Gateway To South India
15 DAYS
2019
FROM $2,790*PP
INCLUDES: Local Guide | Accommodation | Guided Sightseeing Tours | Meals | Entertainment
The picturesque beauty of India can be best defined through the magnificent hill stations, beautiful temples, lush forests and pristine beaches. All four of these natural marvels are sprinkled in plenty in South India. The southern region of India is famous for its vibrant culture and manmade marvels like Mylapore Temple, Brihadeshwara Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Dutch Palace. The intrinsic carvings and art of the temples and palaces are simply unparalleled and mesmerize the visitors.
Note : This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We tailor holidays in India for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour.
INCLUSIONS
14 Nights hotel accommodation in your selected category.
1 Night private houseboat in your selected category.
Meals as specified.
English-speaking local guides.
Guided tours: Cochin, Madurai, Chettinad, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram and Chennai.
Cooking demonstration and dinner in Chettinad.
Entrance fees.
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.
Arrival and departure transfers.
Services of a local representative.
Traditional folklore dance performance, Cochin.
Boat safari, Periyar lake
Day 01 COCHIN
Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Holiday Inn (4 star), Trident Cochin (5 star) or Vivanta by Taj Malabar (Luxury).
Day 02 COCHIN
This morning your city tour visits the Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church the oldest European church in India. This afternoon enjoy a walk along the narrow street known as Jew Town, famous for its antiques and old world charm. Enjoy an evening performance showcasing the traditional folklore dance known as Kathakali. * Dutch Palace closed Fridays and Jewish Synagogue closed Friday and Saturday. (B, L)
Day 03 COCHIN - ALLEPPEY
Travel to Alleppey, also referred to as the Venice of the East due to the vast network of canals it is situated on. Here you will board a houseboat and begin your journey along the stunning palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala, one of southern Indias most mesmerising experiences. Relax as you wind your way past the vast expanse of paddy fields witnessing everyday village life along the banks. Overnight on a Private Houseboat (4 star) or Private Houseboat (5 star/Luxury+). (B, L, D)
Day 04 MALLEPPEY - KUMARAKOM
After a relaxing night aboard your houseboat its time to disembark and drive the short distance to the village of Kumarakom, a cluster of little islands on Vembanad Lake. Your evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Overnight at Hotel Backwater Ripples (4 star), Zuri Kumarakom (5 star) or Kumarakom Lake Resort (Luxury). (B)
Day 05 KUMARAKOM
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Kumarakom. Take the day to explore the village, visit the bird sanctuary or rejuvenate with a traditional Ayurveda treatment. (B)
Day 06 KUMARAKOM - PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK - THEKKADY
This morning your tour continues to Periyar a spice plantation area surrounded by the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy a boat safari on the scenic Periyar Lake, where you may be able to catch a glance of some rare varieties of birds and animals in Periyar National Park. Overnight at Poetree Sarovar Resort (4 star), Greenwoods Resort (5 star) or Spice Village (Luxury). (B)
Day 07 THEKKADY - MADURAI
Today you will drive to the ancient city of Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu. This evening attend the Aarti ceremony at the colorful Meenakshi Amman Temple. Overnight at Heritage Madurai (4 star) or The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai (5 Star/Luxury+). (B)
Day 08 MADURAI
Your guided tour this morning includes a visit to the local flower and vegetable markets, the weavers colony, the thousand pillared Madurai Meenakshi Temple, the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Koodal Alagar Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal and the Gandhi Museum. (B)
Day 09 MADURAI - CHETTINAD
Today takes you to Chettinad, a fascinating destination famous for its unique cuisine and historic architecture of significant cultural importance. This evening participate in a cooking demo, followed by dinner. Overnight in Kanadukathan at Hotel Chettinad Mansion (4 star) or Visalam (5 star/Luxury+). (B, D)
Day 10 CHETTINAD
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Chettinad. Visit the huge country homes of the Chettiars, Chettinad museum where you can observe the local craft of tile making and the district of Karaikudi, well-known for the limestone houses unique to this area. (B)
Day 11 CHETTINAD - PONDICHERRY
This morning continue your tour to Pondicherry stopping for lunch at Lakshmi Vilas heritage bungalow. On arrival in Pondicherry check in at Accord Pondicherry (4 star) or Palais De Mahe (5 star/Luxury+). (B)
Day 12 PONDICHERRY
Todays sightseeing tour includes a visit to Aurobindo Ashram, Botanical gardens, Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry Museum, French Institute of Ideology and Bharti Dasan Memorial Museum. (B)
Day 13 PONDICHERRY
Morning sightseeing of Auroville followed by an afternoon at leisure to wander around this French Colonial settlement with its tree lined streets, mustard coloured colonial villas and chic boutiques. (B)
Day 14 PONDICHERRY - MAHABALIPURAM - CHENNAI
After breakfast drive to Chennai with a visit en route at Mahabalipuram Shore Temples. Overnight at Courtyard by Marriot (4 star), Trident Chennai (5 star) or The Leela Palace (Luxury). (B)
Day 15 CHENNAI
Todays guided city tour takes you to Mylapore Temple, Kapleshwar Temple, Fort St. George Museum, St. Marys Church and Marina Beach. Rest of the day is free for you to relax. (B)
Day 16 CHENNAI
Your tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)
| 4 Star | 5 Star | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost pp Twin Share | $2790 | $3540 | $2850 |