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South India Highlights 13 NIGHTS /14 DAYS FROM $2,128 Get a Quote

South India Highlights

13 NIGHTS /14 DAYS FROM $2,128
Get a Quote

OVERVIEW OF YOUR INDIA TOUR

Bains Travel is proud to be your India Tour Specialists since 1951!  Book an India Food Tour with us, or any other India Tour and we can help with your flights, transfers, insurance, and anything else you may need to make your India Tour the trip of a lifetime.

Our India Tour specialists are available for in person discussions in Vancouver, Surrey, Abbotsford, and Mississauga (serving the Toronto area).  Or, just pick up the phone from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada and one of our India Tour Specialists will customize any India Tour package just for you!  Interested in putting a group together? No problem, we are your one stop shop for everything India!

All of our India tours include a chauffeur driven vehicle, superior accommodation, some meals,  and a local guide. We offer 4 and 5 star accommodation and compact, luxury and SUV vehicles. All tours can be customized to your specific preferences. Please call for pricing and availability.

DAY 1 - ARRIVE CHENNAI

Arrive at Chennai airport. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 2 - TO MAHABALIPURAM

Breakfast at the hotel.

You will drive to Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram, “The City of Seven Pagodas” is the largest port in the kingdom of the Pallavas. Visit the monuments of Mahabalipuram, Shore Temple, the Descent of the Ganges and the five Rathas, a set of exceptional beauty for its monolithic stone carvings.

Located around 60 Km from Chennai, Mamallapuram occupies a stunning position on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the pallava rulers in the seventh century the complex comprises of 14 cave-temples, nine monolithic “Rathas”, three stone temples and two relief sculptured rock panels.

These two rock-panels & gives a graphic description of Arjuna’s penance when he prayed for the powers of Shiva and form the largest Bass Relief in the world. Particularly of interest is the shore temple built on the water’s edge with an east-facing altar designed to catch the rising Sub, this has now been declared a World Heritage Site.

Check in and overnight at the hotel.

Chennai Beach on a South India Tour
Mammallapuram on a South India Tour

DAY 3 - IN MAHABALIPURAM

Breakfast at the hotel. Day free for independent activities.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 4 - TO PONDICHERRY

Today visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville – the final resting place of Sri Aurobindo, a Saint/Yogi who synthesized yoga and modern science. Visit Matrimandir – meaning “Temple of the Mother”, the geographical and spiritual heart of Auroville. The outside is plated with gold, while the inside is stark white with a gigantic crystal in the center. Also visit The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which has some beautiful stained glass windows depicting the life of Jesus.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 5 - TO TANJORE

Morning drive to Tanjore, en-route visit Chidambaram.

The small town of Chidambaram is built around the great temple complex of Natraja – the dancing Shiva.  The Natraja Temple Complex is a highlight of the Dravidian architecture and was built by the Cholas from 907 to 1310. 

Check in and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 6 - IN TANJORE

Visit to the Temple of Brihadeshwara, Natharaja Shiva shrine, declared World Heritage site and considered the most perfect of Dravida school. Gangaikondacholapuram next to where we admire the Brihadeshwara stone temple was built by Chola king in the s. X.

Visit in Darasuram, Arravatesvara Temple built by Raja Chola II in the s. XII noble sculptures that decorate the outline of the temple.

Overnight at the hotel.

Tanjore Temple on a South India Tour
Dosa Plate on a South India Tour

DAY 7 - TO MADURAI

Drive to Madurai, on arrival check in at the hotel. Evening  witness  the  aarti  ceremony-  lighting  of  lamps  and  prayers ,  at  the  Meenakshi Temple.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 8 - IN MADURAI

After breakfast proceed for an experience of the rich cultural heritage of Madurai, at the Meenakshi Temple, whose soaring towers are covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colours. The temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towers rising high above the surrounding township. Also visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace, built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 9 - TO PERIYAR

Morning drive to Periyar.

The Periyar Lake is a paradise for the nature lovers. It gives you an opportunity to observe the wild animals roaming in the jungle. The lake is also a birdwatcher’s delight. The greatest attraction of Periyar Lake, however, is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Moreover, the sanctuary Watch Tower situated in the forest interior gives you a panoramic view of the park.

Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar. Covering an area of 300 square miles Periyar is one of the largest and most frequently visited wildlife reserves in India. It is part of the Project Tiger campaign and animals inhabiting the area include elephant, deer, pig, tiger, leopard, bison, monkeys and Malabar squirrel. Whilst actually spotting an illusive tiger or leopard could prove difficult, the mix of wooded hills and valleys make it a wonderful place to enjoy the greenery.

Overnight at the hotel.

Periyar Lake in Periyar on a South India Tour
Foxes in Periyar National Park on a South India Tour

DAY 10 - TO KUMARAKOM

Drive to Kumaraokom and check in at the hotel on arrival.

Enjoy a cruise on board a ‘Kettuvalam’- traditional rice boat, navigating through the emerald green backwaters. Discover the real flavour of Kerala sailing along the scenic waterways and witnessing the natural beauty and experiencing a way of life little changed through the centuries.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 11 - IN KUMARAKOM

Morning embark on a houseboat for an overnight experience.

Houseboats, also known as Kettuvallam or rice boats, are today one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala, but these boats were used to carry rice bags in their earlier days. These houseboats are uniquely designed using local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. and are a fabulous way to enjoy exploring the fascinating beauties of backwaters. The languid grace and quaint design adding another dimension to your cruise in the shimmering blue waters.  

The houseboat travels until sunset before anchoring for the night.

Overnight on board the houseboat.

Kumarakom House Boat in Kerala on an India Tour
Kerala Backwaters Sunset on a India Tour

DAY 12 - TO COCHIN

Breakfast on board the houseboat.

Post disembarkation drive down to Cochin. Being a major harbor from the times of the British and Portuguese, Cochin has a rich heritage of forts, churches and temples. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 13 - IN COCHIN

Later enjoy a sightseeing tour of Cochin visiting the Dutch Palace, (Closed on Fridays), Jewish synagogue (closed on Friday & Saturdays), Chinese fishing nets & St. Francis Church.   Visit the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555 AD. Also visit the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 AD, Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, and the Chinese Nets.   

Later drive to Mattencherry area to stroll in the animated bazaar.   Afternoon is at leisure to explore this ancient port town. In the evening there is a visit to the cultural centre to see the traditional dance form of Kathakali.

Overnight at the hotel.

Kochi (Cochin) Harbour on a South India Tour
Children in Manttencherry on a South India Tour

DAY 14 - TO DELHI

After breakfast transfer to Cochin airport to Board flight for Delhi. Meet & Assist on arrival at airport & transfer to the International Airport.