Covering some of the finest sights in the South, this tour highlights the region’s great diversity – Tamil Nadu’s huge, colourful temples, the vast palace…
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Group Tour 13 days from £1699 per person
Places Visited: Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai, Periyar, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Cochin
Covering some of the finest sights of the southern-most states of India, our Southern Explorer tour commences with the atmospheric temple towns of Tamil Nadu. In seafront Mahabalipuram, see the stunning bas-relief and the ancient Shore Temple. After an overnight stop in the uniquely French town of Pondicherry, drive to Tanjore to see another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Brihadeeshwara Temple.
Continue southwest to visit the vibrant and bustling Meenakshi temple at Madurai before crossing over into the Western Ghats at Periyar in Kerala. Take a boat ride on tranquil Lake Periyar and spend a night under the stars, in a rice boat, on the picturesque backwaters. Colonial Fort Kochi is the final stop before heading home.
Holiday Types
Cultural Holidays Wildlife Holidays River Cruising Holidays Luxury Train Holidays Family Holidays Honeymoons Beach Holidays Adventure Holidays
Travel Arrangements
- Group Size 4 -16 people
- Internal Travel Arrival & departure transfers. Internal travel by road
- Accompanying Guide English-speaking guides. Accompanying tour escort when minimum group size achieved
- Accommodation 12 nights
- Meal Plan Breakfast daily. Lunch on days 3, 4, 5, 10. Dinner on days 1, 10
Itinerary for Southern Explorer
Day 1
Chennai, Mahabalipuram
Greeted on arrival in Chennai and transfer to the Ideal Beach Resort at Mahabalipuram or similar for two nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax on the beach. A welcome dinner is arranged at a local restaurant.
Day 2
Mahabalipuram
Morning sightseeing of Mahabalipuram includes a visit to the ancient Shore Temple and the impressive rock carvings and reliefs from the mythological Indian epic known as the Mahabharata. The afternoon is at leisure with the option of a city tour of Chennai, which can be arranged at a supplement.
Accommodation Options
Day 3
Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry
Drive South on the pretty East Coast Highway to the former French colony of Pondicherry (3 hours). Explore the colonial buildings, statues and churches on foot. Spend the night at the Windflower Resort or similar on the outskirts of the city.
Day 4
Pondicherry, Tanjore
A day’s drive inland to Tanjore (6 hours), via Darasuram, home of the UNESCO World Heritage Airavetisvara Temple. Stay at the Ideal River View resort, set in pretty gardens, for two nights.
Day 5
Tanjore
Today is a full day of sightseeing in Thanjavur, including a visit the Brihadeeshwara Temple complex: its 62m high tower is the tallest of its kind in India. Also enjoy a traditional Tamil thali lunch.
Accommodation Options
Day 6
Tanjore, Madurai
Drive to the town of Madurai (4-5 hours), to visit the stunning Meenakshi Temple complex with its vast colourfully carved gopuram (towers) and bustling bazaars. Stay overnight at the GRT Regency hotel or similar.
Day 7
Madurai, Periyar National Park
In the morning, take a leisurely drive, across state borders, into ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala. Arrive in the village of Kumily (4-5 hours), a base to visit Periyar National Park, by early afternoon, for two nights’ at the Cardamom County resort or similar.
Day 8
Periyar National Park
This morning take a walk in Periyar Nature Reserve with tribal trackers, in search of wildlife. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation which offers an interesting insight into how various spices such as cardamom, cloves and cinnamon are grown, cultivated and processed.
Accommodation Options
Day 9
Periyar National Park, Kumarakom
Today we descend through the Western Ghats towards Kumarakom (4 hours), a sleepy village on the shores of Lake Vembanad, for an overnight stay at the Zuri Kumarakom Resort or similar. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 10
Kumarakom, Alleppey
Late morning, board a rice boat for an overnight cruise on Lake Vembanad and the backwaters:- a region that, not only shelters some unique animal and bird life, but also lush paddy fields which are referred to as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’. This is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Accommodation Options
Day 11
Cochin
Depart after breakfast for Cochin (2 hours). Check-in at the Killians Boutique Hotel or similar for two nights. In the evening, take a sunset cruise on the harbour, a signature Cochin experience for views of the landmark Chinese fishing nets.
Day 12
Cochin
Spend the morning taking in the sights of historic Fort Cochin. Explore the colonial streets, the Dutch Palace, with its murals of the Ramayana, the Jewish Synagogue and St Francis, the oldest church in India. In the evening, attend a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance drama in which the dancers wear elaborate costumes and make up.
Accommodation Options
Day 13
Cochin
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation Options
Group Tour 13 days from £1699 per person
What's included
✓ 12 nights accommodation
✓ Arrival & departure transfers. Internal travel by road
✓ English-speaking guides. Accompanying tour escort when minimum group size achieved
✓ Breakfast daily. Lunch on days 3, 4, 5, 10. Dinner on days 1, 10
✓ Entrance fees at monuments. Escorted walks in Periyar
Holiday Extensions for this tour
India: Southern Explorer - Ooty & Mysore
6 days, 5 nights from £765 per person
Single supplement £ 395 per person
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Day 13
Cochin, Hillgrove
A long drive (6-7 hours) from the coast, through paddy fields and up to Hillgrove for a two night stay at the Kurumba Village Resort.
Day 14
Hillgrove
A day to relax in your pretty surroundings with options for a tribal village visit, bird watching excursions or walking.
Day 15
Hillgrove, Mysore
In the morning, take the Nilgiri Mountain railway to Ooty, through scenic villages and beautiful mountain landscapes. Journey onward by car to Mysore (4-5 hours) and spend two nights at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
Day 16
Mysore
A full day of sightseeing in Mysore commences with a visit to Srirangapatnam to see Tipu Sultan’s Palace. Drive up into the Chamundi hills for stunning views of the surrounding area and a visit to the monolithic Nandi Bull. Spend time at the grand Mysore Palace and visit the colourful Devaraja market.
Day 17
Mysore, Bangalore
A morning drive (4-5 hours) to Bangalore: a city that is popularly known as the IT hub of India. The afternoon is at leisure. Stay at the Fortune Hotel or similar for one night.
Day 18
Bangalore
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
2024 tour prices for Southern Explorer
| DEPARTURE DATE | PRICE PER PERSON | SINGLE ROOM supplement | AVAILABILITY | |
| Sun 14 Jan 2024 | £1945 | £785 | Please call us | |
| Sun 04 Feb 2024 | £1945 | £785 | Please call us | |
| Sun 03 Mar 2024 | £1945 | £785 | Good |
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