Discounted

Highlights of Southern India

India - Trip code DS Discovery
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
615Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

From temples to tea plantations and sleeper trains, this two-week journey through India's south is a true adventure. Winding through varied scenery - from bustling cities to the tranquil Ghats foothills and the peaceful Kerala backwaters - get a taste for Indian culture, cuisine, and history, visiting palaces, national parks, and villages along the way.

Why we love this trip
  • Palaces and temples - Visit the ornate Maharajah's Palace in Mysore and discover the colourful Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.
  • Bandipur National Park - Search for endemic wildlife including elephant, chital and bison.
  • Kochi and surrounds - Explore the Portuguese-influenced city including the Chinese fishing nets and cruise the nearby backwaters.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 14

    Lunch: 3

    Dinner: 4

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Boat Crew

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    4WD

    Boat

    Train

  • i

    Accommodation

    1 nights simple boat

    9 nights comfortable hotel

    3 nights premium hotel

    1 nights simple overnight train

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Chennai (Madras)

Our tour of South India starts in Chennai. Capital of India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, the city is one of the country's most important economic hubs, partly due to its role in the development of the automotive industry.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 2pm for a welcome meeting and a walking tour of the southern neighbourhood of Mylapore. Older than Chennai itself, Mylapore is an affluent and characterful quarter, home to a variety of cultural and historical sites as well as buildings influenced by the European colonies. As part of our walk, we'll visit the Kapaleeshwar Hindu Temple, rebuilt after it was destroyed by the Portuguese in the 16th century and the Roman Catholic Luz Church (Our Lady of Light).

If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Chennai International Airport (MAA), around a one-hour drive from the hotel.

If you'd like to join the Mylapour tour, you'll need to arrive at the hotel by 2pm. If you're booking your own flights, you should give yourself one hour to clear the airport and then one hour to drive to the hotel, so the latest your flight should arrive is 12pm. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will catch you up as soon as possible.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Drive to Pondicherry via Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

This morning we'll drive to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, approximately a two-hour drive from Chennai. The sanctuary is a protected area and an important breeding ground for large migrating birds such as herons, cormorants, storks, ibises, pelicans as well as other smaller species. Migrating season is generally from November to March and in the height of breeding season there can be thousands of birds here. Please note, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is closed from 31st May to the 31st October.

After a spot of birdwatching, we'll drive to Pondicherry where we'll check in at our hotel and have lunch in the town's colonial French Quarters. A European influence, from a cultural and culinary perspective, thrived here after the city remained under French reign until 1954. Many of the streets retain their French names and as we walk around we'll spot several bakeries and cafes serving up fresh baguettes, crepes, waffles and croissants. The architecture makes you feel as if we were in a Parisian suburb with whitewashed colourful mansions and Pondicherry's own Arc De Triomphe and Notre Dame church (Notre Dames des Agnes).

We'll also visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a small spiritual community devoted to providing its members with a balanced and healthy life. The ashram has a real presence in the town as they also run a handmade paper factory, making all sorts of goods out of waste material including wind chimes, notebooks, paper bags and birthday cards.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Visit the Srirangam river island temples en route to Madurai

We'll have an early start this morning as we leave Pondicherry and travel to Tiruchirappalli to discover the Srirangam Hindu Temple. Located on an island, at the confluence of the Kaveri and Kollidam Rivers, the temple complex is one of the largest in India and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the main deities of Hinduism. We'll also visit the river ghats at Amma Mandapam, where devotees and residents of Srirangam and the surrounding areas come to bathe.

After lunch, we'll continue our journey towards Madurai, where we'll arrive in the late afternoon. Madurai is a city at the heart of the Tamil and Dravidian cultures and is of huge importance to Hindus. It's been given the nickname the 'Nectar City' as it's believed drops of nectar fell from goddess Siva's locks here.

In the evening we'll visit the impressive Meenakshi Temple for the evening 'bed ceremony' where the image of Siva is carried from its shrine to join his consort Pavarti in a separate part of the temple. All ceremonies carried out at Hindu temples are very spiritual as devotees say their prayers and bring offerings such as flower garlands and food to their gods. During the ceremony, we might also see musicians, temple singers and priests accompany the image of the god to their resting place for the night.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Explore Meenakshi Temple and Thirumalai Nayak Palace

This morning we'll return to the 16th century Meenakshi Temple for a closer look around. The temple features imposing gopurams (monumental gates) and dominating colourful towers that rise above the chaotic exuberance of the seemingly endless throngs of pilgrims. We'll also visit the regal Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, a 17th century building with impressive archways framing the indoor courtyard.

