Exclusive South India - 14 nights
Day 1 Arrive at Chennai International Airport
On arrival in Chennai, you’ll be met by our tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Chennai (formerly known as Madras), is the capital of Tamil Nadu, and is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, and was established around 1639, when the British East India Company established it as a port. It was developed around the fortress of St. George and today still shows signs of its colonial past with many buildings reminiscent of the Colonial kingdom. The remainder of this day is free for you to relax at your hotel or take a stroll around the city.
OVERNIGHT IN CHENNAI
Day 2 Chennai - Mamallapuram
Mamallapuram (earlier – Mahabalipuram) is popularly known as the temple city. Apart from that, this mesmerizing destination boasts of various UNESCO World Heritage Sites, mind-blowing surfing spots and a thriving backpacker scene. It is home to some of the most popular beaches on India's east coast. Tourists flock here to rejuvenate and relax at the many luxurious resorts. The history of Mamallapuram is an intriguing one. This historic city was an important center of art, architecture and literature between the 3rd and 7th century CE. After reaching, check-in at the beach resort in Mamallapuram and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and rejuvenating yourself. Take rest as you have to prepare yourself for a fun-filled day tomorrow. Dinner and overnight stay at the beach resort.
Day 3 Mamallapuram sightseeing
After breakfast, you’ll head to see the shore temple of Mahabalipuram, an area which boasts 14 cave temples, 9 monolithic rathas, 3 stone temples and 4 relief sculptured rock panels. Most of the wonderful sights you’ll explore here, such as the Shore Temple (a World Heritage Site) and Arjuna’s Penance, are built in the Dravidian style of the 7th and 8th centuries and are dedicated to Vishnu or Shiva.
Day 4 Mamallapuram - Pondicherry
Upon arrival, check in at the hotel before enjoying an afternoon visit of Puducherry's landmarks, the Raj Nivas, the residence of the Lt. Governor of Pondicherry, a handsome 200-year-old building which faces Government Park with its well-laid-out paths, lawns, fountains and sculptures; the Romain Rolland Library and the 60,000 plus volumes on its shelves; the Pondicherry Museum, with its outstanding collection of artefacts relating to all aspects of the French Indian past; and the church of Notre Dame des Anges, built around 1865, which has a rare oil painting of Our Lady of the Assumption, a gift from Napoleon III.
OVERNIGHT IN PUDUCHERRY
Day 5 Pondicherry
You will begin your tour by first visiting the Auroville (Matrimandir) and the Aurobindo Ashram. Matrimandir is a place for individual silent concentration and holds spiritual significance for those who practice Integral Yoga. Matri Mandir features a unique combination of modern western and traditional Indian architecture. Later visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram where you can witness the history and learn the teaching of Sri Aurobindo. The ashram also houses the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother where followers visit and meditate. Later in the afternoon, head to the French War memorial to pay respect to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country during World War I. Next, visit our lady of Angels Church to praise the rare oil painting of Our Lady of the Assumption and the beautiful Greek Roman architecture that the church showcases.
Your next stop is White Town, a popular shopping market in Pondicherry offering items related to home furnishing which have a unique flavour of Pondicherry. Later, head to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The church is known for its subtle beauty, elegant exteriors and neo-Gothic architecture. It was founded in the year 1908 by the French missionaries and bags the title of being the 1st basilica in Pondicherry. Your next stop is the Seaside Promenade Beach where you can relax and rejuvenate yourself. This 1.5 km. stretch is a reminder of the glorious French colonization in the region and houses some iconic landmarks such as Old Lighthouse, French War Memorial and Town Hall. After a day full of exploration, spend an evening in Pondicherry at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN PONDICHERRY
Day 6 Pondicherry –Madurai
After checking out at 9am, you’ll proceed to Madurai. On reaching Madurai, check in at the hotel and rest for a while. In the late evening, you may head out to witness the very famous ‘Night Ceremony at Meenakshi Amman Temple’. The ceremony begins at 9.00 p.m. daily except Friday when it begins at 9.30 p.m. This one of the major highlights of the temple where every night the image of Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) is carried out from his shrine to join his wife Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi) at her shrine. The ceremony is conducted with great pomp and show and the grand procession takes place in a chariot followed by priests and devotees.
Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.
Day 7 Explore Madurai
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and head out to explore the beautiful city of Madurai. Begin your sightseeing tour by first visiting the Meenakshi Amman temple, one of the oldest and most important Hindu temples in India. The temple has great historical as well as religious significance and is flocked by devotees throughout the year.
Your next stop is the Gandhi Museum. It is truly a paradise for every history buff. Being one of the most dedicated Gandhi Sangrahalaya of India, here you will find writing material and various objects revolving around the life of Gandhiji. Next, head to the famous Lord Vishnu temple, Alagarkoil Temple. The temple draws locals and tourists alike for its captivating architecture, intricate sculptures and religious significance. Moreover, the temple is set amidst beautiful natural setting which tranquilizes your soul.
Head back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8 Madurai- Munnar
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Munnar. A hill station of spectacular views, where three mountain streams confluence. Anamudi the highest peak in South India [2695m] is an ideal spot for trekking. Eravikulam National park is another attraction. Relax and enjoy the tantalizing beauty and weather of Munnar.
Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.
Day 9 Munnar sightseeing
After breakfast, you could set out for sightseeing. Rajamalai is home for Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species of mountain goat, and, Anamudi sports the tallest peak in the whole of south India. After lunch and a little rest maybe, you could go for sightseeing again. There is Mattupetty and the Echo Point. Echo Point is just that: a spot with natural echo phenomenon. Overnight stay at Munnar.
Day 10 Munnar –Thekkady
Check out after breakfast and proceed to Thekkady, The periyar wildlife sanctuary - Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the periyar wildlife sanctuary, spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the periyar wildlife sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake.
Day 11 Thekkady
Early morning proceed for the boating at Periyar Lake where you can view various type of wildlife, later after Breakfast at hotel. Afternoon proceed for the elephant activities at Thekkady and rest of the day free at Thekkady Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 12 Thekkady – Alleppey
After breakfast at the hotel checkout from Thekkady and proceed to Alleppey. Thekkady to Alleppey distance is 150 kms and its takes approx. 4 hrs. by road. By the arrival in Alleppey, check in to a houseboat. A tranquillizing overnight backwater cruise is all you need to explore the wonders of traditional Kerala houseboat. You can witness many interesting sights like making of coir products by the local inhabitants, the rustic homes, swaying of coconut trees in the countryside. The meals will be served during the backwater cruise. Overnight stay is arranged in the houseboat.
Day 13 Alleppey – Kumarakom
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before checking out your houseboat at around 10 am and heading to Kumarakom
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region, check in at the resort in kumarakom, rest of the day is at Leisure at the backwater resort for optional
Day 14: Kumarakom
Enjoy the in house facilities and stay overnight at the resort.
Day 15: Kumarakom –Kochi International Airport
After a hearty breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to Kochi Airport to board your flight home. We hope you’ve had a brilliant stay in India!
- 30% Savings applied
- 2024, 2025 & 2026 Bookings on Sale now
- Minimum deposit starts from £199 pp
- Return flight from London airports
- Return transfers throughout
- 1 Night at 5* Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels | Chennai | Business Class Room | Half Board
- 2 Nights at 4* Radisson Blu Resort, Temple Bay Mamallapuram | Mamallapuram | Garden View Chalet | Half Board
- 2 Nights at 5* Le Pondy | Pondicherry | Lake Facing Room | Half Board
- 2 Nights at 4* Courtyard By Marriott | Madurai | Deluxe Room | Half Board
- 2 Nights at 4* The Tall Trees Resorts | Munnar | Cinnamon Cottage | Half Board
- 2 Nights at 4* Cardamom County | Thekkady | Periyar Cottage | Half Board
- 1 Night at Lakes And Lagoons | Alleppey | Deluxe Houseboat | Full Board
- 2 Nights at 5* Gokulam Grand Resort & spa | Kumarakom | Superior Room | Half Board
- While we aim to secure listed hotels, availability may vary. In such cases, similar standard hotels will be arranged for a seamless stay.
