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Beautiful South

14 days

PRIVATE TOUR: 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!

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

14 days

Starts

Chennai

Ends

Kochi

Range

Private

Tour Guide

Yes - for all scheduled sightseeing

Group Size

Minimum age

5 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Any day of the year

Hotel Rating

Our rating: Superior

Countries

India

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 13, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1
1
of 3 pages
Per Person From
R 46,865.00
Deposit From
Final payment
R 19,998.00
R 73,732.00

Tour Highlights

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Spot herds of elephants from an included boat ride on Lake Periyar
Kumarakom – Relax on the shores of Lake Vembanad and opt to visit the local bird sanctuary and the famous Kerala backwaters
Alleppey - Visit the Venice of the East
Historic Kochi - Explore the Parsi Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St Francis Church, Fort Cochin, colourful boats and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront
Trichy - Discover the high up Rock Fort Temple
Tanjore – Tour the hotspots of the city and gaze admiringly at the towering Brihadishwara Temple
Chennai - Visit the gateway of South India
Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram - Walk around these temple towns
Pondicherry – Stroll along the beach in this French colonial city and visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Madurai – Explore the city and see the impressive rock cut temple of Thirupparankunram Murugan

Included

Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
12 nights 3-4 star hotels and 1 night rice boat
Touring and excursions as per itinerary
Periyar - Boating on lake OR visit to a spice plantation
Keralan backwaters - Rice boat cruise (overnight)
Entrance fees for all included sightseeing
Services of a licensed English speaking tour guide at all included sites
An airport arrival transfer day 1 and a departure transfer day 14
All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern Chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tipping - An entirely personal gesture

Itinerary

Day 1 - Chennai

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
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Thanjavur

Pondicherry - Tanjore. Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry which includes Aurobindo Ashram, French Colony, Pondicherry Beach and the Sacred Heart Church before continuing south. Arrival 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: Thanjavur
Meals: Breakfast

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
Meals: Breakfast

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 6, 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
Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 7 - Periyar

Madurai - Periyar. Your journey continues to Periyar, south India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary which is home to sambar, wild boar, elephant, bison, antelope, langur and a small tiger population. You'll stay in Kumily, which is a pretty town dotted with small spice and handicraft shops which is close to the sanctuary.

Overnight: Kumily
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

This morning spot herds of wild elephants and other wildlife on a Lake Periyar boat ride in the reserve, or visit the nearby spice plantation. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Kumily
Meals: Breakfast

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
Meals: Breakfast x2

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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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
Meals: Breakfast

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
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Kochi

Hotel check-out and included onward transfer to airport.

If you'd like to extend your stay, we offer a variety of hotels, short stays and add-ons for you to choose from. Please read our best places to visit or best things to see each month for suggested places to visit on your holiday. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know so we can accommodate your request.

For information about visas, top travel tips, best time to travel and much more, browse our travel guide.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
The Residency Towers Chennai
Chennai

Discover modern luxury at Residency Towers Chennai, where comfort blends with sophistication. Guests can take of advantage of the inviting outdoor pool and well-equipped fitness room, as well as relax with indulgent spa treatments. Crown Roof Top Restaurant provides a scenic backdrop of the city skyline, while Bike and Barrel English Pub invites guests to unwind with drinks and billiards. With complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service, every guest's needs are catered to. Conveniently located just moments from Globus Shopping Mall.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hotel GRT Grand
Chennai

In the heart of Chennai, the GRT Grand is a luxurious hotel with excellent amenities. Guest rooms feature some fantastic comforts including jetted baths, free Wi-Fi internet and state of the art LCD TVs. The hotel also boasts 3 delicious restaurants and an on site full service spa and indoor pool. Well located close to the Ramee Shopping Mall SDAT Tennis Stadium.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
The Residency Towers Puducherry
Pondicherry

The Residency Towers Puducherry offers a luxurious retreat with top-notch amenities. Guests are welcomed with a fitness center and a variety of dining options including a restaurant and bar. The hotel boasts accommodations with captivating city views, along with access to an indoor pool for relaxation. Services such as a 24-hour front desk, room service, and free WiFi ensure a seamless stay. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, minibar, coffee machine, and shower amenities. Guests can start their day with a buffet, continental, or American breakfast.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hotel Sangam
Thanjavur

Set among the historic temples of Thanjavur, Hotel Sangam offers you a peaceful and comfortable stay. Its guestrooms are spacious and feature modern interiors with large windows allowing for plenty of natural light. Enjoy local and international cuisine at the Thillana Restaurant, where you’ll find both guests and locals alike, or opt for a light snack and cool beer in the Layam Bar. An outdoor pool serves the perfect place to kick back and relax after a day of sightseeing. And you can always expect a warm greeting from staff, who are more than happy to share their knowledge of the area.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Tiruchirappalli
Trichy

Courtyard by Marriott Tiruchirappalli offers a blend of modern amenities and warm hospitality. Guests can enjoy access to an outdoor pool and fitness centre, as well as a 24-hour front desk. The on-site Trichy Kitchen restaurant serves up a delectable array of local and international dishes, while Bar Soma offers premium imported beverages and cocktails for unwinding after a day of exploration. The spacious air-conditioned rooms feature satellite TV, minibar, and sofa for added comfort, with three complimentary bottles of drinking water provided daily. Bathrooms are equipped with showers for guests' convenience.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
GRT Regency
Madurai

