Overview
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Continue your vacation on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India’s ancient city of Chennai. Guided sightseeing includes Fort St. George, built in 1644, and Dakshinachitra heritage center where fascinating history and sights bring Indian art and architecture to life. Continue to the historic port city of Mahabalipuram, take a Life of Pi tour in Puducherry, and explore the temple and palace of Tanjore. In Madurai, wander the flower market, visit the palace and temple, and explore the Gandhi Memorial Museum. Your inspiring tour of India also includes visits to Thekkady to visit a spice plantation and enjoy an ancient martial arts performance. Board a houseboat for an overnight cruise into the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. Your value-minded tour of India concludes with two nights in Cochin—home of the traditional Chinese fishing nets and a colorful dance performance.
Highlights
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, a Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai Museum, and Mani Bhavan; Host service during your stay
CHENNAIVisit Fort St. George, Mylapore Walk
PUDUCHERRYVisit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram; Life of Pi tour; Heritage walk
TANJOREVisit Brihadashwara Temple and Tanjore Palace; cooking demo and dinner
MADURAITour local flower market; visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Gandhi Memorial Museum; evening prayer ceremony at Meenakshi Temple
THEKKADYWitness a Kalaripayattu performance
LAKE VEMBANAD
Overnight houseboat cruise
COCHINHeritage walk in Fort Cochin; Kathakali dance performance
2020 Tour itinerary
Total meals included:
- 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
ARRIVE IN MUMBAI
Day1
. Welcome to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a colorful history. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
MUMBAI
Day2
. This morning’s PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR includes the GATEWAY OF INDIA, Mumbai’s most famous monument, which commemorates a visit by Queen Mary. From here, cross Mumbai Harbor by ferry to the ELEPHANTA CAVES, a collection of cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Mumbai and drive along Marine Drive, a seafront promenade, and see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (an open-air laundromat). You will also visit the MANI BHAVAN (former residence of Mahatma Gandhi) and the MUMBAI MUSEUM.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
MUMBAI–CHENNAI
Day3
. Fly to Chennai, India’s fourth largest metropolis.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
CHENNAI
Day4
. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit FORT ST. GEORGE, built in 1644, and stroll through Mylapore, the cultural hotspot of Chennai. Your evening is free to explore at leisure.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
CHENNAI–MAHABALIPURAM–PUDUCHERRY
Day5
. Start your day with a visit to DAKSHINACHITRA, a unique heritage center for the living traditions of Indian arts, crafts, and architecture. Later, journey to MAHABALIPURAM, once the main port of the Pallava Kingdom and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in Puducherry early this evening.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
PUDUCHERRY
Day6
. A full day of sightseeing awaits you today. First, visit AUROVILLE, the city of dawn. This experimental township was established as a universal place where men and women of all countries could live in peace and harmony above all nationalities, politics, and religious beliefs. Then, enjoy a LIFE OF PI TOUR and HERITAGE WALK of the French Quarter. Visit the SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM, one of the highlights of Puducherry, visited by thousands of people from all over the world.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
PUDUCHERRY–TANJORE
Day7
Travel through the rich and varied countryside to Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. Once there, visit the famous BRIHADESHWARA TEMPLE and TANJORE PALACE. This evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
TANJORE–CHETTINAD–MADURAI
Day8
Continue exploring Southern India on the way to Madurai via Chettinad. Visit Chettinad Village Market where you can opt to try a traditional meal served on a banana leaf. Later, arrive in Madurai, one of southern India’s oldest towns.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
MADURAI
Day9
. In the morning, enjoy a tour of the local FLOWER MARKET, followed by a visit to the THIRUMALAI NAYAK PALACE, built in 1636. Then, reflect on Mahatma Gandhi and his influence on India’s history at the GANDHI MEMORIAL MUSEUM. This evening, enjoy a glimpse of Madurai’s devout religious culture during a visit to the atmospheric MEENAKSHI TEMPLE at prayer time.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
MADURAI–THEKKADY
Day10
Admire the changing sights as you journey to Kumarakom. Along the way, stop for a visit to a SPICE PLANTATION. Later, enjoy a KALARIPAYATTU PERFORMANCE, one of the oldest martial arts forms in the world that developed in Kerala.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
THEKKADY–KERALA BACKWATERS CRUISE
Day11
Board your HOUSEBOAT for an overnight cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. As you drift along, enjoy authentic local food, watch the villagers go about their daily chores, and marvel at the beauty of southern India’s backwaters. Tonight, remain on board for a unique stay on Lake Vembanad.
