Southern India Unveiled
18 October - 01 November 2027
Southern India Unveiled
India, from a different perspective.
Southern India Unveiled begins in Mumbai, where we’ll discover the city through its food, fashion, markets and the people who make it tick. We’ll see Mumbai before dawn as the docks and markets come to life, explore its spice markets, try our hand at making one of the city’s favourite street foods and meet women turning pre-loved saris into contemporary fashion. There’ll even be a private Bollywood-inspired sunset sail before we leave the energy of Mumbai behind and travel south to Kerala.
In Kochi, we’ll explore the cultures and communities that have shaped this historic port city over centuries. We’ll meet artists and dancers, step inside local homes to discover the different culinary traditions that exist side by side, and spend time with the women carving out their own place within the traditionally male world of Kathakali. There’s history here, of course, but we’ll experience much of it through the people who continue to keep these traditions alive.
From there, the pace — and the landscape — changes. We’ll head into the tea-covered hills of Munnar, walking through plantations, visiting a historic tea estate and learning about the region’s tea-making traditions, before travelling down towards Kerala’s waterways and tropical landscapes.
Along the way there’ll be art and artisans, spice markets and cocktails, tea tastings, home-cooked meals and time spent with local families. We’ll practise yoga in Kumarakom, share lunch with the women of Philipkutty’s Farm and spend a night aboard a traditional houseboat as we make our way through Kerala’s famous backwaters.
Finally, we’ll arrive on the Arabian Sea at Marari, where village life, the beach and Ayurveda bring the journey to a suitably slower conclusion. There’s time built in here to swim, read, book a treatment or do very little at all.
It’s colourful, fascinating, occasionally chaotic and completely different at every turn — which is rather the point.
Tour Inclusions
- Travel through Mumbai, Cochin, Munnar, Kumarakom, and Mararikulam
- Thirteen nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels
- One night aboard a 4-star houseboat on the Kerala backwaters
- Meals as follows
- Breakfast daily
- All meals during your Kerala backwaters cruise
- Lunches and dinners as indicated including lunch at Windermere River House
- Private airport arrival and departure transfers
- Economy-class domestic flight from Mumbai to Kochi
- Street food workshop
- Spice market tour and mixologist session
- Bollywood-inspired sunset cruise in Mumbai with drinks and canapés
- Experiences and workshops with female entrepreneurs, artisans and performers
- Guided food tour of Kochi
- Tour and tea tastings at the historic Lockhart Tea Estate
- An afternoon of experiences and a meal at Philipkutty's Farm
- Explore iconic landmarks of Mumbai and Kochi, coastal villages, and the Arabian Sea
- Discover the Keralan way of life on a curated 'Village Rubble' tour, including a local harbour and fish auction, breakfast with a local family and a tuk tuk ride through the village
- Bespoke Diwali celebration to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights
Tour Pricing - Twin Share
NZ$11,795 per person (based on a minimum of ten people travelling)
Rooms are based on twin share however a single supplement cost is available at an additional NZ$4,590 per person (for a guaranteed single room).
Airfares and Exclusions
Return airfares to India are not included in the package price and can be booked directly with Her Tribe Travels.
As an indication, direct return economy airfares on Singapore Airlines are NZ$2,100* per person including airport departure taxes. This fare includes standard seat selection and 23kg of checked baggage per person. A Her Tribe Travels booking fee of NZ$250 applies for any flight bookings. *Specials do appear regularly.
The tour price does not include items of a personal nature such as spending money, food and beverages (other than those specified in inclusions), pre- and post-tour arrangements, optional tours and activities not specified, tips/gratuity, laundry, telephone/fax calls, spa treatments, still and video camera fees at monuments, excess luggage for flights, medical expenses, visa fees and travel insurance.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Monday 18 October
Arrive Mumbai
Arrive at Mumbai International Airport, where you’ll be met by your local host and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to settle in, relax and recover from the journey. Meet with some of the group for a cocktail in the hotel bar, a meal, or opt for a quiet night with room service.