14 Nights
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01 - 14 January | On Request | Enquire |
15 - 31 January | £1,949 pp | Enquire |
01 - 28 February | £2,099 pp | Enquire |
01 - 31 March | £2,089 pp | Enquire |
01 - 09 April | On Request | Enquire |
10 - 30 April | £2,239 pp | Enquire |
01 - 31 May | £2,049 pp | Enquire |
01 - 30 June | £2,189 pp | Enquire |
01 - 31 July | £2,559 pp | Enquire |
01 - 31 August | £2,349 pp | Enquire |
01 - 30 September | £2,089 pp | Enquire |
01 - 31 October | £2,349 pp | Enquire |
01 - 30 November | £2,219 pp | Enquire |
01 - 10 December | £2,529 pp | Enquire |
11 - 31 December | On Request | Enquire |
14 Nights
|
||
01 - 14 January | On Request | Enquire |
15 - 31 January | £2,259 pp | Enquire |
01 - 28 February | £2,199 pp | Enquire |
01 - 31 March | £2,359 pp | Enquire |
01 - 09 April | On Request | Enquire |
10 - 30 April | £2,539 pp | Enquire |
01 - 31 May | £2,279 pp | Enquire |
01 - 30 June | £2,319 pp | Enquire |
01 - 31 July | £2,789 pp | Enquire |
01 - 31 August | £2,219 pp | Enquire |
01 - 30 September | £2,189 pp | Enquire |
01 - 31 October | £2,569 pp | Enquire |
01 - 30 November | £2,429 pp | Enquire |
01 - 10 December | £2,769 pp | Enquire |
11 - 31 December | On Request | Enquire |
- Gym
- Restaurants
- 24-hour front desk
- Concierge services
- Free WiFi
- Sauna
- Safe location
- 24 hour room service
- Air conditioned
- Childrens activities
- Restaurants
- 24-hour front desk
- Concierge services
- Free WiFi
- Sauna
- Safe location
- 24 hour room service
- Air conditioned
- Bar
- Restaurants
- 24-hour front desk
- Concierge services
- Free WiFi
- Garden
- Beachfront
- 24 hour room service
- Bar
- Restaurants
- 24-hour front desk
- Concierge services
- Elevator/lift
- Free WiFi
- Garden
- Rooftop terrace
- Safe location
- 24 hour room service
- Air conditioned
- Restaurants
- 24-hour front desk
- Car Park
- Concierge services
- Free WiFi
- Sauna
- Safe location
- 24 hour room service
- Air conditioned
- Bar
- Restaurants
- Business Centre
- 24-hour front desk
- Concierge services
- Free WiFi
- Garden
- Rooftop terrace
- Tennis Courts
- Evening entertainment
- 24 hour room service
- Air conditioned
- Bar
- Restaurants
- 24-hour front desk
- Arcade/game room
- Concierge services
- Elevator/lift
- Free WiFi
- Garden
- Steam room
- Kid's Club
- 24 hour room service
- Air conditioned
- Experience the Mamallapuram shore temples UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Enjoy France in India in the former colonial enclave of Pondicherry.
- Stay in a village of 19th-century merchants' homes.
- Learn about the premises of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram & Auroville in Pondicherry
- Enjoy the breathtaking Meenakshi Temple & Gandhi Museum in Madurai
- Marvel at the Dravidian architecture all around you
- Enjoy the Jeep Safari in Munnar & Anayirangal dam & Elephant Passage in Munnar
- Visit the Tea Museum in Munnar
- Take an awesome boat tour within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary& Explore a spice plantation in Periyar
- Behold the tigers and elephants as they play beneath the shrubbery
- Take a cruise on a traditional rice barge.
- Explore life in the Backwaters.
- Relax at the backwater resort on the banks of Vembanad lake