Overview
This 14-day journey through South India takes you across a rich blend of heritage, culture, wildlife, and beaches. Starting in Chennai and ending in Kochi, the tour covers ancient temple towns, colonial-era cities, spice-scented hills, tranquil backwaters, and golden sandy beaches.
You’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage temples at Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, and Kumbakonam, walk through the French Quarter of Pondicherry, and witness the spiritual splendour of Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple. In Chettinad, discover palatial mansions and unique cultural traditions, before moving into Kerala to enjoy wildlife safaris in Thekkady, a memorable houseboat cruise in Alleppey, and the serene charm of Marari Beach.
Throughout the journey, you will stay in a curated selection of heritage hotels, boutique resorts, and a traditional houseboat, offering an authentic South Indian experience with modern comfort. From cultural landmarks and sacred temples to lush backwaters and pristine beaches, this tour is designed to showcase the true essence of South India in one unforgettable holiday.
What's Included
- We take care of International Flights from the UK
- One night stay at the 4 Star, Mahalbalipuram with breakfast
- Two nights stay at the 4 Star, Pondicherry with breakfast
- Two nights stay at the 4 Star, Kumbakonam with breakfast and dinner
- Two nights stay at the 4 Star, Chettinad with breakfast and dinner
- One night stay at the 4 Star, Madurai with breakfast and dinner
- Two nights stay at the 4 Star, Thekkady with breakfast and dinner
- One night stay at the Traditional houseboat , Alleppey with breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Two nights stay at the 4 Star, Marari Beach with breakfast
- Monument entrance fees and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Cooking demonstration in Pondicherry (Day 2 or 3)
- Visit to Grand Bazaar in Pondicherry
- Boat safari in Periyar Tiger Reserve (Thekkady)
- Kathakali dance performance and Kalaripayattu martial arts show in Thekkady
- Daily breakfast throughout the tour
- All applicable parking, tolls, and night halt charges
- All currently applicable taxes
- Travel by air conditioning car with an English speaking driver
Highlights
- Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO Monuments – Discover the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and cave sanctuaries showcasing Pallava-era artistry.
- Temple Treasures of Kumbakonam & Thanjavur – Visit Darasuram’s UNESCO-listed Chola temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple, and other sacred shrines.
- Chettinad Heritage & Mansions – Experience opulent Chettinad palaces, traditional architecture, and unique local culture.
- Sacred Madurai – Witness the vibrant life of one of India’s oldest cities and attend the evening Aarti at the iconic Meenakshi Temple.
- Thekkady’s Nature & Culture – Cruise through Periyar Tiger Reserve, explore spice plantations, and enjoy Kathakali & Kalaripayattu performances.
- Backwaters & Beaches of Kerala – Stay on a traditional Alleppey houseboat and unwind at Marari Beach, one of India’s most serene coastal getaways.
Accommodation & Facilities
Grande Bay Resort and Spa Mamallapuram
Grande Bay Resort and Spa Mamallapuram is located in Mahabalipuram. It is a 5-minute walk from Mahabalipuram Beach. Popular tourist destinations like Arjunas Penance and Sea Shore Temple are within 2 km radius from the hotel.
This resort has 41 spacious rooms to choose from and is categorized as Grand Studio, Grand Chalet and Grand Duplex. The rooms come with amenities such as high-speed internet connectivity, mini bar, tea/coffee maker and in-room electronic safe. Some of the rooms offer a view of the private garden and the pool.
The hotel spa has a host of wellness programs for the guests while the fully equipped business center is helpful for the business travelers. The facilities provided by the hotel include 24 hours room service, parking, sh
Hotel Maison Perumal
Hotel Maison Perumal by CGH Earth is a boutique hotel located in Pondicherry's Tamil Quarter. The heritage building features a Franco-Tamil design renowned for its excellent use of free spaces, ventilated interiors and arched colonnades, doorways and windows adorned with stained glass. This expertly restored manor house follows traditional Tamil philosophy of minimalistic yet refined décor. Its foliaged courtyards, tapered verandas and cozy rooms inspire a delightful nostalgia in the residents.
Take a step back into the past as you enter the rooms at Hotel Maison Perumal. The red oxide floors, poster beds, French cabinets and fauteuil chairs entice your heart with their antique origins and design. Each room is decorated in a unique flavor reflecting the same Franco-
Mantra Koodam-CGH Earth, Kumbakonam
This eco-friendly hotel enjoys a scenic location between the Veera Chozha and Cauverey Rivers in Southern India's Tanjore District. The living spaces at Mantra Koodam offer an experience of the rare simplicity of village life alongside the historic opulence of South India’s regal past. Presenting wellness and peace, Mantra Koodam is within 6 km from Uppiliyappan Temple and Kumbakonam Railway Station.
Surrounded by herbal gardens, elegant cottages and villas come with both air conditioning and ceiling fans.
The crystal-clear waters of the pool at Mantra Koodam offer the perfect way to cool off after a long day of exploring Kumbakonam’s historic wonders.
Anna Prasanna restaurant serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines prepared in a traditional
Visalam – CGH Earth hotel, Chettinad
Visalam ( A CGH Earth Experience) is where you would want to go to experience a unique Tamil culture. Located in Kanadukathan village in chettinad, Visalam has many a stories to tell of the heritage, culture, food and people of this interesting tamil community, the chettiars. Stay at Visalam for that journey back in time and for that warm tamil hospitality.
