Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.
Starts
Ends
Chennai, India
Kochi, India
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Southern India Uncovered
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Carbon neutral
CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
What are customers saying about Bookmundi
4.67/5
Excellent based on 846 customer reviews from
Anonymous
Guillia put a great self-drive tour together for us and Susana looked after us as we travelled.
(Even when we got lost)
The car and accommodation was good and the guides patient and informative.
Only issue we had was parking in small villages, garages, and cities.
Apart from the parking we had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday, thank you.
3 weeks ago
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Customer Reviews
This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 7 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.
Highlights
Southern India awaits! On our 13 day tour you'll explore ancient temples, French-Tamil Pondicherry, and serene Kerala backwaters. Hike Munnar's tea hills, spot wildlife in Thekkady, and soak up history in Madurai and Kochi.
What's Included
Accommodation
All accommodation in mid-range hotels and heritage properties
Meals
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Transport
All transport and transfers in AC vehicles24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer serviceTake a boat ride on Lake Periyar and explore Thekkady TownSee the local crafts and ride in a Shikara boat in Kumarakom
Guide
Services of a local tour leader and specialist local guides
Others
Sightseeing tours and activities as per the itineraryThe incredible Mahabalipuram shore templePondicherry French Quarter, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula Vinayagar Temple and Pondicherry beachLearn about the culture and arts of the region at the Mohanam Cultural CenterTanjore's awe-inspiring Brihadeeswarar TempleAncient Madurai, Old Town tour, Meenakshi Amman Temple, Aarti CeremonyExplore the markets and tea plantastions of MunnarExplore the beautiful backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboatEntrance Fees for included sightseeing
Start your adventure in vibrant Chennai with a warm welcome and briefing. An optional city tour introduces you to its highlights. Afterward, embark on a scenic coastal drive south, stopping at the UNESCO-listed Mahabalipuram to marvel at the Shore Temple and other ancient rock carvings. Arrive in charming Pondicherry for free time to explore.
Experience Pondicherry's unique blend of French and Tamil influences. Stroll the French Quarter, find tranquility at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and admire the vibrant Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Conclude your day with a relaxing walk along Promenade Beach. Next, immerse yourself in Tamil Nadu's rural culture at the Mohanam Cultural Center. Witness traditional arts, create Kolam artwork, and enjoy a Tamil-style lunch while supporting the community's heritage preservation. Continue to the historical city of Tanjore.
In Tanjore, admire the architectural marvel of the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a testament to the Chola dynasty's power. Journey south to the ancient city of Madurai. Feel the vibrant spiritual energy, explore bustling bazaars, and revel in the grandeur of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Reflect on your Indian adventure during a scenic train ride back to Chennai before your departure flight the following day.
Next we head to Kerala! Travel to the picturesque hill station of Munnar, passing plantations of many varieties along the way.
Let Munnar's tea-covered hills, crisp air, and swirling mists enchant you. Explore a spice-scented market, tour a tea plantation, observe tea pickers, and savor a tea tasting. Venture onward to Thekkady for wildlife viewing. Take a scenic boat ride through Periyar National Park, with the chance to spot elephants, water birds, and maybe even a tiger.
Our next stop is Kumarakom, a tranquil backwater paradise. Glide through palm-fringed waterways aboard a traditional Shikara boat, and immerse yourself in the heart of a local village, witnessing the age-old craft of coir making. Your backwater adventure reaches its peak with a luxurious overnight stay on a traditional houseboat, complete with modern comforts. Surrender to the gentle rhythms of the water, savor local delicacies, and witness a breathtaking sunset. Say farewell to Kerala in vibrant Kochi, exploring its rich history and culture. Perhaps even catch a captivating Kathakali dance performance, leaving you with cherished memories before your journey home.
day 1Welcome to Chennai. Transfer to your hotel.
Welcome to Tamil Nadu and the city of Chennai. You'll be met by a member of our local team, who will transfer you to your hotel. Once you're settled in, we'll run through the tour itinerary for the next few days, brief you on the local area and arrange a time to collect you and your fellow group members tomorrow.If you have a morning arrival, why not join our optional half day Chennai City Tour which starts at around 12 midday.Single room supplement (INSGTS)
Accommodation
Chennai hotel
Extras
Extra night in Chennai - pre-tour
day 2Travel to Pondicherry via the UNESCO listed Mahabalipuram Temples
day 3Exploring picturesque Pondicherry
day 4Learn about local culture and arts at the Mohanam Cultural Centre. Drive to Tanjore
day 5Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore. Afternoon drive to Madurai
day 6Visiting the Old City of Madurai, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and spiritual aarti ceremony
day 7Head in to Kerala state and the tea growing region of Munnar
day 8Exploring the markets and tea plantations of Munnar
day 9Continue to Thekkady and take a boat ride in Periyar NP
day 10Craft and backwaters of Kumarakom
day 11Board a houseboat and explore the Keralan Backwaters.
day 12Disembark and enjoy the Keralan beaches
day 13Bon Voyage! Transfer to Kochi Airport for departure.
