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Southern Splendour India
£5,900.00
From the stunning majestic Temples of Tamil Nadu to the lush green Kerala, this tour brings out the startling contrast that is Southern India. Yet, all facets, are bound together by a sense of history and timelessness.
Explore the stunning temples of Tamil Nadu and the lush landscapes of Kerala on this captivating tour of Southern India. From Chennai to Kovalam, experience the striking contrast and timeless charm of the region’s heritage. Discover ancient temples, serene backwaters, and pristine beaches, immersing yourself in the history and natural beauty that define Southern India.
Day 1: Fly to Chennai
Fly from London Heathrow to Chennai (flights TBC).
Day 2: Arrive Chennai
Arrive Chennai – meeting & assistance upon arrival and transfer to your hotel by a private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned Vehicle Tempo traveller (Mini Van).
Chennai is a port city with a mix of Tamil and British heritage. It has stunning Indo-Saracenic buildings and is a commercial hub. Known as the gateway to the south, Chennai embodies ancient charm and rich cultural traditions.
Check-in The Grand by GRT Hotels for 1 night stay.
Day 3: Chennai Sightseeing & Drive to Tirupati
Embark on a half-day Chennai city tour through Mylapore, a cultural hub. Visit Kapaleeswar temple, San Thome Basilica, Ramakrishna Math, and the Light House for an immersive cultural experience.
Afternoon drive to Tirupati. Check in at Marasa Sarovar Premiere for 1 night (Deluxe Rooms).
Day 4: Tirupati Sightseeing & Drive to Mahabalipuram
Morning sightseeing of Tirupati, visiting Venkateshwara Temple. Legends about the hill itself and the surrounding area appear in the Puranas and the temple’s history may date back 2000 years. Devotees flock to Tirumala to see Venkateshwara, an avatar of Vishnu.
Be aware that there is a dress code for Tirumala temple Darshan. Men can only wear dhoti with shirt or kurta with pajama.
Afternoon drive to Mahabalipuram (approximately 4 to 5 hrs drive).
Check-in to The Ideal Beach Resort for 2 nights (Garden View Rooms).
Day 5: Mahabalipuram Sightseeing
This morning enjoy a half day sightseeing of World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, with its delicate Shore Temple, series of graceful Rathas and the charmingly carved Arjuna’s Penance.
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 6: Drive to Pondicherry & Half Day Sightseeing
Morning drive to Pondicherry. Check-in to Le Pondy Hotel for 2 nights stay (Lake View Rooms).
Pondicherry is a charming coastal city with a French colonial past. It has a distinct layout, dividing the French and Indian quarters. Explore historic buildings, churches, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and the nearby Auroville township.#
Afternoon enjoy half day sightseeing of Pondicherry visiting the French & Tamil part of the city, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the international township of Auroville.
Day 7: Excursion to Gingee Fort & Tiruvannamalai
Morning excursion to Gingee fort – one of the most impenetrable forts of India, even given the name of ‘Troy of the East’ by the British. See the hidden fortress which was fought over by many different rulers in history and successfully protected the small town of Gingee from invaders.
You may wish to drive for another half an hour to visit the highlights of Tiruvannamalai which happens to be the temple-mountain town where God appears as a phallus of fire.
Day 8: Drive to Tanjore
Morning drive to Tanjore. En-route visiting Chidambaram – the temple town of Tamil Nadu & coromandel Coast (taking in Tarangambadi, Karaikai & Nagore).
Tanjore, an ancient city over 2500 years old, was the capital of the Chola Empire. Its Brihadeeshwara temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its grandeur and sculptural finesse.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 9: Sightseeing of Tanjore
This morning enjoy sightseeing of Tanjore, visiting the unrivalled World Heritage Brihadeeshwara temple, the master piece of Chola architecture Art Gallery, Museum and the Palace Library.
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 10: Drive to Rameswaram enroute visit Trichy
Morning drive to Rameswaram, on the way visit Trichy. Visiting the Srirangam famed for the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, dominated by 22 towers (gopurams), with one, reputed to be the highest in the world.
On arrival in Rameswaram, check-in to Daiwik hotel for 2 nights (Superior Rooms).
Day 11: Ramwswaram Sightseeing
In the morning, explore Rameswaram and visit the revered temple housing a sacred sand mound. This temple is renowned for its 1000-pillar halls, temple tanks, and the religious rituals of water pouring over the faithful.
