South India Experience
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This unique tour gives you an experience of South India at its best. Enjoy Kerala's long golden beaches, extensive backwaters and rich history. Visit the stunning temples of Tamil Nadu, and see what life is like for millions of ordinary Indians today. See the old hill stations and, as a contrast, visit the rapidly expanding city of Bangalore, where modern technology rubs shoulders with a rich cultural heritage. Take time to enjoy some stunning scenery and the opportunity to see some of India's native wildlife. Modern cities and traditional village life; beaches, lakes and mountains; paddy fields, coconut groves, spice gardens and tea plantations; modern roads and steam railways; the contrasts within this tour will astound you and leave you with enduring memories of an unforgettable holiday.
The Itinerary
Tour B: South India Experience
Duration: 18 nights
Arrive at Trivandrum airport. Our representative will meet you and take you to your hotel where you will receive a briefing on your planned tour. Overnight at Kanyakumari.
Relax and enjoy Kanyakumari beach, where three oceans meet; explore this historic town with the impressive statue of Thiruvalluvar, Vivekananda Memorial island, and the Gandhi Memorial or stroll amongst the fishermen mending their nets. Overnight Kanyakumari.
Drive to Suchindram temple to view its stunning architecture, visit the wooden palace at Padmanabhapuram Palace then continue your journey to Kovolam beach resort. Overnight at Kovolam.
Drive to Alleppey where you will board your rice boat. Enjoy the peace and serenity of a cruise the backwaters. Overnight on the rice boat.
Disembark from your boat and drive to Cochin Take a guided tour of the city, including the Fort, Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church and the Chinese fishing nets Overnight at Cochin.
Drive up to the wildlife reserve at Thekkady where you can see some of the spectacular wildlife of the Western Ghats. Overnight Periyar.
Take advantage of the cooler air in the mountains to explore Thekkady. Your guide will be on hand to help you to arrange your choice of activity* if you'd like to try an elephant ride, visit a spice garden or take a trek in the forest. As you wander about the streets, your guide will be pleased to show you the best value shops in which to purchase your souvenirs. As the day draws to a close why not enjoy an evening performance at the Kathakali Theatre*? Overnight Periyar.
In the morning drive down to Madurai on the Tamil Nadu plain. In the afternoon take some free time for shopping before enjoying an evening light show at Tirumalai Nayat Palace Overnight Madurai.
Enjoy a morning tour of the amazing Meenakshi temple before driving to Lakeside. Overnight at Lakeside.
Enjoy the tranquil setting and take the opportunity to relax. With a guesthouse fronting on to the Karamaraj Lake you can sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery and soothing walks along the shoreline. There is also an optional half day tour of local the village and crafts*. Overnight Lakeside.
Take another day to relax and recharge your batteries or take the optional day trip to Kodaikanal*. Overnight Lakeside.
Visit Palani temple on your drive to Coonoor, enjoy the last part of your journey from Mettupalayam to Coonoor by steam train. Overnight Coonoor
Take the narrow gauge railway from Coonoor to Ooty where you will enjoy a tour of the local sights. Overnight Ooty
Drive to Mudulamali National Park where you will get the opportunity to see some of the local wildlife. Overnight Mudumalai
Visit a tea plantation en-route to Mysore where you can take time to relax and enjoy this beautiful city. Overnight Mysore
Tour the sights of Mysore including its breathtaking palaces. Overnight Mysore
Drive to Brindavan Gardens, and from there to Srirangapatnam where you will be able to visit the major sights of this historic place. From Srirangapatnam you will continue your journey to Bangalore. Overnight Bangalore
During your last day you will be able to tour Bangalore and do some last minute shopping. Overnight Bangalore
Depart Bangalore for your return flight home. You can extend your stay with extra nights at Lakeside, Kanyakumari or Bangalore, please let us know and we will be happy to quote a price.
Included in this tour:
- Bed and breakfast in comfortable approved accomodation
- Experienced Guide, vehicle and courier
- Entrance fees for sites listed in the itinerary
We make every effort to give you the holiday of a lifetime at an affordable price. Unfortunately some optional activites will incur an extra cost, these are clearly marked with an *. If you need any claritfications please don't hesitate to ask.
Tariffs
£1,290
Single occupancy supplement applies. Please contact us for further details
We regret that our hotels have a surcharge during a three week Christmas/New Year period. Please contact us for details of how this will affect your holiday pricing. Nights at Lakeside do not incur any surcharges
Price includes: accommodation in 3* hotels; breakfast at all hotels; full board on your house boat; entrance charges to sites listed on your itinerary; airport transfers; all transports listed on your itinerary; driver/guide. Transport is in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, type dependent on size of party.