South India Backwaters
South India Backwaters
South India Backwaters
11 Days
Visiting: India
Tour operator:
Tour code:
58608
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Physical rating:
VERY_EASY
Age range:
Min age:10
Tour operated in:
English , GermanInterests:
Tour Overview
India is more than a country – it’s a multicultural subcontinent with dozens of languages and religions, and nowhere is this diversity more evident than in the exotic south. The aroma of the tea plantations, the fragrance of the spice gardens, the enchanting mantras and music in the Hindu temples, and the lush green of nature. Discover the mysteries of South India on a journey that invited you to enjoy the richness of Dravidian culture, the colourful gopuram of Hindu temples, houseboats in Kerala backwaters, and much more!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Chennai
Once you arrive at Chennai Airport, you’ll be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in (preferably book a flight arriving at noon). In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour that includes a visit to the Government Museum and National Art Gallery, the art and bronze gallery, and the famous 16th century Kapaleeshwarar temple dedicated to Shiva, sacred to Tamil Shivaties. Non-Hindus are only allowed as far as the outer courtyard. Later, drive past Fort St George, Marina Beach and St Thomas Cathedral. In the evening, return to your hotel for overnight.
Overnight in Chennai
Day 2 : Chennai – Mahabalipuram (60Kms - 2 Hrs)
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before you leave Chennai and head to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this city located on a stunning rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the Pallava rulers in the 17th century, the complex comprises 14 cave-temples, nine monolithic ‘rathas’, three stone temples and two bas-relief rock panels describing Arjuna's penance when he prayed for the powers of Shiva, the largest bas-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 sun, recently listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. After the tour, check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Mahabalipuram. Breakfast and dinner included
Day 3 : Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (138Kms -3Hrs)
Wake up to an early breakfast before heading towards Pondicherry. Upon arrival at around lunchtime, check in at the hotel. The French arrived in Pondicherry in 1673. Twenty years later, it became the property of the Dutch, and eventually returned to French hands in 1699. Enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, which traces its origin to Saint Gasthya, the revered sage of the south. Excavations near this charming town reveal that a Roman settlement existed here 2,000 years ago. It was also the theatre of many a battle between the British and the French and was the capital of French India before it attained its independence. Visit Aurobindo Ashram, an ashram for peace and harmonious living founded by saint-philosopher Sir Aurobindo. During the tour, experience an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the winding streets. Transfer back to the hotel before dinner.
Overnight in Pondicherry. Breakfast and dinner included
Day 4 : Pondicherry – Tanjore (177Kms - 4 Hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a morning transfer to Tanjore. En route, stop to visit Chidambaram, a small town built around the great temple complex of Nataraja; and Darasuram, where you’ll set eyes upon Airavatesvara Temple, a Hindu temple of Dravidian architecture. Continue to Kumbakonam and get a glimpse of life in a Tamil Nadu Village. After stopping for lunch, you’ll reach Tanjorine. Known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu’ and the ‘Granary of South India,’ it is located in the deltaic region of the Cauvery River and is criss-crossed by a network of irrigation canals. This city is famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple, erected more than a thousand years ago by the King Rajarajan, a true architect's marvel. Tanjore was the royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Mahrattas, and was at the height of its glory under Rajaraja Cholan. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at Tanjore. Breakfast and dinner included
Day 5 : Tanjore – Trichy (59Km - 80 Hrs)
Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before you proceed for an excursion to Trichy. Visit the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi. 434 steps carved into rock interspersed with shrines lead to this temple, while yet another flight leads to the temple of Lord Shiva. The ascent is rewarded with a magnificent view of the sacred Kaveri River. Then visit Srirangam, a massive temple dedicated to Vishnu, which contains a bazaar within its walls. After lunch, return to Tanjore for your sightseeing tour, which will take you to the beautiful Chola temple of Brihadishwara. In the evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by dinner. You will have your chance to try your hand at a few dishes and learn how to make use of different blends of spices.
