Accredited.
18 DAY EXPLORE SOUTH INDIA-LUXURY
Tour Notes
- This is a fully guided private tour (Your own air-conditioned vehicle, service of a private driver and English speaking private local guides).
- The tour can be fully customised according to your requirements (Your choice of accommodation, attractions etc).
- You can start the tour at a preferred date.
- This tour is same as "18 DAY EXPLORE SOUTH INDIA-CLASSIC" except for the accommodation offered.
- In the below itinerary, Total Transfer Time for each day reflects the transfer time between destinations & transfer time between attractions (This does not include waiting time at the airports). Transfer time can vary based on many facts hence this is a guideline only.
- In the below itinerary, Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities for each day reflects the time spent on all attractions/activities (Time spent on attractions/activities can vary based on individual preference hence this is a guideline only)
Tour Highlights
- Garden City and IT Capital-Bangalore
- Mysore Palace
- Bandipur National Park
- Kozhikode where Vasco da Gama Landed
- Houseboat in Allepey
- Historical Fort Kochi
- Periyar National Park
- Meenakishi Temple in Madurai
- Vibrant City of Pondicherry
- Shore Temple and Arjuna Penance in Mahabalipuram
- Capital of Tamil Nadu-Chennai
Itinerary
Welcome to Bangalore, the garden city and the IT hub of India. Upon arrival at the Bangalore airport, our representative will meet and greet you with a warm welcome. He will escort you to the vehicle where you will also meet the chauffeur who will be with you for the next 18 days. Our representative will next assist you with the check-in to your hotel. Spend rest of the day at leisure OR experience shopping at The MG Road.
Accommodation: JW Marriott, Vittal Mallya Road (5 star)
Total Transfer Time: 1 hour
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: N/A
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast and sample some of the mouth watering South Indian food on offer. Next check-out of the hotel and visit the Majestic Tipu Sultan's Palace that is a perfect example of the Indo-Islamic architecture. Upon completion of the tour, we will proceed to Mysore for exciting 2 days. On arrival, visit the Chamundeshwari Temple and the Devaraja market that dates back to the 18th century. At the completion of the day, proceed to your hotel and relax.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Plaza (5 star)
Total Transfer Time: 3.5 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 3 hours
Today we will visit the Government Weaving Factory and the Folklore Museum. Later in the evening visit the majestic Mysore Palace. Mysore Palace is an incredibly breathtaking example that showcase the Indo - Saracenic style of architecture. Also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, it is the former palace of the royal family of Mysore and is still their official residence. Mysore Palace was built in the year 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is regarded as one of the biggest palaces in the country. On completion, proceed to your hotel and relax.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Plaza (5 star)
Total Transfer Time: 1 hour
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 2 hours
- Government silk weaving factory is closed on government holidays
After a leisurely breakfast, head to Bandipur for some exciting safaris. On arrival, check-into the hotel and take a little break before proceeding on the first safari in the afternoon.
Accommodation: The Serai Bandipur (5 star)
Total Transfer Time: 2 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 3 hours
- Safaris are done in shared canters and shared jeeps and need to be pre-booked (Generally speaking Jeeps are hard to reserve as they get booked well ahead). Service of a shared guide for the safari
- A private jeep hire can cost around USD700
Wake up at dawn to experience an early morning safari. It is a refreshing way to start the day. Upon completion of the safari head back to hotel for a quick breakfast. You may pamper your self with a massage (Own expense) OR relax by the pool.
Accommodation: The Serai Bandipur (5 star)
Total Transfer Time: N/A
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 3 hours
- Safaris are done in shared canters and shared jeeps and need to be pre-booked (Generally speaking Jeeps are hard to reserve as they get booked well ahead). Service of a shared guide for the safari
- A private jeep hire can cost around USD700
Today we will leave the STATE of Karnataka and head to the STATE of Kerala. The drive will take about 6 hours due to terrain. We will visit Kozhikode (Pronounced as Korikode. It was also known as Calicut in the past). It was a significant spice trade center and is close to Kappad Beach, where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed in 1498. In the evening, have a stroll through the Sweet Mart Street and try some of the unique food on offer. If you have a sweet tooth, you have come to the right place.
Accommodation: The Gateway Hotel (3 star)
Total Transfer Time: 6 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 1 hour
- There is limited accommodation in Kozhikode
After an early breakfast, we will visit the Beypore Jetty and then continue to pay a visit to the Mishkal Mosque that is over 650 years old. Built by the Arab ship owner and merchant Nakhooda Mishkal in the 14th century has 47 doors, 24 pillars with detailed carving. Next, we will head to Thrissur located 3 hours south of Kozhikode known for sacred sites and colourful festivals. Spend the rest of afternoon at leisure. Take a dip in the pool and enjoy the mouth watering Kerala cuisine.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency (4 star)
Total Transfer Time: 3.5 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 1.5 hours
Today visit the Shakthan Thampuran Palace and the famous Vadakummnathan temple. On completion, say good bye to Thrissur and take a leisurely drive to Kochi. You will be staying inside Fort Kochi allowing you to explore this colourful place with arts and craft, boutique shops, nice cafes and many more.
Accommodation: Fragrant Nature (4 star)
Total Transfer Time: 3 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 1 hour
It's time to do your guided tour of the historical Kochi and Matancherry. Travel by a rickshaw between the towns of Kochi and Matancherry Called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea", Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14th century onward, and maintained a trade network with Arab merchants from the pre-Islamic era. Occupied by the Portuguese in 1503, Kochi was the first of the European colonies in colonial India. It remained the main seat of Portuguese India until 1530, when Goa was chosen instead. The city was later occupied by the Dutch and the British, with the Kingdom of Cochin becoming a princely state.
