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Highlights of South India

Highlights of South India

The tour starts from Chennai, among the most prominent metropolitan areas in South India. You have a full day to explore the city before leaving for Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO site. In both Madurai and Tanjore, you will find some of the most beautiful temples. Visit Pondicherry, the erstwhile French colony, to explore India’s colonial past. The backwaters, Thekkady, Kochi and Kumarakom are other highlights of the tour.

 

Tour Nights

  • Chennai: 1 night
  • Pondicherry: 1 night
  • Tanjore: 1 night
  • Madurai: 1 night
  • Thekkady: 2 nights
  • Kumarakom: 2 nights
  • Kerala House Boat: 1 night
  • Kochi: 2 nights
  • Mahabalipuram: 2 nights

Tour At a Glance

  • Tour the sprawling metropolis of Chennai
  • Drive through one of the longest beaches in the world, Marina beach
  • Explore the former French colony, Pondicherry
  • Practice some devotional ceremonies at the majestic Meenakshi temple
  • Spot wildlife whilst trekking through Periyar National Park
  • Revel in the pleasures of a house boat on the backwaters of Kerala
  • Enjoy Bird watching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
  • Tour code: STI30
  • Accommodation Grade
  • Private Tour

15 Days / 13 Nights Guide Price from £2479 pp

Highlights of South India Itinerary details

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  • Day 1 UK to Chennai
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    UK to Chennai

    Depart from UK an overnight flight to Chennai.

  • Day 2 Arrival Chennai
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    Arrival Chennai

    Morning arrival in Chennai, transfer to your hotel for one night. Founded in 1639, Chennai was the site of the first settlement of the East India Company. Afternoon tour of the city visiting the Museum and Art Gallery. Drive through the Flower & Fruit Market; visit Fort St. George, which once served as the very first bastion of the East India Company. Within the Fort complex is the oldest Anglican Church in India, St Mary's Church, built in 1678-1680. Drive along the Marina Beach, one of the longest beaches in the world running to a length of 12 km. Also visit San Thome Cathedral, which is said to contain the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle (Doubting Thomas). 

  • Days 3-4 Chennai - Mahabalipuram
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    Chennai - Mahabalipuram

    After breakfast leave for Mahabalipuram, famous for the Shore Temple and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay for two nights. 

  • Day 5 Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
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    Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry

    After breakfast leave for Pondicherry. Pondicherry city has a long history dating back 2000 years when it was an important Roman trading post. Francois Martin, a Frenchman, established the modern city of Pondicherry between 1673 and 1680. The French established their supremacy in this area by waging several battles against the Dutch, the English and the Caranatic Nawabs. Pondicherry is also the place where Sri Aurobindo, a well known philosopher, patriot and savant established his Ashram. Stay for one night. 

  • Day 6 Pondicherry to Tanjore
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    Pondicherry to Tanjore

    Morning drive to Tanjore. Afternoon visit Brihadisvara Temple (capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single gigantic granite block weighing 80 tons) and Raja Chola Art Gallery. The Raja Chola Art Gallery has over 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts written on palm leaf and paper preserved in the Saraswathi Mahal Library. Overnight stay in Tanjore. 

  • Day 7 Tanjore to Madurai
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    Tanjore to Madurai

    Morning depart for Madurai, an ancient city dating back 2,500 years. Afternoon visit Meenakshi temple, which is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. Also visit Sundareswarar Temple with its Hall of a Thousand Pillars elaborately carved, some of which sound like metal and are commonly referred to as the metal stone or musical pillars. Stay for one night. 

  • Day 8 Madurai to Thekkady
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    Madurai to Thekkady

    Morning drive to Thekkady for two nights. Afternoon visit Periyar National Park, noted for its elephant herds and a rich variety of animal and bird life. The sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, much of which is thick evergreen forest. Wildlife viewing by boat. 

  • Day 9 Thekkady
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    Thekkady

    Morning boat ride in lake Periyar in search of more wildlife. Afternoon spice plantation tour. 

