CLASSICAL SOUTH INDIA

Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry- Trichy – Madurai - Thekkady – Alleppey - Cochin
13 Days Tour
Prices from £1825.00 per person based on 2 People
ITINERARY
Day 1: London Heathrow
Depart from London Heathrow to Chennai.
Day 2: CHENNAI
Arrive in Chennai International Airport. Welcome to India on arrival you will be met & greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. check into hotel.
Chennai - known for ancient temples, vibrant arts, natural
Day 3: CHENNAI
Chennai - known for ancient temples, vibrant arts, natural wonders, and a bustling culinary scene make Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the southern fringes of the country. Located on the Coromandel Coast, this busy metropolis was formerly called Madras. From the resplendent classical dance form of Bharatnatyam to the rich flavours of its iconic cuisine and from the lustrous silk sarees traded here to the gorgeous temples and churches.
Later proceed for Local Sightseeing in Chennai visit Fort St. George, completed in 1653 and St. Mary's, the first church consecrated on Indian soil. The National Art Gallery has many excellent bronzes including the famous Chula period bronze Natarajan, the God Shiva, in the cosmic dance pose. The Government Museum (closed on Fridays) contains sculpture and architecture of the Dravidian dynasties. Drive along the Marina, an elegant promenade to the old Indian section of Mylapore. Visit San Thome Basilica - the culmination of the enduring legend of Thomas Didymus, the apostle who doubted and who is believed to have lived and preached on Mylapore's shores. After visit return to the hotel. Overnight stay at Chennai.
Day 4: Chennai – Mahabalipuram (60 kms / Approx 1.5 hrs drive)
Today morning after your breakfast check out from your hotel and drive by car to Mahabalipuram - Known for its temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is a perfect place for sunbathing and lazing around under the sun. As you arrive visit the Shore Temple which was built in the 7th century and depicts the royal taste of the Pallava dynasty. It is a brilliant example of a structural temple and comprises three shrines, where the prominent ones are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The sculpture here is particularly interesting because, instead of gods and goddesses, the sculpture shows scenes from contemporary day to day life. After visit check into the hotel.
Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.
Day 5: Drive Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (95 kms / Approx 2 hrs drive)
Today morning check out from the hotel and proceed to Pondicherry - The Union Territory of Pondicherry is a unique blend of French colonial heritage, traditional culture, spiritual aura, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. On arrival check into the hotel. Later visit Aurobindo Ashram, founded by the spiritual leader Shree Aurobindo and his favourite disciple 'the mother' who set up this sprawling Ashram in 1926, exploring Yoga and meditation at as paths for salvation. Also visit Auroville, it is a must-visit attraction of Pondicherry where people of different nationalities, cultures and beliefs live together in harmony. After visit return to hotel. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.
Day 6: Pondicherry City Tour
After breakfast proceed for tour of Pondicherry visit the French Institute, the Library which contains a rich varied collection of books and journals relating to cultural knowledge and heritage between 1500 – 2000; the Pondicherry Museum, Botanical Gardens, churches of Pondicherry influenced by French architectural style. Visit ancient Pondicherry Temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, some of them dating back to the 10th century AD Chola Empire. End at Pondicherry beach known for its serene ambience and scenic beauty. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.
Day 7: Drive Pondicherry – Trichy (210 kms / Approx 4 hrs. drive)
Today after breakfast check out from the hotel & drive to Trichy believed to be 2500 years old. The Cholas, Palava’s, Nayaks & Marathas ruled the city in the course of history. On arrival check in at your hotel. Later proceed for sightseeing Visit the Rock Fort Temple which is located on a massive rock on the banks of the river Kaveri. The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam is one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu in India. The Mariamman Temple is one of the most popular and most visited temples. The museum has an excellent collection of beautiful sculptures of Mahivira, Gautam Buddha, Lord Vishnu and houses very interesting fossils, prehistoric Megalithic tools, Paleolithic tools, and Neolithic tools. After visit return to hotel. Overnight stay at Trichy.
Day 8: Drive Trichy - Madurai (140 kms / Approx 3 hrs drive)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Madurai - is an energetic, ancient city on the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colourful gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple. On arrival check into your hotel and relax. Overnight stay at Madurai.
