South India, South India Tour, Best of South India Tour

Best of South India Tour (Group Tour)

(14 Days / 13 Nights)
(Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry-Chidambaram-Kumbakonam-Tanjore-Srirangam-Trichy-Madurai-Periyar-Kumarakom-Kottayam-Alleppey-Cochin-
Ooty-Mysore-Banglore)

(to view the route of this tour on a Map please click here)

                             Travel to South India - Group Tours in South India - 14 Days Group Tour of South India - Backwaters in South India  

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South India is made up of the 4 states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They all lie in the southern part of the Indian Peninsula and famous for its natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage thus providing visitors a stimulating experience. Temple architecture in South India has always been the expression of belief, sometimes clearly structured, sometimes only loosely articulated, the development of temple architecture in South India is 2000 years old. During this Journey we see some of the finest temple which south India has to offer like cave temples in Mahabalipuram and the most outstanding examples of Vijayanagar temple architecture is the Minakshi Temple of Madurai. During this tour we enjoy the vivid tropical vegetation as well as our Boat trips on backwaters.

Day 01. Flight to India
Around Midnight arrival in Chennai (formerly Madras). The cosmopolitan City and capital of Tamil Nadu is the main gateway for travellers to South India. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to your Hotel.
D

Day 02. Chennai Excursion: Mahabalipuram (about 64 km)
Today we drive through the coastal route to Mahabalipuram. In Mahabalipuram we visit some of the 14 cave temples and 9 monolithic Rathas (temple chariots) Pallavamala was the ruler who made the port famous in the 7th century and was largely responsible for building the temples. In the afternoon we visit the St. George Fort which is near the harbour area of Chennai. This fort was built by British during their presence in 17th century.
BD

Day 03. Mahabalipuram -  Pondicherry (about 100 km)

In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Pondicherry. Pondicherry was retained as French colony until 1954. Pondicherry has even today French atmosphere amidst the surrounding  Tamil country. We visit the Sri. Aurobindo Ashram, which is a world famous yoga and philosophy center.  BD

Day 04. Pondicherry - Chidambaram  - Kumbakonam - Tanjore (about 190 km)

Today we drive to Chidambaram through tropical hills. Chidambaram is regarded as holy town of great importance among Hindus. We visit here the famous Natraja Temple which is dedicated to the dancing Lord Shiva, a favourite deity of the Chola kings.
Prior to our arrival in Tanjore, we visit the picturesque town of Kumbakonam, well-known for its  temples. Tanjore was the capital of great Chola empire who built more than 70 temples between 10th and 14th century. We visit here one of the world heritage monument, Brihadeshwara Temple (11th century), which is also known as big temple.   BD

Day 05. Tanjore - Srirangam - Trichy (about 60 km)
Today we drive to Srirangam and visit the Ranganathasvami Temple which is one of the largest temples in India dedicated to god
Vishnu. After the visit of Srirangam we proceed to Trichy. Trichy, the land near the delta is very fertile and productive. This town Trichy is so ancient that it was mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century BC by Alexandrian geographer. We climb stairs to the famous Rock Fort which was built on 84 m high rock in the centre of town in about 1660. We also visit a Shiva and Ganesha temple and enjoy a wonderful view of the surroundings from the top. BD

Day 06. Trichy - Madurai (about 140 km)
Today we leave Trichy and drive to Madurai. Madurai, situated on the bank of river Vaigai is also referred to as the Athens of the East. Madurai has the most outstanding examples of Vijayanagar temple architecture in the Minakshi Temple, a standing monument to the temple builders of the 16th and 17th century. We spend enough time in Minakshi Temple and afterwards have a walk through the bazaars of this 2500 years old town before we drive back to our hotel. BD

Day 07. Madurai - Periyar (about 140 km)

Madurai, situated on the bank of river Vaigai is also referred to as the Athens of the East. Madurai has the most outstanding examples of Vijayanagar temple architecture in the Minakshi Temple, a standing monument to the temple builders of the 16th and 17th century. After the visit of Minakshi Temple we visit Tirumalai Nayaka Palace which was built in the 1636 in the Indo-Mughal style. After the visit we proceed to Periyar.
BD

