India
Set Departure Tour
Jewels of South India
Summary
Type: Set Departure Tour
Duration: 13 Days
Best Time to Travel: September – March
Places you'll discover
Set departure dates
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Jewels of South India - Itinerary
Discover just what it is the makes south India such an enjoyable place to visit on this group tour. We start in the pleasant seaside town of Mahabalipuram and its ancient shore temples. Southern India boasts some amazing and colourful Hindu temples and we visit the stunning Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. The land is also rich in agriculture and we spend time at a spice farm in Kerala and spend the night aboard a houseboat as we meander through lush lagoons and canals witnessing daily life on the water.
Day 1
Mahabalipuram

Pick up from Chennai airport and transfer to Mahabalipuram.

Overnight Mahabalipuram.
Day 2
Mahabalipuram

A free day to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Day 3
Mahabalipuram


Enjoy an historical walking tour of Mahabalipuram covering the important monuments including The Arjuna`s Penance (Bass Relief) and Five Rathas as well as the renowned Shore Temple. Apart from the monuments we also visit to a Sculpture studio. In the evening you are free to relax on the beach.
Day 4
Mahabalipuram – Tanjore

Drive to Tanjore en route visit Darasuram Temple – a storehouse of art and architecture with some exquisite stone carvings. Proceed to Tanjore. On arrival, check into the hotel.
Day 5
Tanjore

Visit Sri Brihadeshwara Temple built by the great Chola king, Raja Raja I in the 10th century. The temple is an outstanding example of Chola architecture. Guarding the inner shrine of the temple is the gigantic statue of Nandi, the Bull, while the walls of the sanctum are decorated with paintings of Chola and Nayak periods. Continue Tanjore Palace and Museum. Later explore nearby village to experience the art of statue making and glass painting.
Day 6
Tanjore – Madurai


Drive to Madurai and en-route visit Karaikudi village where you can see the girls threading garlands of jasmine, and stalls selling bangles and women bent double sowing rice in the paddy fields. Stop at a small temple built around a banyan tree, where life-size clay horses are ranged in rows as offerings to the gods. Continue on to Madurai.
Day 7
Madurai

This morning visit the beautiful Meenakshi Temple.

Then on to the Palace of Tirumalai Nayak. After refreshment enjoy a cycle rickshaw tour around Madurai, passing through narrow lanes of Madurai.

In the evening we return to Meenakshi Temple to witness the evening prayer ceremony.
Day 8
Madurai – Periyar


Drive to Periyar located in Idukki district. On arrival, check into hotel. In the evening enjoy a visit to a Spice Plantation. See various species of spices and other aromatic plants and herbs. Your guide will explain about the use of different spices in Indian cuisine.
Day 9
Periyar

In the morning there is the option of a guided walk in the national park. In the evening enjoy a Kalaripayatu performance, a traditional local martial arts form.
Day 10
Periyar– Cochin


Checkout and drive to Cochin. In the afternoon visit the Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 and the 16th century Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese. The Palace was presented to the Raja of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill. This evening watch the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterized by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extraordinary make-up.
Day 11
Cochin – Allepey


Drive to Alleppey where we will board a “Kettuvallam”, the traditional trading vessel of this beautiful coastal region for a cruise on the backwaters. The boat will stop in villages for you to experience a glimpse of life in rural Kerala. Overnight stay on houseboat.
Day 12
Allepey – Kovalam

Disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam. On arrival check in and free time to relax on the beach.
Day 13
Kovalam – Trivandrum Depart

Morning checkout and drive to Trivandrum airport for onward flight.
Additional Information
What's Included?
- Room accommodation in twin share
- Private transportation by air-conditioned minivan
- Overnight stay in houseboat
- Buffet Breakfast at Hotels
- Experienced English speaking Indian guide
- Spice Plantation tour in Periyar
- Kathakali dance in cochin
- Kalaripatu show in Periyar
What's Not Included?
- International Flights
- Drinks during meals not specified in the itinerary
- Optional tours
- Entrance Fees
- Indian visa
- Any personal expenses such as laundry, hotel phone etc
- Tips and gratuities
Accommodation Information
CITY NAME | NUMBER OF NIGHTS | STANDARD HOTELS |
---|---|---|
Mamallapuram | 03 | Mamalla Heritage |
Tanjore | 02 | Laxmi Hotel |
Madurai | 02 | Poppys Hotel |
Periyar | 02 | Michaels Inn |
Cochin | 01 | Homestay |
Alleppey | 01 | AC Deluxe houseboat |
Kovalam | 01 | Soma Palmshore |
Jewels of South India Summary
Details
Type: Set Departure
Duration: 13 Days
Best Time to Travel: September – March
Places you'll discover
Speak to our friendly Travel Experts