13 nights from

£3145

Splendours of Southern India

SOLO GROUP DEPARTURE
7 April 2024
REGIONAL FLIGHT OPTIONS

In a feast of colourful history and colonial heritage, tour through Tamil Nadu to Kerala, on a magical journey from the eastern Coromandel coast at Chennai to Fort Cochin, on the Arabian Sea

Complementing the splendid sights and cities visited on the tour, our featured hotels were chosen to enhance your experience of India. They include the Radisson Resort overlooking the Bay of Bengal; the Taj Gateway, Madurai, in 62-acre gardens; the Svatma, Tanjure, a member of the prestigious Relais Chateaux hotel group; and four ‘CGH Earth’ hotels, where high standards are matched by an ethos of harmony with the environment. The journey begins where the British East India Company built its first settlement, Madras, now Chennai; and tours to multi-faceted Mahabalipuram, with its stunning temple complex, and the gravity defying Krishna’s Butterball boulder, improbably balanced on a steep slope. Pondicherry adds a spiritual perspective to its colonial elegance and seafront strolling grounds. Ancient Tanjore was the Chola Empire capital and a showpiece of South Indian art and architecture; a thousand years on, and no longer a capital, the other attributes still apply. Srirangam and Madurai are home to astonishingly ornate Hindu tower-temples; Periyar sits amid spice plantations and forested hills; and Kerala’s villages and waterways take us to Cochin, an old colonial city with a pan-Indian population. 

Overview

  • Flight  - 1 night
  • Mahabalipuram  - 2 nights
  • Pondicherry  - 1 night
  • Tanjore  - 1 night
  • Madurai  - 2 nights
  • Periyar  - 2 nights
  • Kumarakom  - 1 night
  • Houseboat  - 1 night
  • Cochin  - 2 nights
Book Tour

Tour Highlights

  • Culture & Natural Wonders
  • Jules Verne Sightseeing
  • 3 UNESCO Heritage Sites
  • 4 Lunches & 6 Dinners
  • Local Expert Guide

In a feast of colourful history and colonial heritage, tour through Tamil Nadu to Kerala, on a magical journey from the eastern Coromandel coast at Chennai to Fort Cochin, on the Arabian Sea

Notes:

Itinerary includes some walking over uneven ground.

Temple visits include a walk with shoes off.

Accommodation

Radisson Resort Temple Bay - Mahabalipuram

A 5-star hotel spread across 44 acres on the Bay of Bengal. Restaurants, bar, outdoor pool, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 144 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

CGH Earth Palais de Mahe - Pondicherry

4-star hotel located in the heart of the French Quarter, a few steps away from the famed Promenade. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 18 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.

Hotel Svatma - Tanjore

This delightful boutique hotel has been restored to a high standard and is a member of the prestigious Relais Chateaux group of hotels. It is in the traditional style of Tamil Nadu and has excellent food and service with vegetarian continental and South Indian food. Swimming pool, spa, rooftop bar and WiFi (free). 34 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities.

Taj Gateway - Madurai

Colonial style 4-star hotel perched atop the Pasumalai hill, amid 62 acres of peaceful, landscaped gardens with picturesque views of the Temple City and Kodai hills. Restaurant, bar, fitness centre, outdoor pool and WiFi (free). 63 air-conditioned chalet style rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

CGH Earth Spice Village - Periyar

A 4-star property resembling a traditional tribal village. Restaurants, colonial bar, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 52 rooms with fan, hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge and tea/coffee making facilities.

CGH Earth Coconut Lagoon - Kumarakom

A 4-star eco-friendly resort facing Lake Vembanad. Restaurant, bar, pool, fitness centre and WiFi (free). 52 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe and mini-fridge.

Keralan Houseboat - Kerala

Located on the backwaters of Kerela with 14 air-conditioned bedrooms with private facilities.

CGH Hotel Eighth Bastion - Cochin

A 4-star boutique hotel located at Fort Cochin. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 18 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities.

Extension Options

Marari Beach Extension

Relax at the ‘CGH Earth’ Marari Beach Resort in Mararikulam.

CGH Earth Marari Beach Resort - Mararikulam

The 4-star Marari Beach Resort in Mararikulam is spread across 55 acres of lawn. Restaurant, pool, butterfly garden, Ayurvedic centre, beach access and WiFi (free). 62 air-conditioned cottages with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.

Departures & Prices

per person in a twin/double room
Emirates from Heathrow

April
April 7 (Sunday)
  • Solo Group Departure
  • 1 Place Remaining
  • On Request: Please Call
October
October 13 (Sunday)
November
November 17 (Sunday)
Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, transfers, 12 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 6 dinners, itinerary as described, services of local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, overseas airport taxes, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

 

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • No Single Supplement (limited availability)
  • 2024: Apr
  • 2025: Jan, Mar, Apr, Oct

  • 2024: Nov
  • £665
  • 2025: Feb, Sep, Nov
  • £735
  • 2025: Apr
  • £645
Flight Options
  • Emirates from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow
  • On request, please call
  • Emirates Business Class
  • On request, please call
Privately Guided
  • Privately guided options available based on 2+ people
  • On request, please call
Tour Only
  • Save
  • £700
  • Arrival or departure transfer
  • £49
Extension Options
  • Marari Beach Extension - 2024 (3 nights)
  • 2024: Mar
  • £495
  • 2024: Apr
  • £295
  • 2024: Nov
  • £615

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