Discover the most fascinating jewels of Southern India with this 12-day ultra-small group tour! Prepare for extraordinary temples, magnificent cityscapes, exhilarating safari adventures, and delicious cuisine. Begin your journey in Chennai, the largest city in Southern India, from where you will travel to Mamallapuram. Pay a visit to Arjuna's Penance, with extraordinary views from two magnificent boulders and exceptional carvings of sacred figures. See the Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal before you depart for Kumbakonam, a breathtaking town with ancient temples situated between the Cauvery and Arasalar Rivers. Discover the Kumbeswarar and Sarangapani Temples and make your way to Tanjore, once the capital of the Chola Empire. Admire the Brihadeshvara Temple and the Nandi statue. Next, you will visit Trichy and arrive in Madurai for a unique and eco-friendly rickshaw ride. See the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Meenakshi Temple and travel to Periyar, situated high above sea level surrounded by forests of the Idukki District. Search for wildlife in the area and make your way to Alleppey, home to breathtaking lakes, wonderful canals, and sandy beaches. Cruise along the backwaters of Kerala and drive to Cochin, where you will end your tour of Southern India.
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.
Travel to the far-flung corners of India on this epic adventure. In the north, journey through Jaisalmer's desert, lose yourself in the electric bazaars of Jodhpur, witness pilgrims performing ancient ceremonies on the ghats of Varanasi and marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Then bask in the tropical southern climate, cruise along the Kerala Backwaters, come face-to-face with local customs in small rural towns, and laze on the gorgeous beaches of Goa – India's idyllic holiday destination. Enjoy the freedom to be immersed in the diverse cultures of colourful, chaotic and enchanting India on this small-group adventure.
This small-group tour aims to capture the essence of North and Southern India. Begin your trip in Delhi, the fascinating capital divided into two counterparts and the former home of Mughal Muslim Rulers between the 17th and 19th centuries. Continue your journey to Agra, where you will discover the Taj Mahal, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, and travel to Ranthambore. Visit the National Park, home to the largest tiger population in India where you may come across Royal Bengal Tigers. Next, you will drive to Jaipur, the famous Pink City home to the city palace and the impressive Hawa Mahal. Catch a flight to Southern India from Jaipur to explore Alleppey, a tranquil town and the hub of Kerala’s backwaters. From there you will discover Cochin, an old colonial harbor city boasting breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea before you end your tour of North and Southern India.
Avoid the classic tourist route to discover the tribal cultures and serene landscapes of South India. Guided by one of our much-loved Indian tour leaders, we head inland to explore forested hills, cruise tranquil backwaters, and tour fragrant coffee, tea and spice plantations. Also experience the best of India’s welcoming hospitality, feasting on delicious local dishes and staying in a range of Premium accommodations, including an unforgettable night on a houseboat.