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Splendours of South India

Splendours of South India

Visit Trichy, Madurai and Mahabalipuram and enjoy a comprehensive insight into the history, culture and architecture of the Dravidians. The tour also includes trips to the erstwhile French colony - Pondicherry, the Mangroves of Pitchavaram, the Periyar National Park, the hill resort of Munnar, and the Mararikulam Beach. You will have three days in Kochi to explore its colonial past, serene backwaters, and captivating culture.

 

Tour Nights

  • Chennai: 2 nights
  • Pondicherry: 1 night
  • Swamimalai: 1 night
  • Trichy: 2 nights
  • Madurai: 1 night
  • Thekkady: 1 night
  • Munnar: 1 night
  • Kochi: 2 nights
  • Mararikulam: 3 nights

Tour At a Glance

  • Tour the sprawling metropolis of Chennai and the colonial city of Kochi
  • Explore the former French colony, Pondicherry
  • Practice some devotional ceremonies at the majestic temples of Madurai
  • Spot wildlife whilst trekking through Periyar National Park
  • Take a stroll through lush tea plantations
  • Tour code: STI28
  • Accommodation Grade
  • Private Tour

16 Days / 14 Nights Guide Price from £2229 pp

Splendours 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 Chennai
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    Chennai

    Arrive in Chennai early in the morning. Meet and assist on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the morning at leisure. Afternoon tour of the city. Located on the Coromandal coast, Chennai was the site of the first settlement of the East India Company and the town grew around Fort St George from 1640.

  • Day 3 Visit Mahabalipuram
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    Visit Mahabalipuram

    Today drive to visit the ancient town of Mahabalipuram with its exquisite rock-cut monuments, monolithic structures and bas-reliefs.

  • Day 4 Chennai to Pondichery
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    Chennai to Pondichery

    Leave for the seaside city of Pondicherry. Visit the Aurbindo Ashram and the French quarter. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

  • Day 5 Pondichery to Swamimalai
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    Pondichery to Swamimalai

    After breakfast leave for Pitchavaram and take a boat ride to see mangroves (considered among the healthiest in the world) and Port Nova, a former Portuguese and Dutch port. Continue to Swamimalia visiting en route Chidambaram. Overnight stay in Swamimalai.

  • Day 6 Swamimalai to Trichy
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    Swamimalai to Trichy

    Drive to Trichy visiting en route Tanjor, the cultural capital of the region, famous for the Tajore School of painting. Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswara temple complex where you can also see 1000 year-old paintings. Stay in Trichy for two nights.

  • Day 7 Trichy
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    Trichy

    Trichy, the land of Three Headed Demon, is a living example of a temple town. Today visit the magnificent Shrirangam island temple complex and the Rock fort temple.

  • Day 8 Trichy to Madurai
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    Trichy to Madurai

    Drive to Madurai. Afternoon city tour visiting the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the magnificent Shree Meenakshi temple, an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. Also visit the colourful temple market. Overnight stay in Madurai.

  • Day 9 Madurai to Thekkady
    splendours-of-south-india-09
    Madurai to Thekkady

    Drive to Thekkady. Afternoon wildlife viewing by boat in the Periyar National Park, noted for its elephant herds and a rich variety of bird life. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

  • Day 10 Thekkady to Munnar
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    Thekkady to Munnar

    Early in the morning wildlife viewing. Drive to Munnar, a hill resort in the midst of cardamom and tea plantations. Munnar is a major centre for the tea industry in Kerala. Afternoon explore the town. Overnight stay in Munnar. 
     

  • Day 11 Munnar to Kochi
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    Munnar to Kochi

    Morning visit tea and spice plantations. Later drive to Kochi, known as the ‘Venice of the East’. In the evening see the Kathakkali dance performance. Stay in Kochi for two nights.

  • Day 12 Kochi
    splendours-of-south-india-12
    Kochi

    Morning tour of Kochi visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and St Francis Church. In the evening a Sunset harbour cruise to see the Bolgahtty Island and the Chinese fishing nets.

  • Day 13 Kochi to Mararikulam
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    Kochi to Mararikulam

    Drive to Allepy and take a boat to Kottayam. The cruise takes over 3 hours passing through picturesque narrow canals and waterways. Drive to Mararikulam on the Malabar Coast. Overnight stay in Mararikulam for three nights. 

