2026 Southern India

The state of Kerala – literally land of coconuts, also known as land of spices – is located on India’s southwestern Malabar Coast. Its varied ecosystem is unique in the biota of the sub-continent; its complex history and contemporary culture distinguish it even in multicultural India. The Western Ghats both separate this area from the interior and provide a notability rich environment for animals such as elephants, monkeys, and many species of birds. Coastal ports have welcomed foreigners, who were attracted by spices, tea, and other resources and who have contributed to the diversity of Kerala’s distinct society. 

Our journey begins in the modern metropolis of Mumbai, followed by a visit to the ancient temple town of Madurai. As we explore Kerala, excursions to nature preserves provide opportunities for bird watching and likely acquaintance with elephants. We also visit museums and historical sites that introduce both traditional Kerala culture and contributions by Portuguese, British, and others. Our appreciation of Kerala’s rich culinary traditions includes visiting a spice plantation, enjoying meals together, and a cooking lesson in coastal Kochi (formerly known as Cochin). Finally our trip concludes with a (house)boat tour/cruise into the picturesque backwaters for which Kerala is well known.

See all the details below and use the REGISTER NOW button above to join us.

This tour starts in Mumbai, visits Madurai, Periyar National Park in Thekkady, and Munnar before ending in Kochi/Cochin. You can view – and download and print, if you wish – the most up-to-date itinerary here. 

Please note: the dates of this tour may shift by about a week, either earlier or later, within the next few months, as we finalize reservations. We should have the final dates in place by March 2025.

Our intention with each tour is to provide an itinerary that introduces you to key elements related to your destination or the educational theme, while also providing some free time for you to pursue your own interests or have some down time. The balance can vary from day to day, and from tour to tour. You’ll get the most out of study travel if you research what to do during your free time. This allows you to reap the benefits of group travel, while also customizing the tour to your interests and activity level. Read more about How to Be an Independent Group Traveler.

Anne Walter graduated from Grinnell College where she majored in Biology. She earned her MSc in Zoology from the University of British Columbia and a PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology from Duke University Prior to coming to St. Olaf, she had a long-term fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, leading to her first trip to India and research collaboration in Israel.

Anne is recently retired after completing 29 years of teaching Biology at St. Olaf. For many of those years, she was co-director of the Biology in South India Program, a unique semester program that paired students with various organizations addressing environmental or healthcare issues in South India resulting in dozens and dozens of research projects furthering the work of each hosting organization. In addition to guiding student projects in Tamil Nadu, Anne led the semester-long program in Australia as well as interims in Ecuador focused on biodiversity and in Morocco to address the challenges of water. Each of these programs highlighted the synthesis between people and place, history, culture and policies linked to geography and biology.

Anne spent nearly a year at Madras Christian College as a Fulbright Lecturer During that year and multiple other trips to the region (including one with DeAne) she traveled extensively primarily in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala but has also explored the geography, architecture, and cultures of Rajasthan, New Delhi and environs, Hyderabad and Lucknow, among other regions. She is very excited to share her love of India, especially Kerala, one of the most biologically diverse regions of the globe.

L. DeAne Lagerquist, Professor Emerita of Religion, retired from St. Olaf College in 2022 after 34-years. In addition to the Religion Department, she taught in the Paracollege and the American Conversations program, and led dozens of students in international study courses. After leading St. Olaf’s Global Semester (seven countries on three continents) she was asked where she would return. Her immediate reply: “India, because it is not done with me.” Since then she has traveled back several times, including once with Anne Walter. She also developed an on-campus course on Christianity in India and a January study-abroad course on religions of India. India’s long, complex history, its religious diversity, and its rich and varied culture continue to fascinate her and draw her back. 

Expect all your senses to be engaged and to be dazzled by India.

Movement between cities will be by air-conditioned private motor coach. Movement within each city and at cultural/historic sites will be on foot, requiring a lot of walking and standing, often over uneven ground. You should be capable of walking a mile or more at a time and up to five to seven miles per day, often over uneven terrain, of climbing stairs that may not have handrails, of climbing in and out of various types of transportation, of keeping pace with an active group of travelers on long days of traveling, of dealing with the emotional highs and lows that can occur when experiencing different cultures, and of being a considerate member of the group (prompt, courteous and flexible).

Any participant who has demonstrated an inability, in the opinion of the tour leader, of keeping up with the group or of safely participating in program activities may be prohibited from participating in certain activities.

You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage throughout the tour. Traveling lightly is highly recommended.

Hotels will be tourist class (four-star or superior rating) with private baths, air conditioning, and English-speaking staff.

Inclusions and exclusions vary by tour, so please read the following information carefully.

The tour price is $4,800 per person, based on double occupancy. A supplement of $464 applies for single occupancy. 

Inclusions: discussions led by L. DeAne Lagerquist and Anne Walter; full time guide for the duration of the tour; accommodations, meals, entrance fees, and activities listed in the itinerary; private motor coach transfers; internal flight; non-alcoholic beverages with meals; gratuities for all local guides, drivers, and meals; and some limited travel insurance.

Exclusions: Airfare to and from India is not included. Participants are solely responsible for all expenses not specifically included in the tour fee. Examples of excluded expenses are: international airfare; airport transfers; any passport and visa fees; any recommended immunizations or vaccinations; alcoholic beverages; laundry, dry cleaning, phone charges, room service or other items of a personal nature; expenses incurred during free time or non-group activities; and any meals not specifically included on tour itinerary.

This schedule is based on payments St. Olaf College must make to tour vendors to guarantee group rates. We highly recommend that you purchase additional trip cancellation insurance at the time of registration to recover your payments should you need to withdraw from the tour.

Deposit due:                   $500 upon registration
Refund if you cancel:   $450 if you cancel on or before February 28, 2025. If the deposit is made after February 28, 2025 there is no refund.

Interim payment due:  $2,000 on March 1, 2025
Refund if you cancel:    $950 if you cancel on or before November 14, 2025

Balance due:                   November 15, 2025
Refund if you cancel:   None, unless the tour is full and your place can be resold

Cancellations must be in writing.

Read the Terms & Conditions and Release & Waiver.

Review the latest information on recommended immunizations, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Check your passport: ensure that it has at least 6 months’ validity past the tour end date (or your return date, if you decide to extend your stay overseas) and at least one blank page. A visa is required for visits to India. We will provide tips and suggestions on obtaining your visa at the appropriate time prior to departure.

Look at the International Travel section of the U.S. State Department, including Before You Go, Country Information, While Abroad, and Emergencies.

Take time to Prepare for your adventure by checking out a variety of resources, including frequently asked questions, general health information, included travel insurance, a safety overview, and more.

Hold the dates of February 7–24, 2026, but do not book non-refundable air until we can confirm the tour is a go. Meanwhile see our tips on Booking Your Flights.