Highlights of the South
Private Tour
14 Days / 13 Nights
Day 1
Arrive Chennai by Flight
On arrival at Chennai you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. the day is yours to relax and adjust to the Indian climate and time zone. You will spend the night here in Chennai.
Day 2
Chennai
After breakfast at hotel, we will set out on a sightseeing tour of Chennai and take in displays relating to the period of British rule at the Fort St. George Museum, the 17th century St. Mary’s Church and the beautiful expanse of Marina Beach. We’ll sleep tonight in Chennai. (B)
Day 3
Chennai • Mahabalipuram • Pondicherry
After enjoying breakfast at hotel, we will check-out and make our way to Pondicherry. Along the way we will visit Mahabalipuram and the ancient temples and massive outdoor relief carvings for which city is famous. Our visit to a local sculpture studio will demonstrate the effort needed to create these vast monuments from the local granite. From here we’ll continue on to Pondicherry and check into our hotel for the night. (B, L)
Day 4
Pondicherry
This morning we will take a city tour of the coastal centre Pondicherry, visiting the French colony and the celebrated Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The town retains much of its French flavour — southern India meets the south of France. we will see the French coastal settlements, Raj Niwas, the Romain Rolland Library, Pondicherry Museum (Closed on Monday), the Holy Heart of Jesus Church and the Institute of Indian History. we will spend the night in Pondicherry. (B)
Day 5
Pondicherry • Tanjore
After breakfast we will depart for Tanjore. After check in at our hotel, we will proceed to one of the most impressive temples in South India, the Brihadisvara Temple, built by the great Chola emperor Raja Chola. we will also visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library. Overnight in Tanjore. (B)
Day 6
Tanjore • Chettinad • Madurai
Today after breakfast, we will visit Chettinad on our way to Madurai. Chettinad, known for majestic temples and palatial 19th century mansions, is a prime destination for visitors. The local cuisine, built on freshly ground, spicy masalas, delivers all the unforgettable tastes of South India. Once we’ve explored these flavours over lunch, we will continue on to Madurai and transfer to our hotel for the night. (B, L)
Day 7
Madurai
This morning we head to a gorgeous local flower and vegetable markets, highlighted by a visit to working colony of weavers. In the afternoon we will visit the colourful Meenakshi Temple, one of the largest and most celebrated temple complexes in south India, and the impressive 17th century Thirumalai Nayak Palace. We will spend the night here in Madurai. (B)
Day 8
Madurai • Munnar
After breakfast, we will check-out and make the drive to Munnar, one of the most popular hill towns in South India. the town is located in the western Ghats at the confluence of three rivers. Once we check in at the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the local markets at leisure. (B)
Day 9
Munnar
This morning we will explore Munnar, paying a visit to the Munnar Tea Museum and learning the process behind the ever-popular beverage, as well as the inspiring Srishti Trust, an NGO dedicated to empowering the specially- abled. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own. overnight in Munnar. (B)
Day 10
Munnar • Alleppey
After breakfast we will depart Munnar and make the drive to Alleppey, where we will board a private house boat and enjoy lunch and a leisurely cruise. Relax on deck or in the lounge, observing life on the water – sailing, fishing, swimming, washing, cooking and more household goods slowly make their way between villages set among rice paddies and palm groves. Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner and sleep aboard the boat. (B, L, D)
Day 11
Alleppey • Cochin
After breakfast, we will disembark and drive to Cochin for our hotel for tonight. Once checked in, we will go on a guided city tour, visiting Mattancherry Palace, built in 1555, the St. Francis Church, one of the oldest in India, and the famous Chinese fishing nets (introduced by a trader from Kublai Khan’s China). We will stroll through the old Jewish Quarter and visit the Paradesi Synagogue. In the evening we will enjoy a classical dance-drama “Kathakali”, based on the Hindu epics and highlighted by amazing costumes and make-up. Overnight in Cochin. (B, L)
Day 12
Cochin • Mumbai
This morning we will drive to the airport for your onward flight to Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai airport you will meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. This evening you are free to explore the celebrated Colaba and Marine Drive coastal promenade. Overnight in Mumbai. (B)
Day 13
Mumbai
After breakfast we will head to busy Churchgate railway station and observe the fascinating dabbawallas, who collect and deliver 200,000 boxed lunches to office workers every day. Our tour will continue on to the Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhawan, the Victoria Terminus, the Hanging Gardens and Dhobi Ghat, where you will see hundreds of dhobis (washer-men) and their families busy with their chores. overnight at the hotel. (B)
Day 14
Leave Mumbai by Flight
After a farewell breakfast at hotel, we will get you to the airport for your onward flight, filled with memories for a lifetime. (B)
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Tour Includes
13 night’s hotel accommodation
Air-conditioned private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing
English speaking local guide
All entrance fees to places of interest
Tour Highlights
See ancient temples/carvings in Mahabalipuram
Explore the French colony of Pondicherry
See one of the most impressive temples in south India – the Brihadisvara temple
See one of the most colorful and celebrated temple complexes – the Meenakshi temple
View the beautiful Tea Plantations of Munnar
Embark the famous Backwater Cruise of south India
Meals
13 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 1 Dinner
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
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