex at Sravanabelagola is amaxing and the temple at Madurai has to be seen to be believed. The food was also a highlight, especially the optional cooking evening at Periyar which is highly recommended.What did you think of your group leader?Santosh Kumar was one of the best, if not the best Exodus leader I have had over the past 10 years. First class in all areas, especially local knowledge, communication skills and sociability with the group.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for lots of 5+ hour days on the coach. Unfortunately the majority of roads were poor quality so it takes a long time to travel a reasonably short distance. Do try all of the local food and don't worry about it being too spicy. If anything the food was not spicy enough for my taste.Is there anything else you would like to add?Don't forget a travel sink plug and strong insect repellent as the insects were ferocious!
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 27, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  Tea plantations, temples, vibrant markets, amazing beaches, coconuts, bananas, elephants, great shopping combined with some long drives, a couple of noisy cities, a jungle and a few leeches, a train journey and lots of curries just about sum up this trip! South India is different from the North but still a culture shock for anyone visiting for the first time! The cows are still wandering the streets and the traffic is still crazy! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?There were lots of things that made this trip special. Having dinner with a local family, the auto rickshaw rides, the cycle rickshaws, the rubber plantation, the cattle/goat/coconut markets - not forgetting the banana market. The Keralan backwaters - very relaxing after the 2 weeks of driving! The temples are amazing - just try and appreciate every single one of them - it does get a little hard towards the end! The PEOPLE in India are friendly and they made this trip special. Chance encounters with local children and local people who are happy in what they are doing and make you smile.What did you think of your group leader?Suresh was a fantastic, well organised guide. He added little surprises into our day at every opportunity. He was happy to share his knowledge and his own personal experiences. He never lectured us - just made sure we knew enough - but always happy to give more details as required. Suresh kept us informed when we had to make the big detour due to some political tensions at the border. I felt he was always making the right decision for the benefit of everyone. Our 3am wake up call was never questioned by anyone in the group because the group trusted that Suresh knew best and if that's what we had to do then let's just get on with it. All part of the adventure! Suresh knew the right people and clearly loves his country. It was great to have him as our leader. He managed to cater for everyone's needs!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for some long journeys on the coach. Indian roads can be scary - but we had a good driver - so don't panic even when they are overtaking on a blind bend! It's what they do. The scenery is wonderful and there are plenty of stops to wander around or get some food. Food is very cheap and is good. There are opportunities to eat some excellent sea food on the coast as well as curries and more curries! Omlettes are good at breakfast!! Drink lots of bottled water - that's my tip for not getting sick as well as going vegetarian for the trip! Shopping is good - and cheap! Pack light. The hotel will do washing. We didn't encounter too many mosquitoes but take deet and use it just incase! Wi-fi is available in most hotels. The beer - Kingfisher is good and cheap. Hotels were better than I had anticipated! One classified as standard was definitely 5 star!!Is there anything else you would like to add?This is a well organised trip - if you want lots of adventure or crave exercise every day then it might not tick all the boxes. The trip notes are good - but our leader added lots of additional activities into the trip to make it special. Thank you Suresh! Good group of people to travel with! Take lots of photos!!! India is incredible so just go and see it for yourself! Enjoy!
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on January 27, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  Tea plantations, temples, vibrant markets, amazing beaches, coconuts, bananas, elephants, great shopping combined with some long drives, a couple of noisy cities, a jungle and a few leeches, a train journey and lots of curries just about sum up this trip! South India is different from the North but still a culture shock for anyone visiting for the first time! The cows are still wandering the streets and the traffic is still crazy! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?There were lots of things that made this trip special. Having dinner with a local family, the auto rickshaw rides, the cycle rickshaws, the rubber plantation, the cattle/goat/coconut markets - not forgetting the banana market. The Keralan backwaters - very relaxing after the 2 weeks of driving! The temples are amazing - just try and appreciate every single one of them - it does get a little hard towards the end! The PEOPLE in India are friendly and they made this trip special. Chance encounters with local children and local people who are happy in what they are doing and make you smile. What did you think of your group leader?Suresh was a fantastic, well organised guide. He added little surprises into our day at every opportunity. He was happy to share his knowledge and his own personal experiences. He never lectured us - just made sure we knew enough - but always happy to give more details as required. Suresh kept us informed when we had to make the big detour due to some political tensions at the border. I felt he was always making the right decision for the benefit of everyone. Our 3am wake up call was never questioned by anyone in the group because the group trusted that Suresh knew best and if that's what we had to do then let's just get on with it. All part of the adventure! Suresh knew the right people and clearly loves his country. It was great to have him as our leader. He managed to cater for everyone's needs!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for some long journeys on the coach. Indian roads can be scary - but we had a good driver - so don't panic even when they are overtaking on a blind bend! It's what they do. The scenery is wonderful and there are plenty of stops to wander around or get some food. Food is very cheap and is good. There are opportunities to eat some excellent sea food on the coast as well as curries and more curries! Omlettes are good at breakfast!! Drink lots of bottled water - that's my tip for not getting sick as well as going vegetarian for the trip! Shopping is good - and cheap! Pack light. The hotel will do washing. We didn't encounter too many mosquitoes but take deet and use it just incase! Wi-fi is available in most hotels. The beer - Kingfisher is good and cheap. Hotels were better than I had anticipated! One classified as standard was definitely 5 star!! Is there anything else you would like to add?This is a well organised trip - if you want lots of adventure or crave exercise every day then it might not tick all the boxes. The trip notes are good - but our leader added lots of additional activities into the trip to make it special. Thank you Suresh! Good group of people to travel with! Take lots of photos!!! India is incredible so just go and see it for yourself! Enjoy!