Houseboat along the Kerala State Backwaters in South India
Houseboat along the Kerala State Backwaters in South India
Beautiful Temples & Coastal Scenery in South India
Beautiful Temples & Coastal Scenery in South India
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Wild Indian Bison, South India
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Wild Indian Bison, South India
Kovalam Beach & Lighthouse, Trivandrum, South India
Kovalam Beach & Lighthouse, Trivandrum, South India

Classic South India

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Overview

Spanning across thousands of metres of cascading coastline, South India is a lush, tropical part of the country which is adorned by fertile plains, emerald hilltops and glistening waterways. From the foodies’ paradise of Chennai to the scenic coastal town of Kovalam, this immersive 12-night guided tour will allow you to experience the rich culture, fascinating history and traditional practices of this spectacular region, whilst exploring its small rural towns, sleepy fishing villages and aromatic spice plantations. Follow a road which is less-frequented through South India to discover a plethora of breath-taking sights, without sacrificing too many creature comforts, staying in luxury resorts and comfortable hotels along the way.

We think this is a wonderful tour for those looking to see a different side of India, which is less visited by tourists, offering a diversity of rich, local culture and utterly spectacular scenery (INT-HHKS).

* Please Note that this tour involves multiple visits to temples, so it’s important to wear appropriate clothing that covers the arms, legs and shoulders.

Highlights

  • Experience the unique vibrancy, distinct landscapes and rich culture of South India
  • Explore the idyllic seaside town of Puducherry, offering a contemporary feel
  • Track footprints in search of exotic, wild animals in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Ferry-hop between the islands around Kochi to discover extravagant temples, palaces and European-style architecture at every turn
  • Relax in the gorgeous, calm Kerala Backwaters at a resort in Kumarakom
  • Delight in a luxurious beach stay in Kovalam to finish off an incredible adventure
Whats included?
  • International airfare & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Transfers
  • Checked baggage
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact center
Why Book with Tropical Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1

Chennai

Welcome to Chennai, India. Upon arrival at the airport, you will take a complimentary transfer to your hotel. There’s an important welcome meeting at 6pm, where you’ll need to bring your insurance details and next of kin information to provide to your tour leader. If you arrive in Chennai with free time to spare, we recommend visiting some of the local marketplaces and temples.

Day 2

Mamallapuram – Puducherry

From Chennai, you’ll drive along the scenic East Coast Road to the fishing village of Mamallapuram. Here, you’ll take a guided tour around the town’s laid-back beaches and temples, visiting an incredible 8th-century Shore Temple. From here, travel to Pondicherry in the late afternoon, where your evening is free to spend at leisure.

Breakfast included.

Day 3

Puducherry

Spend time exploring the European-style town of Puducherry today, enjoying a walking tour around its local temples, the French Quarter and spiritual community of Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Breakfast included.

Day 4

Karaikudi

Your day will begin with a journey to Karaikudi, where you’ll get a taste of Indian village life. After checking-in, take a walk around the village to visit some of the havelis (mansions), whose grandiose architecture is bound to impress, and sample some of the mouth-watering Chettinad cuisine whilst you’re here.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 5

Madurai

Continue on to Madurai today, taking around 2 hours. Here, you’ll wander through the colourful markets and bazaars, and then visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple in the city centre. Still in-use today, the ancient temple is a maze of lamp-lit corridors which lead to shrines where traditional rituals take place. You may also like to explore the National Ghandi Museum (optional, free), dedicated to the life and achievements of the ‘Father of the Nation’ and the leader of India’s fight for independence. Your evening is then free to spend at leisure.

Breakfast included.

Day 6

Madurai

Enjoy a day at leisure in Madurai; perhaps visit the Art Museum to see a superb collection of carvings, check out the Tirumali Nayak Palace, or simply relax with a cup of delicious chai. Join your group this evening for a hands on Tamil cuisine cooking class.

Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 7

Periyar

Drive through rubber and pineapple plantations to Thekkady and explore Periyar National Park, perched in the ranges of the Western Ghats. This beautiful area surrounds a picturesque lake, and ambles through wooded hills which overflow in wildlife. This afternoon, take an included tour of a local spice plantation, and if you have time, perhaps attend a demonstration of Indian martial arts at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre.

Breakfast included.

Day 8

Periyar

In the morning, take a guided nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Encounters with animals in the wild are never guaranteed, and this is more of a jungle walk than an animal-spotting tour; however, keep an eye out for tiger tracks, spotted deer or guar – the world’s largest species of buffalo. In the afternoon, unwind with an optional ayurvedic massage (INR700/person), or just unwind in this beautifully scenic area.

Breakfast included.

Day 9

Kochi

In the morning, you’ll transfer to Kochi (taking approximately 7-8 hours). A cultural melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British influences, Kochi is a beautiful area to explore. Spend your free time on a local boat excursion, or take a picturesque sunset stroll along the beach.

Breakfast included.

Day 10

Kochi

After breakfast, your day will begin with a visit to the Dutch Palace, followed by the oldest functioning Jewish synagogue in India, the Paradesi Synagogue. For lunch, you'll meet a local expert to learn about the ayurvedic diet, Satvik Bhojan. In the evening, witness a classic Kathakali performance – a dramatic dance which combines storytelling with physical technique.

Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 11

Kerala Backwaters – Kumarakom

Drive from Kochi to the sleepy Kumarkon in the backwaters of Kerala, where your resort is located along the riverside. Take a short backwaters cruise before heading out on a village walk – this is a great opportunity to meet with and chat to the people who live in the backwaters, whilst exploring the picturesque rice fields and lush palm trees of this tranquil setting.

Breakfast included.

Day 12

Kovalam

In the morning, you’ll take a 4-hour drive to Kovalam, via Kerala’s capital, Trivandrum. Once a quiet coastal village known for its exports of fresh fish and coconuts, Kovalam is now one of India’s most popular beach resorts. Visit the ancient temple of Attukal Bhagavathy in the afternoon, and if you have free time, explore the old signalling station of Anchuthengu Fort or the 16th-century Koyikkal Palace. Your evening is free to spend at leisure.

Breakfast included.

Day 13

Kovalam

Your trip will come to an end after breakfast, and you’re free to leave the resort at any time.

Breakfast included.

  • International flights
  • 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
  • 10 nights of hotel accommodation, 2 nights of resort accommodation
  • Internal transport: Private vehicle and ferry transfers
  • Activities, tours, treks and entrance fees included as per itinerary

What’s Not Included

  • Meals not mentioned in itinerary
  • Optional tours, excursions, entrance fees, activities and transport costs
  • Room upgrades, personal expenses, tours and excursions

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