India
Classic Tour
South India Coast to Coast
Summary
Type: Classic Tour
Duration: 16 Days
Best Time to Travel: September – March
Places you'll discover
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South India Coast to Coast - Itinerary
Begin on the Coromandel Coast with the fascinating shore temples before travelling west to Mysore, the city of palaces. Breathe in the panoramic views of the Nilgiri Hills and their tea terraces before stepping back in time at the former hill stations of Ooty and Coonoor. Enjoy a wonderful narrow gauge train ride down the valley. Arrive on the west coast and Cochin, steeped in history as a former hub for the spice trade. Round off the trip with a night aboard a Kerala houseboat in ‘God’s Own Country’.
Day 1
Arrive Chennai – Mahabalipuram

Arrive at Chennai International Airport where you will be met and welcomed by your Indian guide. Transfer to the Coromandel Coast and the Grande Bay Resort.
Day 2
Mahabalipuram


In the morning we visit Mamammapuram with its UNESCO World Heritage listed monuments – most notably the Five Rathas, Sea Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance with its wonderful bas-reliefs covering two huge boulders.
Day 3
Mahabalipuram – Chennai


Explore this vast city including the Fort St. George Museum. Also visit Marina Beach, the 16th century Kapalishwara Temple and St. Thomas Cathedral.

Check in to our hotel The Lemon Tree.
Day 4
Chennai – Mysore


We have an early start to catch the Shatabdi Express train to Mysore.

Arriving in Mysore we check in to our hotel, Sandesh the Prince. Often referred to as the City of Palaces, Mysore exudes charm. It has thronging markets, a rich noble heritage and is renowned for its sandalwood, incense and silk.
Day 5
Mysore

After breakfast stroll through colorful Devaraja Market followed by magnificent Mysore Maharaja Palace.

We head up to Chamundi Hill for panoramic views of the city and the hilltop temple dedicated to the goddess, Chamundi. Stop at the huge statue dedicated to Nandi, the bull of Lord Shiva.
Day 6
Mysore – Mudumalai


Today head to the foothills of the Nilgiris to Mudumalai National Park, one of the best places to spot wildlife in Tamil Nadu.

We take a jeep safari in to park in the late afternoon when the animals are at their most active before arriving at our hotel Jungle Retreat.
Day 7
Mudumalai – Ooty – Coonoor

Depart for the cool climate of Ooty hill station, high up in the Nilgiri Hills. Visit the Botanical Gardens.

From Ooty take the narrow gauge railway down the valley to Coonoor passing through virgin forest and tea plantations. Check in to the Taj Gateway Hotel.
Day 8
Coonoor – Cochin

Today continue to Cochin with its rich colonial history (Fort Kochi is the oldest European township in India).

We arrive in the mid afternoon and check in to our hotel – Hotel No. 18.
Day 9
Cochin


Free time to relax.

We have a tour of Fort Kochi with visits to The Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, the 16th century Santa Cruz Basilica, the Dutch Palace, the Spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets.

In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance show – the traditional Keralan dance where the characters use larger than life gestures, wear outrageous costumes and dramatic make up.
Day 10
Cochin – Munnar

We drive to Munnar, a hill station 1,600m above sea level. Once the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in South India it still retains its colonial charm and is famous for its tea plantations, most of which are privately owned.

We visit a tea museum and some tea estates sampling some of the produce.
Day 11
Munnar – Kumarakom


Free time to relax.

Following breakfast drive to the quaint village of Kumarakom – a cluster of tiny islands surrounded by a labyrinth of tropical waterways.
Day 12
Kumarakom – Alleppey

We leave for Alleppey. Noted for its boat races, beaches, marine products and coir industry, Alleppey is also home to Kuttanad – the Rice Bowl of Kerala, which is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.

We board our house boat for a cruise around ‘God’s Own Country’ and lunch and dinner will be served on board.
Day 13
Alleppey – Kovalam

After breakfast on board disembark and drive to Kovalam with its three crescent shaped beaches lined by lush palm groves. Our hotel is the Travancore Heritage Hotel.
Day
14 & 15
Kovalam


Two whole days to relax unwind and enjoy Kovalam.
Day 16
Kovalam – Trivandrum

A departure transfer will take you to Trivandrum airport for your onward flight.
Additional Information
What's Included?
- Room accommodation in twin share
- Private transportation by car/ minivan
- Experienced English speaking Indian guide
- Drinking water in car / minivan
- Daily breakfast and meals as mentioned in itinerary (full board on house boat)
- Kathakali dance performance in Cochin
- Ooty toy train ride
- Jeep safari in Mudumalai National Park
- Train from Chennai to Mysore
- Entrance and sightseeing fees as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
What's Not Included?
- International Flights
- Drinks during meals
- Optional tours
- Indian visa
- Any personal expenses such as laundry, hotel phone etc
- Tips and gratuities
South India Coast to Coast Summary
Details
Type: Classic
Duration: 16 Days
Best Time to Travel: September – March
Places you'll discover
Speak to our friendly Travel Experts