The GRT Regency is a modern, tastefully designed hotel with comfortable rooms that have been elegantly decorated with just a splash of colour. The hotel has extensive business and conferencing facilities as well as a modern gym and health centre to ensure that visitors want for nothing during their stay. Dining options are allow guests to choose from a range of different cuisines including traditional Indian and international. The hotel is only 2 km from the city centre and 3 km from the railway station.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
The Elephant Court
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located on 4 acres of land, the Elephant Court is a grand hotel decked out in cooling teak wood. Guest rooms are beautifully appointed with earthy hues of brown and pale green set off by crisp cotton sheets. Dining options include local specialities and international cuisine, all served in the restaurant with beautiful views of the swimming pool and surrounding area. A trip to the beautiful rooftop curio shop to pick up some souvenirs is a must. The accommodation is well located close to the Thekaddy forests.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
WGH Poetree Thekkady
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Poetree Thekkady offers guests a premium experience with complimentary amenities such as free car parking and Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless connectivity and flexibility throughout their stay. Situated close to attractions and a variety of dining options, guests can easily explore the vibrant surroundings. The property boasts high-quality facilities, including access to massage services, an on-site restaurant offering delectable cuisine, and a relaxing hot tub, providing guests with the perfect blend of comfort and convenience during their visit.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Greenwoods Resort Thekkady
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled amidst the picturesque greenery of Kumily, Greenwoods stands as retreat offering an array of amenities and recreational activities. Guests can unwind in the inviting outdoor pool or partake in hiking adventures and gym sessions for a rejuvenating experience. The cozy rooms, adorned with light wood furnishings and ample natural light, provide a serene sanctuary, complete with modern amenities like TVs, tea/coffee makers, and work desks. Dining at the Amritham restaurant promises a culinary journey through Indian, Chinese, and Continental flavors, while room service caters to personalized dining preferences.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Eastend Lakesong
Kumarakom

Nestled among the serene backwaters of Kumarakom, Eastend Lakesong comprises of 8 acres of facility packed leisure land. Guests sleep in villas and cottages, which are all well furnished with colourful interiors and comfortable beds. The onsite restaurants offer an excellent selection of local and international cuisine. Why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the Ayurveda on site Spa? It is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring in the fierce Indian heat.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Rhythm Kumarakom
Kumarakom

Nestled in the heart of Kumarakom, Rhythm Kumarakom offers a luxurious retreat with 42 air-conditioned rooms equipped with modern amenities. Immerse yourself in relaxation with a visit to the spa, featuring rejuvenating body treatments, or take a dip in the outdoor pool while enjoying panoramic views of the lake. Indulge in regional cuisine at La Breeze, one of the two on-site restaurants, or opt for 24-hour room service. The hotel also provides complimentary wireless internet, concierge services, and an arcade/game room for added convenience.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Houseboat - premium, air-conditioned
Alleppey

Premium houseboats are elegantly furnished with up to four bedrooms, equipped with modern en suites and 24 hour air conditioning. There is an open lounge, dining area and deck to relax and admire the beautiful backwater views. The cruises are full board and you'll be served tasty meals, freshly prepared by the on board chef.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
Deluxe House Boat
Casino Hotel
Kochi

Casino Hotel is a modern hotel located on Willingdon island, set in tropical gardens it is a beautiful blend of art deco and colonial Indian architectural styles. With a large pool and and spacious comfortable rooms this hotel offers a fantastic experience when in Kochi. Casino Hotel boasts 2 restaurants, a 24-hour health club as well as free wifi in public areas.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
The Fern Ecotel Hotel
Kochi

Nestled on the tranquil Willingdon Island, The Fern Hotel, formerly known as the Trident Hotel, offers a comfortable stay filled with indulgent amenities. Guests can unwind at the Ayurvedic spa, take a refreshing dip in the inviting outdoor pool, or stay active in the modern fitness center. The elegantly designed, air-conditioned rooms and suites overlook lush gardens or the pool, and each room is equipped with modern conveniences like satellite TV and minibars. Suites add an extra touch of luxury with spacious, separate living areas. With four diverse restaurants, The Fern Hotel invites guests on an exceptional culinary journey.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.

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.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
10 Jan - 23 Jan
R 50,765
R 77,275
11 Jan - 24 Jan
R 50,765
R 77,275
12 Jan - 25 Jan
R 50,765
R 77,275
13 Jan - 26 Jan
R 50,765
R 77,275
14 Jan - 27 Jan
R 50,765
R 77,275
15 Jan - 28 Jan
R 50,765
R 77,275
16 Jan - 29 Jan
R 50,765
R 77,275
17 Jan - 30 Jan
R 50,765
R 77,275
2026
Twin/Double
Single
10 Jan - 23 Jan
R 55,315
R 84,195
11 Jan - 24 Jan
R 55,315
R 84,195
12 Jan - 25 Jan
R 55,315
R 84,195
13 Jan - 26 Jan
R 55,315
R 84,195
14 Jan - 27 Jan
R 55,315
R 84,195
15 Jan - 28 Jan
R 55,315
R 84,195
16 Jan - 29 Jan
R 55,315
R 84,195
17 Jan - 30 Jan
R 55,315
R 84,195

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