Beautiful South - 14 days

FROM USD $2,999

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!

Once you arrive into Chennai you will be met and transferred to your 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: Pondicherry

Chennai - Pondicherry. En route to Pondicherry visit Kanchipuram, one of sacred cities in India and 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.

Drive south to Pondicherry, a former French colony which 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. Overnight - Pondicherry (B)

Day 3: Tanjore

Pondicherry - Tanjore. Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry which includes the enormous Brihadishwara Temple before continuing south. 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. Overnight - Tanjore (B)

Ornate and colourful detail on a Trichy temple

Day 4: Trichy

Tanjore - Trichy. Spend the morning on a sightseeing tour of Tanjore before a short drive to Trichy. 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. Trichy has been ravaged by war through the centuries. A lasting legacy is the Rock Fort and its temples. Overnight - Trichy (B)

Days 5 - 6: Madurai

Trichy - Madurai. Take a morning sightseeing tour of Trichy before 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 7: 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 8: 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 9 - 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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 14: Kochi

Hotel check-out and included onward transfer to airport. (B)

Extend your stay with a relaxing spa break!

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.

FROM USD $2,999

Prices & Departure Dates

Prices shown are ‘per person’, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. The single supplement price needs to be added to the twin/double price if single rooms are required. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply.

Prices are indicative and will vary depending on your chosen hotels, room availability as well as time of travel i.e. during India’s peak travel season of 21 Dec - 10 Jan, additional supplements will apply. Equally, if you with to travel to India during the summer, rates will be cheaper than those quoted.. Please bear this in mind if comparing prices as we always aim to deliver exceptional value.

This itinerary is based upon superior accommodation. Standard and deluxe properties are also available upon request.

Please note that discounts will apply if there are more 4 our more people in your travelling party, since fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across the group.



Date	Price/Person	Single Supp.
Beautiful South - 14 days	USD $2,999	USD $1,739

Experiences

If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.

The Great Outdoors

The crystal clear waters and white sands of a Sri Lankan beach

By the Sea

Nothing beats a little rest and relaxation by the sea - wind down from an action packed tour with a few days lazing on golden sands or spend your entire holiday soaking up the sun. From the coral rich Red Sea and the azure Aegean and Mediterranean to the crystal clear waters of the Indian ocean, choose from a wide range of idyllic destinations.

A boat sailing along the Dalmation Coast in Croatia

Sailing & Cruising

Sail the open seas aboard a traditional gulet in Turkey or island hop the picturesque Dalmation Coast in Croatia. See the best of ancient Egypt onboard a Nile cruiser or dahabeya, cruise through the breathtaking three gorges of the Yangtze River in China or along the Euphrates in Syria or the stunning Neva and Volga Rivers in Russia. Or those with a real sense of adventure can to travel to end of the world on an incredible Antarctic expedition, witness a wildlife extravaganza on the remote Galapagos Islands or explore mighty Amazon Rainforest on a riverboat.

Highlights & Inclusions

Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.

Trip Highlights

Chennai - the gateway of South India
Pondicherry - former French colonial town
Trichy - the high up Rock Fort Temple
Periyar wildlife sanctuary and Kumily
Alleppey - Venice of the East

Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram - temple towns
Tanjore - the ornate Brihadishwara Temple
Madurai - great temple town.
Kumarakom and the famous Kerala backwaters
Historic Kochi - Parsi Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St Francis Church, Fort Cochin, colourful boats and Chinese Fishing nets on the waterfront

What's Included

14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Periyar - boating on lake OR visit to tea plantations
Airport arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 15
Local English speaking specialist guides at local sights
Chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicle

13 nights superior hotels (standard and deluxe hotels available upon request) & 1 night rice boat
Keralan backwaters - rice boat cruise (overnight)
Touring and excursions as per itinerary
Entrance fees to all relevant sights

What's Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

Laundry, drinks, items of a personal nature

Starts in: Chennai / Ends in: Kochi
Departs: any day of the year
No local payment required
Breakfast:13, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1
Hotel Rating: Superior
Tour Guide: Yes - for all scheduled sightseeing

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