Highlights of the South
Summary
This exciting 12-day itinerary offers a flavour of the captivating South of India including the colonial architecture and influences from Europe, the magnificent Hindu temples and the Tamil tradition and culture, which celebrates beauty through dance, clothing and sculpture which is indigenous to this region.
Duration |
12 Days
Price
From $5,045.00 per person based on two people sharingBest time to go
India is a vast country with distinct weather patterns in each region. October to March is the best time to plan your visit, particularly for festivals. October and November is Diwali, March is Holi, and November is Pushka.
Day 1: Vivanta by Taj, Connemara (BB)
Daytime flight from UK to Chennai. On arrival, you are met and transferred to the Vivanta by Taj, Connemara where you spend the next two nights.
Day 2: Vivanta by Taj, Connemara (BB)
Formerly known as Madras, this 369-year-old city is India’s sixth most populous city, and is one of the main gateways to southern India. Today you enjoy a walking tour through Chennai’s southern suburb and the cultural hub of Mylapore before visiting the military architectural marvel of the Fort St George.
Day 3: Maison Perumal (BB)
After breakfast today, you visit Koyambedu, one of Asia’s biggest perishable goods markets, before continuing to what was the largest French colony in India, Pondicherry. You stay for two nights at Maison Perumal.
Day 4: Maison Perumal (BB)
Discover this enchanting French colonial town on a walking tour before attending morning prayers and blessings at the temple. Visit the streets of the Tamil Quarter of the town with its beautiful Neo-Gothic Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.
Day 5: Heritage Madurai (BB)
Travel through quiet villages to one of India’s oldest cities, Madurai. Located on the banks of the river Vaigai, Madurai is famous for the Dravidian architectural style of its temples which were built by Pandyan and Madurai Nayak kings. Enjoy a guided tour of the city and stay overnight at Heritage Madurai.
Day 6: Taj West End (BB)
Today you transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangalore, India’s third largest, cosmopolitan city. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Taj West End where you spend the next two nights.
Day 7: Taj West End (BB)
This morning, you begin your day with a walk in the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens (The Red Garden) with it’s impressive collection of tropical plants, aquarium and lake. Enjoy the best South Indian breakfast in town at the Mavalli Tiffin Rooms before visiting the impressive 16th Century Basavanagudi Temple.
Day 8: Royal Orchid Metropole (BB)
Enjoy a short train ride to Mysore this morning, one of the cleanest and most well-planned cities in India. Enjoy a city tour of the palaces, gardens and lake. Stay for two nights at the Royal Orchid Metropole.
Day 9: Royal Orchid Metropole (BB)
Enjoy a full day excursion to the temples and monuments of the nearby towns of Somanathapura and Srirangapatna.
Day 10: Malabar House (BB)
Transfer back to the airport in Bangalore for your flight to Kochi, the financial capital of Kerala. This cosmopolitan city is one of the major tourist destinations in India, formed as a port city after the flooding of the Periyar River in 1341. You spend the next two nights at Malabar House.
Day 11: Malabar House (BB)
Spend the full day exploring the city’s highlights - from the Mattancherry Palace and the famous Jew Street to the beautiful Kochi Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets and the Church of St. Francis.
Day 12: Departure
Today you transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Connect with your daytime flight to the UK.
Inclusions
All flights, transfers, meals, accommodation and activities as specified, local English speaking guides throughout
Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Cleveland Collection tailor makes all itineraries to include highlights of your choice. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements
*We try to keep our 'from prices' as accurate as possible, but please do be aware that when travelling in peak times such as Christmas and school holidays, prices shown will vary considerably.