Day 08. Periyar - Kumarakom (about 120 km)
We start our day by having a Boat ride on the lake of Periyar. The lake of Periyar is the central point of the famous 780 sq.2 Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which was designated as a part of project Tiger in 1973. After the Boat ride we drive through the Park and observe the elephants, bison, sambar, wild oxen, wild boar and spotted deer which are common here. In the afternoon we drive through the mountains which are full of Cardamom and pass through the tea and coffee plantations and proceed to Kumarakom. In Kumarakom we enjoy the Boat ride trip through the tropical vegetation on the backwaters.
BD

Day 09. Kumarakom - Kottayam - Alleppey (about 38 km)
Today we enjoy a Boat trip for two hours through the narrow channels of famous backwaters of Kottayam and arrive in Alleppey. This small town is known as a hub for pepper and coconut fibers. Overnight at the houseboat. BD

Day 10. Alleppey - Cochin (about 60 km)
 We take a look at the scenic beauty of Kerala on our drive to Cochin. Cochin is the most interesting town in South India at Malabar Coast and is also known as Venice of south. In Cochin we visit St. Francis church, the oldest European church in India in which the grave of famous sailor Vasco da Gama can be visited. After the visit of St. Francis Church we have a walk through the Jewish area of Mattancherry.
BD

Day 11. Cochin - Ooty (about 280 km)
From the tropical coast of Kerala we drive on the serpent road and pass through the Tea plantation and eucalyptus forests of mountains of Nilgiri and arrive in the city Ooty (Udhagammandulam). Ooty which was developed as hill station by British, lies at an altitude of 2300 m. and still has British flair. BD

Day 12. Ooty - Mysore (about 160 km)
Ooty (also known as the queen of the blue mountains) is famous for its rolling hills covered in pine and eucalyptus forests. Ooty has also a penalty of coffee and tea plantations. We visit the famous and most beautiful botanical Garden of Ooty which covers an area over 20 hectares and is planted with more than a thousand varieties of plants, shrubs and trees including orchids, fern and alpine. In the afternoon we pass through the betel nut and pepper plantation and proceed to Mysore.
BD

Day 13. Mysore  - Bangalore (about 140 km)
Today we visit the most impressive and one of the largest city palaces in India. The City Palace of Mysore "Ambar Vilas" is built in the Indo-Saracenic style. Mysore is famous for its Silk and Sandalwood. We have an opportunity to see how incense is made and how silk saris are woven by the local weavers. In the afternoon we leave Mysore and drive to Bangalore.
BD

Day 14. Flight to Home
Around Midnight flight from Bangalore to home destination.

About Hotels:
We provide you the accommodation as per your budget mentioned above in the table of hotels category for any of the booked tour. Hotels provided by us are from budget to luxury class hotels. Luxury hotels are all five stars or of above standard. Deluxe would be a combination of 3 and 4 star Hotels and standard would be a combination of 2 and 3 star or similar hotels. The criteria for selecting hotels by us remains the best value of your money. We also provide you wherever possible accommodation in heritage hotels. Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas which have been later renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are decorated all individually. Rooms are comfortable, romantic and present the flair of olden Maharaja days.

 

 

Tour Reservation
  To get more information or to book this tour please submit
the Query Form by clicking on the
Group Travel Dates below or send us an e-mail ! Your booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from your side.

Best of South India Tour (Group Tour) – Indicative group tour cost in Euro on per person basis from 2 to 14 Traveler

Group Travel Dates

Tour cost in Euro from 2 person to 14 person

2

3-5

6-9

10-14

 

Room Type*

DBL

DBL

DBL

DBL

SRS*

           
15.01. - 28.01.          
           
04.02. - 17.02.          
           
04.03. - 17.03.          
           
18.03. - 31.03.          
           
02.04. - 15.04.          
           
