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
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
This highlights tour has been carefully designed to distil the authentic Jules Verne experience into a concise arrangement, shorter and more affordable.
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 palaces of Mysore, the natural beauty and wildlife of Bandipur and colonial Ooty hill station, where snooker was allegedly invented!
Kerala’s natural splendour and historic heritage is revealed in a backwaters cruise and at Fort Cochin and Periyar National Park.
Tamil Nadu’s magnificent temples and lush scenery contrast with colonial Pondicherry and Madras (now Chennai), the first colonial capital.
The opportunity is afforded for independent exploration or to add optional performances and temple visits.
Culture & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
Local Expert Guide
3 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Guaranteed departures
Group Size: 2 – 28
Day 1 Fly direct from Heathrow or via Dubai to Bangalore.
Day 2 On arrival, breakfast with wash and change facilities. Drive to Mysore (4 hrs). Two nights at the 4-star Grand Mercure. Visit the Devyaraja market and railway museum. (B)
Day 3 Visit the palaces of Mysore and Jagmohan Art and visit Srirangapatman. Evening illumination of Mysore Palace. (B)
Day 4 Continue to Bandipur National Park for overnight at the 3-star Windflower Tusker Trails. Jungle safari by canter. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Optional safari by canter (£23, pre-bookable). Drive up to Ooty for overnight at the 4-star Fortune Sullivan Court. Visit the botanical gardens, church and market. (B)
Day 6 By ‘Toy Train’ to Coonor (1 hr), by road to Cochin via Coimbatore (61/2 hrs) for two nights at the Hotel ‘CGH Earth’ Casino. (B)
Day 7 Walking tour of the Fort Cochin area. Optional evening Kathakali dance show. (B)
Day 8 Board a Keralan houseboat for a backwaters cruise and lunch. Overnight at the 4-star Lake Canopy in Alleppey. (B, L)
Day 9 Drive to Periyar (4 hrs). Overnight at the 4-star Cardamom County. Optional Kalaraipayattu martial art show. (B)
Day 10 Morning boat ride in Periyar National Park. Travel to Madurai (5 hrs). Two nights at the 4-star Fortune Pandiyan. (B)
Day 11 Visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace and take a rickshaw ride to Meenakshi Temple. Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum. (B)
Day 12 Travel to Tanjore (3 hrs) to visit Brihadeeshwara Temple. Overnight at the 4-star ‘CGH Earth’ Mantra Koodam in Kumbakonam. (B, D)
Day 13 Travel to Mahabalipuram (6 hrs) via colonial Pondicherry and visit its museum. Visit the Shore Temple. Two nights at the 4-star WelcomHotel Kences Palm Beach. (B)
Day 14 Morning visit to the temples of Mahabalipuram. Optional visit to Kanchipuram, a city of 1,000 temples (£35, bookable locally). (B)
Day 15 Travel to Chennai for a city tour. Overnight at the 4-star Hablis Hotel. (B, D)
Day 16 Early morning return flight.
Notes
This itinerary includes some walking over uneven ground and temple visits with shoes removed.
The Rail Museum in Mysore is temporarily closed for renovation work. Alternative visit to Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna until the Rail Museum reopens.
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A 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city on the famous Dasara Procession pathway. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, rooftop pool, spa, gym and WiFi (free). 146 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and mini-bar.
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.
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An ideal gateway 3-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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A tranquil 5-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.
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A well-located 5-star airport hotel offering a mindful experience. Restaurants, bar, pool and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with private facilities.
2019
Fridays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
2020
Fridays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Fridays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Fridays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Double for sole use £545
Flight Options
London-Bangalore/Chennai-London
British Airways World Traveller Plus from £795
British Airways Club World from £2195
Extension Options
Extra nights – Bangalore
Fairfield by Marriott (per night) £45
Single supplement £29
Optional Bangalore sightseeing £37
Arrival transfer add £22
Departure transfer add £22
Extra nights – Chennai
Hablis Hotel (per night) £45
Single supplement £35
Arrival transfer add £22
Departure transfer add £22
Privately Guided
2 guests - £695 per person
3-4 guests - £345 per person
5-9 guests - £155 per person
10+ guests - No extra charge
Independent Arrival
Save £650
Arrival transfer with group included
Departure transfer add £22
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.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