Day 12: Drive to Madurai, Evening visit to Meenakshi Temple
Morning drive to Madurai. Check-in at Hotel Heritage Madurai for 2 nights stay (Deluxe Club Rooms).
Evening visit the Meenakshi Temple to witness the “going to bed ceremony” when the statue of Lord Shiva is carried to the chamber of his wife, Parvati, on a silver chariot. The colourful procession, accompanied by musicians, Temple singers and priests is a cacophony of sound.
Day 13: Madurai Sightseeing
This morning enjoy your rickshaw tour of Madurai that begins with a visit on foot to the Meenakshi temple to allow you to take it in at your own pace. From here you can enjoy your rickshaw ride, taking in the markets, Vaigai River and Thirumalai Palace.
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 14: Drive to Periyar (Thekkady)
Morning drive to Periyar. Check in to Cardamom County for 2 night stay (AC Periyar cottages).
Periyar National Park is located in the Western Ghats and is centered around the vast Periyar Lake. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including Indian Elephants, Tigers, Indian Bison, Sloth Bears, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can only observe the wildlife through boat rides on the lake to maintain the park’s sanctity.
In the afternoon enjoy a 1.5 hours elephant program which includes assisting in elephant bath – during this activity you have to sit on the elephant and the elephant will sprinkle water on you with the trunk, feeding, photo session and followed by a brief ride taking you through a small forest trek.
Day 15: Periyar Sightseeing
Experience a guided nature walk at Periyar National Park (Tiger Reserve) in the morning to witness diverse wildlife, birds, butterflies, and immerse in the beauty of nature.
In the afternoon, take a short 2km drive to Kumily for a plantation visit at Abraham’s Spice Garden or Kerala Spices and Herbal Garden. Abraham’s Spice Garden, established in 1952, is one of Periyar’s oldest and largest spice gardens.
Day 16: Drive to Alleppey & Houseboat
Morning drive to Houseboat boat jetty to board Kettuvalam (houseboat) for cruising on the backwaters of Kerala. The backwaters are a maze of bridges and canals set in a labyrinth of backwater channels laced with endless stretches of lakes and lagoons. Over 900 km of this intricate network is navigable. This is the best place to explore the unspoilt countryside of Kerala.
2 nights stay in an air-conditioned River Scape Houseboat by Xandari.
Day 17: Houseboat
Day at leisure to relax and enjoy the waterways.
Day 18: Drive to Kovalam
After breakfast disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam. Check-in at Soma Palmshore Resort for 6 nights (Sea Facing Deluxe Rooms).
Kovalam, known as the ‘paradise’ of South India, features coconut tree-lined beaches and a picturesque rocky promontory. Its pristine waters and crescent-shaped beaches make it an ideal spot for swimming and relaxation.
Day 19: Day Excursion to Kanyakumari
Morning drive to Kanyakumari approximately 2.5 hours driving time each way. On arrival enjoy sightseeing visiting The Shore of Magnificent Dawn and Dusks, visiting Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Temple, Thiruvalluvar statue, Vavathurai and Gandhi museum.
Return back to Kovalam for overnight stay.
Day 20 – 23: Soma Palmshore Resort
Days at leisure to relax and enjoy the resort and area. Opt either for sunbathing on the golden beaches or withdrawing to the nearby beach cafes. Try surfing or head to Samudra Beach, which is a secluded cove, where your only company is a fisherman casting his net!
Day 24: Drive to Trivandrum Airport and depart (via Mumbai or Delhi)
Morning transfer to Trivandrum airport to board your flight to London via Dubai or Mumbai.
Price includes:
- Accommodation as per the itinerary (Check-in is 1400 hrs and checkout 12 noon. Early check-in and late checkout are subject to availability).
- Services of our English-speaking representative for all arrival and departure transfers to assist you at the airports.
- All transfers and sightseeing by a chauffeur driven private car Tempo Traveller (Mini Van)
- Services of English-speaking guide during sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees to all monuments during sightseeing as specified in your itinerary.
- Complimentary mineral water whilst driving.
Price excludes:
- International flights
- India Visa Fee
- Any expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone calls and beverages.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Camera fees at monuments and other places of interest.
- Travel Insurance.
- PCR Test
- Any meals or drinks other than those specified above
- Any other service not mentioned above.
Highlights
- Explore stunning temples, including Kapaleeswar and Brihadeeshwara
- Immerse yourself in lush landscapes and cruise along serene backwaters
- Witness the rich history and timelessness of Southern India
- Relax and unwind on pristine beaches
- Spend days exploring its famously vibrant cities
India Information
