Embark on a luxurious Tailor Made Journey with your own private group, departing on a schedule that suits you best. With the help of our knowledgeable local guides, you can even personalize your itinerary to cater to your specific interests.Discover India’s breathtaking southern landscapes, filled with magnificent temple towns, charming spice villages, and stunning tropical coastal cities. Explore the more laid-back and lush side of India, away from the hustle and bustle of the usual tourist hotspots.
Highlights:
- Explore the ancient temple towns of Madurai and Trichy
- Discover the enchanting French colony of Pondicherry
- Indulge in traditional South Indian cuisine and spices
- Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Nilgiri Mountains
- Relax on the stunning beaches of Goa
- Visit historic landmarks, including Fort Aguada and the Basilica of Bom Jesus
Advantages:
- Private Tour.
- The tour can start on any date that suits you.
- Top VIP Treatment.
- Experience the wonders of Mahabalipuram, where you’ll marvel at the intricate carvings and ancient temples dating back to the seventh century.
- Witness a breathtaking procession of the Shiva idol during a lively evening pooja ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.
- Relax and soak in the natural beauty of Kerala’s serene backwaters on a traditional houseboat cruise.
- Be mesmerized by the dramatic performance of Kathakali dancers, known for their stunning costumes and captivating expressions.
- Discover the rich cultural and religious diversity of Kochi, visiting its historic synagogue, St. Francis Church, and Dutch Palace.
- Immerse yourself in the local way of life by exploring the charming villages of Kerala.
Itinerary:
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN COCHIN
Upon arrival in Cochin, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel to check in and rest.
Hotel: Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi
DAY 2: COCHIN CITY TOUR
Enjoy a guided tour of the historic city of Cochin, starting with a visit to the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. Continue to the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth of Nations. Explore Fort Kochi and see the famous Chinese fishing nets. End the day with a Kathakali dance performance.
Hotel: Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi
DAY 3: MUNNAR
Travel to Munnar, a scenic hill station in the Western Ghats. Visit the Tata Tea Museum and learn about tea production in India. Enjoy a walk through the tea plantations and take in the stunning views.
Hotel: Windermere Estate
DAY 4: MUNNAR
Explore Munnar further with a trek to the Top Station, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the evening, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Hotel: Windermere Estate
DAY 5: PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK
Travel to Periyar National Park, one of the most popular wildlife reserves in South India. Enjoy a guided nature walk and a boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot wildlife, such as elephants, sambar deer, and wild boars.
Hotel: Spice Village
DAY 6: PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK
Visit a spice plantation to learn about the cultivation and harvesting of spices, such as cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Hotel: Spice Village
DAY 7: KUMARAKOM
Travel to Kumarakom and check in to your lakefront hotel. Take a leisurely stroll around the property, and enjoy the sunset over the lake.
Hotel: Kumarakom Lake Resort
DAY 8: KUMARAKOM VILLAGES
Explore the local villages of Kumarakom with a specialized guide, interact with locals, and learn about traditional crafts and agricultural practices such as toddy tapping, climbing coconut trees, weaving coconut leaves, and fishing.
Hotel: Kumarakom Lake Resort
DAY 9: HOUSEBOAT CRUISE & KOCHI
Embark on a traditional houseboat for a day cruise on the beautiful backwaters surrounding Kumarakom. Disembark in the evening and journey overland to Kochi.
Hotel: Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi
DAY 10: COCHIN CITY TOUR
Enjoy a second day exploring Cochin, visiting local markets, taking a ferry ride, and observing fishermen at work. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the burial place of Vasco da Gama. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Hotel: Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi
DAY 11: KUMARAKOM & KOCHI | ELEGANT HOUSEBOAT CRUISE
After a leisurely morning, board a traditional houseboat for a day cruise on the picturesque backwaters surrounding Kumarakom. Enjoy the serene ride through canals and lagoons, shaded by coconut palms and passing by quiet rural villages. You will be served a lunch of local delicacies during the cruise. In the evening, disembark from the houseboat and travel overland to Kochi, where you will check in to your hotel, the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12: KOCHI | HISTORIC HARBOR CITY
Get up early this morning and join a walking tour of Kochi, exploring local markets, taking a ferry ride, and observing fishermen at work. Savor a traditional breakfast from South India. Spend the day discovering the tropical coastal city of Kochi, where you’ll experience an intriguing mix of cultural influences. Visit one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in India, adorned with blue ceramic Chinese tiles and surrounded by an aromatic spice market. Witness the story of Ramayana depicted in the stunning murals at charming Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), and visit St. Francis Church, both of which were built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. At the entrance of Kochi harbor, you will see the cantilevered fishing nets, which were brought from southern China by traders, and are a testament to the centuries-old link between these regions. In the evening, visit the Greenix Theater to watch a performance by the extravagantly costumed Kathakali dancers.
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi View Image Gallery Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13: MUMBAI | A PARTING GLIMPSE
Spend the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, the Taj Santacruz.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14: DEPART MUMBAI
Transfer to the international airport for your flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions:
- Luxury accommodations throughout the journey
- Private transportation with AC vehicles
- Expert local guides
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
- All taxes and service charges
Exclusions:
- International and domestic airfare
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Meals not included in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
Pricing Information:
Prices $7500per person based on double occupancy.
Accommodation Plan:
CHENNAI, INDIA : The Leela Palace Chennai
TRICHY: Svatma, Thanjavur
CHETTINAD & MADURAI: The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai, Madurai
PERIYARÂ : Spice Village
KUMARAKOM: Kumarakom Lake Resort
KUMARAKOM & KOCHI : Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi
MUMBAI: Taj Santacruz, Mumbai
Tips and Advice for Travelers:
- Dress appropriately when visiting temples and other religious sites
- Try the local South Indian cuisine, especially the dosas and idlis
- Bring comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
- Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the sun
- Respect the local customs and traditions
Trip Notes:
- This tour can be customized to suit your interests and preferences
- The itinerary is subject to change based on local conditions
- Additional activities and experiences can be added upon request
FAQs:
Is this tour suitable for solo travelers? Yes, this tour can be customized for solo travelers. Please contact us for more information.
What is the best time of year to take this tour? The best time to visit southern India is from November to February when the weather is cooler and drier.
Can the itinerary be customized? Yes, the itinerary can be customized to suit your interests and preferences.
What is the accommodation like on this tour? We provide luxury accommodations throughout the journey, including boutique hotels