Tomorrow, we start exploring.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel, Standard Room (twin share)
Meals: None
DAY 2
Tuesday 19 October
After breakfast, we head out for your first proper look at Mumbai with a local guide.
The morning takes you through some of the places that tell the story of the city: the galleries and heritage buildings of Kala Ghoda, the Victorian Gothic architecture of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Dhobi Ghat’s extraordinary open-air laundry and Mani Bhavan, where Gandhi lived and worked during some of the most significant years of his life.
Then we turn to food, with a hands-on workshop making vada pav, Mumbai’s much-loved street snack.
In the afternoon, visit Lalbaug Spice Market, where sacks of chillies and whole spices fill the shops and spices are roasted, ground and blended for homes and restaurants across the city. Spend time learning about the different varieties and how traditional spice blends are created before taking some of that knowledge to a rather different setting: the bar.
A mixologist will lead a spice cocktail-making workshop, showing you how those flavours work with spirits and fresh ingredients as you create your own cocktail.
Return to the hotel after the tour, with the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel, Standard Room (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3
Wednesday 20 October
Mumbai starts early, and this morning so do we.
Before dawn, head out to see a side of the city most visitors miss. At Sassoon Dock, Mumbai’s Koli fishing community is already at work sorting the morning’s catch, while elsewhere newspaper vendors organise editions in seven languages, milkmen make their rounds and the city’s flower, fruit and vegetable markets prepare for the day ahead.
Along the way, your guide will share some of the history behind these neighbourhoods, including the textile mills that played an important role in shaping modern Mumbai.
Later, discover I Was A Sari, a Mumbai-based social enterprise turning pre-loved saris into contemporary fashion and accessories. Working with female artisans, the initiative combines traditional skills and upcycling with opportunities for women to develop new skills and earn an independent income.
Then, after a little breathing room, Mumbai turns glamorous.
This evening, take a private speedboat out into Mumbai Harbour and board your Bollywood-inspired yacht for a sunset sail. With the city skyline behind you, enjoy music, wine and a cheese board as you cruise the harbour. Dance if you feel like it, settle onto the deck if you don’t, and watch the sun go down over Mumbai.
Return to the hotel after the cruise.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel, Standard Room (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
Thursday 21 October
Mumbai - Kochi
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Mumbai Airport for your flight to Kochi.
On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours to settle in and enjoy the change of pace before dinner together at the hotel this evening.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel, Standard Room (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5
Friday 22 October
After breakfast, set out to discover Kochi, a port city shaped over centuries by the people who have arrived on its shores, made it home and left their mark.
Begin with a visit to a Bharatanatyam studio, where you’ll watch a dancer demonstrate how movement, gesture and facial expression are used to tell a story without words, before having the chance to learn some of the movements yourself.
Continue through the historic neighbourhoods of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, where Portuguese, Dutch, Jewish and local influences can still be seen in the churches, palace interiors, synagogue lanes and architecture. You’ll also visit the home studio of a local artist whose sepia-toned paintings and detailed sketches document Kerala’s heritage buildings, as well as the gallery of local artists Gayatri and Dinesh.
This evening, Kochi’s history is explored through its food. The city has been home to traders, migrants and settlers from around India and much further afield for centuries, creating communities with their own distinct traditions and cuisines.
Visit two or three local homes and meet the people who cook these dishes as part of everyday family life. You might encounter the duck and fish dishes of a Syrian Christian kitchen, food influenced by the Arab heritage of the Mappila community, or the culinary traditions brought to Kerala by Konkani families from Goa.
Return to the hotel after dinner.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel, Standard Room (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
Saturday 23 October
After breakfast, discover one of Kerala’s great classical traditions from a rather different perspective.
Kathakali is a centuries-old form of dance-drama, instantly recognisable for its elaborate costumes, extraordinary facial makeup and highly expressive movements. Traditionally, the performances and roles — including the female characters — were performed exclusively by men.
