Southern India Uncovered
13 days
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Group Tour
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
From$2,180
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Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
What's this trip about?
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
Details
Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 1 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityMahabalipuram
End CityKumarakom
Trip includes
- All accommodation in mid-range hotels and heritage properties
- All transport and transfers in AC vehicles
- 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service
- Sightseeing tours and activities as per the itinerary
- The incredible Mahabalipuram shore temple
- Pondicherry French Quarter, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula Vinayagar Temple and Pondicherry beach
- Learn about the culture and arts of the region at the Mohanam Cultural Center
- Tanjore's awe-inspiring Brihadeeswarar Temple
- Ancient Madurai, Old Town tour, Meenakshi Amman Temple, Aarti Ceremony
- Explore the markets and tea plantastions of Munnar
- Take a boat ride on Lake Periyar and explore Thekkady Town
- See the local crafts and ride in a Shikara boat in Kumarakom
- Explore the beautiful backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat
- Entrance Fees for included sightseeing
- Services of a local tour leader and specialist local guides
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Itinerary
DAY 1: Welcome 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 ...
OVERNIGHT:
Chennai hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Extra night in Chennai - pre-tour
Single room supplement (INSGTS)
DAY 2: Travel to Pondicherry via the UNESCO listed Mahabalipuram Temples
From Chennai we'll take the coastal road south towards Pondicherry, stopping along the way to visit the incredible shore temple at Mahabalipuram.
The Mahabalipuram temples stand as a testament to the artistry and devotion of the ancient Pallava dynasty. These magnificen...
OVERNIGHT:
Pondicherry hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 3: Exploring picturesque Pondicherry
Today is all about Pondicherry. We'll begin our exploration in the heart of Pondicherry's French Quarter (White Town). Stroll along tree-lined avenues admiring the elegant villas, quaint cafes, and restored colonial buildings. Next, it's time to seek tranquility at the S...
OVERNIGHT:
Pondicherry hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 4: Learn about local culture and arts at the Mohanam Cultural Centre. Drive to Tanjore
The Mohanam Cultural Centre, established in 2001, serves a rural village within the Kaluveli/Auroville region of coastal Tamil Nadu. Facing the challenges of globalization, the centre strives to preserve local culture by providing extracurricular activities that help you...
OVERNIGHT:
Tanjore hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 5: Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore. Afternoon drive to Madurai
Tanjore, nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu, is a city steeped in history and artistic brilliance. Renowned as the cradle of Chola art and architecture, Tanjore's crown jewel is the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and this will be the focu...
OVERNIGHT:
Madurai hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 6: Visiting the Old City of Madurai, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and spiritual aarti ceremony
Madurai, an ancient city in Tamil Nadu, pulses with a unique blend of history, spirituality, and vibrant culture. Renowned as the "Athens of the East," Madurai was once the seat of the Tamil Sangams, promoting a rich literary tradition. The city's heart beats around the ...
OVERNIGHT:
Madurai hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 7: Head in to Kerala state and the tea growing region of Munnar
After breakfast today, we leave Tamil Nadu and head in to Kerala state where we'll end our journey in Munnar. Imagine rolling green hills covered in a perfect blanket of tea plants, crisp mountain air with a hint of spice, and mist swirling around the peaks – well that's Munnar. Munnar's cooler climate and scenic beauty have long made it a popular escape from the tropical heat of the lower regions.
OVERNIGHT:
Munnar hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 8: Exploring the markets and tea plantations of Munnar
Today is all about Munnar! We start exploring with a visit to the local market, located in the heart of town. As you enter the market you'll be greeted by a delightful mix of colors, aromas, and sounds. The air is thick with the scent of spices, fresh produce, and stalls...
OVERNIGHT:
Munnar hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 9: Continue to Thekkady and take a boat ride in Periyar NP
Leaving the green hills of Munnar, we'll drive to Periyar today. The route will take us through small towns and villages, past agricultural areas and of course, through the natural beauty which Kerala is famous for.
The town of Thekkady is known as the gateway to Periya...
OVERNIGHT:
Thekkady hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 10: Craft and backwaters of Kumarakom
This morning we'll leave Periyar and head to the town of Kumarakom, synonymous with lush backwaters, a labyrinth of canals, lagoons, and lakes fringed by palm trees. This intricate, serene network of waterways is the heart of Kumarakom.
Once we reach Kumarakom we'll tra...
OVERNIGHT:
Kumarakom hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 11: Board a houseboat and explore the Keralan Backwaters.
A real highlight of any visit to Kerala is an overnight stay onboard one of the beautiful houseboats which this part of India has become known for. Kerala houseboats, known as Kettuvallams, are an incredible blend of tradition and modern comfort. Kettuvallams originally ...
OVERNIGHT:
Deluxe AC Houseboat
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 12: Disembark and enjoy the Keralan beaches
After a magical night on your houseboat, we'll enjoy breakfast onboard before returning to Kochi, where our Keralan adventure will come to an end tomorrow. We'll spend our final evening at a beach resort where you'll have time to relax after spending two exploring the best of India.
OVERNIGHT:
Kochi beach hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 13: Bon Voyage! Transfer to Kochi Airport for departure.
You have some free time to buy any gifts for your loved ones back home before we transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Kochi - post-tour
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Dates & Availability
Price From $2,180
Price per day$168
Last Updated: 4/18/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Occupancy Per Person
Single Occupancy Per Person
Triple Occupancy Per Person
Spaces Remain
11 Jun 2024
23 Jun 2024
$2,180
OPEN
16 Jul 2024
28 Jul 2024
$2,180
OPEN
13 Aug 2024
25 Aug 2024
$2,180
OPEN
17 Sep 2024
29 Sep 2024
$2,180
OPEN
15 Oct 2024
27 Oct 2024
$2,180
OPEN
19 Nov 2024
01 Dec 2024
$2,180
OPEN
17 Dec 2024
29 Dec 2024
$2,180
OPEN
14 Jan 2025
26 Jan 2025
$2,180
OPEN
18 Feb 2025
02 Mar 2025
$2,180
OPEN
11 Mar 2025
23 Mar 2025
$2,180
OPEN
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Encounters Travel.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Tour Operator
Encounters Travel is an adventure tour operator, based in the UK but with representatives in Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. We run a wide selection of cultural and adventurous tours around the world, each carefully designed to help you get the most out of the country you're visiting.
Our tours range from historical sightseeing and Nile cruises in Egypt, through to long strenuous treks and white water rafting in Nepal or swimming with whales in Tonga. You can join other travellers on a small group departure, or personalise and tailor-make an itinerary for you to enjoy privately.
Whatever your preference, we have a team of experienced travel consultants ready to advise you and help arrange your next great adventure tour!
Why choose us?
- Financial security for your peace of mind througn ATOL & financial failure insurance
- Members of ABTA (Y4447)
- Airport transfers included
- Encounters with local cultures and like-minded travellers
- No local payment as part of tour price
- Tours designed by experts
- Itineraries that don’t cut corners or costs at your expense
- Clear info provided on entrance fees & local costs
- The best industry renowned guides
- Every booking contributes to local projects
- Great value for money!
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Logistics
What's excluded
- International flights (available on request)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- Tips for driver and/or tour guide
- Any other items not mentioned above
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
please visit this link
.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
Encounterstraveltourcms-INSGIU
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