India Vegan Tour
13 Day Vegan Tour in South India
Join us on a special vegan journey into the heartland of South India where ancient ruins, terrific temples, gorgeous gopurams, magnificent monuments, sensational saints, palatial palaces, paddies, peaks, and plantations meet vibrant villages, bustling bazaars, and balmy breezes!
What's included?
Vegan Meals
35 Vegan meals
(12 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 11 Dinners)
Accommodation
12 Nights Accommodations
(a combination of boutique bed & breakfast, historical heritage inns, old colonial-era villas, palatial mansions, a charming plantation bungalow, and a jungle lodge)
Tour Transport
- Private Air-Conditioned Mini Bus
- Jeeps
- Autor Rickshaws
- Domestic flight from Coimbatore back to Chennai (on last day of tour)
Also Included
- Daily Local Cultural Lessons and Introductions to South India’s different ethnic groups
- Daily Local Language Lessons
- Live Traditional Music and Folk Dances
- Vegan Cooking Class (traditional South Indian banana leaf meal)
- Vegan Cooking Class (South India snacks class)
- Bharatanatyam Classical Dance Workshop
- Joining with Local Grassroots Village Street Theater Program
- Vegan Meals with Local Families
- Fruit Tasting Sessions
- Local Veggie and Spice Market Exploration
- Vegan Meet-up Dinner with Local Vegans (in Chennai)
- All Local Guides Fees
- All Site Entry Fees
- Hike & Learn about life in the Countryside of the Chettinad Heartland
- Hike & Learn About Life in the Tea Plantations of the Hill Country of Coonoor
- Guests of Local Grassroot Educational Programs and Projects
- Guests of Local Village and Communities
- Yoga Lessons
- Heritage Walk in old Pondicherry
- Guests of a Local Animal Rescue
Even More Included
- Participate in Traditional Hindu Ceremonies as Guests of Local Temple
- Explore the Ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brihadeeswarar Temple
- Explore the Ancient Living Nataraja Temple of Chidambaram
- Jungle Jeep Safari into National Park
- Bicycle Through Well Off-the-beaten-path Villages and Paddy Fields of South India
- Explore the Wilds and Forests of the Protected Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
- Visit Local Temples & Temple-Architecture Lessons
- Introduction to Hinduism in South India
- Introduction to Hindu Ceremonies and Rituals
- Guests of Local Hill Tribe Communities in the Nilgiri Mountains
- National Park Fees
- Donation to Local Community and Woman Welfare Programs
- Donation to Animal Welfare & Rescue Program
- Donation to Youth Education Program
- Complimentary Refill Water Bottle and Unlimited Drinking Water
- Complimentary Juices, Hard Drinks, and Beers on “Dinner & Drinks” nights
- Vegan Welcome Package (filled with lots of local snacks) and Tote Bag
- Community Carbon Offsets to Offset 100% Group’s Carbon Emissions from Flights
- Airport Arrival Pick Up *
- … and all other activities and entertainment as per the itinerary
* Airport picks up is provided only if you arrive a day or two earlier than the tour date and staying at our hotel. If you would be arriving three days or more early, please arrange for your own airport pick up. Thank you.
What’s NOT included?
International airfare, personal travel insurance, visa fee to India, gratuities/tips, airport departure transfer (if not departing on last day of tour), laundry, and other items of personal nature.
Tour Dates & Pricing
India – South India Vegan Tour 2025 (February)
$3,595 (USD)
- MAXIMUM 14 PEOPLE
- 1 PERSON (ALL OUR TRIPS ARE GUARANTEED DEPARTURES)
- Starts on February 3, 2025 (Monday)
- Begins at 8:00 am
- Finishes on February 15, 2025 (Saturday)
- Ends at 7:00 pm
- Starts from CHENNAI (TAMIL NADU, INDIA)
- Finishes in CHENNAI (TAMIL NADU, INDIA)
All Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages Adventures runs on a twin share basis. If you are a single traveler, we will pair you up with another single traveler of the same gender. If you would like to have your own room throughout the trip, upon making a booking, please select “yes” for Single Supplement, and the cost shown below will be added to your total adventure cost.