Today you’ll meet members of the Thrippunithura All Women’s Kathakali troupe, who have carved out a place for women within this traditionally male art form. Hear their story and learn about Kathakali’s distinctive approach to storytelling, music, movement and stagecraft before watching a demonstration by the artists. You’ll also get a closer look at the intricate makeup process, which can take hours before a performance even begins.
Afterwards, enjoy a traditional vegetarian Sadya lunch, before spending the rest of the day at leisure — with plenty of time for shopping.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel, Standard Room (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7
Sunday 24 October
After a leisurely breakfast, leave Kochi behind and drive into the hills of Munnar, approximately five hours away.
Stop for lunch at Windermere River House along the way before continuing to your hotel. This evening, you can join an optional guided walk through a nearby cardamom plantation, with the rest of the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel, Standard Room (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8
Monday 25 October
This morning, set out on a four-hour hike through Munnar’s tea plantations, finishing at the historic Lockhart Tea Estate.
Visit the estate’s tea factory to see the traditional machinery still used to process tea, before exploring the Tea Museum with a local expert and learning more about the history of tea production in the region. Finish with a guided tea tasting.
In the afternoon, visit a social enterprise working with differently-abled young people. Spend time with the team, learn about their work and take part in a hands-on textile session before returning to the hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel, Standard Room (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9
Tuesday 26 October
After breakfast, leave Munnar and begin the approximately five-hour drive to Kumarakom and Kerala’s backwaters.
On arrival, check in to your hotel and settle in for a quiet evening.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel, Standard Room (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10
Wednesday 27 October
Begin the day with a guided yoga session at the hotel, followed by a leisurely breakfast.
Later, visit Philipkutty’s Farm, a family-run property surrounded by Kerala’s backwaters. Meet the women of the family, explore the farm and learn how they prepare traditional Syrian Christian dishes before sitting down to share a meal together.
Return to the hotel for the rest of the afternoon at leisure. You might choose to book an Ayurvedic treatment or simply enjoy some quiet time.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel, Standard Room (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11
Thursday 28 October
After breakfast, drive approximately 1.5 hours to Alleppey, where you’ll board a traditional houseboat for a leisurely cruise through Kerala’s backwaters.
Spend the day travelling along the canals, passing small villages and getting a glimpse of everyday life along the waterways. Lunch and dinner will be served on board, and tonight you’ll stay on the houseboat.
Accommodation: 4-star houseboat (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12
Friday 29 October
After breakfast, leave the backwaters behind and drive approximately 1.5 hours to the coastal village of Mararikulam.
Check in to your beach resort and spend the rest of the day exactly as you please — swim, read, nap or settle in and enjoy being by the sea.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel, Standard Room (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13
Saturday 30 October
This morning, head into the villages surrounding Marari for a closer look at everyday life along Kerala’s coast.
Begin at the local harbour, where you’ll see how the morning’s catch moves from the fishing boats through the local auction and on to homes and businesses. On most days, you’ll have the chance to watch a live fish auction in action.
Enjoy a traditional breakfast with a local family before continuing through the village by tuk-tuk.
Return to the resort and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel, Standard Room (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14
Sunday 31 October
The final full day of the journey has been left free to enjoy at your own pace.
You may like to begin with a one-on-one consultation with a recommended Ayurvedic doctor, who can recommend treatments based on your individual needs. Or the day is completely yours. You might choose an Ayurvedic treatment, enjoy a Sattvic lunch or simply make the most of your final day by the sea.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel, Standard Room (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15
Monday 1 November
After breakfast, enjoy your final morning before transferring to Kochi International Airport for your flight home. The drive to the airport is approximately 2.5 hours.
From the energy of Mumbai to the tea-covered hills of Munnar, Kerala’s backwaters and the shores of the Arabian Sea, it’s been quite a journey. We hope you leave with wonderful memories, a new appreciation for this extraordinary part of India and, most importantly, a Tribe of women you’ll want to travel with again.