NOTE:
Due to space restrictions, please plan to pack a small overnight bag for the houseboat stay.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
KERALA BACKWATERS CRUISE–COCHIN
Day12
Say goodbye to your houseboat and travel to Cochin, an important spice trading port since the 14th century and now a cosmopolitan business center. Along the way, enjoy lunch at a local village.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
COCHIN
Day13
. Your tour of Cochin starts with the CHINESE FISHING NETS—the livelihood of many local fishermen—and a HERITAGE WALK in Fort Cochin. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore, shop, or visit an art cafe. In the evening, celebrate the success of your tour at a spectacular show of KATHAKALI DANCE, a form of storytelling distinguished by the elaborately colorful costumes and face masks worn by the dancers.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
COCHIN
Day14
. Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Fariyas Hotel Mumbai
Moderate First-Class
The Fariyas Hotel offers all the major comforts one expects when traveling. After a great day of sightseeing relax in the outdoor pool or steam room, work out at the gym, and grab a drink or a bite to eat at its two restaurants or bar/lounge. Enjoy complimentary wireless Internet in public areas.
Location
25, Off Arthur Bunder Road, Mumbai, IndiaHotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Bar/Lounge
- Elevator
- Pool
- Spa Services
- Dry Cleaning
- Currency Exchange
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Beauty Salon
- Fitness Room
- Luggage Storage
- Gift Shop
Room Facilities
- Smoking Rooms
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Phone
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Voicemail
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Desk
- Internet Access
Courtyard by Marriott
First-Class
Courtyard Chennai is a modern respite for today's business and leisure traveler. Unpack and unwind in recently renovated hotel rooms.
Location
564 Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai , India
Hotel Facilities
- Ice Machine
- Business Center
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Beauty Salon
- Fitness Room
- Spa Services
- Elevator
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Phone
- Internet Access
- Clock Radio
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- Coffee Maker
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Complimentary Toiletries
Accord Hotel
First-Class
Set in a serene, arboreal locale in the heart of the city, Accord Puducherry is the perfect getaway for a traveller.
Location
No 1 Thilagar Nagar, Puducherry, India
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Business Center
- Beauty Salon
- Restaurant On-Site
- Ice Machine
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Cable/Satellite
- In-Room Safe
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- Coffee Maker
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
Paradise Resort
Moderate First-Class
Paradise Resort transports you to an era of the tamil culture. Set amidst river view ambience, with coconut, teak and mango groves.
Location
No.3/1216, Tanjore Main Road, Tanjore, India
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Spa Services
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Free WiFi
- Ice Machine
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Desk
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Internet Access
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Coffee Maker
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- In-Room Safe
Courtyard by Marriott Madurai
This stylish hotel features a restaurant, deli, bar, spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool.
Location
No 168 Alagarkoil Road, Madurai, India
Hotel Facilities
- Spa Services
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Pool
- Elevator
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Free WiFi
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Voicemail
- Air Conditioning
- Cable/Satellite
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
- Television
- Phone
- Coffee Maker
Elephant Court
Moderate First-Class
The Elephant Court lies wrapped in tranquility and shades of green in Thekkady, near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The hotel features an outdoor pool, spa, gym, and restaurant.
Location
Thamarakandam Rd, Thekkady, India
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Parking/Valet
- Pool
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Business Center
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Spa Services
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Desk
- Television
- Coffee Maker
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Room Service
- Cable/Satellite
- Iron/Ironing Board
Kerala Houseboats/RKV Tours
The deluxe houseboats provide a unique experience for cruising along the backwaters of Kerala while enjoying the beautiful scenery from the sundeck.
Location
Near Pallathuruthy Bridge, A/C Rd, , Kerala, India
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
Radisson Blu Kochi
Superior First-Class
The stylish Radisson Blu Kochi features contemporary design in the heart of the Ernakulam City. After a day of sightseeing, soak in the rooftop swimming pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or dine in one of the four restuarants on site. The hotel also offers a rooftop bar, business center and gym.
Location
S.A Road, Elamkulam Junction Kadavanthra,, Cochin, India
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Fitness Room
- Free WiFi
- Luggage Storage
- Pool
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Gift Shop
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Coffee Maker
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Room Service
- Internet Access
- Mini-bar
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