This afternoon is free to explore Madurai at your own pace. You might choose to visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which houses a small collection of artefacts belonging to the iconic figure. Alternatively, you could visit the flower market where thousands of marigolds, tuberoses and roses amongst others are traded each day.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Drive to Thekkady for spice garden tour

Today we'll drive west towards Thekkady and the state of Kerala. The drive is around five hours through an ever-changing landscape. As we enter the Western Ghats Mountain range, watch as rolling hills and spice plantations pass by the window and the terrain becomes ever more green.

After checking in to our hotel, we'll learn a little about how Indian spices are grown and processed with a walking tour of a spice garden. India is the world's largest exporter and consumer of spices and the soil composition in the area is ideal for growing cardamon, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, and cinnamon.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Journey through the backwaters via houseboat

This morning we'll drive to the Kerala Backwaters, a network of low-lying waterways, lagoons and rivers running parallel to the Arabian Sea. Often lined with tropical plants and palm trees they are a haven for a variety of birdlife and local villages dot the shores.

We'll board our houseboat around midday for an exotic journey, chugging leisurely along the waterways used by villagers to connect each of the communities. We'll dock in the middle of the water before dusk and watch the sun go down on the horizon.

The houseboats we use are simple yet comfortable converted rice barges which have en-suite rooms and an area to relax and watch riverside life as we go by. Whilst the engine is running there will be some power supply to charge cameras, but the air conditioning will be limited to night time only.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Boat

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Travel to Kochi

After disembarking our houseboat, we'll drive to the fort town of Kochi. With a beautiful natural harbour that earned it the title of 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. The town was founded on trade from Jewish and Arab spice traders in the first century AD. Its prosperity and importance increased even more with the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, closely followed by the Dutch and the English, an eclectic heritage that helped produce a fascinating mix of styles and influences.

After lunch, we'll walk around the fort and get our first look at the Chinese Fishing nets. First introduced by Chinese explorers in the 14th century, this style of fishing is rarely found in India and they have become a symbol of Kochi - and a great photo op for visitors, too.

The rest of the day is free to explore more at your own pace and there's an option to attend a Kathakali dance performance. Thought by some to be the very essence of the culture of Kerala. The intricate make-up is unique and often dancers can take up to three hours painting their faces - the features are heavily emphasised as it is the facial expressions and coordinated eye movements which are important in the dance. Alternatively, you might want to learn about south Indian cuisine with a cookery class at a local home. During the class, you'll learn to cook typical Keralan dishes including coconut milk curries and crispy laced rice pancakes, whilst chatting to your hosts about their life and culture.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Walking tour of Kochi and sunset cruise

After a leisurely breakfast, we'll head to Kochi's Mattancherry Palace to explore the colonial gem. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it underwent extensive renovations by the Dutch some hundred years later, which earned it its name as 'The Dutch Palace'. Today it houses murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and other great legends.

Whilst in Kochi's Jewish quarter we'll visit the oldest active synagogue in India, the Paradesi Jewish synagogue. This area is also home to antique warehouses and spice auction rooms - we'll take some time to peruse them, too. Later we'll visit St Francis Church, another fascinating example of the melting pot of cultures which have brushed past this fort town and left their mark. The church was the original burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama before being returned to his native Portugal as his final resting place. Finally, in the afternoon we'll take a cruise in Kochi's harbour to watch the sun setting over the Chinese fishing nets.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 9 - Explore Palakkad Fort en route to Coimbatore

Today we have a long drive ahead of us as we head north-east back into the state of Tamil Nadu and the city of Coimbatore. On the way, we'll stop in Palakkad to admire the 18th century fort. Unlike sandstone examples seen in India's Northern state of Rajasthan, Palakkad Fort is built out of granite and is surrounded by grass and a large water moat.

After exploring the fort, we'll continue our drive towards Coimbatore, around a two-hour drive away. Dinner is included tonight in Coimbatore and we'll get the opportunity to sample some South Indian delicacies such as savoury dosas served on a banana leaf with different chutneys, pickles and vegetables.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10 - Ride the toy train to Snooty Ooty

Early this morning we'll travel towards Coonoor to board the toy train along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Built by the British in the late 19th century to negotiate an otherwise difficult terrain, an old locomotive will pull us up the hill through dense green forest landscapes as we cover a distance of 19km from Coonoor to Ooty in about one and a half hours. The toy train has been running for many years so there are times where it doesn't run due to maintenance or when the weather is poor. In such circumstances, we'll drive to Ooty instead, which still makes for a scenic journey through the hills.

