14 days tour

South India Explorer - 14 Days

$ 2,735 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $2,735.00

South India Explorer - 14 Days

This tour includes:

Guide

Guided sightseeing - Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Chettinad, Madurai and Munnar Tea Plantation Escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide (for groups of 4 or more) Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites

Transport

Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 14 All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

Accommodation

12 nights 3-4 star and heritage hotels

Others

1 night deluxe houseboat cruise along the Keralan backwaters Boat ride on Lake Periyar

Meals

13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners

Not included:

Insurance

Flights

Others

International flights and visa Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip South India Explorer - 14 Days

  • Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Chennai
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Welcome To Chennai

      Sunday. Welcome to Southern India! On arrival at Chennai airport you are met and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore the city at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Mahabalipuram Sightseeing
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Mahabalipuram Sightseeing

      Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry. Say goodbye to Chennai this morning as we travel to the French colonial city of Pondicherry. French rule lasted here until 1954 and the influence is still clear in the cityโ€™s architecture. En route visit Mahabalipuram - the beautiful 7th century Shore Temple, so-named because of its location on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Continue to the worldโ€™s largest bas-relief carving, Arjunaโ€™s Penance and the incredible Five Rathas. This UNESCO-listed site is made up of five different temples, all carved individually from separate rocks. The temples lay hidden under sand until the British rediscovered them 200 years ago.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Pondicherry
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Pondicherry

      Pondicherry. Today we explore the highlights of Pondicherry including the Sri Aurobindo Ashram spiritual community and Pondicherry Beach, with itโ€™s beautiful golden sand and lapping waves. Finally, we explore the striking Sacred Heart Basilica, a famous Christian pilgrimage site. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Temples And Tanjore
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Temples And Tanjore

      Pondicherry - Tanjore. Leaving Pondicherry today, we travel to the vibrant city of Tanjore (Thanjavur). We discover the ancient, fortified town with a guided tour exploring Tanjoreโ€™s glorious history dating back more than 1,500 years. Take in the enormous Brihadishwara Temple. This temple is over 1000 years old and the dome on top is thought to have been hauled up in a similar way to the construction of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Chettinad
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Chettinad

      Tanjore - Chettinad. Today we travel to Chettinad which renowned across India for its unique spectacular combination of flavourful cuisine, yet few venture to this sleepy, tranquil village. Explore the crumbling Chettinad Palace and the famous tile factory in Athangudi, where your guide will explain how the renowned handmade terracotta tiles of Chettinad are crafted and readied.

  • Day 6 Day 6: Madurai Sightseeing & Evening Aarti Ceremony
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Madurai Sightseeing & Evening Aarti Ceremony

      Chettinad โ€“ Madurai. Departing Chettinad we continue onwards to Madurai, where we enjoy a half day guided tour taking in the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. This grand palace is known for the giant circular pillars in its courtyard and dates back to the 17th century. We continue to the famous rock cut temple of Thirupparankunram Murugan. According to a famous Hindu legend, this is where Murugan slayed the demon Surapadman. Finally, we join an Aarti prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. The ceremony involves the lighting of candles and songs being sung in praise of the gods.

  • Day 7 Day 7-8: Munnar Tea Plantations
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7-8: Munnar Tea Plantations

      Madurai - Munnar. Leaving Madurai today we travel to the picturesque former hill station of Munnar where we spend the next two nights. Today we take a guided walk through a local tea plantation and visit a local market. The remainder of day 7 and day 8 is spent at your own leisure. You may wish to visit the nearby Blossom Park and enjoy cycling or boating in the stunning surrounds.

  • Day 8 Day 9: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

      Munnar - Periyar. A drive south to Periyar, South Indiaโ€™s most popular Wildlife Sanctuary and home to bison, antelopes, sambar, wild boar, birds and even the odd tiger! Kumily, close to the sanctuary and where weโ€™ll stay, is a pretty little town dotted with small spice and handicraft shops. There is plenty to do in and around Periyar, so we leave the choice to you to enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure.

  • Day 9 Day 10: Boating On Lake Periyar
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Boating On Lake Periyar

      Periyar. Today we enjoy an included boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot herds of wild elephants. The rest of the day is at your own leisure to explore on your own. You can opt for an optional visit to explore the spice plantation or enjoy a kalaripayattu dance performance.

  • Day 10 Day 11: Kumarakom
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Kumarakom

      Periyar - Kumarakom. Today, we leave Periyar and take a drive to Kumarakom - a village spread over a cluster of islands on Lake Vembanad. The day is free to relax or explore Kumarakom at your leisure. Perhaps take a boat ride on the lake or visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to many rare bird species and is an important stopover for migratory birds in the winter (Nov-May).

  • Day 11 Day 12: Kerala Backwaters
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Kerala Backwaters

      Kumarakom - Alleppey - Keralan Backwaters. On day 12, we will take a scenic drive to Alleppey. Here we board our private rice boat for a voyage through the famous Kerala backwaters. Our rice-boat takes us sedately along the enchanting palm-fringed backwaters, covering a distance of some 20 kms, during which time the boat glides past local villages and fascinating scenes of everyday rural life. Watch a beautiful sunset over the backwaters and enjoy tasty meals (starting with lunch) prepared by the on-board chef using fresh local produce.

  • Day 12 Day 13: Kochi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Kochi

      Keralan Backwaters โ€“ Kochi. This morning, we disembark our rice boat and head for Kochi. Formerly a princely state, Kochi is also fondly referred to as โ€œThe Queen of the Arabian Seaโ€. The rest of the day is at leisure exploring Kochi on its own. This evening you can opt for an optional tour to watch an entertaining and traditional Kathakali dance show. Kathakali performers are known for their elaborate costumes and makeup, and they always put on a fantastic show.

  • Day 13 Day 14: Kochi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Kochi

      Saturday. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today with an included departure transfer to Kochi airport.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 5 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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