South India Explorer

DAY 1 DEPART

Depart for Chennai.

 DAYS 2 & 3 Chennai  Discover the southern capital

Over the next few days, you will explore the southern capital of Chennai (formerly known as Madras). India’s fourth-largest city is known for its booming population, auto-rickshaws, buses and cars, all scrambling for space on the city roads. Tamil culture and tradition are indigenous to Chennai, making it unique among India's cities. Its classical sights include Fort St George, the Indo-Saracenic High Court building, the 16th-century Kapaleeswarar Temple to Shiva and, outside town, the Cholamandal Artists' Village which you will have a chance to explore with your private guide.

DAY 4 & 5 Kumbakonam explore the town and nearby Tanjore

This morning your car will take you to Chennai Train Station to step aboard the Bhubaneswar Rameswaram Express and begin the six-hour journey to Kumbakonam, one of the oldest towns in Tamil Nadu. Here you’ll be staying in a central location, convenient for exploring this 7th century capital of the Chola dynasty by the two rivers of Cauvery and Arasalar.

Early the next day, you’ll take a morning sightseeing tour of Tanjore with a local guide.  Tanjore is also a fascinating city, with its spectacular central temple of Brihadeeswara.

DAY 6 & 7 Madauri city exploration

A relatively short drive today will bring you to the third-largest city in Tamil Nadu: Madurai. It's famous for upholding Tamil traditions and is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

The next day you’ll have a private guided tour of the city, taking in the key sites such as the Meenakshi Amman Temple and the 17^th century Thirumalai Nayak Palace. In the evening you have a chance to experience the famous puja at the Sri Meenakshi temple, joining hundreds of pilgrims as an image of the god Shiva is carried from his shrine by temple priests and taken in a chariot procession to the shrine of his wife.

DAY 8 – 10 Kolukkumalai Guesthouse relaxtion

This morning you will drive through the hills to Suryanellu. Here you can either choose to take a one hour journey in a jeep up to the estate, or a lovely three-hour walk. Over the next three days, you have time to relax and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. You can do various types of walking or trekking, including scaling the impressive Meeshapulimalai peak at 2,640 m. Make sure you visit one of the local tea plantations too.

DAY 11 & 12 Sethumadai Experience Rural Life

A long, but scenic transfer awaits, taking you through the remote plains of Tamil Nadu towards the temple village of Sethumadai which is on the edge of the Western Ghats. Here you’ll be able to relax at a peaceful, working farm and experience rural life in the local villages. Sit back and read a book or take part in one of the many activities on offer like a visit to Topslip bird sanctuary or a cooking class at the farm with the owners.

DAY 13 Ooty Former Hill Station

Today you will journey north into the Nilgiri hills, arriving in Ooty after about five hours - a former colonial hill station with Hindu temple, attractive parks and gardens. You’ll spend one night in a simple and historic hotel.

DAY 14 & 15 Nagarhole Karnataka Wildlife

The trip to Nagarhole National Park takes four to five hours, but it is well worth the journey. The park was declared a tiger reserve in 1999 and is a key part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Tigers are still incredibly elusive, but the elephants are relatively plentiful, and this lovely park is home to much more wildlife besides. 

Over the next few days, you’ll have a chance to enjoy a boat ride on the reservoir as well as both a morning and a late afternoon game drive in an open-top jeep. You’ll see the park from lots of different perspectives, and there will be plenty of time to relax in the gorgeous lodge.

DAY 16 - 18 Neeleshwaram Remote beaches

Today you will drive around six hours to the beautiful remote, little-visited town of Neeleshwaram with its long peaceful stretches of sand. You’ll spend the next three days taking some time out at a peaceful haven right on the beach.

DAY 19 & 20 Backwaters Cruising remote areas

 A road journey a few hours upstate will take you to your houseboat which you'll board for a three day/two-night exploration of the Northern Keralan backwaters (which are a lot less touristy than the well-trodden backwaters further south in Alleppey). Your boat is designed in the traditional style, with comfortable bedrooms and a wicker canopy to protect you from the sun. Spend your time stopping to explore ashore and meet local villagers, discovering picturesque churches or simply lounging on the boat reading your favourite novel.

DAY 21 & 22 Cochin Bustiling seaside city

You’ll be taken to the local train station to board the eight-hour train journey to Cochin (Kochi). On arrival, check into your charming boutique hotel and, if time permits, take a sunset cruise around the Cochin harbour area.

Spend the following exploring this intriguing city. As the oldest European settlement in India, Cochin features a fascinating blend of architectural styles. There are Portuguese churches, colourful Hindu temples and even a synagogue, built in the 1560s in the old Jewish Quarter. Most sights of interest are found in Fort Kochi, including the Dutch-built Mattancherry Palace, spice markets and dilapidated colonial buildings.

There's time to take a tuk-tuk around the backstreets of Fort Cochin, exploring a side not often seen by tourists. You can also take a local ferry across the harbour to Ernakulam which is the business hub of modern day Cochin. Finally, sample a traditional banana leaf meal for lunch at a local restaurant.

DAY 23 Fly home (Or stay!)

Today you'll travel to Cochin airport for your flight home, or perhaps you’d like to go to the beach. All of our tours are tailor-made, which means it’s easy to change them to suit your requirements. Please do call one of our India specialists today to discuss your ideas. 

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK