15 nights from

£2545

Highlights of Southern India

Exceptional value for a tour from Karnataka’s palaces, parks and hill-station to the backwaters of Kerala, the Western Ghats and the temples of Tamil Nadu

India’s magic lies in a vibrant abundance of people and landscapes. Southern India provides a mixture of experiences, from palaces and national parks to backwaters, temples and the natural beauty of the Western Ghats in three contrasting regions.

Karnataka’s treasures include the extravagant and slightly eccentric Mysore Palace with its intricate carvings and dramatic scenery, the natural beauty of Bandipur and Ooty hill station. Take the Ooty toy train to Coonoor through the picturesque Nilgiri hills.

Kerala’s natural splendour and heritage is revealed. See a way of life from the past on the backwater cruise, the great old town of Fort Cochin with its historic buildings and scenic lake and landscape of Periyar National Park.

Tamil Nadu’s magnificent temples at Madurai, Tanjore, and Mahbalipuram contrast with colonial Pondicherry and Madras (now Chennai), first colonial capital.

The opportunity is afforded for independent exploration or to add optional performances and temple visits.

Overview

  • Flight  - 1 night
  • Mysore  - 2 nights
  • Bandipur  - 1 night
  • Ooty  - 1 night
  • Cochin  - 2 nights
  • Alleppey  - 1 night
  • Periyar  - 1 night
  • Madurai  - 2 nights
  • Kumbakonam  - 1 night
  • Mahabalipuram  - 2 nights
  • Chennai  - 1 night
Book Tour

Tour Highlights

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

Exceptional value for a tour from Karnataka’s palaces, parks and hill-station to the backwaters of Kerala, the Western Ghats and the temples of Tamil Nadu

Notes:

This itinerary includes some walking over uneven ground. Temple visits include a walk with shoes off.

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel - Mysore

This centrally located 5-star hotel is set against the backdrop of the Chamundi Hills. Restaurant, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 140 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

The Windflower Resort & Spa - Bandipur

A 3-star property, located close to the Bandipur Forest Reserve. Restaurant, outdoor pool and spa. 25 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.

Fortune Resort Sullivan Court - Ooty

An ideal gateway 4-star hotel surrounded by green lawns and garden. Restaurant, bar and wellness centre. 63 air-conditioned rooms with WiFi (free) and private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.

'CGH Earth' Casino - Cochin

An urban 5-star hotel with a distinct character located on the historic Willingdon Island. Restaurants, bar, pool and Ayurveda Centre. Air-conditioned rooms with WiFi (free), private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.

Lake Canopy - Alleppey

A modern and elegant hotel nestled in the lush backwater of Alleppey. Restaurant, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 28 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, safe and tea/coffee making facilities.

Cardamom County - Periyar

A nature retreat set in beautifully landscape gardens. Restaurant, bar, pool, fitness room, spa and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.

Fortune Pandiyan - Madurai

A contemporary 3-star hotel set amidst 3 acres of landscaped gardens. Restaurant, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 57 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.

CGH Earth Mantra Koodam - Kumbakonam

Opened in 2018 and located in Kumbakonam, an hours’ drive from Tanjore, this eco-friendly hotel is designed like a typical Brahmin community. Restaurant, pool and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned cottages designed like traditional Tmail homes with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.

WelcomHotel Kences Palm Beach - Mahabalipuram

A tranquil 4-star resort adjacent to the Mamallapuram beach. Restaurants, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 62 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.

Grand Hotel - Chennai

A 5-star hotel located in the famous shopping area of Pondy Bazaar. It features restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre and free WiFi access is in all areas.

Extension Options

Extra Nights

Stay in Bangalore before you start your tour, or spend extra nights in Chennai before flying back to the UK

Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements

ITC Windsor
(per night) £85
Single supplement £70
Optional Bangalore sightseeing £40 per person for 2 people (£75 for 1 person)

Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels
(per night) £60
Single supplement £47

ITC Windsor - Bangalore

A 5-star hotel with restaurants, bars, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (chargeable). 240 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.

Grand Hotel - Chennai

A 5-star hotel located in the famous shopping area of Pondy Bazaar. It features restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre and free WiFi access is in all areas.

Optional Excursions

Optional Safari by Canter

Visit Bandipur National Park for a second time on the optional jeep safari. Travelling through the park by canter, this reserve is home to a huge variety of endangered animals such as tigers, Indian elephants, sloths, bears to name a few. It is also home to over 200 species of birds.

Optional Visit to Kanchipuram

Known as the city of a thousand temples, Kanchipuram is renowned for its incredible temple architecture with a 1000 pillared halls and huge temple towers. It is also known for its high quality vibrant silk saris, still woven on hand looms. Visiting this fascinating and awe-inspiring city is a truly an amazing experience.

Departures & Prices

per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow

November
November 15 (Friday)
Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, transfers, 14 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 3 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 fee, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Notes:

*The later arrival of Emirates flights does not allow time for wash and change facilities.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • 2024: Nov
  • £575
  • 2025: Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov
  • £615
Flight Options
  • London-Bangalore/Chennai-London British Airways World Traveller Plus
  • On request, please call
  • Emirates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow*
  • On request, please call
Privately Guided
  • Privately guided options available based on 2+ people
  • On request, please call
Optional Excursions
  • Optional Safari by Canter (2024, 2025)
  • £35
  • Optional Visit Kanchipuram A City of 1000 Temples (2024, 2025)
  • £45
Tour Only
  • Save
  • £700
  • Arrival or departure transfer
  • £49

Buy your travel currency here, order online and get it delivered straight to your door quickly and safely.

In certain countries we recommend the currency most widely accepted rather than the local currency.


Similar Tours

plan