Discover the heart and soul of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
This 17-day adventure takes you off the tourist path to enjoy the colours, natural beauty, ancient wonders and cultural richness of South India. Delight in interacting with the local people and marvel at the spiritual depth permeating their everyday lives.
Departing from Chennai on 30th January 2018, highlights include: ancient cultural monuments and temples, a wildlife sanctuary, a Hindu Nuns orphanage and school, a visit to a Tibetan monastery, the magnificent Mysore Palace, backwaters houseboat trip, fabulous mountain scenery, colourful markets and festivals plus great shopping opportunities and mouth-watering cuisine.
This beautiful journey will enrich your life and uplift your spirit.
Itinerary
Day One
Arrive in Chennai and transfer to your lovely beach resort in Mamallapuram, a vibrant fishing town. Take it easy by the resort’s beachside pool, enjoy a massage, visit the fabulous shops or go for a stroll on the beach.
Day Two
Go on a morning guided tour of fabulous seventh-century world heritage monuments. After a delicious traditional tali lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to stroll the streets or the beach, swim or have a massage etc
Day Three
Drive to the lovely French-influenced town of Pondicherry where you will enjoy a delicious organic lunch at Quiet Healing Centre, part of Auroville International Community. Visit the Matri Mandir and other fabulous sights.
Day Four
Drive to Tanjore, visiting some wonderful ancient sacred sites en route.
Day Five
This morning you will visit a traditional art and craft workshop to see the intricate creation of bronze statues, followed by a visit to the Royal Palace museum. In the afternoon you will go on a guided tour of the beautiful Brihadeeswarar temple (built in 1010).
Day Six
Visit Sri Lalita Hindu Nuns orphanage and school to enjoy a delicious traditional South Indian lunch and meet the friendly children. Drive to Madurai where you will witness the ‘intense’ evening ceremony at the world-famous Sri Meenakshi temple.
Day Seven
Visit the Gandhi museum to learn about the life of this fascinating man. After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive to Periyar and in the evening enjoy the Kalaripayyat demonstration
Day Eight
Today we have a spice gardens tour followed by a relaxing backwaters houseboat trip (with lunch) in Alleppy. We then drive to the charming historic town of Cochin.
Day Nine
Go on a guided tour of Cochin to see India’s oldest church and synagogue, Chinese fishing nets and other great sights.
Day Ten
Enjoy some free time in Cochin before a late afternoon Kathakali dance performance.
Day Eleven
Delight in the breathtaking mountain scenery and lush tea plantations as we travel to Coonoor.
Day Twelve
Enjoy gentle scenic walks and stunning lookouts as well as a visit to a tea factory where you will enjoy some exotic flavoured tea. After a delicious buffet lunch, there is some free time to relax or visit the Botanical gardens or the huge covered local market.
Day Thirteen
Enjoy the scenic train from Coonoor to Ooty, before a short drive to Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary for lunch and an afternoon safari.
Day Fourteen
Start the day with a morning trek and then visit IPAN animal shelter/farm. Enjoy free time in the afternoon before a visit to the elephant camp and river where the elephants bath and feed.
Day Fifteen
Drive to Mysore for a guided tour of the astonishingly beautiful Maharaja’s Palace. In the afternoon visit the vibrant fruit and flower market. In the early evening, witness the splendour of the lighted palace.
Day Sixteen
Go on a guided tour of Chamundi Hill & Temple. Visit a friendly Tibetan monastery and enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch with the friendly monks.
Day Seventeen
Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient & astonishingly carved Somnathpur Temple. After lunch we drive to Bangalore for a final group dinner before flying back home.
Additional Information
Your 17-day experience includes air-conditioned travel, all accommodation, entrance fees, local guides, many meals, backwaters house boat trip, jeep safari & trek, cultural performance, bottled water and guide tips.
Price $3590 per person twin share
(Single Supplement $980)
Please Note
The itinerary may be subject to change depending on altered circumstances.
Testimonials
“I really loved Southern India, with its incredible contrast of modern technology, ancient history, brilliant colours and happy people! The tour was well-organised, hassle-free and our accommodation was great. My favourite sites were the ‘out-of-the-way’ places including a small orphanage, where we practiced the hokey-pokey with the gorgeous kids. I also loved the animal shelter, where we were met by an excited three-legged dog; and the national park, where we saw wild elephants on the side of the road. There is so much more to see and I can’t wait to go back.”
Chris, Sandringham, Melbourne
“Our tour of Southern India far exceeded our expectations. The informative journey took us to so many places, which really highlighted the life and culture of Southern India. We would recommend this tour to anyone who wants an in-depth and behind the scenes view of Indian life.”
Joan, Healesville, Melbourne
