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Home » India » Gateway to the South

Gateway to the South

Number of days	Prices from	The itinerary includes
17	£4,800 per person in low season, £5,620 per person in high season	Itinerary starts in Chennai and ends in Cochin Private transfers throughout Hotel accommodation as detailed below Daily breakfast and all meals on the houseboat Private guided touring as specified

Days 1-3

Chennai

Your journey begins in Chennai, India’s fourth largest city, with a three-night stay at The Leela Palace Chennai. On your ﬁrst afternoon, explore Chennai’s history with a visit to Fort St. George and the colourful Kapaleshwar Temple. The following day is devoted to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its ancient rock-cut architecture, including the Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal. On Day 3,visit Kanchipuram, the ‘city of a thousand temples’, for an insight into South India’s sacred architecture.
Days 4-5

Pondicherry

From Chennai, you will be transferred to Pondicherry, once a French settlement, staying at Palais de Mahéfor two nights. With your guide, explore the city’s blend of Indian and European inﬂuences, including the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Governor’s House, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the atmospheric French Quarter.With its pastel-coloured houses and café culture, Pondicherry oﬀers a slower pace. The rest of your time is free to enjoy activities such as a guided food trail or cycling the boulevards on a vintage bicycle.
Days 6-7

Kumbakonam

Travelling south, you will stop at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, one of India’s most striking temple complexes,before arriving in Kumbakonam to stay at Mantra Koodam for two nights. On Day 7, you will explore nearby Tanjore, home to the magniﬁcent Brahadeeswarar Temple, a masterpiece of Chola architecture, and Darasuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricately carved stonework.
Day 8

Chettinad

En route to Chettinad, visit Tiruchirappalli and the vast Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Chettinad is a cluster of around 75 villages famed for grand mansions, local crafts, and a distinctive cuisine. Stay at Visalam in Kanadukathan, a restored heritage property, oﬀering an authentic experience of rural Tamil Nadu.
Day 9

Madurai

A guided morning tour introduces you to Chettinad’s heritage before travelling to Madurai for an overnight stay at Gateway Madurai. In the evening, you will visit the magniﬁcent Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple,one of India’s most spectacular sacred complexes, and witness its vibrant night ceremony.
Days 10-11

Periyar

After exploring Madurai’s fragrant ﬂower market, continue to Periyar in central Kerala for two nights atSpice Village. Perhaps enjoy an optional excursion on Periyar Lake, where wildlife such as elephants, gaur,and sambar gather along the shores.
Days 12-13

Kumarakom

Set on the tranquil Vembanad Lake, stay for two nights at Kumarakom Lake Resort. A perfect placeto simply relax or perhaps venture further into the countryside by bicycle or visit the nearby village.
Day 14

Backwaters

A Keralan highlight, board an authentic houseboat for an overnight journey through the backwaters. As the boat meanders along palm-lined waterways, enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine and the unhurried rhythm of life on the water.
Days 15-17

Cochin

Your ﬁnal stop is Cochin, Kerala’s cosmopolitan port city, where you will stay for two nights at Brunton Boatyard. On your ﬁrst evening, experience a Kathakali dance performance, an iconic art form of Kerala.The next day, explore Cochin’s rich cultural tapestry: marvel at the Chinese ﬁshing nets, visit the historic Jewish Synagogue, and stroll through the streets of Fort Cochin. On Day 17, transfer to the airport for your return ﬂight, concluding this memorable South India journey.

Gateway to the South

17

Days 1-3

Chennai

Days 4-5

Pondicherry

Days 6-7

Kumbakonam

Day 8

Chettinad

Day 9

Madurai

Days 10-11

Periyar

Days 12-13

Kumarakom

Day 14

Backwaters

Days 15-17

Cochin

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