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Introduction

Travel to India and embark on this classic southern India tour from Chennai to Kovalam Beach. Lush, tropical southern India is charming, captivating and hospitable. Discover a thousand shades of green and share smiles with the friendly local people. Experience the culture, religion and history of this region in its small rural towns, quaint fishing villages and scented spice plantations. This is a fabulous part of India includes Kerala and follows the road less travelled - without sacrificing too many creature comforts.



Pricing Details
Trip Highlight
  • Jungle walk in Periyar National Park.
    Jungle walk in Periyar National Park
  • Pole boat ride on the Backwaters of Kochi.
    Pole boat ride on the Backwaters of Kochi Image
  • UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Mamallapuram.
    UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Mamallapuram Image
  • Spice farm tour in Thekkady.
    Spice farm tour in Thekkady Image
  • Visit the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest existing Jewish synagogue in India, built in 1568.
    Visit the Paradesi Synagogue Image
  • Visit one of the most ancient temples in south India, the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.
    Attukal Bhagavathy Temple Image
  • Visit  famous Sri Aurobind Ashram in Puducherry.
    Sri Aurobind Ashram in Puducherry Image

Day 1

Chennai

On arrival at the airport, meet your Tour Executive who will assist you to transfer to the hotel for two nights stay in Chennai.
(No Meals)

Stay (Option 01): The Pride Stay (Option 02): Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park Chennai
Chennai Airport image
Chennai
Chennai Airport

Day 2

Chennai

Chennai, formerly Madras, is the fourth largest city in India. It was the first major settlement of the East India Company in 1639. The Government Museum is an excellent place to develop an understanding of the history of the city. Simply wandering the streets, exploring the lively local markets and beautiful temples is another lovely way to wile away the day.

(Breakfast)
Stay (Option 01): The Pride Stay (Option 02): Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park Chennai
image of St Thomas Basilica
Chennai
St Thomas Basilica

Day 3

Chennai – Mamallapuram

(Driving Time: Approx 3 hours)

From Chennai, you will escape the busy city and head for the sprawling, laidback beaches of Mamallapuram. You will drive along the scenic East Coast Road for two hours to reach this scenic fishing village. You might like to visit the Shore Temple, or see the abundant mandapams (carved pillars in front of temples). You can also watch stone carvers, see the fishing fleet, or just unwind and absorb the atmosphere of the town from a beachside restaurant.
(Breakfast)
Stay (Option 01): Mgm Beach Resort Stay (Option 02): Intercontinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort Mamallapuram
image of Shore Temple Mahabalipuram
Mamallapuram
Shore Temple Mahabalipuram
"Amazing Facts
Kerala, famous for it's beaches and back waters has some great surprises for the traveler. The town of Munnar is the only hill station in the state, which enjoys beautiful weather throughout the year. This weather is the most suitable weather for the Neelakurinji flowers; flowers which bloom only once every 12 or 16 years. which literally means the blue mountains, got their name from the purplish blue flowers of Neelakurinji that blossoms gregariously only once in 12 years. Paliyan tribal people apparently used it to calculate their age. Another species found only on these mountains are the endangered Nigiri Ibex, which is not found elsewhere in India.

Day 4

Mamallapuram - Puducherry

(Driving Time: Approx 3 hours)

You will drive on to Puducherry today, briefly stopping at Auroville to experience an incredible experiment in international living. This region is distinctively French. It is charming and romantic, replete with a Hotel de Ville, French consulate and a police force dressed in traditional red kepis hats and belts. You will wander through the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and also explore some local temples and the old French quarter.
(Breakfast)
Stay (Option 01): The Sunway GRT Grand Stay (Option 02): The Promenade Puducherry
image of Paradise Beach Puducherry
Puducherry
Paradise Beach Puducherry

Day 5

Puducherry – Madurai

(Driving Time: Approx 7 hours)

Today you will take an afternoon train to Madurai. This six-hour journey will be in air-conditioned comfort to ensure your trip is enjoyable. Overnight stay in hotel.
(Breakfast)
Stay (Option 01): Fortune Pandian Hotel Stay (Option 02): The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai
image of Meenakshi Temple
Madurai
Meenakshi Temple

Day 6

Madurai

Today we have a morning tour of Madurai including a visit to the 16th century Meenakshi Temple with its nine imposing gopurams (monumental gates). Within the temple complex we’ll explore the Thousand Pillared Hall, the Golden Lotus Tank and the Nandi Pavilion. Rising above the temple, above the festive pandemonium of swirling crowds of pilgrims that never seem to cease, are 12 stupendous towers. A short distance away is the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, a blend of Hindu and Saracen architectural styles. Recent restorations include repainting the carvings and stone-work in their original colours - a startling effect. This afternoon you are free to explore this bustling temple town at leisure, taking in a trip to the Gandhi Museum, soaking up the vibrant colours and floral aromas. browsing through silver, craft and carpet shops or even ordering tailor-made outfits from one of the many bazaars.
(Breakfast)
Stay (Option 01): Fortune Pandian Hotel Stay (Option 02): The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai
image of Thirumalai Nayak Mahal
Madurai
Thirumalai Nayak Mahal