$675 for 13 days: South India Vegan Adventure
Wedged between the mountainous Western and Eastern Ghats of Southern Asia – lies the hidden gem of South India! Far less visited than the North or the tourist-saturated beaches of Goa, South India is a wealth of cultures, architecture, history, geography, really cool (and colorful) temples, and some of the tastiest vegan food found on the subcontinent. Home to vast plains scattered with paddy fields, small villages, and ornate temples, wild jungles, wild elephants, and misty mountains, as well as bustling metropolises flourishing with skyscrapers that rise up next to surviving relics of ancient history – South India is a true melting pot of civilizations.
Discovering the history, heritage, traditions, and cuisines of this unique part of India through cultural immersion and local interaction is what this adventure is all about. From joining local families at their homes in the countryside where we’ll learn about daily life in the villages, and exploring intricately carved temples painted in Technicolor hues in fantastic temple towns. From following in the footsteps of the mighty Chola, Pallava, and Pandya dynasties who ruled the region for centuries and whose reach extended all the way to the shores of Southeast Asia – we’ll journey off-the-beaten-track as we discover the treasures and wonders of the region.
No Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages adventure is complete without a little eating (okay, a lot of eating), and this adventure is definitely no different – as we love South Indian food! South India is home to some of the tastiest vegan cuisine found on the subcontinent! This includes a definite cultural contribution to the world of culinary arts – the delectable dosa! Southern food is not just about dosas, and as any South Indian foodie will tell you – there’s nothing quite like a tasty banana leaf meal. With a mound of rice in the middle of a fresh banana leaf, local veggies, dhal, spicy rasam, papad, and pickles are piled up in front of you. Banana leaf meals are usually an all-you-can-eat endeavor – so be ready to eat!
On our Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages South India adventure, we invite you to journey off-the-beaten-track with us into the heart and soul of the deep south exploring the stunning states of Tamil Nadu and the old French enclave of Pondicherry, learning about the diverse cultures, cuisines, and way of life of the people who make up the rich tapestry of South India!
Itinerary
Get day to day insight of the tour.
DAY 1 CHENNAI
Vanakkam! Welcome to Chennai, your first stop in your South India Vegan Tour. Previously known as Madras, Chennai was once just a scattering of sleepy fishing villages along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Though settlements in the area date back more than two millenniums ago with the territory trading hands between one empire and another, Chennai didn’t really start appearing on maps in the west until the Portuguese arrived and established a small trading outpost here in 1522 near the area where St. Thomas (one of the twelve disciples of Jesus) is believed to have preached before being martyred. Almost a hundred years after the Portuguese arrived, came the Dutch who set up a small trading outpost about 60 kilometers north of where Chennai stands today. Then, in 1639, arrived the British who would change the old and new not only sit side-by-side but in some cases, a contest for space as the city grows at a rapid pace. But unlike many metropolises, Chennai’s ancient roots and history can be felt and seen on almost every street throughout the city as glass buildings rise up next to ancient temples, colonial-era homes, and traditional houses. And though the cosmopolitan lifestyle is starting to take hold, Chennaites still place great value on their traditions, culture, and customs, where religion still plays an important part in everyday life whether you are Hindu, Muslim, or Christian, and where the free-flowing lungi (South Indian Sarong), often worn in the form of waisty, is still worn by men, and where the sari is still the king (or we should say queen) among women. Chennai, being the economic, cultural, and political capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, gave birth to the Dravidian political movement that still dominates politics in the state to this day. Today, after our orientation meeting, without delay, we’ll head out into the colorful and lively streets of Chennai where we’ll not only learn about the capital’s fascinating history but also get our first taste of the rich culture and heritage of South India!
Highlights of the Day:
- Detailed Orientation Meeting where you will get to know your fellow travelers and adventure leaders better as we discuss the adventure ahead and have our Introduction to South India’s History, Cultures, and Diversity Presentation.
- Traditional Tamil Lunch (specially veganized just for us).
- Explore a couple of Chennai’s more off-the-beaten-path landmarks that are pivotal reflections in the region’s history.