The town of Ooty, often referred to as 'Snooty Ooty' was once a colonial hill station and home to officials from the British East India Company looking to escape from the heat of the southern lowlands. On arrival we will have lunch and have a short tour of the town including a visit to the town's botanical gardens, home to more than 1000 varieties of plants and trees arranged in a colourful way. Afterwards, we will continue our journey towards Bandipur National Park.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 - Game drive in Bandipur National Park

Today is dedicated to searching for wildlife with both morning and afternoon drives in Bandipur National Park. The park was once the hunting ground for the Maharajah of Mysuru but is today a thriving nature reserve made up primarily of dry deciduous forest. Some of the wildlife we might be lucky enough to spot includes chital (spotted deer), monkeys (especially langur), mongoose, sloth bear and gaur (Indian bison). The park's elephant population is one of the largest in the country and we might see some of them walking in the forest. Though less common, there have also been sightings of leopard and tiger and there's a variety of birdlife such as crested hawk and serpent eagle.

Our wildlife drives in the park are usually at dawn and just before dusk in the afternoon when the animals are most active. We'll head out in shared 4WD trucks designed for viewing wildlife. Each safari will be around three to four hours including our drive towards the park but will depend on the wildlife we get the chance to see.

In between the drives, we'll have time to relax back at our lodge just outside of the park. There's the option to unwind by the swimming pool, enjoy a massage or take a nature walk around the resort.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 - Optional morning safari and drive to Mysore

Early this morning we'll have the option to take one final drive in the park in search of wildlife. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we drive north towards Mysore. So called the 'City of Palaces', Mysuru is today renowned as the cultural capital of Karnataka and home to one of the most ornate palaces in south India, the Maharajah's Mysore Palace, which we plan to visit tomorrow.

After checking into our hotel, we'll visit the Chamundi Hills area just outside of the city. Offering views over Mysuru, the hills are home to an impressive Hindu Temple and the Nandi statue. This giant black granite bull statue is considered the vehicle of Lord Siva and is an icon of the city of Mysuru. Later in the evening, we'll head to Mysuru Palace for a sound and light show displayed on the facade of the building itself.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 13 - Explore the Mysuru market and Palace before overnight train to Chennai

After a leisurely breakfast, we'll take a visit to Mysuru's Devaraja market. This vibrant market is a constant hive of activity as locals barter with sellers for the best deal. The market is a photographer's paradise with fruit, vegetable, flower, and spice stalls often meticulously displayed.

After our visit to the market, we'll head towards Mysuru's must-see, the eccentric Mysuru Palace. An eclectic mix of Hindu and British architecture, the palace was originally built in the 14th century and has undergone two subsequent re-buildings. Its opulence is demonstrated through its grand proportions, shiny marble floors, ivory doors, and recognisable red domes on top of its main towers. After our sightseeing and an early dinner, we will transfer to the railway station to board our overnight train to the city of Chennai.

Indian sleeper trains are a fantastic experience and a great way to meet people as we travel. We make our bookings in second class air-conditioned sleepers, which have four beds in each compartment and all bedding provided. Whilst we try to ensure the group is all together, due to overwhelming demand and the system for booking train tickets in India, it may not always be possible to have everyone in the same carriage and some reservations may be in third class. In such cases our tour leader will help everyone to find their seats and ensure you get the most out of your journey. For overnight trains, each berth is separated by curtains and has 4/6 bunk beds. Bedding (sheet, blanket, and pillow) is provided but you may wish to bring your own sleeping liner for added comfort.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Overnight Train

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 14 - Travel to Mamallapuram

Arriving in Chennai very early this morning we'll make a quick stop for a traditional south Indian dosa breakfast. These thin flat crepes are made from rice batter and often served with a side of chutney, potatoes and lentil sambars. Following breakfast, we'll travel towards the shores of the Bay of Bengal and the town of Mamallapuram.

On arrival in Mamallapuram, we will check in to our hotel and enjoy some free time to relax before exploring the nearby shore temples. Mamallapuram was the chief harbour of the Pallavas Kingdom some 1200 years ago and a number of superb examples of its masterful rock carvings still exist today. We will walk around some of the areas most celebrated structures, including the 7th century Shore Temple - a UNESCO World Heritage site - and Ajuna's Penance, the world's largest bas-relief and one of the most impressive friezes in India. Although both have suffered at the hands of natural erosion over many centuries, a remarkable amount of detail remains amongst the carvings.

The late afternoon is free to take a walk on Mamallapuram's sandy beaches or visit the market for some last minute shopping.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 15 - Trip ends in Mamallapuram

Our tour of South India ends at our hotel in Mamallapuram.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Chennai Airport (MAA), around a two-hour drive from the hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

India

Climate

There is considerable variation between the different regions of India but, in general, the climate is tropical. Summer temperatures on the plains are very hot, but cooled by the South-West Monsoon, which lasts from June- September. During these months it can be very wet and therefore very humid. At altitude, temperatures can become quite cool at night even in the summer and may drop below freezing between December and February so warm clothing is necessary. In the winter, northern and mid India can be very cool, with cold evenings, so warm clothing, including plenty of layers, are essential. The south of India remains warm and sunny during the winter months.