  • Day 10 Thekkady to Kumarakom
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    Thekkady to Kumarakom

    After Breakfast leave for Kumarakom. Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake on the west, Kumarakom is a land of backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands and extensive rubber plantations. Stay for two nights. 

  • Day 11 Kumarakom
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    Kumarakom

    Morning take a walking tour of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Situated on the banks of the Vembanand Lake, the sanctuary is known for its varied avian population. Local varieties such as waterfowls, cuckoos and owls, as well as the migratory Siberian Cranes can be viewed here. 

  • Day 12 Kumarakom - Backwaters (Houseboat)
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    Kumarakom - Backwaters (Houseboat)

    Morning transfers to Kumarakom Jetty, embark on a houseboat for one night. Cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. The Backwaters are a maze of bridge and canals set in a labyrinth of backwater channels dotted with endless stretches of lakes and lagoons. 

  • Day 13 Backwaters (Houseboat) to Kochi
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    Backwaters (Houseboat) to Kochi

    Disembark in the morning and drive to Kochi for two nights. Kochi, once known as Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Many influences including Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese are evident in the city. In the evening attend a Traditional Kathakali dance performance. 

  • Day 14 Kochi
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    Kochi

    Morning tour of the city visiting the Dutch Palace, originally built by the Portuguese, housing a fine collection of mural paintings. The Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 is magnificently decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Visit the St. Francis Church, which is the city's oldest church, built by Europeans. See the Chinese fishing nets that line the tip of Fort Kochi. Evening by sunset enjoy a boat cruise. 

  • Day 15 Kochi to UK
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    Kochi to UK

    Transfer to the International airport in Kochi towards your onward journey to UK with sweet memories. 

Dates & Guide Prices

01 Apr - 11 Jul

Superior (pp)

from
£2479

Single Room Supp (pp)

from
£1679

04 Aug - 20 Sep

Superior (pp)

from
£2479

Single Room Supp (pp)

from
£1679

01 Apr - 11 Jul

Deluxe (pp)

from
£2649

Single Room Supp (pp)

from
£1899

04 Aug - 20 Sep

Deluxe (pp)

from
£2649

Single Room Supp (pp)

from
£1899

Extension

  • From majestic landscapes and glorious beaches, to mystic temples and tranquil backwaters, here is a tour that promises sheer indulgence to your senses.

    Kovalam-01
    Day 1

    Kovalam

    Post breakfast, transfer to the airport and proceed towards your onward journey to Trivandrum. Upon arrival proceed towards Kovalam by car and transfer to hotel for 2 nights stay in Kovalam. Read More

    Kovalam-02
    Day 2

    Kovalam

    At leisure.

    Kovalam-03
    Day 3

    Kovalam & Kanyakumari

    Post breakfast proceed towards Kanyakumari and stay for 1 night in Kanyakumari. Read More

    Kanyakumar-01
    Day 4

    Kanyakumari & Trivandrum-Cochin

    Post breakfast, proceed towards Trivandrum by car. Upon arrival transfer to airport towards your onward journey to Cochin. Upon arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night stay in Cochin. Read More

    Kanyakumar-02
    Day 5

    To UK

    Transfer to the International airport in Cochin towards your onward journey to UK with sweet memories. Read More

       
  • This tour in the South, brings you some most sought after destinations like Madikeri & Mysore, where history, mysticism and nature all sit together, and take turns to enchant you with their captivating charm.

    Mysore-01
    Day 1

    To Mysore

    Post breakfast, transfer to the airport and proceed towards your onward journey to Bangalore. Upon arrival proceed towards Mysore by car and transfer to hotel for 2 nights stay in Mysore. Read More

    Mysore-02
    Day 2

    To Mysore

    Post breakfast visit the city tour of Mysore -Maharaja’s Palace, local markets, Chamundi hills and the Nandi Bull. Read More

    Coorg-01
    Day 3

    To Madikeri

    This morning proceed towards Madikeri via Srirangapatnam. Upon arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights stay in Madikeri. Read More

    Coorg-02
    Day 4

    Madikeri

    Morning visit to Omkareshwar Temple and Abbey Falls. Afternoon at leisure. Read More

