Essence of South India
Duration:
17 Nights & 18 Days
Destinations:
CHENNAI - PONDICHERY - MADURAI - MUNNAR, ALLEPPEY - COCHIN - OOTY - BANDIPUR - MYSORE - BANGALORE
Tour Highlights:
Discover the essence of South India on this vibrant journey through its rich culture and landscapes. Begin in Chennai, exploring historic sites and temples, then travel through Mahabalipuram and the charming French Quarter of Pondicherry. Visit sacred temples in Madurai, relax in Munnar's lush tea gardens, and cruise the serene backwaters of Alleppey. Experience Cochin’s colonial charm, the picturesque landscapes of Ooty, and a thrilling safari in Bandipur. Conclude in Mysore and Bangalore with grand palaces and bustling markets, capturing South India's diverse heritage and natural beauty.
Itinerary:
DAY 01 ARRIVE CHENNAI BY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
On arrival you will meet our Travel Executive after collecting your luggage & passing customs at arrival hall. Further he will assist you your transfer to hotel. (B)
DAY 02 CHENNAI
Today you will be taken on a city tour of Chennai, visiting Fort St. George, San Thome Church and Kapaleeswarar Temple, the biggest temple in Chennai. Afterwards, you will be driven past Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the World. Overnight stay in Chennai. (B)
DAY 03 CHENNAI – PONDICHERRY VIA MAHABALLIPURAM BY ROAD (140KMS/4HRS)
Drive to Pondicherry en route visiting Mahaballipuram. Continue your drive to Pondicherry and check in at hotel.
DAY 04 PONDICHERRY – KUMBAKORAM BY ROAD (130KMS/4HRS)
Drive to Kumbakoram and check in at hotel. Afternoon mystical temple of Kumbakoram. (B)
DAY 05 KUMBAKONAM/MADURAI BY ROAD (220KMS/4HRS)
After breakfast, depart for Kumbakonam and check in at hotel. In the evening, you will witness closing ceremony at the famous Meenkashi Temple. Overnight stay in Madurai. (B)
DAY 06 MADURAI
In the morning half day tour of Madurai, you will visit Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and also visit the bustling market of Madurai outside the Meenakshi Temple. In the afternoon you will visit Vilacheri – Potters’ village in Madurai, where mud becomes God. (B)
DAY 07 MADURAI – MUNNAR BY ROAD (160KMS/4HRS)
Drive to Munnar and check in at hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax. (B)
DAY 08 MUNNAR
In the morning sightseeing tour of Munnar. A short break to enjoy nature at its best. Endless tea plantations, lush green valleys, beautiful mountains, intriguing flora and fauna, evergreen forests, aroma of spices in the air- all these make Munnar a traveler’s heaven of peace. Here, you will experience ultimate tranquility in God's Own Country. (B,L,D)
DAY 09 MUNNAR – ALLEPPEY BY ROAD (165KMS/4-5HRS)
Today you will depart for Alleppey to board the Rice Houseboat. You will sail through the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. In the afternoon you will be sailing in the canals of the massive lake where you can see people doing their daily ritual. You will explore the riverside villages while enjoying the panoramic scenery. (B)
DAY 10 ALLEPPEY – COCHIN BY ROAD (60KMS/1.5HRS)
Disembark the houseboat at drive to Cochin. Afternoon is free to relax. In the late evening you will witness the Kathakali dance drama. Overnight in Kochi. (B)
DAY 11 COCHIN
After breakfast, tour Cochin visiting the Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing nets and St. Francis Church. (B)
DAY 12 COCHIN – OOTY BY ROAD (300KMS/7HRS)
Drive to Ooty and check in at hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax. (B)
DAY 13 OOTY
In the morning you will visit Botanical Garden- the picturesque gardens with over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. Also you will visit the Ooty Lake. Afternoon enjoy the famous Toy train ride from Connor to Ooty on historical Nilgiri Mountain railway established in 1899.
DAY 14 OOTY – BANDIPUR BY ROAD (60KMS/1.5HRS)
Drive to Bandipur and check in at hotel. In the late afternoon you will be taken into the park for jungle safari. (B)
DAY 15 BANDIPUR – MSYORE BY ROAD (90KMS/2HRS)
Drive to Mysore and check in at hotel. Afternoon tour of Mysore and visit Mysore Palace – the Maharaja’s Palace with its works of art from the world over, see the magnificent crouching Nandi Bull & the Rajendra Art Gallery. Also visit Chamundi Hill to see the panoramic views of the city and in the evening visit Brindavan Gardens, famous for their spectacular musical fountains. (B)
DAY 16: MYSORE – BANGALORE VIA SRIRANGAPATNAM BY ROAD (140KMS/3HRS)
Drive to Bangalore en route visiting Tipu Sultan’s second Palace at Srirangapatna. Continue your drive to Bangalore and check in at hotel. (B)
DAY 17: BANGALORE
In the morning you will visit Vidhan Soudha - The legislative House of the State of Karnataka, Bull Temple, carved out of a single granite rock. You will conclude the day by visit to Visvesvaraya Memorial Museum. Afternoon will be free to relax. Overnight stay in Bangalore. (B)
DAY 18: DEPART/BANGALORE BY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
You will be transferred to Chennai International airport in time to connect your onward flight to next destination.
Hotel Costs:
Inclusions:
A. HOTEL
· 17 Nights hotel accommodation on Twin/Double sharing basis including all existing taxes.
B. Meals
· Daily breakfast (B) as mentioned in the itinerary.
C. TRANSPORT
· Meeting and assistance on arrival / departure by our airport representative
· Cost based on air-conditioned transport –AC Crysta Innova (02 pax)
· Transfer from airport to hotel and vice-versa.
· Sightseeing, excursion and Surface travel as per programme
D GUIDE
· English Speaking local guide during the sightseeing as per program.
E: ENTRANCE FEES & VISITS
· Included only for 01 visits
Accommodation: Hotel stays as per the itinerary (including breakfast).
Transportation: All road transfers, including private vehicle with an experienced driver.
Sightseeing: Entrance fees to all mentioned sites.
Meals: Breakfast daily; additional meals as specified (L, D).
Guides: Local guides for sightseeing where applicable.
Special Activities: Houseboat stay in Alleppey, Kathakali dance performance in Cochin, Toy train ride in Ooty, and jungle safari in Bandipur.
Current applicable taxes
Exclusions:
1. ITEMS OF PERSONAL NATURE - such as laundry, table drinks, telephone bills, tips to room boys, drivers, guides, personal clothing including sleeping bags etc.
2. Any Air fare.
3. Visa fee for India to be arranged and paid for directly by the clients. Check VISA rules carefully from your nearest Indian Embassy/ Mission before applying for Indian VISA.
4. Travel & Health Insurance to be arranged and paid for directly by the clients.
5. Airport taxes and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change without notice. Any meals (other than breakfast), drinks, tips, expenses of personal nature.
6. Anything not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” column.
Gallery:
