Highlights of Southern India

Depart with Etihad Airways from London Heathrow. Manchester flights are also available, but may involve a longer connection. Please call for details. Flights will operate via Abu Dhabi.

Upon arrival in Cochin, our private transfer awaits to take us to the four-star Casino Hotel, for our first two nights in India. Our time is at leisure until we meet for an impressive evening sunset cruise around Cochin Harbour, prior to dinner.

After breakfast, we begin our day exploring Cochin’s captivating attractions. Cochin is a vibrant port city that boasts a rich and fascinating history that’s just waiting to be explored. Enjoy a trip to the renowned Mattancherry Palace, also known as the ‘Dutch Palace,’ celebrated for its splendid murals. This afternoon, a trip to Fort Cochin awaits, with its iconic Chinese fishing nets and charming colonial lanes. As the day comes to a close, we’ll have the opportunity to witness a 2,000-year-old Kathakali dance performance.

Tour Highlight
Following breakfast at the hotel, we take an unmissable trip to Paradesi Synagogue, an ancient Jewish Synagogue in Cochin’s Old Town. Afterwards, we transfer to Alleppey Jetty, where we’ll step onto a traditional ‘kettuvallam’ houseboat. As we cruise through a labyrinth of canals, coconut groves, rice fields, and hidden temples, relish the tranquility of the distinctively beautiful Keralan backwaters. We spend the night aboard the houseboat, immersing ourselves in the soothing sights that unfold, creating a truly unique experience etched in our memories for years to come.

Our day begins with a short drive to Periyar, stopping along the way at a plantation home for a traditional lunch with a local family. Get ready to immerse yourself in the local family’s hospitality during this culinary experience. Upon arrival in Periyar, settle into the comfort of the impressive Elephant Court Hotel. The afternoon is ours to spend at our leisure. This evening, we meet to enjoy a traditional Indian martial art performance. The Kalaripayattu performance takes place at a small venue with stadium-style seating and is certainly a trip highlight.

For those that so wish, perhaps take an optional early morning adventure prior to breakfast along Periyar Natural Trek – a sandal trekking programme that provides an opportunity to witness local wildlife, birds, and butterflies in their natural surroundings. The trek spans approximately 4-5 km and lasts around 2.5 hours. Following breakfast, we embark on a journey into the world of spices with a visit to a spice plantation. Uncover the intriguing history of India’s tea and spice industry. Later, experience serenity during a cruise on Periyar Lake (subject to water levels) within the scenic Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. As we navigate along the sanctuary, observe the vibrant bird and wildlife populations that thrive within the local forests, including elephants and sambar deer.

After a morning at leisure, get ready to embark on a breathtaking drive through the lofty Western Ghats mountain range. Transitioning within India’s Kerala state, our next stop is the charming town of Munnar, 5,200ft above sea level and renowned for hosting South India’s largest tea-growing region. Our home for the next two nights is the distinctive Tall Trees Hotel, nestled beneath 600 towering trees within a sprawling 66-acre shola forest untouched by human intervention. Later in the day, we take a unique plantation walk within the resort’s grounds, culminating in a tea tasting session.

Our day begins with a morning excursion to a tea plantation and factory, delving into the fascinating process of tea production, where we shall witness traditional segregation, drying and threshing. We shall also explore the Tata Tea Museum, which houses machinery and photographs that narrate the pivotal role the tea industry has held in this beautiful region. The remainder of the day is ours to spend as we please. Perhaps just relaxing at the hotel, enjoying the peaceful surroundings as we reflect on our travels so far.

Tour Highlight
Leaving the Tall Trees and Munnar behind, we journey to the vibrant and historic city of Madurai, nestled in the heart of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Your afternoon is free to unwind, ahead of an evening filled with exploration and enchantment. As the sun sets, embrace the lively streets and vibrant markets aboard a cycle-rickshaw, immersing ourselves in the local energy. And that’s not all – in the evening, we’ll also get the chance to witness a ‘Going to Bed’ ceremony at the renowned Meenakshi Temple. Overnight at the Heritage Madurai.

Today’s morning of sightseeing begins in the Old City of Madurai, where our route includes an extended visit to the iconic Meenakshi Temple. See the elaborate façade, and towering gateways, and observe the traditional ceremonies, devout practices, and bustling markets within its premises. Afterwards, we continue to the grandeur of Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, a stunning 17th-century palace constructed in 1636 AD. As you bid farewell to Madurai, your journey across Southern India continues towards Chettinad, and your next two nights will be spent at the delightful Chidambara Vilas. This evening, enjoy an enriching experience as we discover the culinary artistry behind Chettinad cuisine, guided by a skilled chef.

A morning at leisure, enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Chidambara Vilas. This afternoon, a visit to the heritage village awaits, and an opportunity to explore a local Athangudi tile factory.

A morning drive takes us to Puducherry, stopping by the famous Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur along the way. We’ll also enjoy lunch at an authentic, local restaurant. Later, we arrive at the Residency Tower Hotel and enjoy an evening walk along Promenade Beach to witness Puducherry’s mesmerising sunset.

After breakfast, enjoy a morning of cultural exploration, commencing with a visit to Puducherry Museum, where we delve into the region’s rich heritage. Traverse the charming French Quarter, a testament to Puducherry’s colonial past, and take in the spiritual aura of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a global beacon for communal living. Afterwards, our journey continues towards Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, the impressive Welcomhotel by ITC, Kences Palm Beach awaits, which is home for our next two nights.

This morning, we visit the historical wonders of Mahabalipuram. We tour the remarkable Shore Temple, a stunning creation from the 7th century that reflects the exquisite taste of the Pallava dynasty. Delve further into Mahabalipuram’s past with a visit to the intricate stone carvings depicting Arjuna’s Penance and The Five Rathas. Also witness the grandeur of Krishna Mandapam, the largest cave-cut Hindu temple crafted in the 7th century. Our afternoon and evening are at leisure to spend as we please.

As our journey across Southern India comes to a close, this morning is ours to spend at leisure as we reflect on our incredible adventures of the last two weeks. Before our flight this evening, there is one last opportunity to visit the Dakshinachitra Museum, a cross-cultural living museum of art, architecture and lifestyle, before we depart for the airport.

Our flights to London Heathrow and Manchester operate via Abu Dhabi, landing in the UK in the morning and bringing to an end our amazing tour of Southern India.

See more of India

Why not extend your stay in Mahabalipuram? If you wish to spend a little longer relaxing at the Welcomhotel by ITC, Kences Palm Beach, please speak with one of our travel experts.