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Splendours of South India

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Splendours of South India 16 Days / 14 Nights

Visit Trichy, Madurai and Mahabalipuram and enjoy a comprehensive insight into the history, culture and architecture of the Dravidians. The tour also includes trips to the erstwhile French colony - Pondicherry, the Mangroves of Pitchavaram, the Periyar National Park, the hill resort of Munnar, and the Mararikulam Beach. You will have three days in Kochi to explore its colonial past, serene backwaters, and captivating culture.

 

Tour Nights
  • Chennai: 2 nights
  • Pondicherry: 1 nights
  • Swamimalai: 1 nights
  • Trichy: 2 nights
  • Madurai: 1 nights
  • Thekkady: 1 nights
  • Munnar: 1 nights
  • Kochi: 2 nights
  • Mararikulam: 3 nights
  • Tour code: AWI28
  • Accommodation Grade
  • Private Tour

Tour At a Glance

  • Tour the sprawling metropolis of Chennai and the colonial city of Kochi
  • Explore the former French colony, Pondicherry
  • Practice some devotional ceremonies at the majestic temples of Madurai
  • Spot wildlife whilst trekking through Periyar National Park
  • Take a stroll through lush tea plantations

Itinerary details

Collapse all
  • Day 1 UK to Chennai
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    UK to Chennai

    Depart from UK an overnight flight to Chennai.

  • Day 2 Chennai
    splendours-of-south-india-02
    Chennai

    Arrive in Chennai early in the morning. Meet and assist on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the morning at leisure. Afternoon tour of the city. Located on the Coromandal coast, Chennai was the site of the first settlement of the East India Company and the town grew around Fort St George from 1640.

  • Day 3 Visit Mahabalipuram
    splendours-of-south-india-03
    Visit Mahabalipuram

    Today drive to visit the ancient town of Mahabalipuram with its exquisite rock-cut monuments, monolithic structures and bas-reliefs.

  • Day 4 Chennai to Pondichery
    splendours-of-south-india-04
    Chennai to Pondichery

    Leave for the seaside city of Pondicherry. Visit the Aurbindo Ashram and the French quarter. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

  • Day 5 Pondichery to Swamimalai
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    Pondichery to Swamimalai

    After breakfast leave for Pitchavaram and take a boat ride to see mangroves (considered among the healthiest in the world) and Port Nova, a former Portuguese and Dutch port. Continue to Swamimalia visiting en route Chidambaram. Overnight stay in Swamimalai.

  • Day 6 Swamimalai to Trichy
    splendours-of-south-india-06
    Swamimalai to Trichy

    Drive to Trichy visiting en route Tanjor, the cultural capital of the region, famous for the Tajore School of painting. Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswara temple complex where you can also see 1000 year-old paintings. Stay in Trichy for two nights.

  • Day 7 Trichy
    splendours-of-south-india-07
    Trichy

    Trichy, the land of Three Headed Demon, is a living example of a temple town. Today visit the magnificent Shrirangam island temple complex and the Rock fort temple.

  • Day 8 Trichy to Madurai
    splendours-of-south-india-08
    Trichy to Madurai

    Drive to Madurai. Afternoon city tour visiting the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the magnificent Shree Meenakshi temple, an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. Also visit the colourful temple market. Overnight stay in Madurai.

  • Day 9 Madurai to Thekkady
    splendours-of-south-india-09
    Madurai to Thekkady

    Drive to Thekkady. Afternoon wildlife viewing by boat in the Periyar National Park, noted for its elephant herds and a rich variety of bird life. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

  • Day 10 Thekkady to Munnar
    splendours-of-south-india-10
    Thekkady to Munnar

    Early in the morning wildlife viewing. Drive to Munnar, a hill resort in the midst of cardamom and tea plantations. Munnar is a major centre for the tea industry in Kerala. Afternoon explore the town. Overnight stay in Munnar. 
     

  • Day 11 Munnar to Kochi
    splendours-of-south-india-11
    Munnar to Kochi

    Morning visit tea and spice plantations. Later drive to Kochi, known as the ‘Venice of the East’. In the evening see the Kathakkali dance performance. Stay in Kochi for two nights.

  • Day 12 Kochi
    splendours-of-south-india-12
    Kochi

    Morning tour of Kochi visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and St Francis Church. In the evening a Sunset harbour cruise to see the Bolgahtty Island and the Chinese fishing nets.

  • Day 13 Kochi to Mararikulam
    splendours-of-south-india-13
    Kochi to Mararikulam

    Drive to Allepy and take a boat to Kottayam. The cruise takes over 3 hours passing through picturesque narrow canals and waterways. Drive to Mararikulam on the Malabar Coast. Overnight stay in Mararikulam for three nights. 

