Discover the very best of Southern India on this carefully crafted journey, blending magnificent temples, colourful markets, colonial towns, rolling tea plantations and the tranquil Kerala backwaters. Enjoy quality accommodation, full board and unforgettable cultural experiences, with a relaxed pace and two-night stays allowing time to fully appreciate each remarkable destination.

Price Includes

• Return scheduled Etihad Airways flights from London Heathrow to Chennai, returning Kochi to London Heathrow outward and return flights via Abu Dhabi

• Airport taxes and airline security charges (where applicable)

• 13 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected 3 & 4 star hotels

• 2 nights aboard a traditional Kerala Houseboat in the beautiful Alleppey Backwaters

• Full Board throughout – breakfast, lunch and dinner from arrival in Chennai to breakfast on departure from Kochi

• Breakfast and lunch each day (No breakfast or lunch on Day 1 and no lunch on Day 16 and 17)

• Services of an experienced English-speaking local tour manager/guide throughout the tour

• All airport transfers and transportation by private, airconditioned coach in India

• All sightseeing and excursions as detailed in the itinerary

• Entrance fees to all monuments, temples and attractions included in the programme

• Guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Mahabalipuram and the Great Living Chola Temples

• Sunrise visit to the fishing beach at Mahabalipuram

• Early morning visit to Madurai’s colourful wholesale flower market

• Guided tea plantation walk and traditional tea-picking experience in Munnar

• Authentic Kathakali cultural performance

• Traditional Chettinad lunch

• Visit to a Chettinad mansion and Athangudi tile-making workshop

• Visit to a traditional bronzecasting atelier

• Two-day cruise through Kerala’s famous backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat

• Visits to Fort Kochi, the Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, the Paradesi Synagogue and the historic spice markets

• The services of our local representative, available throughout our holiday for assistance

Further information

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Entry Formalities and Indian Visa

A passport valid for at least six months beyond the return date, and a valid Indian visa, are mandatory for all British and other Western nationals. E-visa (30 days): indianvisaonline.gov.in. Costs and formalities remain the traveller's responsibility.

Time Difference

India Standard Time (UTC+5:30) is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of the UK during GMT and 4 hours 30 minutes ahead during British Summer Time. India does not observe daylight saving.

Health and Vaccinations

No specific vaccine is mandatory for entry into India. Recommended: polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A & B, typhoid. Mosquito-bite protection is advisable. Bottled, sealed water only.

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR). Currency exchange is available at upper-category hotels and licensed exchange counters. Import and export of Indian rupees is prohibited. Torn or damaged notes are not accepted locally. ATMs are available in all towns on the circuit.

Tips

As a guideline: driver 4–5 USD/day, guide 5–7 USD/day, porter 50–60 INR. These are average ranges, to be adjusted freely (up or down) at the group's discretion. Tipping is customary in India though never obligatory.

Not included

Indian e-visa fees (visa assistance not included in this proposal).

Beverages with meals, mini-bar and personal expenses.

Tips for driver, guide and hotel/houseboat staff.

Camera/video fees where applicable at monuments.

Association Volontariat Pondicherry donation, if visited (voluntary, paid direct on site).

Any service not explicitly listed.

Grand Tour of Southern India & Kerala

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant landscapes, rich culture and extraordinary heritage of India on this spectacular escorted tour of Southern India and Kerala. From bustling cities and magnificent Hindu temples to tranquil backwaters, tea plantations and colonial hill stations, this once-in-a-lifetime adventure offers an incredible variety of experiences across one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

Travelling fully escorted alongside a dedicated Tour Manager, this immersive tour combines comfort, culture and breathtaking scenery throughout.

Your journey begins in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, where colonial landmarks, colourful temples and the sweeping sands of Marina Beach provide an introduction to the rich heritage of southern India. Travel along the scenic Coromandel Coast to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Mahabalipuram, renowned for its remarkable rock-cut monuments, magnificent Shore Temple and centuries-old tradition of stone carving.

Continue to the former French colony of Pondicherry, where elegant boulevards, colonial architecture and vibrant temples reflect a unique blend of Indian and European influences. Explore the atmospheric French Quarter by rickshaw, visit the colourful Manakula Vinayagar Temple and discover the pioneering township of Auroville.

Journey through the cultural heart of Tamil Nadu, visiting the impressive Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram and the beautiful Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram before arriving in Thanjavur, home to the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, one of India's finest architectural masterpieces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travel onwards to the fascinating Chettinad region, famous for its grand merchant mansions, traditional craftsmanship and distinctive cuisine, before continuing to the ancient city of Madurai. Here, experience the bustling flower market, admire the spectacular Meenakshi Amman Temple and visit the impressive Thirumalai Nayak Palace.

Cross into the lush state of Kerala and ascend to the cool hill station of Munnar, surrounded by rolling tea plantations, mist-covered mountains and scenic landscapes. Enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance and discover the region's renowned tea estates during a guided plantation walk and tea-picking experience.

A highlight of the tour is a relaxing two-night stay aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat. Cruise through the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, passing coconut palms, peaceful villages and paddy fields while experiencing everyday life along Kerala's famous waterways.

The tour concludes in the historic port city of Kochi, where Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences have shaped a unique cultural heritage. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, explore the historic Jew Town and spice markets, discover Mattancherry Palace and St Francis Church, and stroll through the charming streets of Fort Kochi.

Combining UNESCO World Heritage sites, magnificent temples, colonial towns, rolling tea plantations, Kerala's tranquil backwaters and vibrant local culture, this tour offers a wonderful introduction to two of southern India's most captivating states.