Highlights of the South
Summary
This exciting 13-day itinerary offers a flavour of the captivating South of India including the colonial architecture and influences from Europe, the magnificent Hindu temples and the Tamil tradition and culture, which celebrates beauty through dance, clothing and sculpture which is indigenous to this region.
Duration |
13 Days
Price
From £2,790.00 per person based on two people sharingBest time to go
India is a vast country with distinct weather patterns in each region. October to March is the best time to plan your visit, particularly for festivals. October and November is Diwali, March is Holi, and November is Pushka.
Day 1: Depart UK
Depart London Heathrow on an overnight flight to Chennai
Day 2: Chennai
Transfer by private vehicle to the hotel for a two-night stay. The afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight: Taj Connemara
Day 3: Chennai
Formerly known as Madras, this 369-year-old city is India’s sixth most populous city, and is one of the main gateways to southern India. Today enjoy a walking tour through Chennai’s southern suburb and the cultural hub of Mylapore before visiting the military architectural marvel of the Fort St George.
Overnight: Taj Connemara
Day 4: Pondicherry
Travel to visit Koyambedu, one of Asia’s biggest perishable goods markets, before continuing to what was the largest French colony in India, Pondicherry for a two-night stay.
Overnight: Maison Perumal
Day 5: Pondicherry
Discover this enchanting French colonial town on a walking tour before attending morning prayers and blessings at the temple. Visit the streets of the Tamil Quarter of the town with its beautiful Neo-Gothic Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.
Overnight: Maison Perumal
Day 6: Madurai
Travel through quiet villages to one of India’s oldest cities, Madurai. Located on the banks of the river Vaigai, Madurai is famous for the Dravidian architectural style of its temples which were built by Pandyan and Madurai Nayak kings. Enjoy a guided tour of the city and stay overnight.
Overnight: Heritage Madurai
Day 7: Bengaluru
Travel to Madurai airport and fly to Bengaluru, India’s third largest, cosmopolitan city.
Transfer by private vehicle to the hotel for a two-night stay. The afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight: Taj West End
Day 8: Bengaluru
Begin the day with a walk in the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, with it’s impressive collection of tropical plants, aquarium and lake. Enjoy the best South Indian breakfast in town at the Mavalli Tiffin Rooms before visiting the impressive 16th Century Basavanagudi Temple.
Overnight: Taj West End
Day 9: Mysore
Take a short train ride this morning to Mysore, one of the cleanest and most well-planned cities in India. Enjoy a city tour of the palaces, gardens and lake and stay for two nights.
Overnight: Royal Orchid Metropole.
Day 10: Mysore
Enjoy a full day excursion to the temples and monuments of the nearby towns of Somanathapura and Srirangapatna.
Overnight: Royal Orchid Metropole.
Day 11: Kochi
Travel to Bengaluru airport and fly to Kochi.
Transfer by private vehicle to the hotel for a two-night stay.
This cosmopolitan city is one of the major tourist destinations in India, formed as a port city after the flooding of the Periyar River in 1341.
Overnight: Malabar House
Day 12: Kochi
Spend the full day exploring the city’s highlights - from the Mattancherry Palace and the famous Jew Street to the beautiful Kochi Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets and the Church of St. Francis.
Overnight: Malabar House
Day 13: Departure
Transfer to Kochi airport for your onward flight to the UK
From £2,790.00 per person based on two people sharing*
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Inclusions
All flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and activities as specified.
Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
*Costs are based on travel in low season