16 Day Southern India, A Spiritual Culture
16 days
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Small Group Tour
2 Chennai, 2 Mahabalipuram, 1 Pondicherry, 2 Thanjavur, 2 Madurai, 2 Periyar National Park, 3 Kochi
From$3,199
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Overview
Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Highlights
- Visit the UNESCO site of Mahabalipuram, an ancient archaeological wonder rising on a rocky outcrop In Kanchipuram, "City of a Thousand Temples," tour the Ekambareswarar and Kailasanathar Temples Exclusive visit to a traditional silk weaving factory - meet with artists and learn how to drape and wear a sari Journey to enchanting Pondicherry, a former French settlement that retains its carefree French atmosphere At serene Auroville, visit the Meditation Center inspired by the teachings of the Indian yogi Sri Aurobindo Witness pilgrims immersing themselves in a ritual bath at Amma Mandapam on the banks of the river Tour the spectacular Maratha Palace with its priceless collections of Chola bronzes and stone carvings View the impressive UNESCO listed Lord Brihadeeswarar Temple, a magnificent architectural achievement In vibrant Madurai on the banks of the Vaigai River, view the 1000-year old Meenakshi Temple Visit the Gandhi Museum dedicated to this remarkable man lovingly called the "Father of the Nation" Spend two nights at Periyar National Park, the best-known sanctuary in South India, home to Bengal tigers Attend a colorful Kathakali Dance performance that combines storytelling with music and physical strength Visit the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi the oldest existing Jewish synagogue in India Specially arranged cooking class in Kochi reveals some of the secrets of Indian cuisine In Alleppey, board a houseboat that cruises along the intricate network of canals, lakes, lagoons and rivers
What's this trip about?
2 Chennai, 2 Mahabalipuram, 1 Pondicherry, 2 Thanjavur, 2 Madurai, 2 Periyar National Park, 3 Kochi
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Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide
Travel Themes
Destinations
Trip includes
- Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed Flights New York-Chennai, Kochi-New York Other departure cities available. Please click on date of departure for selection and prices Airline taxes & fuel surcharges 14 nights accommodations
- 2 nights Chennai 2 nights Mahabalipuram 1 night Pondicherry 2 nights Thanjavur 2 nights Madurai 2 nights Periyar National Park 3 nights Kochi Hotel taxes, fees & service charges Hotel porterage All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates† 30 meals: 14 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 7 dinners with wine♦ Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring Active itinerary with unique cultural features ♦Due to regional laws, hotels and restaurants will not serve alcoholic beverages on the first day of the month and certain holidays. On these days, no wine or beer will be included with dinner
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Itinerary
DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for India
Depart for India
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Chennai
Welcome to India! Arrive in cosmopolitan Chennai on the Bay of Bengal, gateway to South India; transfer to the hotel. Time to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone or venture out to get acquainted with some of the city's extraordinary sights and the lively shops selling vibrant handmade silk sarees
Overnight: Chennai
DAY 3, Saturday - Government Museum, Santhome Basilica Church, Marina Beach
This morning, begin your exploration of the city at the Government Museum, with its fascinating exhibits about ancient Chennai. After lunch, a scenic drive along the coast takes you to Marina Beach, a surprising combination of colonial buildings, churches, and monuments ...
DAY 4, Sunday - Kanchipuram, "City of a Thousand Temples", Silk Weaving Artisans
This morning, travel to Kanchipuram, the "City of a Thousand Temples," one of Hinduism's most sacred cities. Here, you tour the historically important Ekambareswarar Temple with its 540 pillars. Then, visit the stunning Kailasanathar Temple with its elaborate carvings be...
DAY 5, Monday - Mahabalipuram's Temples
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour. Admire the Shore Temple standing by the sea for over 12 centuries, with an impressive bas-relief and imposing twin towers. At the southern end of the site, see the Five Rathas carved from large boulders and Arjuna's Penance, a ma...
DAY 6, Tuesday - Pondicherry's French Quarter, Auroville Meditation Center, Paper Factory
Your journey along the coast takes you to enchanting Pondicherry, a former French colonial settlement that still retains its carefree French atmosphere and architectural legacy. In the charming Old Quarter, with its tree-lined cobbled streets, colonial villas are draped ...
DAY 7, Wednesday - Chidambaram Temple, Thanjavur, Maratha Palace
Depart Pondicherry for Chidambaram, home to the massive temple complex of Nataraja, one of the holiest of all Shiva sites, a spectacular architectural marvel spread over 50 acres in the heart of the city. After lunch, travel to Thanjavur (Tanjore) once a thriving capital...
DAY 8, Thursday - Brihadeeswarar Temple, Amma Mandapam, Ranganathaswamy Temple
Begin the day with a visit to the grand Lord Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where thousands of people worship daily. Built by King Raja Raja Cholan over a thousand years ago, this impressive temple is one of South India's most magnificent architectu...
DAY 9, Friday - Chettinad's Mansions, Gandhi Museum
Your travels take you to Chettinad, land of the Chettiars, a community that dates back to the Chola period making its fortunes as money lenders, merchants and jewelry dealers. Here, see lavish palaces and mansions that reflect the opulence of a bygone era. Also known for...
DAY 10, Saturday - Madurai's Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai's Bazaars
Don't miss this morning's optional Vanakkam (means welcome in Tamil language) private interactive walking tour of Madurai! At the first light of dawn, walk the quiet streets as the city awakens. Observe first-hand how everyday life begins in this Indian city from prayer ...
DAY 11, Sunday - Periyar National Park, Spice Plantation
Today, drive to Periyar National Park perched high in the Cardamom Hills, the best-known wildlife sanctuary in South India, home to elephants, antelope, deer and many species of birdlife. Its variety of flora and fauna, pristine lakes and magnificent forests will surely ...
DAY 12, Monday - Periyar National Park
Thrilling activities await you today at the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Begin the day with a nature walk inside the National Park. Pass through evergreen and deciduous forests accompanied by your local guide, who informs you about the local flora. A highlight o...
DAY 13, Tuesday - Alleppey Back Waters, Houseboat Cruise, Kochi
The drive to Alleppey reveals this tranquil backwater region of Kerala. Boarding a houseboat, you cruise along this very intricate network of canals, lakes, lagoons and rivers called the "Venice of the East." Observe Kerala's rural lifestyle as you glide past tiny villag...
DAY 14, Wednesday - Home Hosted Cooking Class, Kathakali Dance Performance
Today you're treated to a specially arranged cooking class at a private home in Kochi. Join your hosts in the preparation of lunch while learning some of the secrets of Indian cuisine. Afterward, view 16th century St. Francis Church, one of the oldest churches built by t...
DAY 15, Thursday - Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue
This morning depart on a tour of the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch in the 17th century. Then, continue to the heart of the Old Quarter. Here, visit the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest existing Jewish synagogue in India...
DAY 16, Friday - Depart India
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Dates & Availability
Price From $3,199
Price per day$200
Last Updated: 2/23/2024
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Gate 1 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
What's excluded
- Not Included:Optional tours and gratuities.
Accommodation
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Age Requirements
18 years and up
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
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