  • Day 14-15 Mararikulam
    splendours-of-south-india-14-15
    Mararikulam

    At leisure by the beach. Ayurveda facilities are available at the resort. At your leisure you may like to explore the nearby fishing village.

  • Day 16 Mararikulam to UK Departure
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    Mararikulam to UK Departure

    Transfer to the International airport in Cochin towards your onward journey to UK with sweet memories.

Dates & Guide Prices

  • PERIOD OF TRAVEL
  • PRICE (PP)
  • SINGLE ROOM SUPP (PP)
  • PERIOD OF TRAVEL
  • PRICE (PP)
  • SINGLE ROOM SUPP (PP)

Extension

Kanyakumari and Kovalam - ( 04 Nights ) (Day 16 to Day 20)

From majestic landscapes and glorious beaches, to mystic temples and tranquil backwaters, here is a tour that promises sheer indulgence to your senses.

Kovalam-01

Day 1

Kovalam

Post breakfast, transfer to the airport and proceed towards your onward journey to Trivandrum. Upon arrival proceed towards Kovalam by car and transfer to hotel for 2 nights stay in Kovalam. Read More

Kovalam-02

Day 2

Kovalam

At leisure.

Kovalam-03

Day 3

Kovalam & Kanyakumari

Post breakfast proceed towards Kanyakumari and stay for 1 night in Kanyakumari. Read More

Kanyakumar-01

Day 4

Kanyakumari & Trivandrum-Cochin

Post breakfast, proceed towards Trivandrum by car. Upon arrival transfer to airport towards your onward journey to Cochin. Upon arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night stay in Cochin. Read More

Kanyakumar-02

Day 5

To UK

Transfer to the International airport in Cochin towards your onward journey to UK with sweet memories. Read More

Madikeri & Mysore - ( 06 Nights ) (Day 16 to Day 22)

This tour in the South, brings you some most sought after destinations like Madikeri & Mysore, where history, mysticism and nature all sit together, and take turns to enchant you with their captivating charm.

Mysore-01

Day 1

To Mysore

Post breakfast, transfer to the airport and proceed towards your onward journey to Bangalore. Upon arrival proceed towards Mysore by car and transfer to hotel for 2 nights stay in Mysore. Read More

Mysore-02

Day 2

To Mysore

Post breakfast visit the city tour of Mysore -Maharaja’s Palace, local markets, Chamundi hills and the Nandi Bull. Read More

Coorg-01

Day 3

To Madikeri

This morning proceed towards Madikeri via Srirangapatnam. Upon arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights stay in Madikeri. Read More

Coorg-02

Day 4

Madikeri

Morning visit to Omkareshwar Temple and Abbey Falls. Afternoon at leisure. Read More

Coorg-03

Day 5

To Ferokh

Transfer to Ferokh via Kappad Beach. Stay overnight at the Hotel. Read More

Cochin-01

Day 6

To Kochi (Cochin)

Post breakfast drive to Kochi and stay overnight at the Hotel in Cochin. Read More

Coorg-01

Day 7

To UK

Transfer to the International airport in Cochin towards your onward journey to London with sweet memories. Read More

Hillgrove, Ooty and Mysore - ( 06 Nights ) (Day 16 to Day 22)

Retire to one of the quaintest corners in India that has remained untouched by perils of urbanisation. An important stop on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Hillgrove is best explored on sauntered walks along its lush, green spaces.
“The Queen of Hill Stations’, Ooty is about miles of verdant tea and coffee plantations, tall pine trees, charming British-era architecture and a laid-back vibe. If you are looking to escape sweltering Indian summers as well as hoards of crowds that compete for space at the hill stations up north, the unassumingly stunning Ooty in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu is just the place for you.
A city marked by reminders of the Royal Heritage, Mysore is where architecture takes a centre-stage in shedding light on the local history, culture and traditions. Smell of spices and incense dominate the air as visitors and locals negotiate deals in the city’s bustling bazaars. 

