South India Explorer - 14 days
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South India Explorer

Duration14 days
Rated 4.0
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Explore the highlights of Southern India, from Chennai to Kochi on this 14-day tour. Visit some of the most intricate and beautiful UNESCO world heritage temples of Southern India and uncover the delights of tropical Kerala in India's deep south. Visit the former hill station of Munnar and its sprawling tea plantations, spot elephants in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spend a night aboard a houseboat, gliding along the tranquil, palm fringed backwaters.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour overview

Duration14 days
StartsChennai
EndsKochi
RangeSignature
Tour GuideYes - escorted by a tour guide
Group SizeMin 2 / Max 24
Minimum age15 yrs, accompanied by an adult
DepartsSundays
Hotel Rating3 - 4 star and heritage properties
CountriesIndia
Arrival TransferYes
Departure Transfer2024: Yes | 2025: No - can be booked for a supplement
Meals includedBreakfast: 13, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 2
Choose a date
Based on 2 passengers
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Your deal
Shown in USD
Per person from
$2,735.00
Deposit from
$800.00
From
$5,470.00

Tour Highlights

Kerala Backwaters – Sail along the famous backwaters in our deluxe rice boat and enjoy marvelous views
Mahabalipuram – Visit the impressive Shore Temple on the Bay of Bengal and the striking Five Rathas
Kumarakom – Relax on the shores of Lake Vembanad and opt to visit the local bird sanctuary
Madurai – Attend an evening Aarti prayer ceremony and see the impressive rock cut temple of Thirupparankunram Murugan
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Spot herds of elephants from an included boat ride on Lake Periyar
Tanjore – Visit the giant 1,000 year old Brihadishwara Temple on our guided tour of the city’s highlights
Kochi – Enjoy free time to explore the coastal city and perhaps enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance show
Pondicherry – Tour the French colonial city including the Sacred Heart Basilica and walk on the beach
Munnar – Explore the former British Hill Station and enjoy a guided stroll through one of the many sprawling tea plantations
Chettinad - Sample traditional life in the quaint village of Chettinad, renowned for its flavourful cuisine

Included

13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
12 nights 3-4 star and heritage hotels
1 night deluxe houseboat cruise along the Keralan backwaters
Guided sightseeing - Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Chettinad, Madurai and Munnar Tea Plantation
Boat ride on Lake Periyar
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 transfer on day 1 (For departures in 2024 a departure airport transfer is provided on day 14)
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

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$35-45pp, paid in local currency
Tipping Kitty: USD$60-70pp, paid in local currency
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.