Fortune Pandiyan Hotel, Madurai
Set amidst 3 acres of landscaped gardens, Fortune Pandiyan is a contemporary hotel offering premium accommodation in Madurai for pilgrims, tourists and business travelers.
Fortune Pandiyan features 57 elegantly appointed spacious rooms. All rooms offer a wide range of modern amenities to suit the needs of the discerning traveler. Air-conditioned rooms feature classic wood furnishings and neutral fabrics.
Fortune Pandiyan offers fresh, regional delicacies as well as popular international favorites at its signature restaurants. tart your day with a delicious, healthy breakfast at Orchid. In the evening, soak up the buzzing atmosphere and enjoy refreshing drinks at The Ranch Bar.
Relax and revitalize yourself in the outdoor pool, which is set amidst a beau
Greenwoods Resort, Thekkady
Greenwoods is a delightful luxury Kerala nature resort located in Kumily, a little town surrounded by dense forests and spice-laden hill slopes. Beneath a lush canopy of tropical trees, there is much to discover and experience here-venerable trees generously endowed with fruit, dazzling shades of green, the melody of birds, dancing shadows.
Lush green tropical trees, cool breeze and serene ambiance signal that you are in Greenwoods resort. The resort has cozy and opulent living units with light wood furnishings and large windows which offer a great view of the green surroundings. All the rooms are equipped with contemporary amenities for a comfortable stay.
Greenwood resort also offers a variety of recreational activities with facilities such as game room,
Air Conditioned House Boat, Alleppey
Spend your day on the traditional Houseboat also know as Kettuvallam.
The Kettuvallam or 'boat with knots' is called so because coir ropes tied in knots hold the entire structure of the boat together. During the entire assembling work of the boat, not a single nail is used. Natural and eco-friendly products like bamboo mat, arecanut trees and coir are used to construct the boats.
Kettuvallam comprise of a separate living room with dining table, a bedroom with bathroom and a sit out area at one corner of the boat.
Guests can enjoy a calm evening right in the middle of the backwaters and watch one of the best sunsets that there could be.
Flamingo Boutique Villa
Flamingo Marari is a nature lovers’ paradise, located in the beach village ‘Mararikulam’ in the Alleppey district. By being just 400mts from the beach, you have multiple access options. If you wish to get the taste of village life and get into interesting conversations with the friendly villagers around, you can consider taking a 10mins stroll to the beach.
The air-conditioned resort will provide you with a cable TV. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with free toiletries. You can enjoy garden view from the room.
The premises is enabled 24 / 7 with high speed, unlimited Wifi connectivity, so that you can stay connected and never miss out on your daily updates.
For your complete indulgence in traditional lifestyle, hotel can also arrange for an Ayur
Itinerary
Explore the day-by-day breakdown of your journey through India.
On arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be met and driven to Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram. This coastal town, famous for its beaches and UNESCO-listed temples, was once an important centre of art and architecture during the Pallava dynasty. After checking into your beach resort, the rest of the day is free to relax and rejuvenate by the sea.
Gallery
More Information
- You will need to arrange a Visa prior to travel - Please ask your consultant for details of the application process.
- Our endeavor will always be to confirm the hotels listed in the package chosen, however in rarest of cases where we are not able to confirm certain hotel(s), like for like alternatives will be provided.
- We recommend that you buy a travel Insurance as any costs incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc. are not included and will be passenger’s responsibility.
- The package is non-refundable for any inclusion items not used/taken.
- Any early check in before 09:30 Hours Bangalore Hotel will charge extra amount directly from the guest as per the hotel policy.
- On Day 2, departure time from Bangalore to Mysore is at 10: 30 hrs.
- Train timings in Ooty is subject to change and will be informed to the traveler 48 hours prior to the journey.
- Jewish Synagogue & Dutch Palace in Kochi will be closed on Fridays and Saturdays (Day 9).
- Activities such as Nature Walk, trekking inside the forests and night walk is included at Wayanad Wild Jungle resort and travellers interested in these activities are advised to carry trekking shoes.
- Standard check in time at Bangalore hotel is 14:00 Hours. Early check in is subject to availability. For Guaranteed early check in before 12 00 Noon, travelers have to book the Bangalore hotel from the previous night.
- We would like to inform you that as per the legal law in Ooty, all hotel and resort owners have to compulsorily collect the identity proof of all international tourists staying in their hotel or resort. They are required to take copies of identity card, passport, visa along with the photo of tourists.Therefore, we request all international tourists staying in the hotels and resorts in Ooty to kindly co-operate with the hotel staff and provide them these documentary proofs along with your photo. This is not to harass you but to comply with the strict policy rules issued by the government.
- EXCLUSIONS
- Any additional meals not mentioned in the package
- Room service charges, Telephone calls, laundry charges, tips of personal nature
- And anything not specifically mentioned in the package inclusions section
- Meals will generally be buffet meals unless otherwise stated to you on the confirmation.
- Accommodation will be on twin sharing Basis unless otherwise stated
- Free Room Upgrades depending on availability
Unless specifically stated as Included
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities
- Optional Activities / Highlights
- Meals and drinks not specifically stated as included
2 October 2023 