Day 7

Madurai – Periyar

(Driving Time: Approx 4 hrs)

Today you will drive to Thekkady, passing flourishing rubber and pineapple plantations. Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar National Park (Periyar Tiger Reserve), which is perched high in the ranges of the Western Ghats.
(Breakfast)
Stay (Option 01): Abad Green Forest Stay (Option 02): The Elephant Court Thekkady Periyar
image of Boat Cruises
Periyar
Boat Cruises

Day 8

Periyar

After breakfast we will take a short visit to a nearby spice garden before heading back towards the coast and our homestay for the next two nights. We stay with local families within a village, and your tour leader will brief you on local customs and traditions. It is a great opportunity to spend time learning about the real life of Keralans as well as an opportunity to sample some delicious home cooking – perhaps a spicy coconut curry. 
(Breakfast)
Stay (Option 01): Abad Green Forest Stay (Option 02): The Elephant Court Periyar
image of Spice Plantation
Periyar
Spice Plantation

Day 9

Periyar - Munnar

(Driving Time: Approx 4 hours)

You will be driven to Munnar today. Munnar is an old British hill station that is cradled in a picturesque valley. Sitting higher up at 1525 metres (4575 feet) you will notice a dramatic drop in temperature here, so be sure to pack appropriate clothing to accommodate this. You will visit a nearby tea garden, where you can bask in the luscious, green surrounds, and if the erratic scheduling of the museum allows, you will visit the tea museum.
(Breakfast)
Stay (Option 01): Copper Castle Stay (Option 02): Mountain Club Resort Munnar
image of View of Land and Cloud from Munnar
Munnar
View of Land and Cloud from Munnar

Day 10

Munnar

A morning sight seeing trip of Munnar, you will visit a nearby tea garden, where you can bask in the luscious, green surrounds, and if the erratic scheduling of the museum allows, you will visit the tea museum. Next you will journey out to Mattupetty Dam, a town known for its Indo-Swiss livestock project. It is situated 13 kilometres from Munnar and sits 1700 metres above sea level.
(Breakfast)
Stay (Option 01): Copper Castle Stay (Option 02): Mountain Club Resort Munnar
image of Devikulam Lake Munnar
Munnar
Devikulam Lake Munnar

Day 11

Munnar – Kochi

(Driving Time: Approx 4 hours)

Drive to Kochi. Explore the major sights of Fort Cochin, visit the spice bazaars and antique shops, and be part of a Kathakali dance performance.
(Breakfast)
Stay (Option 01): Holiday Inn Cochin Stay (Option 02): Crowne Plaza Kochi Kochi
image of Kathakali Dance
Kochi
Kathakali Dance

Day 12

Kochi

This morning head to the harbour and watch the local fishermen manipulating the old Chinese Fishing Nets. Discover the influence of the Dutch, Portuguese, British, Arab and Chinese during your tour of Dutch Palace. Visit Jew Town and the Jewish Synagogue, the oldest in India. Enjoy a private cruise around Kochi Harbour, witness spectacular sunsets and keep an eye out for the dolphins known to be in the waters. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
(Breakfast)
Stay (Option 01): Holiday Inn Cochin Stay (Option 02): Crowne Plaza Kochi Kochi
image of Chinese Fishing Nets
Kochi
Chinese Fishing Nets

Day 13

Kochi – Alappuzha

(Driving Time: Approx 2 hours)

Drive towards the backwaters of Kerala and stay overnight in a houseboat.Walk through nearby villages and experience an ayurvedic massage.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stay (Option 01): Cosy Houseboat Stay (Option 02): Cosy Houseboat Alappuzha
image of Vembanad Lake
Alappuzha
Vembanad Lake

Day 14

Alappuzha – Kovalam

(Driving Time: Approx 4 hours)

A morning drive takes you to Kovalam via the capital of Kerala, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). The journey takes approximately 4 hours. Kovalam used to be quiet coastal village known only for its export of fresh fish and coconuts. It was discovered 30 years ago and was transformed from obscurity to one of the most popular beaches in India.
(Breakfast)
Stay (Option 01): Sagara Beach Resort Stay (Option 02): Uday Samudra Kovalam
image of Kovalam Beach
Kovalam
Kovalam Beach

Day 15

Kovalam- Trivandrum - Departure

Your trip ends in Kovalam after breakfast. The nearest airport is Trivandrum. Your tour leader can assist you with arranging a transfer to the airport.
(Breakfast)
Kovalam
image of Trivandrum Airport
Kovalam
Trivandrum Airport
image