During the first phase of our grand tour of South Indian destinations, we will explore Tamil Nadu including the capital of Chennai, paying close attention to the cultural side with a visit to temples and bazaars. During your tours in Tamil Nadu, you will also visit Pondicherry, France’s former trading post in India that exudes an old world feel and charm. We will discover the fishing villages, beaches and famous temple of Mahabalipuram.
We continue our holiday, now with a Malu (Malu, nickname for the inhabitants of Kerala whose language is Malayalam) twist in Kerala, the crossroads of various commercial sea routes, which nowadays offers an unparalleled cultural richness. Egyptians, Phonecians, Chinese, Arabs, Portuguese, and Dutchmen... have all docked at their ports. These influences are particularly palpable in Cochin, a port town constructed on the islands of the Arabian Sea that faces the untamed coast of this superb country.
But Kerala is more that just its cultural richness. The great variety of landscapes (jungle, mountain, rice paddies, lines of coconut trees, spice fields, backwater of south India and rugged coasts), the rich and varied flora and fauna, the warm nature of Kerala’s inhabitant are some of the qualities that make this region one of the most alluring in India. After exploring Periyar National Park, we offer you a well deserved backwaters tour. Revel in your moments of rest and relaxation aboard a charming and comfortable house boat, a setting that is enhanced by the natural beauty of the region made up of lakes and lagoons. Next stop: Cochin or Kochi, seductive port town with a rich history that reflection the perfection and eclectic style that makes Kerala one in a million.
Now heading to the north, we stop in the former princely state of Mysore, where the earliest temples, constructed in stone, resonate the power and history of past empires. In these sanctuaries, these petrified gods seem to look at the visitors in a manner that oscillates between striking or caressing depending on the day. Karnataka is a vast museum of open sky that leaves visitors dumbfounded with the beauty of its towns: Belur, Halebid, Hampi, Badami... These sites are isolated far from big cities, and draped in the aridity of the Deccan Plateau, the top of a peak or next to a river. Don’t forget that some of these sites have been recognized by the UNESCO as World Heritage sites, and are far from on the lists of the average traveller. True travellers will adore the authenticity and intimacy afforded by these locales.
Goa’s beaches are among the most beautiful in India. A long stretch of sand reveals itself to you mixing the stories of yesterday with those of today. The former Portuguese hold in India distinguishes itself from the rest of India. Goanais villages, where the architecture still showcases 4 centuries of Portuguese influence, enchant you not only with its small towns, but also with its 300 odd churches that fill this corner of paradise. This is the Indian state where you will truly feel « on holiday ».
- An immersive trip in South India visiting its most beautiful sites
- Gentle travelling pace, ensuring your enjoy it all
- Charming, boutique accommodation
The Great South
"Vanakkam", your driver greets you at the Chennai airport, welcoming you in Tamil. You get to know each other on the way to your hotel in the city of Mahābalipuram . This village, an ancient port of the Pallavas dynasty dating from the 7th century, is famous for the many temples it houses but also for its beautiful beach. Depending on your arrival time, drop your things at your hotel and go for a walk on the beach and enjoy the sea air that invigorates you after your long flight. In the evening, why not let yourself be transported by the spicy dishes of Tamil cuisine? Your South India tour begins now!
"Vanakkam", your driver greets you at the Chennai airport, welcoming you in Tamil. You get to know each other on the way to your hotel in the city of Mahābalipuram . This village, an ancient port of the Pallavas dynasty dating from the 7th century, is famous for the many temples it houses but also for its beautiful beach. Depending on your arrival time, drop your things at your hotel and go for a walk on the beach and enjoy the sea air that invigorates you after your long flight. In the evening, why not let yourself be transported by the spicy dishes of Tamil cuisine? Your South India tour begins now!
Road to Mahabalipuram, the ancient Pallava capital. Discover the low relief representing the « Descent of the Ganges », and the magnificent temples, spread in the village and along the coast. Continuation towards Pondicherry. Overnight at hotel.
Road to Mahabalipuram, the ancient Pallava capital. Discover the low relief representing the « Descent of the Ganges », and the magnificent temples, spread in the village and along the coast. Continuation towards Pondicherry. Overnight at hotel.
The day is dedicated to the discovery of the city and its different communities and quarters. Enjoy the shady streets and the breeze coming from the sea front in the old French Quarter. The French influence is still visible through the architecture and the checkered town plan. Do not miss a visit to the very animated market and enjoy a drink at a terrace in the evening, enjoying the lively seafront. Overnight at hotel.
The day is dedicated to the discovery of the city and its different communities and quarters. Enjoy the shady streets and the breeze coming from the sea front in the old French Quarter. The French influence is still visible through the architecture and the checkered town plan. Do not miss a visit to the very animated market and enjoy a drink at a terrace in the evening, enjoying the lively seafront. Overnight at hotel.
In the morning, you head to Tanjavur. On the way, you visit Chidambaram and its superb Nataraja temple; you also visit the amazing Gangaikondacholapuram temple. Arrival in Thanjavur and visit of the Brihadishwara temple at sunset. Overnight at hotel.
In the morning, you head to Tanjavur. On the way, you visit Chidambaram and its superb Nataraja temple; you also visit the amazing Gangaikondacholapuram temple. Arrival in Thanjavur and visit of the Brihadishwara temple at sunset. Overnight at hotel.
24 days • From 2380 €
Included in the price
- The ground transfers in a private vehicle, with English speaking driver. ***The driver is available up to 8 hours a day and until the sunset at latest.
- Local SIM card with internet.
- Shanti Travel Expert assistance 24*7.
- Accommodation in comfort hotels with breakfast.
- All meals on board private houseboat.
- Guided Shanti walk of Pondicherry.
- Cookng class with lunch in Pondicherry.
- Lunch at Chettiar Dhaba.
- Guided tour of Spice Gardens.
- Guided Boating tour and elephant experience at Periyar.
- Kathakali Dance show at Cochin.
- Domestic flight between Hubli/Goa (price might change as per availability).
Not included in the price
- International flights and airport taxes.
- Entrance fees for temples, monuments and museums mentioned in the program without guide.
- Repatriation fees, should they be required.
- Meals (except if mentioned in detailed itinerary).
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Tips.
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