- Meet up with local vegans for a delicious vegan dinner of the fusion classics of Chennai – all specially veganized just for us.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
This most memorable trip filled with delightful discoveries, enhanced (in no small measure) by VegVoyages’ attention to detail and commitment to immersing us in the diverse culture, language, and cuisines that is South India. We may have begun the trip as tourists, but gradually found our way as travelers.
DAY 2 MAHABALIPURAM & PUDUCHERRY
From the busy streets and buildings of the capital of Tamil Nadu, our journey takes us along the scenic Coromandel Coast. Getting its name from the word Cholamandalam – which roughly translates as “the realm of the Cholas”, a powerful South Indian kingdom who rules the area for years reaching the height of their power between the 9th to 13th centuries AD. As we move further out of the capital, you’ll start getting a taste of how South India has been for centuries – with small, peaceful villages, swaying palm trees, salt pans and sleepy backwaters hugging the coast. Journeying down the East Coast Road – or ECR as it is known locally, we’ll make our way to the magnificent monuments of Mahab’s whose history and stunning stone sculptures date back well over a millennium before settling down for the next three days in the charming old French enclave of Pondi – as the local still calls it, which comes from Pondicherry – but is now called Puducherry – which means “New Town”. Boasting beautiful old French architecture, colonial-era houses, sweeping promenades, quaint cafés and bakeries, classic cathedrals, and aging canals, we’ll take in the town’s winding streets and narrow lanes seeing it from a local’s point of view before joining our friends who will teach us all about South India’s extraordinary classical dance form. Bharatanatyam, as this extraordinary classical dance form is now called, originated in Tamil Nadu well over a millennia ago, and traces its origins back to a community of ancient Hindu temple dancers known as Devadasis. Bharatanatyam’s original forms are believed to be one of the oldest dance styles in India, which gave birth to make of SouthAsia’s and South East Asia’s classical dance forms. Today, we will learn about the history, movements, and methods behind this ancient and hypnotic dance. After our dance workshop, we’ll join our friends for a traditional home-cooked vegan dinner.
Highlights of the Day:
- Vegan breakfast feast of traditional Chennai dishes.
- Visit the magnificent monuments of Mahabalipuram, or Mamallapuram, with its history dating back to almost two thousand years. Many of the well-preserved ruins and relics today date back to the 7th to 9th centuries AD when this coastal city was a wealthy trading post for the Pallava Dynasty.
- Heritage walk of old Pondy along the shores of the Bay of Bengal. We’ll step back to a bygone era making our way through the colonial-era side streets and back alleys of old Pondy, learning about its history and rich cultural heritage.
- Join an expert who will teach us about South India’s extraordinary classical dance art, which gave birth to many of South Asia and South East Asia’s classical dance forms. Bharatanatyam – as this classical dance form is now called, originated in Tamil Nadu well over a millennium.
- Enjoy a delicious traditional home-cooked vegan dinner.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
VegVoyages is the absolute best. I am overwhelmed by the amazing memories and stories shared. While it’s a “tour” – it’s not a typical “tour” in any other way. Truly the most unique and amazing experience that is a credit to the amazing hosts, and you feel more like a much-loved and much-welcomed guest than you do a tourist.
DAY 3 PUDUCHERRY
It’s not just the French influence that made Pondy what it is today, but more so, the influence of the different cultures and communities who settled here over the centuries, from the local population who’s been here for millennia, to other ethnic groups throughout India and beyond. So to start the day, after yoga and breakfast, we’ll make our way out to the local market to begin our cultural culinary experience where we’ll learn how to cook a full course delightfully delicious South Indian meal. After filling our minds and bellies, we’ll make our way back to our villas where you’ll have some time free to freshen up and relax. In the early evening, we’ll set out off-the-beaten-track into the countryside to witness the very important but unfortunately dying social art of village street theater with our friend Srini and his troupe. As the moon rises over the South India countryside, we’ll sit down with the street theater’s troupe, Srini, and his family, back at his home to enjoy a tasty traditional dinner together specially veganized for us.
Highlights of the Day:
- Traditional Yoga Lesson – learning and practicing yoga in its birthplace, India
- Explore the local fruit, veggies, and spices market and learn about the different ingredients commonly used in South Indian dishes.
- South Indian dishes cooking class where we’ll learn to make a delicious vegan banana leaf meal.