    Coorg-03
    Day 5

    To Ferokh

    Transfer to Ferokh via Kappad Beach. Stay overnight at the Hotel. Read More

    Cochin-01
    Day 6

    To Kochi (Cochin)

    Post breakfast drive to Kochi and stay overnight at the Hotel in Cochin. Read More

    Coorg-01
    Day 7

    To UK

    Transfer to the International airport in Cochin towards your onward journey to London with sweet memories. Read More

       
  • Retire to one of the quaintest corners in India that has remained untouched by perils of urbanisation. An important stop on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Hillgrove is best explored on sauntered walks along its lush, green spaces.
    “The Queen of Hill Stations’, Ooty is about miles of verdant tea and coffee plantations, tall pine trees, charming British-era architecture and a laid-back vibe. If you are looking to escape sweltering Indian summers as well as hoards of crowds that compete for space at the hill stations up north, the unassumingly stunning Ooty in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu is just the place for you.
    A city marked by reminders of the Royal Heritage, Mysore is where architecture takes a centre-stage in shedding light on the local history, culture and traditions. Smell of spices and incense dominate the air as visitors and locals negotiate deals in the city’s bustling bazaars. 

    Mysore-01
    Day 1

    Cochin, Hillgrove

    Post breakfast; proceed towards Hillgrove for a two night stay at the Resort. Read More

    Mysore-04
    Day 2

    Hillgrove

    Day to relax in your pretty surroundings. Read More

    Mysore-06
    Day 3

    Hillgrove, Mysore

    In the morning, take the Nilgiri Mountain railway to Ooty, through scenic villages and beautiful mountain landscapes. Journey onward, by car, to Mysore (4-5 hours) and spend two nights at the Hotel in Mysore. Read More

    Mysore-02
    Day 4

    Mysore

    A full day of sightseeing in Mysore commences with a visit to Srirangapatnam to see Tipu Sultan’s Palace. Drive up into the Chamundi hills for stunning views of the surrounding area and a visit to the monolithic Nandi Bull. Spend time at the grand Mysore Palace and visit the colorful Devaraja market. Read More

    Bangalore-01
    Day 5

    Mysore, Bengaluru

    Post breakfast drive towards Bengaluru, a city that is popularly known as the IT hub of India. The afternoon is at leisure. Stay at the hotel for one night in Bengaluru. Read More

    Bangalore-02
    Day 6

    Bengaluru, Cochin

    Post breakfast, transfer to airport in Bengaluru towards Cochin. Rest of the day at leisure. Read More

    Cochin-02
    Day 7

    Cochin, UK

    Post breakfast, transfer to the International airport in Cochin towards your onward journey to UK with sweet memories. Read More

       

Hotels

Filter Result

Room Type

Star rating

Location

3,4,5, Thekkady,Kochi,Madurai,Kumarakom,Periyar,Chennai,Mahabalipuram,Pondicherry,Thanjavur,
The Elephant Court Superior

The Elephant Court Thekkady

The Elephant Court is situated in Thekkady, one of the

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
Holiday Inn Superior

Holiday Inn Kochi

Located in the cosmopolitan city of Cochin, known as the industrial capital of Kerala, Holiday Inn Cochin is a recent addition in this bustling commercial port.Conveniently located on the NH Bypass at a distance of 5 kms from Kakkanad,commercial plac

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
AC Dlx. House Boat Superior

AC Dlx. House Boat Kumarakom

Sail onto the famed backwaters of Kerala on a house boat and behold captivating sights and sounds - swaying palms and images from daily life in local fishing villages. 

 
Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
Rhythm Kumarakom Superior

Rhythm Kumarakom Kumarakom

The hotel Situated in Rhythm Kumarakom is on a lake and close to Kumarakom Boat Jetty, Vembanad Lake, and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Regional attractions also include Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple and Nagambadam Stadium. 