16.04. - 29.04.          
           

* The international flights are not included in the given cost.
* Approx. 07 weeks before the start of the trip, we will let you know how many participants have signed up for this trip, as the cost of the Tour varies depending on the number of participants.
* For single person traveling alone the “Single Room Supplement” is not valid and a surcharge will be levied on it.
* The tour cost may increase subject to fuel price hike.
* Visa fees (about € 105) are not included in the given tour cost.

 

*Our Team will be in touch with you regarding the total Tour members in the group as the cost of the tour depend on the number of Travelers, with the increasing number of participants there will be discount at the time of final payment (accordingly to the table).

*Single Room Supplement not valid

DBL* = double room * SRS = Single room supplement

 

Proposed Hotels

Nights

Indo Vacations – Inclusions in the given tour cost:

  • Complete sightseeing program as per the itinerary

  • A boat trip through the backwaters in Kumarakom (2 hours)

  • Accommodation in a double room with shower /bath & WC in the hotels as indicated.

  • Half board (breakfast and dinner in the booked Hotels)

  • Drinking water in the vehicle (1 liter per person / day)

  • Boat ride in Periyar and Boat ride from Kumarakom to Alleppey.

  • Steamer ride and cultural evening including dance performances in Cochin.

  • An air-conditioned vehicle, including insurance, fuel etc. with chauffeur (experienced, reliable and English speaking) during the entire tour.

  • Complete sightseeing program as per itinerary

  • Valid guaranteed Contract for the services to be provided by our travel agency.

  • Luggage handling at the hotels

  • Accommodation in double room with shower or bath / WC in the hotels as indicated.

  • Entrance fees as per the itinerary.

  • Travel literature

  • All Applicable taxes

  • Guidance and assistance throughout the tour by a English-speaking local guide (An accompanying Escort would be provided 10 travelers onward).
     

Not included are: International Flights, Camera fees, tips, drinks and any expenses of a personal nature and services which are not covered under inclusions !


Note:

  • (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)

  • Flight schedule, hotel and program modifications may take place in case of an emergency.

  • You will need to apply for a Visa to enter India. Please get the visa well in time. On request we will send you more information.

  • For individual Arrivals you will be picked up at no extra cost from the airport and transferred to the booked hotel (advance notice and flight details will be  required).

  • In case the number of tour participants is not achieved to operate a group there is possibility that a surcharge must be levied, or alternatively we reserve the right to withdraw from the travel contract not later than 14 days prior to departure before. (Most of the tour operations are guaranteed on two travelers).

  • Indo Vacations reserve the right of changes which may be beyond our control.

    Heritage Hotels:

    Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas which have been later renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are decorated all individually. Rooms are comfortable, romantic and present the flair of olden Maharaja days.

Hotel E Hotel, Chennai****

Chennai

1

Hotel Ideal Beach Resort, Mamallapuram (Beach Resort)***

Mahabalipuram

1

Hotel Le Pondy, Pondicherry**** Pondicherry
1
Ideal River View Resorts, Thanjavur (River Resort)*** Tanjore
1

 Hotel Sangam, Trichy ****

Trichy

1

Hotel GRT Regency, Madurai***

Madurai

1

Hotel Treetop, Thekkady (Deluxe Hotel)***

Periyar

1

Hotel Abad Whispering Palms, Kumarakom ****

Kumarakom

1

Deluxe House Boat Alleppey
1

The Killians Boutique Hotel***

Cochin

1

Hotel Destiny Farm Stay, Ooty****

Ooty

1

Hotel Sandesh The Prince****

Mysore
1
Hotel Adarsh Hamilton, Bangalore**** Bangalore
1
Total Nights 13

Details for the vehicles used are available at the below given links:   
For 1 - 3 person – Etios / Swift Dzire - (4 seats)
For 3 - 5 person – Toyota Innova - (6 seats)

For 6-9 person - Tempo Traveler - (10 seats)
For 10-15 person mini-bus (18 seats)

For 16-28 passenger bus - (30-35 seats)

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