South India Vacation

Tours Commence On :
>> Saturday September 9th
>> Saturday October 7th
>> Saturday December 30th
>> Saturday February 3rd

Conducted at a relaxed pace, this group tour gives people who like to travel with others the opportunity to experience a taste of traditional, authentic South India. Accompanied by a Western Tour Escort with extensive knowledge of the country, and local guides at various , there is plenty of scope to explore on your own during periods of free time.

Hotels are at least 3 star standard or higher with all breakfasts included. 10 lunches or dinners are included. At all other times the Tour Escort will point you in the right direction for meals, or activities, to your taste.

Day 01 Saturday : Arrival in Chennai - Mahabalipuram
You will be met at the airport by our Tour Manager and transferred 1hr to the hotel. Overnight at Ideal Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram

Day 02 Sunday : Mahabalipuram - Dakshinachitra
Enjoy the morning sleeping in or at leisure on the beach or exploring the laid back town of Mahabalipuram- a great place to get a feel for India. After Lunch we will travel to the nearby cultural village at Dakshinachitra and return for our first group dinner in Mahabalipuram. Overnight at Ideal Beach Resort (D)


Day 03 Monday : Mahabalipuram
Morning sightseeing tour of the ancient stone cut monuments of Mahabalipuram including the 7th Century Shore Temple, Five Rathas and Arjuna's' Penance- the largest bas relief in the world.

There are no further group activities for the rest of the day so you are free to explore Mahabalipuram, or laze on the beach or by the pool .Overnight at Ideal Beach.

Day 04 Tuesday : Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
After breakfast we will make the 2 ½ hour drive to Pondicherry. This former French enclave maintains its colonial charm and Gallic feel but is unmistakably Indian at the same time. In the afternoon we will take a walking tour to explore some of the history of the town. Overnight at "Colonial Heritage" , Pondicherry.

Day 05 Wednesday : Pondicherry - Tanjore
We drive south through the heartland of Tamil Nadu visiting Chidambaram- a stunning Shiva Temple, dedicated to Nataraja. After lunch continue to the World Heritage Monument Temples at Darasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram before arriving at Tanjore in the late afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Parisutham (L)

Day 06 Thursday : Tanjore- Trichy
In the morning visit the Palace and Art Gallery and the Brihadishwara Temple. This is perhaps the crowning glory of Chola architecture- also a World Heritage Monument. After lunch, we will drive two hours to Trichy and overnight at Breeze Residency (D)

Day 07 Friday : Trichy
Morning sightseeing of Trichy including banks of the Cauvery River at Amma Mandapam where various local rituals take place and the sprawling Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. The Rock Fort Temple with 437 stone cut steps to the top for panoramic views is surrounded by a bustling local bazaar which you are free to explore. Overnight at Breeze Residency.


Day 08 Saturday : Trichy - Madurai
Morning drive 3hrs to Madurai, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. In the afternoon we will visit the opulent Nayak Palace and Thirupparan Kundram Temple with rock carvings, monkeys and peacocks. Later soak up the energy of the magnificent Meenakshi temple where we will witness the special daily closing ceremony. Overnight at Royal Court (D)

Day 09 Sunday : Madurai - Periyar
After an early morning visit to the famous Madurai flower markets, and breakfast back at the hotel, we will drive up into the hills and arrive in Periyar. Afternoon Spice Garden Tour and a late afternoon boat ride on the lake. This is the best time to have the possibility of seeing some of the many animals, including herds of elephants which come down to the water's edge to drink. Overnight in Tree Top Resort.

Day 10 Monday : Periyar - Munnar
Early morning Bullock Cart ride through the villages close to Periyar OR a guided nature walk. Later in the day we drive through beautiful scenic countryside to Munnar and stay at Tall Trees Resort. (D)

Day 11 Tuesday : Munnar - Cochin
This morning visit a tea plantation and tea museum, Afternoon drive 4hrs to Cochin. Evening watch a performance of traditional Kathakali Dancing . Overnight at Fort Heritage

Day 12 Wednesday : Cochin
Morning sightseeing tour of this historic city with various Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese and Jewish influences. Free time in the afternoon to explore the bazaars and an evening sunset cruise on the harbour. Overnight at Fort Heritage, Cochin (D)

Day 13 Thursday : Cochin - Cheruthuruthy
The morning is free in Cochin After lunch leave the city and enroute visit the Hill Top Palace and continue on 2 hours to Cheruthuruthy. Overnight at River Retreat.