Time difference to GMT

+5

Plugs

3 Pin Round

Religion

Catholicism, Hindu, Islam and Sikhism

Language

Hindi and English.

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Kochi - Traditional Kathakali Dancing £5.00.
Bandipur - Optional additional safari £30

Clothing

Bear in mind that the area is tropical with high humidity. Light weight clothing is needed all year round with some warmer clothes for cooler evenings, particularly in winter (November-March) in the Nilgiri Hills. Due to the high chance of rain between October and December, it is advisable to take a rain jacket or umbrella during this time. Casual clothes are the most practical: tight fitting garments, brief shorts and skirts should be avoided, since they attract unwelcome attention. Shoes must be taken off for temple visits and you must always cover up arms and legs when going inside. You may want to take an old pair of socks to the temples as the floor can get very hot and difficult to walk on.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes and sandals.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and a daysac. Remember hotel porters are not always available, so don't overload yourself. Soft bags are preferable.

Equipment

A torch is useful in case of powercuts/ emergencies. We advise taking a water bottle for day to day use.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Accordingly, you should allow GBP45, approx. 3'800 Indian Rupees for group tipping.
For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

India

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8
Dinner price
£10
Beer price
£3
Water price
£0.5
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Indian Rupee Recently new 500 and 2000 rupee notes have been bought in to circulation and as the old notes are no longer accepted there have been some cash flow issues. You don't need to worry about being given old notes as it's very easy to tell the difference, the new notes are pristine in comparison with most Indian money which is fairly tatty.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
GBP/US$ are the best currency to change into local currency.
Where To Exchange
The Indian rupee is a restricted currency and it is best not to obtain in the UK as rates are very poor. You can either change money at the airport on arrival or in major towns during the tour. Your Tour Leader will advise you on the best places in each town. Both GBP and USD cash are easy to exchange at the airport and at hotels however you will be restricted to changing £60 cash at a time and it's not possible to change money at these locations using a credit or debit card.
ATM Availability
ATMs are available in most large cities in India but they are very limited elsewhere so please do not rely on this.
Credit Card Acceptance
Very rarely, only in the larger outlets.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, 4WD, Boat, Train

Accommodation notes

Accommodation in India is as varied as the country itself and standards might not always meet those back home.
Service can be slow, especially when travelling with a group and a number of hotels in India don't serve alcohol due to complicated licencing laws or for religious reasons. Hot water is not always available at small properties and with a group staying, you might find the water is cooler if you're showering last. Hotels also don't usually have heating, so it can become chilly in the winter months, however, blankets will always be provided.
Due to the growth in tourism in India, it's not always possible to stay at our listed accommodation and an alternative will be found.
On the backwaters, we stay on traditional houseboats made from anjili wood and bamboo, a time-honoured form of transportation. These are set up with twin-share en-suite cabins that are air-conditioned at night. The houseboat has a large dining area where homecooked meals are served up and a large deck to enjoy riverside life on. At night, we'll moor amongst other boats at the side of the river to allow us to hook up to electricity. Note, depending on the group size, we might be divided between two or three houseboats.
We'll spend one night on a sleeper train - a vital experience while travelling through this eclectic country. We'll stay in second-class air-conditioned cabins, each with four beds. All bedding is provided but you may want to bring a sleeping bag liner for comfort. Whilst we try to make sure our group is always together, it might not always be possible.

India

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


India: Holders of passports endorsed British citizen, as well as Australian, New Zealand and US passport holders may be eligible for the e-Tourist Visa to enter India. Unfortunately the Indian government are not currently granting visas for anybody travelling with a Canadian passport.

The visa can be applied for through the official Indian government visa website only - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . Please check all eligibility criteria that can be found on the website but important points are listed below -

You must be arriving into one of 29 selected entry points which can be found via the official Indian Government website link above. However, you can exit from any of the authorised immigration check posts in India.

Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages for stamping. Visa applications will take approximately 4 days to process.
There are different validity visas and the costs are as follows:

30-day validity (travelling between April and June) - $10
30-day validity (travelling between July and March) - $25
1-year validity - $40
5-year validity- $80

Those applying for a 30 day electronic visa can only apply within 30 days of arrival for your visa to be valid. Furthermore double entry is permitted and you can only obtain two 30-day visas in a calendar year.

Please note these costs are subject to frequent change so you should check on the official Indian government visa website mentioned above. Biometric data will be collected on arrival in India.

If you are not eligible for the e-Tourist Visa, please refer to VFS Global to apply for your Indian visa - https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/how_to_apply.html

Whilst the online form offers a relatively quick way to apply for a visa, some applicants have reported difficulty in completing the form. If you do require assistance, then you may consider applying through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. They can complete the online visa on your behalf for a service fee + the visa cost. See www.travcour.com http://www.travcour.com


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

India

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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