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Alleppey houseboat
Hammock at Vivanta by Taj – Fishermans Cove, Chennai Hotel in Mamallapuram, South India
Enchanting Travels South India Tours an ancient hindu temple in southern india, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Simply South India: Heritage, Landscapes and Beach

16 Days from $4,090 USD / person

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 1

International Arrival

Chennai

Chennai is the gateway to South India, yet the actual city is only about 350 years old, beginning as a small fishing village before it expanded into India’s first major English settlement of Madras under British colonial rule. Today it boasts a booming automobile industry, and is a major center for music and the arts, with several specialist festivals held here each year. The Marina is considered the second longest urban beach. Despite its coastal setting, Chennai is considered the world’s hottest city.
Day 1 – 3

Your chauffeur will drive you from Chennai to Mamallapuram in a private vehicle (Duration: 1 hr)

2 Nights

Mamallapuram

Mamallapuram was once a bustling seaport that provided shelter to illustrious travelers like Ptolemy and Periplus in the first century! Today, the city’s claim to fame lies in its ancient Pallava heritage, evident in Mamallapuram’s exquisite collection of temples, caves, rathas (chariots) and monuments. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Shore Temples of Mamallapuram find mention in ancient documents such as Marco Polo’s travelogues from the 14th century. Coupled with its unspoiled sunny beaches, casuarina trees and local handicrafts sold on the streets, Mamallapuram is not to be missed!

Hotel options

Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay – Opt 1
Room Chalet Garden View
Meals Breakfast
Style Beach Resort
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort – Opt 2
Room Resort Classic
Meals Breakfast
Style Beach Resort
Day 3 – 4

Your chauffeur will drive you from Mamallapuram to Pondicherry in a private vehicle (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

1 Night

Pondicherry

Pondicherry offers a slice of France in South India! Once a sleepy fishing village, the trading town was a French settlement since the 17th century until the Indian Independence. Today, the city bears several traces of its French colonial influence, from the lovely Promenade and street signs on narrow cobbled lanes, to the colonial buildings of the Old Town and French schools. Discover the famous spiritual community of Sri Aurobindo Ashram on the rue de la Marine, established by the eponymous Indian philosopher along with his collaborator Mirra Alfassa. Just a few km out of town lies the ‘experimental township’ of Auroville, which was designed to promote harmony and shelter people from anywhere in the world!

Hotel options

Les Hibiscus – Opt 1
Room Standard Rooms
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Palais De Mahe – Opt 2
Room Deluxe Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Day 4 – 5

Your chauffeur will drive you from Pondicherry to Kumbakonam in a private vehicle. Enroute you will visit Chidambaram (Duration without stops: 4.5 hrs)

1 Night

Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam: Temple town Kumbakonam is one of the oldest towns in Tamilnadu and is famous for its Mahamaham festival celebrated once in 12 years and is the temple city of South India. It is famous for brass vessels, cultivation of Betel leaves and the superb Chola temples nearby.

Hotel options

Mantra Koodam – Opt 1
Room Mantra Koodam
Meals Breakfast
Style Resort
Mantra Koodam – Opt 2
Room Mantra Illam
Meals Breakfast
Style Resort
Day 5 – 7

Your chauffeur will drive you from Kumbakonam to Chettinad in a private vehicle. Enroute you will visit Thanjavur (Duration without stops: 6 hrs)

2 Nights

Chettinad

Chettinad is renowned across India for its unique spectacular combination of flavorful cuisine, yet few venture to this sleepy, tranquil village. In its former glory days, Chettinad was a booming community of decadence. The Nagarathar (Nattukottai Chettiar), a group of successful merchants, built their palaces and mansions here about one hundred years ago. Today, most of these majestic ancestral homes are crumbling away with their rubies intact, yet the lavish spirit lives on within the vivid culture, and artisanal traditions of textiles and woodcraft. If you are seeking an authentic experience in India, this is truly the hidden gem.

Hotel options

The Bangala – Opt 1
Room Heritage Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Guest house
Visalam – Opt 2
Room Chettinad Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage
Day 7 – 8

Your chauffeur will drive you from Chettinad to Madurai in a private vehicle (Duration: 2 hrs)

1 Night

Madurai

Madurai, the city of incense and chiming cymbals, is one of the oldest in India! Dubbed the “Athens of the East’, the historical city was reputedly visited by learned men from Rome and Greece, including Megasthenes in the 3rd century BC! Cozily nestled amidst the towering mountains, this is an energetic city of contrasts where Hindu Gods and a growing IT industry go hand in hand. Discover the famous labyrinthe-like Meenakshi Temple, one of the greatest examples of Dravidian architecture that millions flock to every year. Apart from its international sports championships, and beautiful jasmine blooms, Madurai is well known for its numerous festivals, including the Rath Yatra, where a holy chariot is pulled across the city by hundreds of devotees!