Mysore-01

Day 1

Cochin, Hillgrove

Post breakfast; proceed towards Hillgrove for a two night stay at the Resort. Read More

Mysore-04

Day 2

Hillgrove

Day to relax in your pretty surroundings. Read More

Mysore-06

Day 3

Hillgrove, Mysore

In the morning, take the Nilgiri Mountain railway to Ooty, through scenic villages and beautiful mountain landscapes. Journey onward, by car, to Mysore (4-5 hours) and spend two nights at the Hotel in Mysore. Read More

Mysore-02

Day 4

Mysore

A full day of sightseeing in Mysore commences with a visit to Srirangapatnam to see Tipu Sultan’s Palace. Drive up into the Chamundi hills for stunning views of the surrounding area and a visit to the monolithic Nandi Bull. Spend time at the grand Mysore Palace and visit the colorful Devaraja market. Read More

Bangalore-01

Day 5

Mysore, Bengaluru

Post breakfast drive towards Bengaluru, a city that is popularly known as the IT hub of India. The afternoon is at leisure. Stay at the hotel for one night in Bengaluru. Read More

Bangalore-02

Day 6

Bengaluru, Cochin

Post breakfast, transfer to airport in Bengaluru towards Cochin. Rest of the day at leisure. Read More

Cochin-02

Day 7

Cochin, UK

Post breakfast, transfer to the International airport in Cochin towards your onward journey to UK with sweet memories. Read More

Hotels

  • Abad Turtle Beach
    Abad Turtle Beach
    Star Rating Mararikulam
  • The Elephant Court
    The Elephant Court
    Star Rating Thekkady
  • Fragrant Nature Munnar
    Fragrant Nature Munnar
    Star Rating Munnar
  • Holiday Inn
    Holiday Inn
    Star Rating Kochi
  •  Indeco Hotels Swamimalai
    Indeco Hotels Swamimalai
    Star Rating Swamimalai
  •  Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
    Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
    Star Rating Madurai
  • Sangam Hotel
    Sangam Hotel
    Star Rating Tiruchirappalli
  •  The Residency Chennai
    The Residency Chennai
    Star Rating Chennai
  •  The Residency Towers Puducherry
    The Residency Towers Puducherry
    Star Rating Pondicherry
  • Marari Beach Resort
    Marari Beach Resort
    Mararikulam
  • Spice Village
    Spice Village
    Periyar
  • Fragrant Nature Munnar
    Fragrant Nature Munnar
    Munnar
  • Crowne Plaza
    Crowne Plaza
    Kochi
  •  The Leela Palace
    The Leela Palace
    Chennai
  •  Indeco Hotels Swamimalai
    Indeco Hotels Swamimalai
    Swamimalai
  • The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
    The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
    Madurai
  • Sangam Hotel
    Sangam Hotel
    Tiruchirappalli
  • PALAIS DE MAHE
    PALAIS DE MAHE
    Pondicherry

Abad Turtle Beach Star Rating

Mararikulam
  • Abad Turtle Beach

Abad Turtle Beach Resort is ideally located at Mararikulam which is a fishing village about 30 kilometers from Kochi. The most convenient point of access to the resort for travelers coming by air is the International Airport

More info

The Elephant Court Star Rating

Thekkady
  • The Elephant Court

The Elephant Court is situated in Thekkady, one of the best tropical wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It is about 1 Kilometer from Kumali in Idukki district, Kerala, which is the southern most state of India. It is just 1

More info

Fragrant Nature Munnar Star Rating

Munnar
  • Fragrant Nature Munnar

Fragrant Nature Munnar is located in the prime area of Pothamedu which has the best views into the Mountains. Fragrant Nature Munnar is styled similar to the local planter bungalows. All categories of rooms have cozy fireplac

More info

Holiday Inn Star Rating

Kochi
  • Holiday Inn

Located in the cosmopolitan city of Cochin, known as the industrial capital of Kerala, Holiday Inn Cochin is a recent addition in this bustling commercial port.Conveniently located on the NH Bypass at a distance of 5 kms from

More info

Marari Beach Resort Star Rating

Mararikulam
  • Marari Beach Resort

Marari Beach Resort is set in a superb location of 25 acres of coconut palm groves leading down to a vast expanse of Beach. The resort is just 15 kilometers away from Alleppey City Centre and approximately 75 kilometers from

More info

Spice Village Star Rating

Periyar
  • Spice Village

Spice Village is a resort located in Kumily, a small settlement three kilometres from Thekkady. The hotel is 145 kilometers from Cochin airport, 74 kilometers from Kottayam railway station, 90 kilometers from the backwaters i

More info

Fragrant Nature Munnar Star Rating

Munnar
  • Fragrant Nature Munnar

Fragrant Nature Munnar is located in the prime area of Pothamedu which has the best views into the Mountains. Fragrant Nature Munnar is styled similar to the local planter bungalows. All categories of rooms have cozy fireplac

More info

Crowne Plaza Star Rating

Kochi
  • Crowne Plaza

Located on the NH 47 Bypass with easy access to the airport, CBD, Kakkanad Infopark, Fort Kochi, and scenic backwaters and beaches to the south. Amidst exotic surroundings that comprised of alluring attractions of the city

More info

The Leela Palace Star Rating

Chennai
  •  The Leela Palace

The Leela Palace is located near Chennai's central business district and in close proximity to tourist sites. Anna International Airport and Kamaraj Domestic Airport are 16 kilometers away from the hotel.

