Southern India - Boulevards and Backwaters
Southern India - Boulevards and Backwaters
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Southern India - Boulevards and Backwaters
13 Days
Visiting: India and Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Thekkady, Thanjavur, Darasuram, Mahabalipuram, Southern India, India
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTINN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Titan with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
From colourful temples to laid-back lakeside resorts, experience the very best of southern India on this unhurried two-week tour. We’ve balanced sightseeing and cities in Tamil Nadu with time to take it easy in Kerala’s peaceful hills and backwaters - the perfect introduction to this captivating part of India. You’ll have a chance to spot wildlife, step inside palaces, watch traditional dance, witness spectacular sunsets and much more as we journey from bustling Chennai to coastal Kochi.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : UK - In flight
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Chennai.
Day 2 : Chennai
On arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Chennai. You’ll have the rest of day two at leisure to settle in and explore a little of this bustling city. Enjoy your first taste of southern Indian cuisine or perhaps watch a tangerine sunset from Marina Beach.After a laid-back morning on day three, we’ll enjoy a guided tour. We’ll visit the oldest English fort in the city, admire the collection of bronze statues in the National Art Gallery, and gain an insight into local culture at the Government Museum. We’ll finish with a visit to the Hindu temple at Mylapore, its gopuram (entrance tower) covered in colourful carvings.
Day 3 : Puducherry
Our route to Puducherry takes us via Mamallapuram. This coastal village is home to a UNESCO-protected series of rock-carved temples and shrines - we’ll have a chance to visit while we’re here.Puducherry is a complete contrast to busy Chennai. Its famous ashrams (which we’ll visit during our orientation tour) are magnets for spiritual travellers. You’ll also notice an air of Parisian elegance here - the town was once a French colony and still boasts tree-lined boulevards and French-colonial architecture.
Day 4 : Darasuram - Thanjavur
We’ll continue south today, stopping at the 12th-century Airavatesvara temple and the nearby bronze casting centre where sculptures for the temple were created. Once we reach Thanjavur - former capital of the Chola dynasty - you’ll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Day 5 : Thanjavur - Madurai
A tour of Thanjavur takes us to the famous Brihadeeswara temple. Exquisitely carved gopurams lead through to the main temple, decorated with sculptures and Chola frescoes. Next, we’ll pay a visit to the royal palace, now used as an art gallery. Our journey continues to Madurai, Tamil Nadu’s oldest and most sacred city.
Day 6 : Madurai
Madurai’s timeline stretches back thousands of years - Ancient Romans who traded here even wrote about the city’s splendour.You’ll find some of India’s greatest temples in Madurai - you can easily see these monolithic monuments rising above the skyline.During our guided tour, we’ll view one of these ornate temples, and watch as locals come to offer gifts to their deities. We’ll also have time to tour the impressive Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Gandhi Memorial Museum. The afternoon will be at leisure.
Day 7 : Thekkady
A morning’s drive will bring us to Thekkady, nestled among the spice plantations of Kerala’s Cardamom Hills. After settling in to our hotel, we’ll head to Lake Periyar for a laid-back boat ride. The lake is set within a wildlife reserve, so we’ll keep our eyes peeled for elephants, monkeys, wild boar and all manner of bird life. If we’re lucky, we might even spot a tiger dozing among the greenery.
Day 8 : Kumarakom
We’ll slow the pace down today as we make our way to Kerala’s sleepy backwaters. After an afternoon relaxing by the pool or in the gardens of our lakeside hotel, we’ll board a traditional houseboat for a sunset cruise on Lake Vembanad.
Day 9 : Kumarakom
Today is free to unwind at the hotel. The spa has an extensive menu of traditional Ayurvedic massages and rituals if you fancy treating yourself.
Day 10 : Kumarakom - Kochi
After a leisurely morning at the hotel, we’ll make our way to Kochi, a lovely port city boasting a blend of Indian, Portuguese, British and Dutch influences.This evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance at a local theatre - it’s a mix of dance and drama with performers dressed in beautifully elaborate costumes and masks.
Day 11 : Kochi
Our sightseeing tour of Kochi takes us to the historic streets of the Fort Kochi area. We’ll visit the Mattancherry Palace, the oldest synagogue in India and the 16th-century Church of St Francis, and see the traditional Chinese nets lined up at the harbour mouth. This afternoon, we’ll reflect on our Indian adventure on a relaxed harbour cruise.
Day 12 : Kochi - UK
Our South India tour comes to an end today as we transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
What's Included
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11 nights in hotels and 1 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar)
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International flights. Prices are based on return flights with Emirates from London Heathrow via Dubai. Supplements may apply from other airports
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22 meals: 11 breakfasts (days 3-13) 11 dinners (days 2-12) 11 excursions and visits
Check out our Q&As
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Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?
In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Titan Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform titan travel, 75 days before departure.
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Titan Travel requires a minimum deposit of 395 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of titan travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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