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Medicine and Society in South India

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Dates
25 Jan
7 Feb
2026

From the shore temples at Mahabalipuram to the languid backwaters of Cochin, travel through the lush southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. This tour will showcase some of the greatest cities and most beautiful landscapes of South India.

South India is culturally, linguistically, geographically and economically distinct from the north.  From its cuisine, rich in rice, coconut and seafood from its tropical climate and sea borders to its languages and dress, South India stands apart. It has the highest literacy rates and the best healthcare in India and is also the birthplace of Ayurvedic medicine.

Experience ancient Tamil history along the beautiful Coromandel coast and visit the Garden City of Bangalore to learn about healing plants in an Ayurvedic garden. Visit sumptuous Mysore, famed for its silk, sandalwood, and spices, before heading up to Ooty hill station. Travel over the Cardamom Hills to finish your tour in historic Cochin, with its Chinese fishing nets and languid backwaters, where you will cruise on a converted rice barge.    

Spend time with your professional peers and meet dedicated medical practitioners in a wide variety of healthcare settings, ranging from rural primary health centres to leading medical institutions. Learn more about the traditional practice of Ayurveda and the cultivation of medicinal plants. Follow in the footsteps of royalty with a visit to SOUKYA, the world-renowned health and wellness destination.

‍There is an optional post-tour extension to beautiful Kumarakom in Kerala.

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Reference:
IND0126-2
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Professional
Profession
Medicine
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Nights
14
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Countries
1
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Mahabalipuram
Sunday
,
25
January
Arrive in the lovely seaside village of Mahabalipuram on the Coromandel Coast and check in to Grande Bay Beach Resort. At leisure.
2
Mahabalipuram
Monday
,
26
January
Explore the countryside by auto rickshaws, including a visit to Kadumbadi village, a village school and temple and a primary health centre. Enjoy a delicious thali lunch in a village house. Take rickshaws to the 7th and 8th century World Heritage listed Shore Temples, intricately carved from rock.
3
Mahabalipuram
Tuesday
,
27
January
Drive to the former French colony of Pondicherry and explore the French and Tamil quarters. Visit the Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences. Afternoon at leisure in Pondicherry to explore and shop. Return to Mahabalipuram.
4
Mahabalipuram / Bangalore
Wednesday
,
28
January
Drive to Chennai, dubbed ‘the health capital of India’ for its number of specialist hospitals. Take an orientation tour of the city before travelling by train to Bangalore.
5
Bangalore
Thursday
,
29
January
Spend a day at SOUKYA, the holistic health destination, visit the organic farm, medicinal gardens, the Ayurvedic factory and pharmacy. Enjoy a delicious lunch, after which there are options for massage and treatments.
6
Bangalore / Srirangapatna / Mysore
Friday
,
30
January
Visit MS Ramiah Hospital and meet with the team of doctors, nurses, and allied professionals. Explore the vast, manicured grounds of Sultan Tipu’s summer palace and the palace museum. Drive to Mysore and check in to the Southern Star Hotel.
7
Mysore
Saturday
,
31
January
Visit Chamundi Hill for the procession of the Goddess at the Temple, which towers over the city, before visiting one of the most astonishingly ornate palaces in India - Mysore Palace. Wander through the colourful throngs at Devaraja Market where you can purchase the city’s trademark scent - sandalwood. Later, relax over a sunset high tea at the Heritage Hotel.
8
Mysore
Sunday
,
1
February
At leisure in the city of palaces, sandalwood, and spices. Opportunity to see the illuminated palace by night.
9
Mysore / Ooty
Monday
,
2
February
Scenic drive to Ooty through the Nilgiri Mountains or Blue Mountains. Known as the Queen of the Hill Stations, ‘Snooty Ooty’ is a cool, tranquil town surrounded by hills and tea slopes. Check in to the Accord Highland Hotel and settle in before having dinner and gin and tonic at the hotel.
10
Ooty
Tuesday
,
3
February
Take the toy train to Coonoor on an exhilarating switchback ride through the Blue Mountains. Visit a tea plantation and tea factory and explore Coonoor. Enjoy lunch at the Taj Garden Retreat. Return to Ooty in the afternoon to visit the beautiful botanical gardens, which were laid out by gardeners from Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
11
Ooty / Cochin
Wednesday
,
4
February
Drive to Coimbatore for brunch. Board the train for a journey across lush Kerala via the Cardamom Hills and into the coastal city of Cochin, ‘The Gateway to Kerala.’ Arrive and transfer to the Fragrant Nature Hotel.
12
Cochin
Thursday
,
5
February
Visit the Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Hospital and learn about traditional approaches to massage, yoga and diet. Take a walking tour of Fort Cochin and visit the oldest church in India, 500-year-old Portuguese houses and the spice houses. Watch a performance of the high energy, traditional martial art of Kalaripayattu.
13
Cochin
Friday
,
6
February
Drive to Alleppey and board a private cruise along the tranquil Keralan backwaters. See Keralan life unfold as you sail past families swimming, fishing and washing in the canals, past vegetable laden canoes alongside vivid green rice paddies and coconut farms. Enjoy a Keralan lunch on board before returning. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner.
14
Cochin
Saturday
,
7
February
Transfer to the airport for the return flight or to Kumarakom for the extension.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

From the shore temples at Mahabalipuram to the Chinese fishing nets at Cochin, travel through the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Cruise through the backwaters of Kerala
Kerala

Board a converted rice barge for a private cruise along the tranquil Keralan backwaters.

Insight into traditional Ayurvedic medicine
Bangalore

Visit SOUKYA the health and wellness destination to learn about Ayurvedic medicine.

Majestic Karnataka
Lalitha Mahal Palace, Mysore

See Mysore palace illuminated at night, take high tea at Lalitha Mahal Palace and explore the stunning gardens of Srirangapatna, Sultan Tipu’s palace.

Queen of the Hill Stations ‘Snooty Ooty’
Ooty

Drive into the Blue Mountains and take the toy train to the tea plantations.

The Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram

See the exquisite, UNESCO listed Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

Enrich your journey

Extend your tour

Extension to Kumarakom

Kumarakom, Kerala
7 - 10 February 2026

On 7 February, transfer from Cochin to Kumarakom, a village on Vembanad Lake in the tranquil, canal-laced backwaters of Kerala. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary being home to many species, including cuckoos and Siberian storks. Arrive at the luxury Kumarakom Lake Resort to relax at your leisure for three nights. On the 10 February, depart Kumarakom and transfer to Cochin Airport for your return flight.

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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