South India is a destination to experience as much as to see. From the tea plantations of Munnar and spice gardens of Periyar to the kitchens of local families in Cochin, Craig Travel's South India journey reveals the region through its flavours, landscapes, traditions and people. The aroma of spices, taste of a local meal, sight of tea-covered hills and sounds of music and performance offer a glimpse into the everyday character of this fascinating region.
On Craig Travel’s 18-day South India journey, travellers explore historic temples and cities, Kerala’s backwaters and hill country, traditional workshops, local markets and cultural performances. Along the way, hands-on experiences bring the region’s food, agriculture and traditions to life, from tea and spice cultivation to authentic local cuisine.
Experience the region through a guided walk among Munnar’s tea plantations, a visit to a spice garden with a cooking demonstration in Periyar, and a private cooking class with a local family in Cochin.
Together, these experiences bring South India to life through its aromas, flavours, landscapes and traditions, offering a deeper connection to the region than photographs alone can capture.
From the Tea Hills of Munnar
After exploring the historic cities and temple towns of Tamil Nadu, the journey enters Kerala and the cool, green hills of Munnar. At about 1,600 metres, rolling tea plantations and mountain air offer a refreshing change of pace.
A guided walk through the plantations, followed by a factory visit and tea tasting, reveals the journey behind every cup, from the landscape where the leaves grow to the finished tea.
Discovering the Spices of Periyar
From Munnar, the journey continues to Periyar in the Cardamom Hills, where the focus shifts from tea to the region’s fragrant spices.
At a spice garden, travellers enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by a plantation lunch, connecting the landscape with the flavours found throughout South Indian cuisine. Here, spices become more than ingredients on a plate; they become part of the region’s landscape, traditions and story.
Learning the Secrets of Keralan Cooking
In Cochin, the culinary experience continues with a visit to a local family after exploring historic Fort Kochi. A private cooking class introduces travellers to the secrets of Keralan spices, followed by a traditional home-cooked lunch.
More than a meal, it offers a personal glimpse into everyday life and the opportunity to connect with local people and traditions.
Food as a Window Into South India
Food can reveal a great deal about a destination, reflecting its geography, agriculture, history and traditions while creating opportunities to connect with local people.
Throughout the journey, food is woven naturally into the experience, from Chettinad’s distinctive cuisine and historic homes to the markets of Madurai and hands-on cooking experiences in Periyar and Cochin. Each adds another flavour to the story of South India.
More Than Food: South India’s Living Traditions
The sensory side of the journey extends well beyond food. In Thanjavur, travellers experience traditional craftsmanship through a bronze statue-making demonstration and veena-making workshop, while in Madurai, a rangoli demonstration offers the chance to learn about this intricate art form and try it themselves.
Cultural performances, including Kalaripayattu and Kathakali, add another dimension to the experience. Together, these encounters bring South India’s living traditions to life, offering opportunities to see crafts in practice, learn from local people and experience traditions that continue today.
Seeing South India at a Different Pace
The sensory experiences are part of a much larger journey, travelling from Chennai through Pondicherry, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Chettinad and Madurai before entering Kerala. From Munnar and Periyar to Kerala’s backwaters and Cochin, the itinerary brings together temples, historic cities, wildlife, markets, workshops and cultural performances.
The variety keeps the journey engaging: a day of temples and history can lead to tea plantations, a wildlife boat ride to a cooking demonstration, or a city tour to time with a local family. For travellers seeking cultural depth and a mix of experiences, South India offers plenty of ways to discover the region.
A Journey for Curious Travellers
Designed for adventurous travellers seeking something different, Craig Travel’s South India journey is a small-group experience led by a Canadian journey leader and professional guide.
It’s also important to note that this is an active itinerary, not a light or effortless journey.
Craig Travel rates the journey 3.5/5 – Challenging. Expect some long travel days, busy environments, varying standards of accommodation and the need to manage your own luggage. These details are important when deciding if the journey is right for you.
For the right traveller, the rewards are considerable: an opportunity to experience South India through its history, landscapes, cuisine, crafts and living traditions, with the ease of a guided small-group journey.
The Moments That Make a Journey
Years after the journey, it may not be every temple or road you remember, but the moments that made South India come alive: a home-cooked meal, fragrant spices, tea fresh from the plantation, or trying your hand at rangoli.
These are the moments that turn a place you’ve visited into a place you’ve truly experienced.
Experience South India With Craig Travel
Craig Travel’s South India journey brings together ancient temples, historic cities, tea plantations, spice gardens, local cuisine, traditional crafts, wildlife, Kerala’s backwaters, and cultural performances.
More than a sightseeing tour, it offers a chance to experience South India through its landscapes, people and traditions. Explore the South India itinerary for the full route, included experiences and activity rating, or speak with Craig Travel to see if the journey suits your travel style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Craig Travel South India tour include a spice plantation visit?
Yes. The itinerary includes a spice garden visit in Periyar with a cooking demonstration followed by an authentic plantation lunch.
Does the South India journey include a tea plantation?
Yes. In Munnar, travellers take a guided walk through tea plantations, visit a factory to learn about tea processing and sample the finished tea.
Will I have a chance to learn about South Indian cooking?
Yes. The itinerary includes a spice garden cooking demonstration in Periyar and a private cooking class with a local family in Cochin, where travellers learn about Keralan spices before enjoying a traditional home-cooked lunch.
Is the Craig Travel South India tour suitable for all travellers?
The journey is rated 3.5/5 – Challenging. Craig Travel notes long travel days, busy environments and physical and cultural demands. Travellers should be in good health and able to manage their own luggage.
How long is the Craig Travel South India journey?
The journey is 18 days, departing February 18, 2027.
What other experiences are included?
The itinerary includes temple visits, guided city tours, a private Kerala backwaters cruise, a wildlife boat ride in Periyar, traditional craft demonstrations, a bullock cart ride, rickshaw rides, Kalaripayattu and Kathakali performances, as well as the tea and spice experiences.
Planning Your South India Journey
Explore the full Craig Travel South India: Silk, Spice & Sand itinerary, departing February 18, 2027. This journey is a part of Craig Travel’s fully guided collection, designed specifically for travellers who value comfort, structure, and cultural depth.
If this cultural experience is on your travel wish list, a Craig Travel advisor can help you understand:
- If this itinerary matches your travel style
- Comfort and walking expectations
- Hotel locations and inclusions
👉 Request a brochure or speak with an advisor who can answer all of your questions about our South India journey departing February 18, 2027. Discover if this adventure is the right fit for your next journey.