Accommodation: Fragrant Nature (4 star)
Total Transfer Time: 30 min
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 4.5 hours
On the next day morning enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and proceed to Allepey for the most breathtaking journey through the backwaters in a traditional house boat. Witness the daily lifestyles of the local people and the passing by Kettuvalams (Traditional Houseboat). You will have plenty of opportunities for memorable photo shoots. Whilst you sit back and relax, your chef will cook and offer you a delicious lunch. Enjoy the unique Kerala cuisine as you cruise through the amazing backwaters! As the sunsets, soak in the beautiful vistas and experience a sunset dinner especially prepared for you. Spend the night on board in your comfortable room.
Accommodation: Spice Coast
Total Transfer Time: 1.5 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: Overnight
- You can take the main luggage in the house boat
Wake up to another amazing day in Kerala. Enjoy the hearty breakfast especially prepared for you. After a leisurely ride, you will disembark from your boat before midday and head to Thekkady which is home to the Periyar national park. Check-in to your hotel and spend the rest of day at leisure.
Accommodation: Poetree Sarovar Portico (4 star)
Total Transfer Time: 4 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: N/A
- Poetree Sarovar Portico serve beer and wine only (No hard liquor)
A very early start to our day to explore the Periyar National Park on foot. This 2.5 hour trek will be an experience to remember which will be guided by the local tribal people. The trail often passes through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. Feel the nature, hear her whispers and smell the flowers as you explore this 4km journey on foot. Upon completion, head back to your hotel, refresh and proceed to Madurai. On arrival, we will visit the Gandhi Museum, a tribute to the freedom fighter of India. Madurai is a food capital and let's explore this city on foot. During your tour, you will get to sample some of the most fresh and unique cuisine Tamil Nadu has to offer.
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott (5 star)
Total Transfer Time: 3.5 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 5.5 hours
After a leisurely breakfast, we will visit the Fruit and Vegetable Market to witness and experience the daily shopping habits of the local people. Take your time, do some bargaining and have fun at this market. We will next visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace which was built in the 17th century King Tirumala Nayaka, a king of Madurai's Nayaka dynasty who ruled Madurai from 1623–59. Explore the history and the lifestyles of the ancient kings. Return back to your hotel and spend afternoon at leisure. Later in the evening, let's pay a visit to "The Meenakshi Temple", one of the most sacred and historical temples for the Hindus. Meenakshi temple dates back as far as 2,500 years! The temple complex covers 14 acres, and has 4,500 pillars and 14 towers. Admire the amazing architecture of this masterpiece and take home memories of a lifetime.
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott (5 star)
Total Transfer Time: 1 hour
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 3 hours
Today we take an easy drive up north and visit Trichy. On arrival, visit the Kallani Dam and the Rock Fort temple.
Accommodation: Sangam Hotel (3 star)
Total Transfer Time: 3 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 2.5 hours
- There is limited accommodation in Trichy
After breakfast, we will drive up further north east to explore another must see city in Tamil Nadu. Pondicherry or known as Puducherry is a French colonial settlement in India until 1954. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-coloured colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial. Upon arrival, visit the "Cluny Embroidery Center" where you will get to witness the art of embroidery. We will also visit "Auroville" office and register (This is required to do the day before you visit "Auroville"). Take a leisurely walk along the promenade beach. There are plenty of quality restaurants where you may enjoy a memorable dinner (At own expense).
Accommodation: Palais De Mahe (Boutique)
Total Transfer Time: 5 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 45 min
After breakfast, we will visit "Auroville", an experimental township in Viluppuram district founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa and designed by architect Roger Anger. Upon completion, head back to the hotel and relax. Later in the afternoon, let's explore the vibrant city of Pondicherry (Tour of Pondicherry).
Accommodation: Palais De Mahe (Boutique)
Total Transfer Time: 30 min
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 3 hours
We are coming to the end of an amazing journey through South India. We will leave the vibrant city of Pondicherry and head to the bustling city of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. En-route, visit the amazing Shore Temple and Arjuna Penance in Mahabalipuram. On completion, head to Chennai and also visit "Fort St George", the first fort built by the British in India. Rest of the evening, you may go shopping or explore the city of Chennai.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Chennai (5 star)
Total Transfer Time: 4 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 1.5 hours
We hope you have enjoyed the time in South India. Head to Chennai airport, where our airport representative will assist you with luggage. Leave South India with a warm good bye.
Total Transfer Time: 45 min
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: N/A
Inclusions
- 17 night accommodation including breakfast (Full board on house boat and in Bandipur)
- Airport transfers
- Hire of an air conditioned vehicle including fuel and the service of a private driver (Basic English speaking skills) throughout the tour
- Service of English speaking private local guides
- Applicable fee into attractions/activities (Tipu Sultan's summer palace, Chamundeshwari Temple, Devaraja market, Government silk weaving factory, Folklore museum, Mysore palace, Bandipur national park safari (2 safaris), Sweet Mart Street, Mishkal Palli mosque, Beypore Jetty, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Vadakummnathan temple, Vintage Vauxhall Velox Car Club, Tour of Kochi, Rickshaw ride, Tour of Matancherry, Periya national park Trek 3 Hours, Gandhi Musuem, Food Trail in Madurai, Fruit and vegetable market, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Meenakshi Temple, Rock fort temple, Kallani Dam, Cluny embroidery centre, Auroville, Tour of Pondicherry, Shore Temple-Mahabalipuram, Arjuna Penance, Fort St George)
- All applicable taxes
Exclusions
- International Airfares
- Domestic Airfares
- Lunch and dinner (Apart from during stay at the house boat)
- Expenses of a personal nature
- All other expenses not under inclusions
Pricing
- Above prices are valid for travel until 31/03/2025
- Above prices are based on per person sharing double or twin room
- Peak period supplements may apply (Please Inquire)