Treasures of South India
Follow the meandering waterways of the Keralan backwaters on a Kettuvallam – a converted Keralan houseboat. Wander through the exciting city of Cochin and view the iconic Chinese fishing nets on the seashore. Immerse yourself in local culture as you attend a traditional ceremony in Madurai.
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival - Chennai
On arrival in Chennai be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park.
DAY 2
Chennai to Mahabalipuram
Discover the highlights of Chennai on a full day city tour including a visit to Fort St. George & Museum before continuing your journey on to Mahabalipuram. Stay the next two nights at Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay.
DAY 3
Mahabalipuram
Take a full day tour exploring Mahabalipuram before relaxing on the beach later this afternoon.
DAY 4
Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry
Depart Mahabalipuram for the journey to Pondicherry. Along the way, visit Auroville – The City of Tomorrow. Overnight at Maison’s Perumal.
DAY 5
Pondicherry to Thanjavur
Continue to Thanjavur, en route visit the Nataraj Temple. Stay the next two nights at Svatma.
DAY 6
Thanjavur
Explore the vibrant and diverse Thanjavur. Venture to Brihadishwara Temple & Fort – Built by great Chola king.
DAY 7
Thanjavur to Madurai
Travel to Madurai, along the way enjoy a visit to the Rockfort temple in Trichy. Rockfort temple stands tall on a magnifi cent hill which is believed to be 3 million years old. Stay the next 2 nights at Courtyard by Marriott Madurai.
DAY 8
Madurai
Take a guided village walk and see the fascinating scenes of small town life. In the evening, visit Meenakshi Temple to attend the evening ceremony known as ‘Bedtime of the God’.
DAY 9
Madurai to Periyar
Travel to Periyar. Later this afternoon cruise through Periyar tiger reserve whilst on a public boat ride. Overnight at The Elephant Court.
DAY 10
Periyar to Kumarakom
Venture to the spice plantation in Periyar before continuing the drive to Kumarakom. Stay the next two nights at Coconut Lagoon.
DAY 11
Kumarakom
Gain a fascinating insight into Kumarakom as you explore philipkutty’s farm. Immerse yourself in Indian culture as you prepare your own lunch as part of a cooking demonstration.
DAY 12
Kumarakom to Backwaters
Take a short journey to the Backwaters and board your own private Kettuvallam, a converted Keralan houseboat, to experience this beautiful watery wonderland. Overnight on Xandari Riverscapes.
DAY 13
Backwaters to Cochin
Enjoy breakfast on board before being transferred to Cochin. Stay the next two nights at Xandari Harbour.
DAY 14
Cochin
Spend the day exploring this wonderful town, from St Francis’ Church to the beautiful 17th century synagogue. Discover streets lined by old traders’ mansions and local markets. See the iconic Chinese fishing nets.
DAY 15
Cochin- Departure
Enjoy breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
Hotel Description
Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park
4/5
- Chennai
- Standard Room
- Day 1
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay
4/5
- Mahabalipuram
- Standard Room
- Day 2 and 3
Maison’s Perumal
4/5
- Pondicherry
- Standard Room
- Day 4
Svatma
4/5
- Thanjavur
- Standard Room
- Day 5 and 6
Courtyard by Marriott Madurai
4/5
- Madurai
- Standard Room
- Day 7 and 8
The Elephant Court
4/5
- Periyar
- Standard Room
- Day 9
Coconut Lagoon
4/5
- Kumarakom
- Standard Room
- Day 10 and 11
Xandari Riverscapes
4/5
- Backwaters
- Standard Room
- Day 12
Xandari Harbour
4/5
- Cochin
- Standard Room
- Day 13 and 14
What´s included
- 13 nights 4 Star Hotel accommodation
- 1 Night Houseboat
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- Private Touring
- Entrance fees (except camera fees)
- Local English-speaking guide
- Return transfers
- Meals as mentioned
Excluded
- Any Personal Expenses
- Tips and Gratitudes
- Any other meals than mentioned
Additional Information
- All pricing is reflected in British Pounds unless otherwise specifically denoted and is valid at time of publication but is subject to change.
- All prices are per person sharing a double room. Single and Triple room rates available upon request.
- ‘From’ prices represent land only and low season twin share prices (unless otherwise clearly stated).
- Unless otherwise stated, prices include all government levies and airport taxes as at the date of publication.
- Dates, itineraries and prices are indicative only and subject to change by time booking.
- Private Travel prices are valid for travel during low season and will vary depending on date of travel.
- Some Private Journeys do include group excursions. These excursions are not operated privately and guests join a scheduled departure tour.
- All Journeys are subject to availability. Some Journeys do not operate all year around and may not take place at desired date.
- All Hotel Names stated in the tour itinerary may change to one of a similar Standard without prior notice.
- Some countries charge additional destination tax which are either per Person or per Night. These taxes can vary and must be paid directly at the location or hotel.
- Items listed under Booking Exclusions are NOT included in the price and must be paid directly at the location.
- All Tours are escorted by English-Speaking Guides unless otherwise mentioned.
- All Excursions are based on Join-In Capacity unless “Private Tour” is explicit mentioned. Private Tours are available upon request and with surcharges.
- Self-Drive Tours may not always include a car rental. Please check carefully the included and excluded box. Driver must be in possession of a valid drivers license and for some countries an international license as well as a valid credit card.
- We will use our reasonable efforts to notify you of changes in prices.
- All our Insider Journeys itineraries as shown on our website and in our brochures will outline the relevant touring schedule and inclusions and will be priced accordingly to reflect this. Prices may vary based on the selected travel season and any individual amendments required.
- Even if the tours are requested as displayed, on occasion Insider Journeys may be required to impose surcharges depending on variables in the destinations outside of its control. Due to hotel availability in some destinations the accommodation stated in the itinerary may change to that of a similar standard. In light of recent worldwide events and due to the ever-changing current situation, there may also need to be more flexibility applied to the touring content and schedule in certain incidences and sometimes at short notice. Please note that we will always endeavour to keep the inclusions as close as possible to those shown and to notify you as best we can should such changes arise, although we appreciate your understanding in that this may not always be possible.
- All displayed tour maps are originated from Google Maps and are indicative only to show the overall routing of the tour. These are not actual travel routes and may differ to the actual itinerary.
- For more detailed price and other booking information please visit the booking condtions page click here