  • Day 14-15 Mararikulam
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    Mararikulam

    At leisure by the beach. Ayurveda facilities are available at the resort. At your leisure you may like to explore the nearby fishing village.

  • Day 16 Mararikulam to UK Departure
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    Mararikulam to UK Departure

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

Dates & Guide Prices

16 Apr - 11 Jul

Superior (pp)

from
£2229

Single Room Supp (pp)

from
£1599

04 Aug - 15 Sep

Superior (pp)

from
£2229

Single Room Supp (pp)

from
£1599

16 Apr - 11 Jul

Deluxe (pp)

from
£2679

Single Room Supp (pp)

from
£2089

04 Aug - 15 Sep

Deluxe (pp)

from
£2679

Single Room Supp (pp)

from
£2089

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, Mararikulam,Thekkady,Munnar,Kochi,Periyar,Kochi,Chennai,Swamimalai,Madurai,Tiruchirappalli,Pondicherry,
Abad Turtle Beach Superior

Abad Turtle Beach Mararikulam

Abad Turtle Beach Resort is ideally located at Mararikulam which is a fishing village about 30 kilometers from Kochi. The most convenient point of access to the resort for travelers coming by air is the International Airport at Kochi. Alleppey Railwa

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
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
Fragrant Nature Munnar Superior

Fragrant Nature Munnar Munnar

Fragrant Nature—a luxury hotel with the finest vantage views of the verdant mountains—is situated in a choice location of Munnar. Tata Tea Museum and St. Thomas Marthoma are within 10 kilometer. Fragrant Nature Munnar is styled similar t

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
 Indeco Hotels Swamimalai Superior

Indeco Hotels Swamimalai Swamimalai

INDeco Hotels Swamimalai is located in Thimmakudy Village in Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam is known for beautiful temples and natural beauty. Places like Sarangapani temple, Thenupuriswarar Temple and Adi Kumbeswarar Temple must be visited as well. Swamimal

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
 Fortune Pandiyan Hotel Superior

Fortune Pandiyan Hotel Madurai

Hotel Fortune Pandiyan is half a kilometer from the Meenakshi Temple and 9.7 km from the Madurai Airport Terminal.

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
Sangam Hotel Superior

Sangam Hotel Tiruchirappalli

Sangam Hotels Trichy also hosts a significant number of stop over visitors on their way to Madurai, Thanjavur, Chennai and other cities due to its central location and accessibility to Trichy airport (5 kilometers) and railway station (1 kilometer)

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
 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
Marari Beach Resort Deluxe

Marari Beach Resort Mararikulam

Marari Beach Resort is set in a superb location of 25 acres of coconut palm

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
Fragrant Nature Munnar Deluxe

Fragrant Nature Munnar Munnar

Fragrant Nature—a luxury hotel with the finest vantage views of the verdant mountains—is situated in a choice location of Munnar. Tata Tea Museum and St. Thomas Marthoma are within 10 kilometer. Fragrant Nature Munnar is styled similar t

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
Crowne Plaza Deluxe

Crowne Plaza Kochi

Located on the NH 47 Bypass with easy access to the airport, CBD, Kakkanad Infopark, Fort Kochi, and scenic backwaters and beaches to the south.

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
 Indeco Hotels Swamimalai Deluxe

Indeco Hotels Swamimalai Swamimalai

INDeco Hotels Swamimalai is located in Thimmakudy Village in Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam is known for beautiful temples and natural beauty. Places like Sarangapani temple, Thenupuriswarar Temple and Adi Kumbeswarar Temple must be visited as well. Swamimal

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
Sangam Hotel Deluxe

Sangam Hotel Tiruchirappalli

Sangam Hotels Trichy also hosts a significant number of stop over visitors on their way to Madurai, Thanjavur, Chennai and other cities due to its central location and accessibility to Trichy airport (5 kilometers) and railway station (1 kilometer)

Call 0800 408 8009 to enquire about this holiday
PALAIS DE MAHE Deluxe

PALAIS DE MAHE Pondicherry

Palais de Mahe lies close to the sea side promenade, barely 50 metres from the cool breezes and gentle rumblings of the Bay of Bengal.

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 specified in the itinerary.
  • Meals, Bed & Breakfast at all places.
  • Jungle Safari as per individual parks regulations.
  • 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.
  • Any car arrangements on free days / days at leisure.
  • Any items 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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