More info

Indeco Hotels Swamimalai Star Rating

Swamimalai
  •  Indeco Hotels Swamimalai

INDeco Hotels Swamimalai is located in Thimmakudy Village in Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam is known for beautiful temples and natural beauty. Places like Sarangapani temple, Thenupuriswarar Temple and Adi Kumbeswarar Temple must be

More info

Indeco Hotels Swamimalai Star Rating

Swamimalai
  •  Indeco Hotels Swamimalai

INDeco Hotels Swamimalai is located in Thimmakudy Village in Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam is known for beautiful temples and natural beauty. Places like Sarangapani temple, Thenupuriswarar Temple and Adi Kumbeswarar Temple must be

More info

Fortune Pandiyan Hotel Star Rating

Madurai
  •  Fortune Pandiyan Hotel

Hotel Fortune Pandiyan is half a kilometer from the Meenakshi Temple and 9.7 km from the Madurai Airport Terminal.

More info

The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Star Rating

Madurai
  • The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai is located in Madurai making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. Thei hotel is close to Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Meenakshi Amman Temple. Nestled in 62 acres of stunning landscape

More info

Sangam Hotel Star Rating

Tiruchirappalli
  • Sangam Hotel

Sangam Hotels Trichy also hosts a significant number of stop over visitors on their way to Madurai, Thanjavur, Chennai and other cities due to its central location and accessibility to Trichy airport (5 kilometers) and railwa

More info

Sangam Hotel Star Rating

Tiruchirappalli
  • Sangam Hotel

Sangam Hotels Trichy also hosts a significant number of stop over visitors on their way to Madurai, Thanjavur, Chennai and other cities due to its central location and accessibility to Trichy airport (5 kilometers) and railwa

More info

PALAIS DE MAHE Star Rating

Pondicherry
  • PALAIS DE MAHE

This elegant hotel is 2 blocks from the nearest beach, 10 minutes on foot from Puducherry train station and 1 km from the Manakula Vinayagar Temple.

More info

The Residency Chennai Star Rating

Chennai
  •  The Residency Chennai

The hotel is located in the commercial heart of Chennai and is approximately a 30 minutes drive from the Railway Station and 45 minutes from the Airport.

More info

The Residency Towers Puducherry Star Rating

Pondicherry
  •  The Residency Towers Puducherry

On a street lined with shops, this upmarket hotel is 2 km from both Puducherry Beach and the Puducherry Museum. It's a 15-minute walk from Puducherry train station.

More info

What's Included?

  • International Flights: Return economy class International flights from UK. Supplement may apply from regional airports.
  • Domestic Flights:Economy class domestic flights within India.
  • Assisted Transfers : All Airport and train transfers as specified by a chauffeur driven car inclusive of representative assistance. Where courtesy transfers are provided by the hotel representative assistance may not be available in some places.
  • Accommodation: Room with attached private facilities.
  • Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast at all places.
  • Jungle Safari: As per individual parks regulations. By Jeep sharing with other tourist, seating up to five, or a large open vehicle, seating up to eighteen. Safaris are accompanied by a naturalist. For booking exclusive jeeps a higher charge may apply. Due to the limited number of vehicles allowed inside a park in a day, exclusive jeep is subject to availability.
  • Train: Air conditioned sleeper.
  • Services of Local Agent & Tour Guide: Services of a local agent in all major cities and an English speaking guide during sightseeing as specified inclusive of entry fee to the monuments.
  • Taxes:All applicable taxes and service charges.

What's not Included?

  • Travel insurance: We recommend you take a comprehensive travel insurance to cover your holiday at the time of booking the tour.
  • Visa: UK citizens require entry visas for India.
  • Personal Expenses: Such as laundry, telephones calls, hard & soft drinks, meals other then specified, beverages and mineral water etc
  • Camera fee: Still and video camera fee at monuments and game parks.
  • Tips anywhere: To drivers, porters, bellboys, guides & waiters etc.
  • Free Days: Any car arrangements on free days / days at leisure.
  • Any items not mentioned in the itinerary and inclusions.

Additional Information

Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£) based on twin sharing.
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