Overnight at Tanjore. Breakfast and dinner included
Day 6 : Tanjore – Chettinad – Madurai (158Kms - 4 Hrs)
After breakfast, an early morning transfer to Madurai awaits you. On the way, visit Chettinad, the land of Chettiars who ventured into overseas trade at the turn of 20th century. They traded with countries like Sri Lanka, Burma, Malaysia and Singapore and built large mansions in which three generations lived under one roof. Chettinad also has its own cuisine, which includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties specific to the region. Later, continue your journey to Madurai. After a stop for lunch, visit the great Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva, with its towering gopurams rising high above the surrounding countryside. Later, visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace, a gracious building erected in the Indo-Saracenic style, famous for the stucco work of its domes and arches. In the evening, check in and have dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at Madurai. Breakfast and dinner included
Day 7 : Madurai – Periyar (145Kms -4 Hrs)
After breakfast, depart to Periyar, where you’ll check in at around noon. After lunch, prepare to discover this land of elephants, unending hills and spice-scented plantations. The flora and fauna of Periyar’s wildlife sanctuary is absolutely thrilling, and the Periyar Lake is a paradise for nature lovers, the greatest delight it offers being the herds of elephants that come down to play in its waters. Enjoy an afternoon boat ride on Periyar Lake and contemplate the wildlife (subject to water level). Keep an eye out for sambhar, bison, spotted deer, tigers, leopards, malabar flying squirrels, stripe-necked mongooses and more. In the evening, watch a Kerala martial arts performance called Kalaripatitty at a theatre in Periyar. Known as the mother of all martial arts, Kalaripayattu originated in South India and is one of the oldest fighting systems in existence. It includes strikes, kicks, grappling, weaponry and healing methods. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight in Periyar. Breakfast and dinner included
Day 8 : Periyar – Kumarakom (185Kms - 4 Hrs)
After breakfast, your journey to Kumarakom begins. En route, visit The Connemara tea factory and admire the plants growing on the slopes of the Western Ghats in Kerala. Founded by a possibly home-sick Irishman, the surroundings could not be more different to that of the barren landscape of Connemara in Ireland. Continue to Kumarakom, a quaint little place on the backwaters of Kerala. It lies on the eastern shore of the Vembanad Lake, which is a gorgeous bird sanctuary. Water fowl, cuckoo and wild duck can be seen in abundance here. In winter, large flocks of migratory wild duck from Siberia come in spectacular formation to roost. Kumarakom lies in a timeless world of gentle, unhurried activity. Around lunch-time, check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day exploring this wonderful location at leisure
Overnight in Kumarakom. Breakfast and dinner included
Day 9 : Kumarakom – Alleppey (By Boat)
After breakfast and a 30-minute drive to Kumarakom’s boat jetty, you get the chance to board a houseboat (Kettuvallom). Kettuvallams are huge, tapering barges traditionally used to get rice and other goods across Kerala. They have a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as a kitchen and restrooms for the crew. These boats are entirely built without the use of nails. Planks of jack wood are woven together with coir ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. Modern-day Kettuvallams, called ‘houseboats’, carry finished bedrooms, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, kitchens and even balconies where tourists can laze on cushions. Most of the boats are poled by local oarsmen, while some are powered by engines. Gliding on the serene backwaters, visitors can witness a side of Kerala unspoilt by time. Enjoy your day at leisure to better discover the activities of the locals and then spend the night aboard the houseboat.