Day 14 Friday : Cheruthuruthy - Calicut
We spend time with the Masters at Kerala Kalamandalam, an arts institute which trains dancers, musicians and other artists in the customary art forms of the region. After a traditional lunch back at River Retreat, we drive 3.5 hours to Calicut. Overnight at Kadavu Resort. (L)

Day 15 Saturday : Calicut
In the morning we will visit the fascinating weaving centre at nearby Beypore, before returning to the resort in the afternoon for a traditional Ayurvedic massage. In the evening soak up a sunset cruise on the backwaters. Overnight at Kadavu Resort.

Day 16 Sunday : Wayanad
A two hour drive to Wayanad in the morning is followed by an optional visit to the ancient caves at Edakkal, home to some of the oldest examples of rock carving in the world- they date back some 10000 years Overnight at Vythiri Resort. (D)

Day 17 Monday : Wayanad - Mysore
Today we arrive in Mysore after a five hour drive through coffee plantations and rural villages and in the afternoon we will take a guided tour of the opulent palace, one of the most beautifully decorated buildings in the South of India. Overnight at Hotel Sandesh the Prince

Day 18 Tuesday : Mysore
A full day of sightseeing including Somnathpur Temple and an afternoon visit to the Sri Chamundeswari Temple. On the way down the 1000 steps you will see the monolithic Nandi Bull Temple overlooking the city Overnight at Sandesh the Prince.(D)

Day 19 Wednesday : Mysore - Bangalore
Morning at leisure to explore the markets and excellent shopping in Mysore, and after lunch drive via Srirangapatanam, an island in the Cauvery River which was a stronghold of Tipu Sultan in the late 18th century. On arrival in Bangalore check into Ajay International - special Dinner to celebrate the Journey

Day 20 Thursday : Bangalore
In the morning take a tour of Bangalore city and the afternoon is free to explore this cosmopolitan city before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

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Optional Extension - a short personal pilgrimage
If you wish to extend your stay and have some days reflecting on your Indian Experience, we can recommend the sacred Temple town of Tiruvannamalai, which has drawn pilgrims from around the world. Your Tour Escort will also travel with you on this sector.

Day 21 Friday : Bangalore - Tiruvannamalai
Morning drive 4hrs and arrive in Tiruvannamalai. Afternoon time at the Ashram of Sri Ramana Maharshi and settling into the relaxed pace of the town. Overnight at Aruna Ananthai. (D)


Day 22 Saturday : Tiruvannamalai
The sacred mountain of Arunachala dominates the skyline and the spiritual life of this small but bustling temple town. Said to be an embodiment of the Hindu God Shiva as a column of fire, the mountain is a significant pilgrimage point with hundreds of thousands completing the circuit of the mountain's base every full moon night. We will make the walk, for those who are interested, around dawn. The remainder of the day can be spent at the ashram of Sri Ramana Maharshi, and around the beautiful Shiva Temple, where everyone is permitted to enter the main Sanctum. Overnight at Aruna Ananthai

Day 23 Sunday : Tiruvannamalai
Day in Tiruvannamalai to climb a short way up Arunachala Mountain to soak up the peace of the caves where Ramana lived in silence for many years.. Overnight at Aruna Ananthai

Day 24 Monday : Tiruvannamalai- Mahabalipuram
In the morning we will drive to Gingee, with the option to ascend the imposing King's Fort at Gingee and then proceed to Mahabalipuram. The afternoon is free to relax before we have a final group dinner. Overnight at Ideal Beach Resort (D)

Day 25 Tuesday : Mahabalipuram- Chennai Departure
The day is free preparing for transfer to Chennai or your ongoing journey. Our Tour Escort will accompany you to the airport to farewell you

For those who wish to soak up more of India, you can extend your time at the beach or visit other parts of the country on one of our Tailor Made tours