Hotel options

Courtyard by Marriott Madurai – Opt 1
Room Deluxe Room
Meals Breakfast
Style International
The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai – Opt 2
Room Premium Room Garden View
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Day 8 – 10

Your chauffeur will drive you from Madurai to Munnar in a private vehicle (Duration: 5 hrs)

2 Nights

Munnar

Munnar offers a haven of peace and tranquility within the verdant hills of Kerala. The town lies at the confluence of the Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly mountain streams, about 5200 ft above sea level. The picturesque potential of the lofty Western Ghats first came into prominence as one of the favored summer resorts of British colonialists. Verdant tea plantations, rolling valleys and the veil of mist that hangs about the area, offer a mystical experience far from the maddening crowds. Enjoy trekking through the nature trails or just laze about at a picturesque spot under the wispy clouds.

Hotel options

The Tall Trees – Opt 1
Room Cinnamon Cottage
Meals Breakfast
Style Resort
Spice Tree Munnar – Opt 2
Room Classic Room With Jacuzzi
Meals Breakfast
Style Resort
Day 10 – 12

Your chauffeur will drive you from Munnar to Cochin in a private vehicle (Duration: 5.5 hrs)

2 Nights

Cochin

Kochi, formerly Cochin, is considered the Queen of the Arabian Sea as it was one of the first European settlements in India, due its ideal positioning for trading. Kochi has always been at the heart of the Indian spice trade.The Portuguese first colonised Kochi in the 16th century, before the city was conquered by the Dutch in the 17th century and the British in the 19th century. The city’s architecture has been shaped by its colonial rulers, yet today it remains a vibrant and busy commercial center with a multicultural atmosphere and a cosmopolitan heart. As well as showcasing Kerala’s traditional dance and martial art forms throughout the year, Cochin plays host to several annual celebrations, including the Cochin Carnival every December, and the colorful contemporary art festival, Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

Hotel options

Eighth Bastion – Opt 1
Room Bastion Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Malabar House – Opt 2
Room Deluxe
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Day 12 – 13

Your chauffeur will drive you from Cochin to Backwaters , Alleppey/Kumarakom in a private vehicle (Duration: 1.5 hrs)

1 Night

Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala’s famous backwaters are a labyrinthine network of tree-fringed lagoons, idyllic lakes, and river systems, running parallel to the Arabian Sea along the Malabar coast. Quaint towns and charming villages dot the banks of these interconnected canals. This unique ecosystem is home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna. The heart of Kerala’s backwaters is the vast Vembanad lake and the intimate Ashtamudi lake. The region is replete with inviting and serene homestays, resorts, and houseboats offering diverse experiences that provide a glimpse of life on these waterways. Cruising down the tranquil backwaters aboard traditional kettuvallams or houseboats is a quintessential Kerala experience, especially enhanced by local seafood and meat preparations and complemented by the region’s iconic palm wine. For a window into the state’s culture, visit the region during the colorful annual boat races which feature up to a 100 rowers rowing in unison in 100-feet long snake boats.

Hotel options

Lakes And Lagoons – Opt 1
Room A/C Deluxe One Room
Meals Full Board
Style Houseboat
Spice Coast Cruise – Opt 2
Room One Cabin House Boat
Meals Full Board
Style Houseboat
Day 13 – 16

Your chauffeur will drive you from Backwaters , Alleppey/Kumarakom to Mararikulam, Alleppey in a private vehicle (Duration: 30 mins)

3 Nights

Mararikulam

Mararikulam located a short drive from the town of Alleppey, epitomizes the tropical dream with its pristine white sands and crystal clear waters. Named after the small, sleepy hamlet of Mararikulam that lies nearby, this still-undiscovered beach is slowly finding its rightful place in the limelight. Rated as one of the world’s best hammock beaches by National Geographic, this beach is perfect for basking in the sun without a care in the world. Wake up to the sight of fishing boats head out to sea in search of the day’s catch. Known for its beautiful sunsets, the beach comes alive in the evening as locals come to enjoy the lovely sights. Enjoy the tranquility of the swaying palms and the soothing sound of the waves crashing when you spend a few days at one of the pretty resorts that dot the area.

Hotel options

Amritara A Beach Symphony – Opt 1
Room Garden View Villa
Meals Breakfast
Style Beach Resort
Marari Beach Resort – Opt 2
Room Garden Villa
Meals Breakfast
Style Beach Resort
Day 16 – 16

Drive from Mararikulam to Cochin Airport (75 km, 2 hrs)

Cochin

Kochi, formerly Cochin, is considered the Queen of the Arabian Sea as it was one of the first European settlements in India, due its ideal positioning for trading. Kochi has always been at the heart of the Indian spice trade.The Portuguese first colonised Kochi in the 16th century, before the city was conquered by the Dutch in the 17th century and the British in the 19th century. The city’s architecture has been shaped by its colonial rulers, yet today it remains a vibrant and busy commercial center with a multicultural atmosphere and a cosmopolitan heart. As well as showcasing Kerala’s traditional dance and martial art forms throughout the year, Cochin plays host to several annual celebrations, including the Cochin Carnival every December, and the colorful contemporary art festival, Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $4,090 USD / person

Option 2

From $4,690 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes
  • Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
  • Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
  • Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
  • Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visa and tourism fees
  • Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
  • International airfare

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