South India with Andaman Islands : A Luxury South India Tour

20 nights / 21 days

Starting at USD 1998 / person

Day 1 – Cochin: Arrival at Cochin International Airport:

Morning: Arrive in the morning or evening at Cochin airport to start your South India & Andaman Islands Tour Package. Welcome by our local representative and transfer to the hotel for rest.

Day 2 – Cochin:

Morning: After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. Built-in 1555 by the Portuguese, this historic structure showcases Indo-Kerala architectural style. Explore St. Francis Church and the Chinese fishing nets, iconic symbols of Cochin. St. Francis Church, built in 1505, has witnessed centuries of history, while the Chinese fishing nets add to Cochin’s picturesque waterfront.

Afternoon: Embark on an early afternoon visit to the Cochin Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays), also known as the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568, it is famous for its blue ceramic floor tiles and crystal chandeliers. Located in the heart of the city’s Jewish quarter, it reflects Cochin’s rich multicultural history.

Late afternoon: Attend a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional dance-theatre form from Kerala, known for its elaborate costumes and expressive facial movements.

Evening: Enjoy free time to wander through the charming streets of Fort Kochi.

Day 3 – Cochin / Alleppey (33 miles and 1h30): Backwaters Tour

Day’s program: In the morning, after breakfast, depart for Alleppey. Upon arrival, board a houseboat for a backwaters exploration. Enjoy authentic local meals, explore riverside villages, and experience a magical sunset before spending a peaceful night on board with dinner.

Day 4 – Alleppey / Munnar :

Morning: After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat in Alleppey and depart for Munnar, a mountain resort known for its tea plantations.
Afternoon: Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and take a moment to relax. Then, visit the Tea Museum in Munnar to delve into the history and culture of tea in India. Discover the tea-making process, from leaf to cup, through interactive demonstrations.
Late afternoon: Free time to wander around the markets of Munnar.

Day 5 – Munnar:

Morning: After breakfast, embark on a half-day hike through the tea plantations. This exploration will immerse you in the fascinating world of tea culture while enjoying the hilly and green landscapes.
Afternoon: Return to Munnar and free time for relaxation.

Day 6 – Munnar / Madurai :

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Madurai, often called the “city of temples.” It is a historic city in Tamil Nadu, famous for its intricately carved Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Afternoon: Check in at Madurai and take a rest at the hotel. The afternoon is dedicated to a cultural visit, including the magnificent Tirumalai Nayak Palace and the Gandhi Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the history of India.
Late afternoon: Free time to stroll through the markets of the old town of Madurai.

Day 7 – Madurai:

Morning: After breakfast, take an immersive walking tour through Madurai’s flower market with a French-speaking guide. Discover flower vendors, tea shops, and local artisans who form the vibrant fabric of the community. You will also have the opportunity to taste local specialties and a masala chai (milk tea with aromatic spices).
Afternoon: In the late morning, visit the Meenakshi Temple, an architectural marvel dedicated to the deities Shiva and his consort Mînâkshî (goddess with fish-like eyes). In the afternoon, continue your exploration by strolling through the local markets around the temple.
Late afternoon: Don’t miss the ceremony of the god and goddess’s bedtime at the temple, a spiritual experience filled with solemnity. Evening free at your hotel.

Day 8 – Madurai / Chettinadu :

Morning: In the morning, after breakfast, depart for the Chettinadu region, famous for its opulent houses of the wealthy Chettiar community. This cultural hub offers a unique immersion into the heritage and traditions of Tamil Nadu.
Afternoon: Check-in to a characterful house in the village of Chettinadu. Then, visit the village of Kanadukatthan and its Chettiar houses.
Late afternoon: Don’t miss the solemn and spiritually enriching ceremony of the god and goddess at the temple.
Evening free at your hotel.

Day 9 – Chettinadu / Tanjore :

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Tanjore, a city rich in history and culture. On the way, visit the city of Trichy to explore two must-visit sites: Sriranganath Swamy Temple, an important sanctuary dedicated to the god Vishnu, and Rock Fort, a historic citadel perched on a massive rock.
Afternoon: Check-in at the hotel in Tanjore and have some free time to relax. Visit to the Brihadeshwara temple. An excellent example of the art and architecture of the Chola era. This 11th-century temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its imposing vimana (sanctum tower) and detailed sculptures. It is a must-visit to understand the depth of spirituality and artistic skill of South India.Visit the Maratha palace. The Maratha palace is an impressive structure that showcases the grandeur of past dynasties. This palace houses lavish halls, art galleries, and a fascinating museum.
Late afternoon: Take a discovery walk through the markets of Tanjore.
Evening free at your hotel.

Day 10 – Tanjore / Darasuram / Gangaikondacholapuram / Chidambaram / Pondicherry:

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Pondicherry. On the way, visit three of Tamil Nadu’s most famous temples, classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Darasuram: Visit the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is smaller than the others but equally impressive with its detailed sculptures, complex architecture, and mythological representations.
Gangaikondacholapuram: Visit the Gangaikondacholesvarar Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is another masterpiece of Chola architecture, renowned for its intricate sculptures and sacred water tanks.
Chidambaram: The Chidambaram Temple, located in Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest and most famous Shiva shrines in India. Known for its grand architecture and detailed sculptures, this temple is unique in that it honors Shiva in the form of a cosmic dancer, represented by a space in the sanctuary.
Late afternoon: Check-in at Pondicherry and free time to relax.
Evening free at your hotel.