- Join a grassroots street theater troupe and witness firsthand the great work they do in getting the word out on important social and health issues to rural villages in South India through the, unfortunately, fading art of village street theater.
- Guests of our friends at their home for a traditional South Indian vegan dinner.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 4 PUDUCHERRY
Starting the day with Yoga, today we’ll be guests of a nearby vegan community behind the unique environmental rehabilitation and the eco-solutions project they have established just outside of the city. Here, we’ll learn about their work, help out and join them for vegan lunch in the forest. Arriving back in town in the afternoon, you’ll have the rest of the day free to take in Pondy, stroll its quaint lanes, do a bit of souvenir shopping, or relax in the many cafes in this charming little town. Enjoy the town, as tomorrow we’re heading out onto the countryside villages of South India for the next 4 days.
Highlights of the Day:
- Traditional Yoga Lesson – learning and practicing yoga in its birthplace, India.
- Guests of a forest rehabilitation center and vegan community eco-solutions project.
- Join members of the conservation program for a picnic vegan lunch in the restored forest.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, and Lunch.
DAY 5 NEDUNCHERRY
Bidding adieu to the historical town, we’ll head out well off-the-beaten-track on the back of rural South India to a small village located among the paddy fields, farms, and rural temples of Tamil Nadu. Making our way down the coast, before reaching our home for the next two days, we’ll visit an ancient temple where we’ll learn about the stunning elements of a Dravidian temple design. From the gorgeous gopurams to finely carved pillars, marvelous mandapams, and temple tanks. Then we’ll continue further south following the Coromandel Coast before heading inland to our home for the next two days, a renovated landlord’s bungalow. We’ll spend our time here learning about local customs, culture, cuisines, and way of life in rural South India. Sitting down for a delicious banana leaf lunch, we’ll learn about the intricacies behind eating this most traditional of South India meals. As the sun sets on the horizon, we’ll settle down for refreshing drinks and a tasty dinner under the stars.
Highlights of the Day:
- Traditional Yoga Lesson – learning and practicing yoga in its birthplace, India.
- Introduction program to the Hindu temples in South India. Learn about their unique design which is quite distinct from the Hindu temples of the North. Heavily set in symbolism, elaborate carvings, massive walls, temple tanks, and often colorful highlights seen in their stunning and epic gopurams (pyramid-like structures over temple main gates), and interior designs. South Indian temples are truly remarkable in both their history and their conception.
- Cultural Culinary Experience – Introduction to Eating Etiquette of South India where we’ll learn how to properly eat a banana leaf meal following local eating customs and etiquette.
- Dhotis & Dosas – learn about the unique dhoti attire and culture of Tamil Nadu including how to properly wear and tie it; and part 1 of the 2 part dosa-making lesson.
- Join our friend as we explore the local village streets and are introduced to the different communities that have called this area their home for generations. Different architectural styles and home designs, different shrines and places of worship – the village is not only home to one or two faiths, but three religions, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian.
- Guests of a local community temple for their closing evening aarti (Hindu) ceremony.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and “Dinner &Drinks”.
DAY 6 NEDUNCHERRY
Kaalai Vanakkam (Good Morning in Tamil)! After a traditional breakfast overlooking the village and farms, we’ll set out on “traditional” bicycles into the surrounding countryside. Peddling our way through rice paddies, passing local Ayyanar deity temple unique to the Tamil people, a potter’s village, farms, fields, and cool countryside – we’ll learn about the unique way of life in rural Tamil Nadu. In the early afternoon, we’ll take a breather from our bikes and settle down with a local family at their home for a tasty lunch of fresh local delicacies. After lunch, we’ll return to our bungalow for today’s cultural culinary experience, where we learn to make the staple rice-based dishes of the South – delicious dosa, fluffy idly, and uttapam. As the sun sets over the paddies, we’ll make our way to one of the region’s most sacred temples to learn about their auspicious aarti (Hindu worship ritual) ceremonies. After, we’ll return to the village for a colorful evening of Tamil folk music, dance, drinks, and dinner under the stars.
Highlights of the Day:
- Biking into the surrounding countryside villages, paddy fields, and farms. (If not comfortable with bikes, we have an open vehicle).
