(18 Nights / 19 Days ) Arr : Covelong ( 02 nts) – Pondicherry (01 nt) – Tanjore ( 01 nt) – Karaikudi (02 nts) – Madurai (01 nt) – Thekkady (02 nts) – Kumarakom (02 nts) – Cochin (02 nts) – Coonoor (01 nt) – Nagarhole (01 nt) – Mysore (02 nts)- Dep : Bangalore (01 nt)
Experience the best of South India as you travel through Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. From ancient rock carvings that depict India’s rich history, to sightseeing that includes visiting UNESCO heritage sites, every moment of the trip creates a great photo opportunity. Travel to charming spice plantations, explore old churches and temples and get a greater appreciation of the local culture.
HOTELS USED OR SIMILAR
| DESTINATION | STANDARD | DELUXE | EXCLUSIVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAHABALIPURAM | IDEAL BEACH RESORT | RADISSON BLUE TEMPLE BAY | FISHERMANS COVE |
| PONDICHERRY | HOTEL DEL’ORIENT | LE DUPLEX | MAISON PERUMAL |
| TANJORE | PARADISE RESORT | IDEAL RIVER VIEW | MANTRA VEEPATHUR |
| KARAIKUDI | THE BANGALA | CHIDAMBARA VILLAS | VISALAM |
| MADURAI | JC RESIDENCY | HERITAGE MADURAI | HERITAGE MADURAI |
| THEKKADY | WILDERNEST | HOTEL TREETOP | SPICE VILLAGE |
| KUMARAKOM | LAKE SONG | COCONUT LAGOON | COCONUT LAGOON |
| COCHIN | FORT HERITAGE | MALABAR HOUSE RESIDENCY | BRUNTON BOATYARD |
| COONOOR | ACRES WILD | THE GATEWAY HOTEL COONOOR | THE GATEWAY HOTEL COONOOR |
| BANDIPUR | BANDIPUR SAFARI LODGE | BANDIPUR SAFARI LODGE | KABINI RIVER LODGE |
| MYSORE | SANDESH THE PRINCE | WINDFLOWER | METROPOLE |
| BANGALORE | HOTEL REEGALIS | ATLOF | VIVANTA BY TAJ MG ROAD |
COST INCLUDES:
+ Accommodation with Breakfast Basis in above mentioned hotels or similar
+ AC INDIGO/LOGAN for Standard Package
+ AC INNOVA for Deluxe & Exclusive Programme
+ Local English Speaking Guide with Applicable Entrance Fees
+ Game Viewing Boat-ride at Lake Periyar
+ Spice Plantation Visit at Thekkady
+ Kathakali Dance show in a Local theatre at Cochin
+ All Taxes
Cost Does Not Include:
Airfare, Visa, Travel Insurance etc.
Meals other than mentioned
Tips, telephone calls, laundry, shopping etc
Any other items other than mentioned above
We arrive in Chennai and transfer to the delightful Fisherman’s Cove Beach Resort in Covelong for two nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure until the evening when we enjoy a welcome cocktail with a chance to meet fellow travellers in the group.
Today we visit the impressive coastal site of Mahabalipuram which was constructed between the 7th and 9th centuries and portrays, by way of impressive rock carving and relief, the historical, mythological and philosophical Indian epic known as the Mahabharata. There is also the option of a visit to Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, for a sightseeing tour.
Moving on from Covelong we drive south following the coastline to the former French colony of Pondicherry. The colonial buildings, statues and churches make for an interesting and atmospheric setting and is all easily accessed from the characterful Maison Perumal, our hotel for the night. This evening enjoy dinner in a popular restaurant.
After Breakfast proceed to Tanjore enroute visit Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram. Overnight in Ideal River view.
Morning visit Tanjore, home of the UNESCO World Heritage Airavetisvara Temple. In Tanjore we visit the Brihadeeshwara Temple complex, its 62m high tower is the highest in India. We continue on to Chettinad for two nights at the well appointed Visalam hotel.
Today we explore the sleepy village of Chettinad which is home to some fine mansions, each housing its own collection of antiques, furniture and art.
After breakfast proceed to Madurai. Afternoon visit the town of Madurai which is home to some fine examples of Dravidian architecture and in particular the stunning Meenakshi Temple complex with its vast colourfully carved gopuram (towers). Overnight at Hotel Heritage Madurai.
After breakfast proceed to Thekkady. In Periyar we stay for two nights at the Spice Village, a resort of charming cottages set in spice plantations.
The morning is spent at leisure before we head into the national park for a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where we hope to spot wild elephants on the grassy banks.
Descending from the Western Ghats we drive to Kumarakom, a sleepy village on the shores of Lake Vembanad and Kerala’s backwater canals. A boat transfer is arranged to ferry us to tranquil Coconut Lagoon resort, where we stay for two nights.
Today is at leisure to enjoy this relaxing hotel. There are nearby paddy fields which make for an interesting walking option or there is thechance to take a boat trip on the backwaters.
We leave the peace and quiet of the backwaters and head for the port city of Cochin. Stay two nights at the first class Brunton Boat Yard hotel which is located in Fort Cochin and overlooks the harbour. Take an evening sunset cruise on the harbour.
Governed by many nations over the years, Cochin has a rich multi-cultural history. Today we will visit the Jewish Synagogue, St Francis’ Church and the Dutch palace which is home to murals depicting the Ramayana. In the evening we arrive early to watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance and the preceding elaborate make-up preparation.
A long drive today takes us from the coast through paddy fields and in to the hills to the hill station of Coonoor. Here we stay at the Taj Garden Retreat.
The “toy train” is our method of transport today and will take us as far as the hill-station of Ooty. Crossing quaint bridges and traversing small hillside tunnels it is for some the highlight of the trip. From Ooty we drive on to Nagarhole, and check in at KABANI RIVER LODGE.
Morning after Jeep Safari Inside Nagarhole National Park proceed to Mysore a city lying at the foot of the Chamundi Hills where we stay at the boutique Windflower hotel.
Take a sightseeing tour of the city this morning which includes the bold Mysore Palace. The afternoon is spent visiting Srirangapattanam which lies on the edge of Mysore and is home to an important pilgrimage temple dedicated to Vishnu. Later drive up into the Chamundi Hills which provide excellent views of the city and is home to the monolithic Nandi Bull. The day is rounded off walking through Mysore’s vibrant and colourful markets; a particular treat for anyone interested in photography.
Take a train to Bangalore today and on arrival take an orientation tour through this commercially buoyant city. Our final night is spent in the luxurious Oberoi Hotel.
Our return flight to London is via Dubai.