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
The Pride Superior

The Pride Chennai

Pride Hotel is located at the prime location of Poonamallee

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
 Ideal Beach Resort Superior

Ideal Beach Resort Mahabalipuram

Nestled in the sprawling corromandal coastline overlooking the Bay of Bengal, it is an ideal place to enjoy some of India's unique cultures. located 45 km from Chennai Airport and 30 km from Chennai Railway Station. Mahabalipuram Local market and

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
 The Residency Towers Puducherry Superior

The Residency Towers Puducherry Pondicherry

On a street lined with shops, this upmarket hotel is 2 km from both Puducherry Beach and the Puducherry Museum. It's a 15-minute walk from Puducherry train station.

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
Great Trails Riverview Resort Thanjavur By GRT Hotels Superior

Great Trails Riverview Resort Thanjavur By GRT Hotels Thanjavur

Next to the Vennaaru River, this high-end hotel is 8 km from 11th-century Brihadisvara Temple and 10 km from Thanjavur Junction train station.

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
GRT Regency, Madurai Superior

GRT Regency, Madurai Madurai

The GRT Regency Madurai hotel reflects the heritage of the city in a blend of age-old tradition and modern comfort. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Madurai Airport as well as the Madurai Junction railway station, the hotel is well conne

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Deluxe

The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai

The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai is located in Madurai making it

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
The Zuri Deluxe

The Zuri Kumarakom

The Zuri is Located on the serene banks of Vembanad

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
Spice Village Deluxe

Spice Village Periyar

Spice Village is a resort located in Kumily, a small settlement

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
 The Leela Palace Deluxe

The Leela Palace Chennai

The Leela Palace is located near Chennai's central business district and in close proximity to tourist sites. Anna International Airport and Kamaraj Domestic Airport are 16 kilometers away from the hotel.

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
AC Dlx. House Boat Deluxe

AC Dlx. House Boat Kumarakom

Sail onto the famed backwaters of Kerala on a house boat and behold captivating sights and sounds - swaying palms and images from daily life in local fishing villages. 

 
Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
Intercontinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort Deluxe

Intercontinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort Mahabalipuram

Located in Mahabalipuram, this beachfront hotel is in the historical district and within a 5-minute walk of Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology. Muttukadu Boat House and DakshinaChitra are also w

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
Palais de Mahe - CGH Earth Deluxe

Palais de Mahe - CGH Earth Pondicherry

This elegant hotel is 2 blocks from the nearest beach, 10 minutes on foot from Puducherry train station and 1 km from the Manakula Vinayagar Temple.

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
Great Trails Riverview Resort Thanjavur By GRT Hotels Deluxe

Great Trails Riverview Resort Thanjavur By GRT Hotels Thanjavur

Next to the Vennaaru River, this high-end hotel is 8 km from 11th-century Brihadisvara Temple and 10 km from Thanjavur Junction train station.

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
Le Meridien Kochi Deluxe

Le Meridien Kochi Kochi

Nestled amongst 25 acres of coconut groves and backwater rivers, Le Méridien Kochi sits at the heart of one of India’s most naturally beautiful cities. The hotel is just 10 minutes drive from local Shopping district area and City’s

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday

What's Included?

  • Return International flights from UK. Supplement may apply from regional airports.
  • All Airport and train transfers as specified by a chauffeur driven car inclusive of representative assistance.
  • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary or similar.
  • Meals, Bed & Breakfast at all places, House Boat on Full Board.
  • Services of a local agent in all major cities and an English speaking guide during sightseeing as specified inclusive of entry fee to the monuments.
  • All applicable taxes and service charges.

What's not Included?

  • Visa fees.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Personal Expenses such as laundry, telephones calls, hard & soft drinks, meals other then specified, beverages and mineral water etc.
  • Camera fee: Still and video camera fee at monuments and game parks.
  • Tips anywhere: To drivers, porters, bellboys, guides & waiters etc.
  • Free Days: Any car arrangements on free days / days at leisure.
  • Any other services not mentioned in the itinerary and inclusions.

Additional Information

Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£) based on twin sharing.

* Offer valid for selected dates | Subject to Availability | Terms and Conditions Apply

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