- Guests of a local family for a home-cooked lunch at their home.
- Cultural Culinary Experience – part 2 of our Idly, Dosa & Uttapam Cooking Class.
- Visit Chidambaram’s sacred centuries-old Nataraja Temple.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.
DAY 7 TANJORE & KADIAPATTI
Starting early, we’ll head further inland across the plains and farmlands of Tamil Nadu making our way into the heart and soul of Chettinad, the legendary land of the Chettiars! A very prosperous merchant community, the Chettiars were vital in the wealth and business affairs of South India as far back as the reign of the Chola Empire. Known both as seafaring traders, merchants, and moneylenders (including virtually acting as banks in the late 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries in new settlements falling under British expansionism in the Far East), their influence, business dealings, and interest, extended well beyond the border os South India to include Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Singapore, Malaya (Malaysia), Burma (Myanmar), Vietnam, Mauritius, parts of Africa, and Indonesia. Their rich heritage, history, and culture are more than evident in their ornate temples and palatial palaces – magnificent mansions with grand halls, pillared courtyards, sweeping verandahs, and gorgeous tiles, which they have become famous for. As we make our way out to the village we’ll call home for the next two days, you’ll be taken back by the views of these stunning mansions that seem to literally come out of nowhere. During our journey today we will also visit the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore, a fine example of Dravidian style temple architecture, before settling down in the evening for our introduction to the famous, albeit a bit spicy, cuisine of Chettinad!
Highlights of the Day:
- Traditional Tamil breakfast feast specially veganized for us.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brihadeeswarar Temple and learn about the rich history of this larger-than-life temple and the kingdom that built it.
- 2 days staying in luxury rooms at delightfully restored over the century-old Chettinad Mansion that rings of a bygone era.
- Explore the grand halls, courtyards, and secret passages of this lovely historical mansion, learning about the rich culture, history, and home planning of the Chettiars.
- Cultural Culinary Experience – a traditional Chettinad Dinner made especially vegan for us.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.
I went on Vegan Travel Asia - VegVoyages’ South India tour and have been recommending the trip to friends – vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore alike – since my return. Expertly curated and led by company co-founder Zac Lovas, the trip felt like a colorful two-week-long immersive documentary, with a cast of characters and experiences woven together into a compelling and tasty story of life in the region. Zac’s local knowledge and relationships make the experience much richer than it already appears in the online description, and his quiet passion, unfailing positivity, humility, and attention to detail make him an ideal travel companion and host. The highlights of the trip were, without doubt, the opportunities to meet real people – a friend of Zac’s who runs a traditional dance school for village girls as well as a street theatre troupe that we were able to join for a performance, a hotel manager who led our group on a bicycle ride through rice fields to lunch at his parents’ home in a nearby village, a tour guide at one of the most important temples who was the expert one might seek to interview if producing a documentary about the site, and many others. This is a trip for those who want to learn about life, culture, food, politics, and more — and one I believe would be a rewarding experience for anyone with an open mind and open heart, regardless of age, background, or previous travel experience. Those who, like me, feel a strong aversion to bus-tour-style organized group travel and would rather chart their own course will likely find that this trip combines the best of both worlds – the kinds of places and experiences you would miss out on with a “normal” group tour, but organized with a rhythm and efficiency that would be quite difficult on one’s own – not to mention the opportunity to sample a much wider assortment of delicious local cuisine than if traveling solo!
DAY 8 KADIAPATTI
What a better way to start the day than with the sweet smells and tastes of piping hot fresh appam, idiyappam, and paniyaram – during our cooking demonstration this morning we’ll learn how these tasty breakfast treats are made – and of course, eat them too! Then we’ll head out into the countryside where we’ll explore some stunning ancient ruins set around a large stone hill, forest and farm fields, a really cool Jain cave, and a formidable fort. Hike through peaceful picturesque villages that seem lost in time as we get well off-the-beaten-track in Chettinad and its surroundings. We’ll also have a tasty picnic lunch just outside of a small village set amongst some centuries-old ruins. Returning in the late afternoon, you’ll have time to relax and freshen up with a swim in the pool before we meet for a delicious dinner of local, albeit a little spicy again, Chettinad delicacies!
