Chennai to Kochi - 9 days

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Overview
Highlights
- Mahabalipuram – Discover the striking Shore Temple which sits on the beautiful Bay of Bengal
- Chettinad - Sample traditional life in the quaint village of Chettinad, renowned for its flavourful cuisine
- Madurai – Light candles and sing songs as you enjoy a lively Aarti prayer ceremony and explore the city on a guided tour
- Tanjore – Tour the hotspots of the city and gaze admiringly at the towering Brihadishwara Temple
- Munnar - Spend a night in the rolling hills of the former hill station. Enjoy a guided walk through the tea plantations and visit a local market
- Pondicherry – Stroll along the beach in this French colonial city and visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart
- Kochi – Enjoy free time to explore independently and perhaps enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance show
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- 8 breakfasts
- 8 nights 3-4 star hotels
- Guided sightseeing - Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Chettinad, Madurai and Munnar
- Escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide (for groups of 4 or more)
- Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites
- Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 9
- All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
Itinerary

Sunday. Welcome to South India! On arrival in Chennai you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore the city at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.
Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry. This morning we depart Chennai and travel south to the French colonial city of Pondicherry. French rule lasted here until 1954 and the influence is still clear in the city's architecture. En-route we will visit Mahabalipura...
Pondicherry. Today we explore the highlights of Pondicherry including the Sri Aurobindo Ashram spiritual community and Pondicherry Beach, with it's beautiful golden sand and lapping waves. Finally, we explore the striking Sacred Heart Basilica, a famous Christian pilgrimage site. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Pondicherry - Tanjore. After breakfast we head away from the coastal Pondicherry to an important centre of South Indian religion, art and architecture - Tanjore (Thanjavur). We discover the ancient, fortified town of Tanjore, with a guided tour exploring the glorious ...
Tanjore - Chettinad. Today we travel to Chettinad which is renowned across India for its unique and spectacular combination of flavourful cuisine, yet few venture to this sleepy, tranquil village. Explore the crumbling Chettinad Palace and the famous tile factory in Athangudi, where your guide will explain how the renowned handmade terracotta tiles of Chettinad are crafted and readied.
Chettinad – Madurai. Departing Chettinad we continue onwards to Madurai, where we enjoy a half day guided tour taking in the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. This grand palace is known for the giant circular pillars in its courtyard and dates back to the 17th century. We con...
Madurai - Munnar. Leave Madurai today we travel to the picturesque former hill station of Munnar, surrounded by sprawling tea plantations. We take a guided stroll through a local tea plantation and visit a local market, before the rest of the day is free to relax as you please. You may wish to visit the nearby Blossom Park and enjoy cycling or boating in the stunning surrounds.
Munnar - Kochi. Today we continue on to Kochi, our final destination in South India. Upon arrival, the remainder of the day is free to explore the city at your own leisure. This evening you can opt for an optional tour to watch an entertaining and traditional Kathakali dance show. Kathakali performers are known for their elaborate costumes and make up and they always put on a fantastic show.
Monday. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today with an included departure transfer to Kochi airport.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with On The Go Tours.
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
- International flights and visa
- Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
- Entrance Fees: USD$25-35pp, paid in local currency
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15 + if accompanied by an adult.
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