Overnight on the houseboat. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 10 : Alleppey – Cochin (62Kms - 2 Hrs)
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and transfer to Cochin. Upon arrival, begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Cochin. Later, visit the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, which was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663. In these ancient rooms are 17th century murals that relate in vibrant colour the story of the epic Ramayana. You’ll also visit a Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town and Fort Cochin Area – legend dates Jewish trade with Kerala as far back as the times of King Solomon. Later, marvel at St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India. It contains several antiquities and a wealth of records that include a palm-leaf title deed the local Raja gave the Portuguese in 1503. See the Chinese Fishing Nets, unique to this part of Kerala and living symbols of the centuries-old Chinese influence on this coast. After lunch is the time for you to relax and get ready for the evening, when you’ll be taken to enjoy a Kathakali Dance Show. Witness India's most spectacular dance drama based on stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The dancers are elaborately made up with paint and masks, accompanied with drummers and musicians. End the day with a transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight at Cochin. Breakfast and dinner included
Day 11 : Depart Cochin
Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel before hopping onto your transfer to the airport, where you’ll catch your flight to your following destination.
Breakfast included
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with accompanied bilingual German-English speaking guides
ACCOMMODATION:
- 10 nights’ accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Chennai
Standard Hotel Category = The Residency Towers or similar 4*
Day 2 Mahabalipuram
Standard Hotel Category = Ideal Beach Resort or similar 4*
Day 3 Pondicherry
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Atithi or similar 3*
Day 4-5 Tanjore
Standard Hotel Category = Sangam Hotel or similar 3*
Day 6 Madurai
Standard Hotel Category = JC Residency or similar 3*
Day 7 Periyar
Standard Hotel Category = Greenwood Resort or similar 4*
Day 8 Kumarakom
Standard Hotel Category = Abad Whispering Palms or similar 3*
Day 9 Alleppey
Standard Hotel Category = Houseboat (Kettuvalam) or similar
Day 10 Kochi
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Starlit or similar 3*
MEALS:
- 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 9 dinners
TRANSPORT:
- Air-conditioned transportation
- Inbound airport transfer from Chennai International Airport
- Outbound airport transfer to Kochi International Airport
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
- All entrance fees to monuments as indicated in itinerary: Government Museum, Art Gallery, Fort St. George in Chennai, Shore Temples at Mahabalipuram, Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, Brihadishvara Temples & Rock Fort Temple in Tanjore, Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Sanctuary visit in Periyar, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue & St. Francis Church in Cochin, short bicycle rickshaw ride at Pondicherry, village visit by bullock cart at Kumbakonam, cooking demonstration at Thanjavur, Kalaripayattu (traditional martial art) performance at Periyar, visit to Connemara Tea factory (Closed on Sundays), Kathakali Dance performance in Cochin
OTHER:
- Meet & Greet on arrival at Chennai International Airport
What's Not Included
- Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
- Optional excursions
- Any other optional activities or tours not mentioned in the ‘Inclusions’ section
- Airfares, airport taxes or supplements, quoted separately if applicable
- Tips to drivers, local guides and hotel staff
- Any service not listed above
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in India. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Please Note
- The standard hotel check-in and check-out time is from 14:00. In some cases it may vary
- The distances and travel times described in the itinerary may vary
- Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice
- Please note that hotel classification is as per Indian standards
- Day 11: Please book your return flight with departure time between 13:00-15:00
- Please note we are able to accept clients request for Vegan meals.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Chennai
- Standard Hotel Category = The Residency Towers or similar 4*
Day 2 Mahabalipuram
- Standard Hotel Category = Ideal Beach Resort or similar 4*
Day 3 Pondicherry
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Atithi or similar 3*
Day 4-5 Tanjore
- Standard Hotel Category = Sangam Hotel or similar 3*
Day 6 Madurai
- Standard Hotel Category = JC Residency or similar 3*
Day 7 Periyar
- Standard Hotel Category = Greenwood Resort or similar 4*
Day 8 Kumarakom
- Standard Hotel Category = Abad Whispering Palms or similar 3*
Day 9 Alleppey
- Standard Hotel Category = Houseboat (Kettuvalam) or similar
Day 10 Kochi
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Starlit or similar 3*
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Le Passage to India requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of le passage to india charges.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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