Highlights of the Day:
- Learn to make South India breakfast treats (appam, idiyappam, and paniyaram).
- Visit Thirumayam Fort whose history dates back to the late 1600s.
- Hike to Vijayalaya Choleswaram Temple, and enjoy great views of the surrounding countryside.
- Delicious Chettinad style picnic lunch at the ancient ruins of the Kadambanayanar Temple.
- Visit the 2nd-century Jain monastery and temple cave os Sittanavasal (“abode of the great saints”, or sittannavayil).
- Special vegan Chettinad dinner and drinks in one of the grand halls of the mansion.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner &Drinks.
Thank you for coordinating the most amazing journey for us! You’ve made this such a memorable trip. Thank you for puTng as much heart, soul and thoughts into this adventure. It definitely created a love and curiosity of Indian culture for us.
DAY 9 NILGIRI MOUNTAINS
On our journey today you’ll see the terrain change quite a bit, especially as we head up into the Nilgiri. Be ready for some spectacular views and be on the lookout for wildlife – especially monkeys, deer, and bison! Part of the Western Ghats, the Nilgiri is also known as the “Blue Mountains” (in Tamil, “Neelam” means blue, and “Giri” means mountain or hill). Some say they earned this name because of a local flower that would blossom on the mountain’s slopes, others say it is because of the blue mist which hovers around the mountain slopes, peaks, and valleys from a distance. Whatever the origins of its name, one thing is certain – the inviting cool climate, local indigenous tribal cultures, forested hills, and tea plantation slopes of these beautiful mountains are synonymous with the mystique and majesty of these ancient highlands. The Nilgiri is also home to a rich and diverse biosphere made up of both moist evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, tropical thorn forests, savannah woodlands, and grasslands among others, and a wide variety of wildlife including roughly 350 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, 31 species of amphibians, 60 species of reptiles and 39 species of fish. Arriving in the old town of Coonoor, our home here will be in a charming 19th-century bungalow complete with high ceilings, wood flooring, and a fireplace – which believe it or not, comes in handy for the town’s cool climate. After freshening up, we’ll gather around the fireplace with our friend who was born and raised here, for a fresh hot tea and toddies and your first introduction to Coonoor’s history and the local tribes that have called the Nilgiri their home for centuries.
Highlights of the Day:
- Scenic road trip as we journey up into the Nilgiri, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world!
- Stay at a charming 19th-century Scottish-style bungalow.
- Introduction to the Nilgiri, and the different ethnic communities that have called the Blue MOuntains their home for centuries.
- Put together supplies for a special education program in the community.
- Special candlelight dinner, in the theme of Connoor’s history, we’ll enjoy a fusion of South Indian and European-influenced dishes.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.
DAY 10 NILGIRI MOUNTAINS
With cool mountain breezes brushing past the tree-lined hillside of our bungalow, after breakfast, we’ll meet up with our close friend, a longtime local resident who will introduce us to the people, culture, traditions, and way of life in the Nilgiri. Then, we’ll head out on foot into the hills, valleys, and ravines of Coonoor’s beautiful countryside. During our hike today we’ll focus on learning about the people whose livelihood revolves around the area’s many tea plantations and agriculture. On our trek, be on the lookout for the mountain’s famous, if not a little bit notorious, wild bison – yes bison, which tend to make themselves quite at home among the tea plant-laden hillside slopes. During our trek, we’ll also be guests of a local community education program where we’ll deliver the supplies we have put together and join in some activities the teacher and students have planned for us. As the sun sets over the mountain peaks, we’ll settle down around the fire for a tasty dinner of local fusion delicacies!
Highlights of the Day:
- Hike into the hillside plantations, forests, and village with our friend who will introduce us to life in the Nilgiri from a local’s point of view.
- Guests of a local community education program where we’ll participate in their activities.
- Join a local family at their home in the tea plantation housing projects for a special vegan lunch specially prepared for us.
- Guests of a local tribal village and join them in a tree-planting project.
- Special candlelight dinner. Enjoy local drinks, snacks, and a delicious dinner of traditional delicacies, including a vegan BBQ – Coonoor style.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.