Day 11 – Pondicherry – Visit Pondicherry

Morning: In the morning, after breakfast, embark on a rickshaw bicycle ride to discover the unique charm of Pondicherry. The journey begins in the Muslim quarter, where you can admire the local architecture and feel the pulse of everyday life. Then, pass through Goubert Market. This bustling market is an ideal place to observe local life. After Goubert Market, explore the old town and end your rickshaw ride near the seaside. This allows you to admire the sea and take some photos.
Late Morning: Depart for a visit to Auroville, an international experimental city. You can visit the Matrimandir for a unique meditation experience and browse the shops selling products made in Auroville.
Afternoon: To conclude your day, explore the markets along MG Road. You’ll find everything from jewelry to textiles to handicrafts.
Evening free for a stroll along the seashore.

Day 12 – Pondicherry / Mahabalipuram :

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Mahabalipuram, a small port city also known as Mamallapuram. It is famous for its groups of rock-cut temples and monuments, dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Check in at Mahabalipuram and take some time to rest.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, visit the Five Rathas, which are five monolithic temples sculpted in the form of chariots. Each “ratha” is unique and represents different Hindu gods and goddesses.
Late afternoon: Free time to stroll around the town of Mahabalipuram.

Day 13 – Mahabalipuram: Visit to Mahabalipuram

Morning: Early morning departure to observe the fishermen of Mahabalipuram returning from the sea at sunrise for an authentic experience of the local culture (self-guided tour). Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Late morning: Departure for a visit to the Shore Temple, one of the oldest stone temples in South India. This temple is unique in that it is one of the few located near the sea. It is dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.
Afternoon: Visit the monumental sculpture depicting the penance of Arjuna. It is an immense bas-relief carved into the rock, depicting various mythological and divine figures.
Then free time to wander and explore the markets of Mahabalipuram.

Day 14 – Mahabalipuram / Chennai / Port Blair (by flight):

Morning: Early morning, transfer to Chennai airport to catch your flight to Port Blair. Upon arrival, our local representative will greet you and transfer you to the hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani. This historical site played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence. Explore the museum and the various cells that once housed political prisoners. Attend the light and sound show in the evening to learn more about the jail’s history.
Evening: In the evening, visit Corbyn’s Cove Beach, a serene and picturesque beach known for its clear blue waters and coconut palm-lined shores. Enjoy some beach time, take a nature walk, or engage in water activities. As the day winds down, you can witness a beautiful sunset over the Andaman Sea.

Day 15 – Port Blair / Havelock Island (by boat):

Morning: In the morning transfer by public boat to Havelock Island. On arrival welcome by our local representative and transfer to your hotel.
Day at leisure on the beach.

Day 16 – Havelock Island

Day at leisure on the beach

Day 17 – Havelock Island

Day at leisure on the beach

Day 18 – Havelock Island

Day at leisure on the beach

Day 19 – Havelock Island

Day at leisure on the beach

Day 20 – Havelock Island / Port Blair (by Boat) / Chennai by flight

In the morning: after breakfast transfer to Port Blair by public boat and then flight to Chennai. On arrival check in to your hotel.
Afternoon: Explore Chennai and its monuments.

Day 21 – Chennai – Departure

In the morning transfer to Chennai International Airport for your flight back home.

Your hotels or similar

• Cochin – Burton Boatyard (Heritage Luxury)
• Alleppey – House Boat Deluxe
• Munnar – WindyWoods*****
• Madurai – Heritage Madurai (heritage Luxury)
• Chettinadu – Chidambara Vilas Palace (heritage Luxury)
• Tanjore – Svatma (Luxury Heritage)
• Pondichéry – Palais de Mahe (Luxury Heritage)
• Mahabalipuram – Radisson Temple Bay*****
• Port Blair – Welcom by ITC Hotel*****
• Havelock Island – Tilar Siro at Andaman by CGH*****

The price includes:

• A comfortable AC vehicle as per the number of participants & driver (including parking fees, fuel, road taxes, and tolls).
• Experienced English-speaking driver (including their accommodations, meals, and salary).
• Accommodation in a “double” room, including taxes and breakfast.
• Domestic flights Chennai / Port Blair / Chennai in economy class.
• Jetty Transfers from Port Blair to Havelock and fro.
• Overnight stay in a houseboat in Alleppey with full board.
• Hiking with an English-speaking guide in Munnar.
• Kathakali performance at the Kerala Cultural Center in Cochin.
• Kalaripayattu (Kerala martial art) performance in Periyar.

Not included:

• International flights.
• Lunches and dinners (unless stated in the price includes).
• Entrance fees to monuments and sites to visit.
• Visa fees.
• Drinks.
• Tips.

Good to know:

• A visa is mandatory for travel to India. We offer visa services for India, please consult us for the procedures.
• The tea museum in Munnar is closed on Mondays.
• Access to temples is allowed for foreigners but not inside sacred chapels.
• A video equipment fee may be required at the entrance of monuments.
• The Indian road network is of average quality, and travel times may be longer than expected, but the quality of discoveries at every moment compensates for this slight discomfort.
• The synagogue in Kochi is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Provide passport photocopies when making a reservation.
• Baggage weight on domestic flights is limited to 15 kilograms in the hold and 7 kilograms as carry-on baggage. A supplement of 3 euros per kilogram will be requested at check-in for domestic flights.
• This itinerary may be subject to minor changes depending on changes in airline and train schedules, hotel availability, and monument opening hours.
  We would also like to mention that our drivers are chosen for their professionalism, sense of service, availability, and competence. Unfortunately, not all of them are fluent in English. When they do speak it.