Come as you are. Leave with a Tribe.
Meals: Breakfast
Ready to Join Us?
To reserve your place on the Southern India Unveiled tour, please register here.
If you'd like to chat to Erin or Nicola before booking, please email hello@hertribetravels.com and we'll arrange a time to call.
Once we've received your registration, we'll be in touch to confirm your place on the tour and provide your payment schedule.
We'll also need a copy of the photo page of your passport. Once you've completed your registration, please email a clear copy to hello@hertribetravels.com.
To confirm your booking, a non-refundable deposit of NZ$2,000 per person is required within seven days of Her Tribe Travels receiving your registration and contact details.
A progress payment of NZ$5,000 per person is due by Friday 21 May 2027.
A final balance payment of NZ$4,795 is due by Friday 03 September 2027.
At confirmation stage, please indicate whether you wish to book your flights with Her Tribe Travels (additional airfare cost applies and will be required to be paid upon booking flights) and any pre- and post-tour extension requirements (payment terms for pre- and post-tour extensions will be advised once quoted). Airfares and pre- and post-tour accommodations booked with Her Tribe Travels receive full service benefits with regards to flight changes, flight cancellations, and rebooking.
Note: Any applicable entry visa (if required) and travel insurance is the responsibility of each traveller, however Her Tribe Travels would be very happy to assist with any requirements (fees may apply).
Terms and Conditions
Minimum Traveller Numbers
Tour activities and pricing are based on a minimum of ten (10) travellers. If the minimum number is not reached, Her Tribe Travels reserves the right to cancel the tour, in which case all deposits paid will be refunded. Alternatively, we may offer the tour with fewer travellers, subject to any necessary adjustment to the tour price.
Accommodation
All rooms are priced on a twin share basis (two people sharing a room with two beds). A guaranteed single room is available for an additional NZ$4,590 per person. Hotels and accommodation are subject to change depending on final traveller numbers and availability.
Pricing Adjustments
Tour pricing is based on current exchange rates, local government taxes and applicable supplier costs. In the event of currency fluctuations, changes to government taxes or increases in fuel costs, Her Tribe Travels reserves the right to adjust the tour price accordingly. Any increase or decrease will be communicated to travellers.
Cancellations
If a traveller cancels after their booking has been confirmed, the non-refundable deposit will be retained by Her Tribe Travels. If cancellation occurs after full payment has been made, full cancellation fees will apply. Comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical expenses and emergency evacuation is mandatory. Travellers are strongly encouraged to arrange insurance as soon as their booking is confirmed.
Unforeseen Circumstances and Force Majeure
In the event of circumstances beyond our control that prevent the tour from proceeding, including natural disasters or force majeure events, local suppliers may waive their standard cancellation policies and charge an administration fee. Travellers will remain responsible for any non-recoverable amounts already paid to third-party suppliers, together with any applicable bank transaction fees.
Credit Card Payments
Payments made by credit card will incur a 2.5% credit card surcharge.
Medical and Evacuation Costs
Travellers are responsible for any additional medical or evacuation costs incurred during the tour.
A Word From Her Tribe Travels
Every Her Tribe Travels itinerary is created with a great deal of thought, care and experience. From where we stay and the places we eat to the experiences we include and the little details along the way, each tour is thoughtfully put together to create something we think you'll love.
Like what you see? We'd love you to share this tour with friends or family who might like to join you. We just ask that you don't share this itinerary with other travel providers or agents for the purposes of comparison or replication. The itinerary and its content remain the intellectual property of Her Tribe Travels, and we appreciate your understanding.
We hope you'll join us for Southern India Unveiled. If you have any questions about the tour or would like to talk through any of the details, we'd love to hear from you.
Come as you are. Leave with a Tribe.
Please contact us at any time to discuss our tours or associated travel arrangements.
Erin +64 21 931 995 (Mobile or WhatsApp)
Nicola +1 310 627 6739 (Mobile or WhatsApp)
E hello@hertribetravels.com
