
South India Palaces & Backwaters
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Embark on an enchanting journey through the "Temples, Backwaters & Palaces of South India." Commence your exploration in Chennai, where colonial charm and iconic landmarks await. Journey to the ancient city of Kanchipuram, famous for its temples, before reaching the coastal haven of Mahabalipuram. Traverse to Pondicherry, blending French influences with Indian spirituality. Discover the unique blend of history and spirituality in Darasuram, Chidambaram, and Thanjore, featuring French colonies and ancient temples. Explore the architectural wonders of Trichy, Madurai, and the tranquil Periyar. Glide through the Alleppey backwaters on a houseboat, uncover the historic charm of Cochin, and ascend to the picturesque hill station of Ooty. Continue to Mysore, with its palaces and temples, before concluding your odyssey in Bengaluru. This journey offers a seamless blend of cultural richness, historical marvels, and the serene beauty of South India.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
15 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
ChennaiEnds
BengaluruMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
$4,955.00
$2,685.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See

Chennai

Chennai (Madras)

Kanchipuram

Mahabalipuram

Pondicherry

Darasuram

Chidambaram

Thanjore

Trichy

Tiruchirappalli

Madurai

Periyar

Thekkady

Thekaddy

Alleppey

Alappuzha

Cochin

Kochi (Cochin)

Ooty

Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

Mysore

Coonoor

Mysuru

Srirangapatna

Bengaluru
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Included
Not Included
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Chennai - Chennai (Madras)
Arrive Chennai Arrival Chennai airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Later sightseeing of colonial Chennai which includes Churches, Fort, Museum and government buildings. Also visit Marina beach. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 - Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (120kms/ 3hrs approx) Breakfast at hotel drive to Mahabalipuram via visiting Kanchipuram Temples. Arrive Mahabalipuram check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax on the beach. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (100kms/ 2hrs approx) Breakfast at hotel visit temple and monuments at Mahabalipuram. Afternoon drive to Pondicherry check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - Pondicherry - Darasuram - Chidambaram - Thanjore
Pondicherry - Darasuram - Chidambaram - Thanjore (185kms/ 4hrs approx) Breakfast at hotel sightseeing of French colony, churches, Temple and Aurobindo Ashram. Drive to Thanjore via visiting Darasuram & Chidambaram Temple. On arrival check in & overnight at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 - Thanjore - Trichy - Tiruchirappalli
Thanjore - Trichy (60kms/ 1.5hrs approx) Breakfast at hotel visit Brihadeshwara Temple & Thanjore Fort. Drive to Trichy check in at hotel. Later visit Rock Fort Temple & Srirangam Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 - Trichy - Madurai
Trichy - Madurai (140kms/ 3hrs approx) Breakfast at hotel drive to Madurai heck in at hotel. Later sightseeing of Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Mahal & Vaniyur Mariamman Teppakulam Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 - Madurai - Periyar - Thekkady
Madurai - Periyar (Thekkady) Breakfast at hotel drive to Periyar check in at hotel. Late afternoon spice plantation tour and village visit. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 - Thekkady
Periyar (Thekkady) Breakfast at hotel explore the park by boat. The special animals in this region include wild elephants, nilgiri langur monkeys, sambar deer, wild bison, and colorful birds. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 - Thekaddy - Alleppey - Alappuzha
Thekaddy – Alleppey (135kms/ 3hrs approx) Breakfast at hotel drive to Alleppey. Board a houseboat from here and glide over the enchanting backwaters of Kerala. Houseboat stay includes lunch & dinner on board. Houseboat stay.
Day 10 - Alleppey - Kochi - Kochi (Cochin)
Alleppey – Cochin (60kms/ 1.5hrs approx) After breakfast disembark houseboat and drive to Cochin check in at hotel. Later city tour of Cochin one of few places in India that has managed to preserve the remnants of its colonial past with utmost care. Visit The Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue and the Mattancherry Palace. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 - Kochi - Ooty - Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
Cochin - Ooty (280kms/ 8hrs approx) Breakfast at hotel proceed to the hill station of Ooty, the capital of the Nilgiri ‘Blue Mountain’ that once enticed the British to escape the summer heat of plains. Check in at hotel and rest time to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 - Ooty - Mysore - Coonoor - Mysuru
Ooty - Mysore (140kms/ 3hrs approx) Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy the town and visit the well-maintained botanical gardens, which have over 1,000 varieties of plants, shrubs and trees. Also take a ride on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway that winds its way down through spectacular scenery and breathtaking views to the nearby town of Coonoor. Afternoon drive to Mysore check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 - Mysore - Srirangapatna
Mysore Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Mysore. First stop the Chamundi Hills, site of the Chamundeswari Temple and Nandi Bull as well as the vast City Palace, which was re-built by Henry Irwin during 1897 in an indo-saracenic style. Excursion to visit the temple complex at Somnathpur and the exquisite Keshava Vishnu temple, one of the finest in India, along with Srirangapatnam where Tipu Sultan was killed in battle against an East India Company army including Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 - Mysore - Bengaluru
Mysore - Bengaluru (150kms/ 3hrs approx) Breakfast at hotel drive to Bengaluru check in at hotel. Later half day city tour visiting Lal Bagh Garden, Vidhana Soudha and Bangalore Palace & Fort. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 - Bengaluru
Bengaluru - Departure Breakfast at hotel as per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
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Tour Reviews
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Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.



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Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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