Overview
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This affordable vacation in India begins 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 centre 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 colourful dance performance.
Highlights
CHENNAI Visit Fort St. George, Mylapore Walk
PUDUCHERRY Visit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram; Life of Pi tour; Heritage walk
TANJORE Visit Brihadashwara Temple and Tanjore Palace; cooking demo and dinner
MADURAI Tour local flower market; visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Gandhi Memorial Museum; evening prayer ceremony at Meenakshi Temple
THEKKADY Witness a Kalaripayattu performance
LAKE VEMBANAD Overnight houseboat cruise
COCHIN Heritage walk in Fort Cochin; Kathakali dance performance
Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
CHENNAI, INDIA
Day1
Welcome to Chennai, India’s fourth largest metropolis. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
CHENNAI
Day2
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
Day3
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
Day4
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
Day5
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
Day6
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
Day7
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
Day8
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
Day9
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
Day10
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
Day11
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
Day12
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Extend your tour and see even more
On selected tours you can extend your time at the beginning or end of your holiday. To book your holiday with an extension, call us on 0330 0588 237 or speak to your travel agent.
Pre Tour
+3 days Mumbai Extension
Total meals included:
- 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch
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 to begin your tour.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Post tour
+4 days Marari Beach Extension
Total meals included:
- 4 breakfasts
MARARI BEACH.
Day1
Today, a short drive takes you to the seaside village of Marari Beach.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
MARARI BEACH.
Days2-3
Enjoy your days doing as little or as much as you wish.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
MARARI BEACH.
Day4
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
To book your holiday with an extension, call 0330 0588 237 or speak to your travel agent.
What's included
Tour only
Prefer to book your own flights and transfers? You have the freedom to do that with our Tour Only holiday option.
- Services of a tour director
- Accommodation
- Selected meals
- Porterage
Tour with flights
Let us take care of everything. Our package option includes return flights from your chosen airport, plus overseas transfers to your hotel.
- Flights
- Transfers
- Services of a tour director
- Accommodation
- Selected meals
- Porterage
- All airport taxes
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Chennai - Courtryard by Marriott
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
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
Puducherry - Accord Hotel
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
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Pool
Puducherry - Accord Hotel
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
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Pool
Tanjore - Paradise Resort
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
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Pool
Tanjore - Paradise Resort
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
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Pool
Madurai - Courtyard by Marriott
This stylish hotel features a restaurant, deli, bar, spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool.
Location
No 168 Alagarkoil Road, Madurai, India
Facilities
- Wifi
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
Madurai - Courtyard by Marriott
This stylish hotel features a restaurant, deli, bar, spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool.
Location
No 168 Alagarkoil Road, Madurai, India
Facilities
- Wifi
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
Thekkady - Elephant Court
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
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Coffee maker in-room
- Iron/ironing board
- Pool
Thekkady - Elephant Court
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
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Coffee maker in-room
- Iron/ironing board
- Pool
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
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
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
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
Cochin - Radisson Blu
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
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Pool
Cochin - Radisson Blu
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
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Pool
Chennai - Courtryard by Marriott
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
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
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