Tour Details
- Starts in: Chennai / Ends in: Kochi
- Departs: any day of the year
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:14, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1
- Hotel Rating: 3-4 star and Heritage
- Tour Guide: Yes - for all scheduled sightseeing
Experiences
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Beautiful South - 15 days
Chennai, Pondicherry and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Kochi, colonial hill stations and a rice boat cruise on the Keralan backwaters. An action packed fortnight in the Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, that simply has it all!
Day 1: Chennai
Welcome to India and the start of your holiday! Arrive Chennai, included transfer to hotel. An afternoon tour of the city includes a vist to St George Fort, built in 1653 and St Mary’s Church, the oldest British church in India. Overnight - Chennai
Day 2: Chennai
Today, we visit Kanchipuram, one of sacred cities in India plus also the seaside town of Mahabalipuram, famous for its shore temple. The city is also famous for handwoven silk. In Mahabalipuram, the huge rock-cut sculptures and mandapams (pillared pavilions) date from the 5th to 8th centuries. Overnight - Chennai (B)
Beautiful South - 15 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 3: Pondicherry
Chennai - Pondicherry. South by car to Pondicherry. A former French colony, Pondicherry exudes a Mediterranean aura - whitewashed residences, ornamental gardens and excellent French-Indian restaurants. Many travellers come to visit the popular Sri Aurobindo Ashram, whose spiritual tenets combine yoga and modern science. Enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour. Overnight - Pondicherry (B)
Day 4: Tanjore
Pondicherry - Tanjore. Continuing south, you’ll arrive at Tanjore. Also known as Thanjavur, Tanjore is an
ancient fortified town, with a glorious history dating back
more than 1500 years. Thanjavur was the ancient capital
of the Chola kings whose origins date back to the beginning
of Christianity. Our city tour includes the enormous
Brihadishwara Temple. Built by Raja Raja in 1010, the
World Heritage protected temple has a dome weighing an
estimated 80 tonnes which was hauled into place
along an earth ramp in a manner similar to
that used for the Egyptian pyramids. Overnight - Tanjore (B)
Day 5: Trichy
Tanjore - Trichy. A short drive to Trichy. Trichy has been ravaged by war through the centuries. A lasting legacy is the Rock Fort and its temples. Enjoy some exploration of the fort and temples on our afternoon tour. Overnight - Trichy (B)
Days 6 - 7: Madurai
Trichy - Madurai. This morning, the journey
continues south to Madurai. An important centre for
worship and commerce, Madurai has been around since
the dawn of civilisation in southern India. A bustling
city jam-packed with rickshawallas, pilgrims and traders
and resembling a seemingly continuous bazaar crammed
to the gunnels with shops, markets and lodgings for
tourists and pilgrims, Madurai is yours this afternoon.
Go immerse yourself. This evening, you’ll witness a
religious ceremony at a local temple. On the morning of
day 7, enjoy a sightseeing tour. Highlights include the
Sri Meenakshi Temple built in 1560 and the city’s busy
bazaars. The afternoon is then free for you to further
explore the city. Overnight - Madurai (B:2)
Day 8: Periyar NP
Madurai - Periyar. The journey continues to Periyar which has south India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary and home to sambar wild boar, elephant, bison, antelope, langur and a small tiger population. Kumily, close to the sanctuary and where you’ll stay, is a pretty town dotted with small spice and handicraft shops. Overnight - Periyar NP (B)
Day 9: Periyar NP
There is plenty to do in and around Periyar. Perhaps enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot herds of wild elephants or visit the nearby tea estates and spice plantation. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight - Periyar NP (B)
Days 10 - 11: Kumarakom
Periyar- Kumarakom. Continue to Kumarakom. Perched sleepily amongst a tangle of lush tropical waterways known as the Keralan backwaters, Kumarakom is technically an island on Lake Vembanad. An ideal place to relax and be at one with natural surroundings, you’ll enjoy two nights here. Check out the wonderful bird sanctuary. Overnight - Kumarakom (B:2)
Day 12: Kerala Backwaters - Allapuzha
This morning, you’ll board a traditional Keralan rice boat for a journey through the backwaters in and around Allapuzha (Alleppey). The boat will cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes and cruise along peaceful canals where copra and cashews are loaded onto local boats. The on-board cook will prepare locally-inspired food. Relax, read and catch some sun as the boat plies it’s route. Overnight - Rice Boat (B, L, D)
Day 13: Kochi
Backwaters - Kochi. Disembarking at Allapuzha, enjoy a short drive to Kochi (Cochin). The city of Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. One can see winding streets with mosques, a 16th century Jewish synagogue and Jewish community with ancient roots and 500 year old Portuguese cottages! Enjoy the remains of the day your way. Overnight - Kochi (B)
Day 14: Kochi
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour, including a walking tour of Fort Cochin. With the afternoon at leisure, perhaps watch famous Keralan dancers perform. Arrive early so you don’t miss the artists applying their awesome make-up. Overnight - Kochi (B)
Day 15: Kochi
Hotel check-out and included onward transfer to airport. (B)
Extend your stay with a relaxing spa break!
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Kerala Ayurvedic Break - 8 days The perfect end to an action packed holiday! Relax your spirit, body and mind on an ayurvedic break in beautiful Kerala. Indulge yourself with spa treatments and massages, unwind with yoga and soak up the sun on the white sandy beaches. |
