Highlights of Southern India
Overview
Highlights
- A 2-week adventure through South India's varied scenery, cuisine, culture and history
- Explore Tamil Nadu's ancient temples, a riot of colour and packed with local pilgrims
- Discover Kerala's peaceful backwaters, spice gardens and lush Western Ghats mountains
- 20
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Our tour of South India starts in Chennai. Capital of India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, the city is one of the country's most important economic hubs, partly due to its role in the development of the automotive industry. For those arriving in time, our tour leade...
This morning we'll drive to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, approximately a two-hour drive from Chennai. The sanctuary is a protected area and an important breeding ground for large migrating birds such as herons, cormorants, storks, ibises, pelicans as well as other sma...
We'll have an early start this morning as we leave Pondicherry and travel to Tiruchirappalli to discover the Srirangam Hindu Temple. Located on an island, at the confluence of the Kaveri and Kollidam Rivers, the temple complex is one of the largest in India and is ded...
This morning we'll return to the 16th century Meenakshi Temple for a closer look around. The temple features imposing gopurams (monumental gates) and dominating colourful towers that rise above the chaotic exuberance of the seemingly endless throngs of pilgrims. We'll...
Today we'll drive west towards Thekkady and the state of Kerala. The drive is around five hours through an ever-changing landscape. As we enter the Western Ghats Mountain range, watch as rolling hills and spice plantations pass by the window and the terrain becomes ev...
This morning we'll drive to the Kerala Backwaters, a network of low-lying waterways, lagoons and rivers running parallel to the Arabian Sea. Often lined with tropical plants and palm trees they are a haven for a variety of birdlife and local villages dot the shores. ...
After disembarking our houseboat, we'll drive to the fort town of Kochi. With a beautiful natural harbour that earned it the title of 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. The town was founded on trade from Jewish and Arab spice traders in the first century AD. Its prosperity a...
After a leisurely breakfast, we'll head to Kochi's Mattancherry Palace to explore the colonial gem. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it underwent extensive renovations by the Dutch some hundred years later, which earned it its name as 'The Dutch Palace'. T...
Today we have a long drive ahead of us as we head north-east back into the state of Tamil Nadu and the city of Coimbatore. On the way, we'll stop in Palakkad to admire the 18th century fort. Unlike sandstone examples seen in India's Northern state of Rajasthan, Palakk...
Early this morning we'll travel towards Coonoor to board the toy train along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Built by the British in the late 19th century to negotiate an otherwise difficult terrain, an old locomotive will pull us up the hill through dense green forest ...
Today is dedicated to searching for wildlife with both morning and afternoon drives in Bandipur National Park. The park was once the hunting ground for the Maharajah of Mysuru but is today a thriving nature reserve made up primarily of dry deciduous forest. Some of th...
Early this morning we'll have the option to take one final drive in the park in search of wildlife. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we drive north towards Mysore. So called the 'City of Palaces', Mysuru is today renowned as the cultural capit...
After a leisurely breakfast, we'll take a visit to Mysuru's Devaraja market. This vibrant market is a constant hive of activity as locals barter with sellers for the best deal. The market is a photographer's paradise with fruit, vegetable, flower, and spice stalls oft...
Arriving in Chennai very early this morning we'll make a quick stop for a traditional south Indian dosa breakfast. These thin flat crepes are made from rice batter and often served with a side of chutney, potatoes and lentil sambars. Following breakfast, we'll travel ...
Our tour of South India ends at our hotel in Mamallapuram. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Chennai Airport (MAA), around a two-hour drive from the hotel.
Meals Provided : Breakfast
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Trusted Customer
May 2024
Highlights of Southern India
It was a great trip. Our guide Jojan was excellent, extremely knowledgeable and looked after the group really well. He explained a lot of the local culture and took ...
Virginia
May 2024
Highlights of Southern India
The best tour leader. Everything perfect, well orga...
Trusted Customer
May 2024
Highlights of Southern India
The trip was well organised. The various experiences outlined in the itinerary did not disappoint. The accommodations were comfortable and clean. Our tour guide made...
Trusted Customer
Apr 2024
Highlights of Southern India
A fabulous full on trip with lots of variety. There is alot of travelling (2,500km) which enables you to see the main sights and experience Tamil Nadu and Kerala. W...
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About Explore
We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Logistics
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Transportation & flights
- Breakfast : 14
- Dinner : 4
- Lunch : 3
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