Day 9: Madurai City Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Today morning proceed on Madurai city tour. Visit the 17th-century Meenakshi Temple is a must-see South Indian temple and the focal point of Madurai. The temple complex covers an extensive 15 acres, including the Hall of a Thousand Pillars and 14 towers that can be seen from across the city. Admire Thirumalai Nayak Palace Southeast of Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace is Madurai's second-biggest attraction. King Thirumalai Nayak built it as his residential palace in 1636 with the input of an Italian architect and it's a classic fusion of Dravidian and Islamic styles. Rest of the day is free for shopping in Madurai. After visit return to hotel. Overnight stay at Madurai.
Day 10: Madurai – Thekkady by drive (150 kms / Approx 3.5 hrs drive)
Breakfast at the hotel and check out and drive to Thekkady (Periyar), where one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves noted for its geography, diverse wildlife and scenic beauty is located. On arrival check in to your hotel.
later afternoon, go on an optional jeep ride to visit spice plantations of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. Optionally also visit the elephant sanctuary and enjoy elephant ride, feeding, washing, and bathing of the elephants. In the evening you have the option to enjoy a thrilling Kalarippayattu performance (local martial arts) at a theatre. Overnight stay at Thekkady
Day 11: Drive Thekkady - Alleppey (130 kms / Approx 4.5 hrs drive)
At 07:00 hrs, enjoy an optional 2.5 hours Nature Walk (subject to park rules and regulations). This is an interpretive programme offering an excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats for the trekking route covering 4 to 5 km in the Anavachal / Anachuruli area. The trail often passes through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
Later check-out from the hotel and drive to Alleppey. Arrive and board your houseboat for an unforgettable journey through the fascinating palm fringed landscapes of the backwaters, where the locals and the Lake Vembanad enjoy an almost symbiotic existence and where life on the water continues as it has for generations.
Overnight stay at a Alleppey houseboat.
Day 12: Drive Alleppey – Cochin by drive (55 kms / Approx 1.5 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Cochin - Known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Kochi, formerly called Cochin, is a city founded on trade and its streets still harbour a rich mix of cultural influences and styles. On arrival check into the hotel.
Later, enjoy a city tour of Fort Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India, as well as the Church of St. Francis, where Vasco da Gama was buried and take a short walk to see the Chinese fishing nets. Drive to Mattancherry to visit the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays) and take a stroll at Jew Town and visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Friday and Jewish Holidays). after visit return to hotel.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Cochin
Day 13: Cochin Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. (Hotel Standard Check out time: 1200hrs)
Later in time transfer to Cochin airport to Cochin airport to catch your flight to London Heathrow
Cost Proposal:
Hotel Envisaged in the Program:
Price Details
TOUR PRICE PER PERSON IN £ STERLING
Hotel supplements may apply at certain times of the year
Validity: MAY 2025 - APRIL 2026High season supplements may apply at certain time of the year.
Pax traveling together | 1 May - 30 September 2025 | 1Oct – 31 Apr 2026 |
---|---|---|
02 paying pax traveling on twin sharing | £1825.00 | £2030 |
04 paying pax on Twin sharing basis | £1655.00 | £1850.00 |
Single room supplement | £416.00 | £472.00 |
QUOTE INCLUDES:
• Return flight
•Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis inclusive of breakfast at all the places except during stay at Overnight Houseboat, Alleppey where it will be on Full board basis.
• Meet & Greet services by representatives upon arrival and departure.
• Arrival and departure transfers by air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary
• Local English Speaking guide for sightseeing as per the itinerary.
• Single entry to the monuments
• Mineral water + Wet tissues in the vehicle for the complete trip.
• All applicable Government taxes
QUOTE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Any additional meal.
• Any item of personal nature like telephone calls, room services, laundry, drinks etc.
• Any additional sightseeing/transport requirements.
• Transport during the day’s on leisure in Kovalam.
HOTELS

- CHENNAI The Accord Metropolitan www.theaccordhotels.com
- MAHABALIPURAM Welcome hotel By ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach www.itchotels.com
- PONDICHERRY Accord Puducherry www.theaccordhotels.com
- TIRCHY Courtyard By Mariott Tiruchirappalli www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/trzcy-courtyard
- MADURAI Heritage Madurai www.heritagemadurai.com
- THEKKADY Elephant court www.theelephantcourt.com
- ALLEPPEY Lakes & Lagoons Houseboat www.lakeslagoons.com
- COCHIN Taj Vivanta Marine Drive www.vivantahotels.com
100% FINANCIAL PROTECTION
All our holidays are 100% financially protected.
Our ATOL bond protects all of our holidays booked in the UK with flights.
Protection means that in the unlikely event that we become insolvent; your holiday will be refunded or you will be repatriated if already travelling or have flights with us.