DAY 11 MASINAGUDI & MUDUMALAI NATIONAL PARK
After a fusion breakfast of local vegan favorites, we’ll set out by van and by foot up into the Blue Mountains to learn about the people who settled the Nilgiri well before the British arrived. The original people of the mountains have been here for centuries, and some of the tribes can trace their roots in the Blue Mountains back thousands and thousands of years. One tribe, the Toda, believes their people have called the Nilgiri their home since the beginning of time. It is estimated that 28% of the population here belongs to Scheduled Castes or Schedule Tribes. Then we’ll say goodbye to “the hills” as we meet our jeeps and journey down from the peaks to the plains and the wilds of Mudumalai! Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the protected forests and plains in and immediately around Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary stretch over 321 square kilometers. In the late afternoon, we will arrive at our forest bungalow – our home for the next two days in the heart of the jungle on the edge of this truly epic national park!
Highlights of the Day:
- Scenic drives into the rolling hills and mountain peaks of the Nilgiri.
- Guests of a small Toda village and learn about their unique way of life, traditions, and customs.
- Traditional local lunch at the Toda village, all veganized especially for us.
- Traditional Toda folk dances.
- Jeep Safari into the plains and the wilds of Mudumalai National Park.
- Catch the sunset over the forest from the “hide” (viewpoint) and hear the chores of creatures that come to life at night.
- Campfire discussion and introduction to the national park complete with drinks and local snacks, followed by a vegan feast for dinner.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.
DAY 12 MASINAGUDI & MUDUMALAI NATIONAL PARK
Made up of tropical deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, grasslands and dry thorn forests, the land that stretches out between three different states in this protected reserve is home to an abundant variety of wildlife with over 55 species of mammals – including elephants, deer, tigers, leopards, bears, wild boar, langur, blackbucks, jackals, wild dogs, giant squirrels, and porcupines to name just a few, 227 species of birds (some put the counts as high as 320), 21 species of amphibians and 34 species of reptiles. Today, we will go on a safari exploring the national park and its surrounding forests, catching glimpses of the lovely beasts that call the jungle their home. We will also be guests of important animal rescue and sanctuary, where we’ll learn about the important work they are doing to help protect the wildlife of South India and promote animal welfare. After 12 days of traveling together from the Coromandel Coast to the old-French enclave of Pondy. From heading off-the-beaten-track in a small village in Tamil Nadu to the Chettinad heartland. From the stunning Chola temples and the timeless palaces of Kadiapatti to the tribal villages and tea plantations of the Blue Mountains. As the light of the day turns to dark, we’ll settle down around a campfire where we’ll enjoy our last evening together in South India with refreshing drinks, tasty snacks, and a delicious vegan feast for dinner.
Highlights of the Day:
- Morning jeep safari on the back roads of Mudumalai National Park.
- Guests of important animal rescue, sanctuary, and animal welfare organization that is on the frontline of preventing cruelty towards animals – both domestic and wildlife, and are the main voice for animals in the area.
- Join a local naturalist and head out on jeeps into the wilds of Mudumalai and Bandipur National Park on safari – be on the lookout for elephants!
- Festive farewell dinner around the campfire under the shadow of the Blue Mountains on our last evening in South India together.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.
DAY 13 MASINAGUDI – CHENNAI
For early risers, check out the “lookout” a short distance from our bungalows. After breakfast, we’ll board our vehicles, say goodbye to Masinagudi, and make our way on a scenic journey passing protected forests and small villages over the Nilgiri to Coimbatore where we’ll catch our flight to Chennai on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. We’ll be having lunch at a local family’s home before boarding the plane. Our adventure ends on arrival back in Chennai at around 7:00 pm. Mikka nandri! Thank you very much for traveling with us and for choosing a Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages adventure!
Highlights of the Day:
- Catch the sunrise over the forest for a few glimpses of the jungle’s wildlife.
- Guests of a local family at their home for a delicious home-cooked vegan lunch.
- Flight back to Chennai.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast and Lunch.
Thank you very much for the amazing holiday! The adventure was a wonderful experience and I am sure it will take me weeks and weeks to all sink in. I am so glad I have hundreds and hundreds of photos to edit and remind me of every second.