South India's temples and backwaters

14 days
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Private Guided
A country by name, but a continent in scale, India in one word is diversity. To guide you where to go when faced with such rich variety, our India specialists use the experience of their own travels to create your tailor-made holiday to India. The north is banded by the snow-crowned peaks of the Himalaya. Moving south, you pass through Rajasthan, a microcosm...
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    A country by name, but a continent in scale, India in one word is diversity. To guide you where to go when faced with such rich variety, our India specialists use the experience of their own travels to create your tailor-made holiday to India. The north is banded by the snow-crowned peaks of the Himalaya. Moving south, you pass through Rajasthan, a microcosm of India with its forts, palaces and temples, as well as the Taj Mahal. Central India shelters leopards, elephants and the Bengal tiger. In India’s northeast corner, Calcutta still exudes its colonial heritage in a landscape of Bengali mansions and neo-Gothic architecture. West-coast Mumbai is an improbable proposition — a hub of manufacturing where you can wander among Art Deco architecture or through a teeming bazaar. Down in India’s south, cruising Kerala’s backwaters on a converted rice barge is a suitably relaxed way to embrace this region’s laid-back approach to life.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityChennai
End CityCochin

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Chennai.

Day 2 : Mahabalipuram

Arrive into Chennai International Airport to be greeted by one of our local representatives. Your private driver will stay with you for the duration of your trip, on hand to assist during long journeys and suggest places to stop along the way for refreshments or comfort breaks.

Day 3 : Mahabalipuram

Today your Indian adventure starts with a tour of Mahabalipuram, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will see the many influences that have shaped the city, the government project to restore home owners properties, and a paper factory run by a local ashram dependant if you are there when it is open.

Day 4 : Pondicherry

This morning you will drive further south to the former French enclave of Pondicherry. Along the way you will pass many salt flats, if you wish to stop please ask your driver.

Day 5 : Pondicherry

Today you will enjoy a private guided tour of the colonial quarter. You will find that hotels, shops and cafes, all have a French influence and you'll find that many locals still speak french.

Day 6 : Tanjore

Continue to Tanjore today, stopping to enjoy various temples and their sacred art en route. The history is fascinating - local guides can be arranged if you would like a detailed tour or you can explore independently.

Day 7 : Chettinad

Today you will drive to Chettinad, visiting Trichy along the way. Trichy is located right in the centre of Tamil Nadu and is an important religious site since the 3rd century BC. A local guide is on hand to show you around the temples and explain the rituals which locals may be performing. You'll also be able to climb to the Rock Temple for views across the town.

Day 8 : Array

Enjoy the drive to Madurai today. When you reach there you will be able to enjoy some leisure time before joining hundreds of pilgrims this evening in the Sri Meenakshi Temple, to witness the ceremony which puts the holy book to bed.

Day 9 : Array

Enjoy your rickshaw tour of Madurai today. It begins with a visit on foot to the Meenakshi temple to allow you to take it in at your own pace. From here you can enjoy your rickshaw ride, taking in the markets, Vaigai River and Thirumalai Palace.

Day 10 : Kuttikanam

Cross the Western Ghats today, a beautifully scenic drive of about six hours which will take you into the state of Kerala. You might like to stop and visit one of the villages along the way - many serving spiced tea (chai) which we can strongly recommend. This afternoon you can relax or take a stroll to explore the local tea and coffee plantations.

Day 11 : Alleppey

Your journey in Kerala continues today as you head to the iconic Backwaters. This two hour drive passes some particularly lush areas which are good for birdwatching - your driver will be happy to stop for you to enjoy the views. Stay in a family-run homestay this evening and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of this part of India.

Day 12 : Array

After breakfast this morning, you will disembark the boat and travel by road north to Cochin. When you arrive simply enjoy exploring this relaxed city which is easily done on foot.

Day 13 : Array

Today you will meet a local guide who will give you a guided tour of the city. A blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial influences, there is a range of unusual architecture to explore. As well as seeing the key sites such as the fort and Jewish Synagogue, our...

Day 14 : International return flight

This morning drive to Cochin Airport by private transfer to catch your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,260
Price per day$233
Last Updated: 1/12/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
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