SOUTHERN SPLENDOUR

Introduction

This 12-day adventure across Southern India, stretches from the east coast port town of Mahabalipuram to the west coast port of Kochi. Discover heritage monuments, spectacular scenery, ancient ports, bustling towns and tranquil backwaters. Wander the tree-lined streets of Pondicherry, visit the world’s largest active Hindu Temple in Trichy, float on a bamboo raft in Periyar’s Tiger Reserve, discover the history of Fort Kochi on a heritage tour and relax on a traditional Keralan houseboat in Kumarakom.

Day-by-Day

Day 1 & 2: Mahabalipuram

Arrive at Chennai International airport where you will be met by our ground team and transferred to your hotel in Mahabalipuram via a panoramic city tour and the option to visit the national art gallery and San Thome Cathedral. The following morning, explore Mahabalipuram, the ancient coastal port of South Madras, including the Five Rathas, a group of monolithic monuments and animal figures. In the afternoon, an excursion to Kanchipuram reveals one of the seven holy cities in India and its abundance of temples.

Day 3: Pondicherry

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, a former French colony which still retains its French influences with tree-lined avenues and European style houses. Visit the experimental township of Auroville, a universal town where people of all nationalities and creeds were meant to live in peace and unity.

Day 4: Kubakonam

Today’s journey takes around five hours, with stops at Chidambaram Temple, Gangaikoda Cholapuram and Darasuram, with time to discover these impressive and important sites.

Day 5 & 6: Madurai

On todays drive to Madurai, stop at Tanjore, one of India’s ancient cities and a historically important centre of art and culture with a number of UNESCO heritage monuments. Next, stop off at Trichy to visit the Srirangam Temple, the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world and a magnificent sight that has stood the test of time. Continue to Madurai for arrival in the afternoon.

On a morning city tour of Madurai, visit the colourful and bustling flower market and the weaver’s co-operative to learn about the traditional craft. Then head to Tirumala Nayak Palace – a classic example of Saracen architecture, followed by the Meenakshi Amman temple, a huge brightly coloured and intricately carved structure.  

Day 7: Periyar

After breakfast, meet your driver and head to Periyar, located on the Tamil Nadu and Kerala border. The region is known for its vast spice and tea gardens, where the scenic drive takes you through the windy mountain roads and past coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations, while the aromatic spices fill the air. Enjoy spotting elephants from a traditional bamboo raft in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and a naturalist led nature walk is an education in botany.

Day 8 - 10: Kumarakom

Stop at a beautiful waterfall surrounded by rubber plantations on the way to Kumarakom, a cluster of islands on the Vembanad Lake. The bird sanctuary here is spread across 14 acres and is a favoured spot for many migratory birds. Spend a day exploring the backwaters of Kerala aboard a traditional houseboat, whilst the on-board chef prepares a delicious ethnic lunch.

Day 11: Kochi

Enjoy a heritage walk through Fort Kochi, one of the most interesting port towns in the East. Learn about the explorers who reached this port and discover how the trade has influence the culture and cuisine here. In the evening, go backstage as performers don their elaborate costumes and apply the brightly coloured face paints for this evening’s show. Then head front of stage to watch the Kathakali Dance performance.

Day 12: 

Transfer to Kochi Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Prices

From £2,589 per person

Truly Individual Holiday Includes:

• International flights from the UK in Economy
• 11 nights accommodation
• Services of an English speaking guide
• Sightseeing & excursions
• All transfers & taxes

Price based on two people sharing accommodation. Any element of this holiday can be tailor-made to suit you. Simply enquire below!