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- Itinerary
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South India is completely different from that of northern culture and is also distinctive with its culture and tradition. The beauty is unspeakable to that of any other region and has a very captivating touch to itself.
You will get lost in the beauty and simplicity of the state. Our South India tour from Mumbai will take you to the midst of conjecture as South India offers a superfluous of places to see and things to do. It is actually a place where traditional values and a modern way of life come together for all to enjoy and cherish. A visit to South India, especially the places mentioned in this package, is sure to make you feel in sync with the land, and amalgamates with the people here, who are very friendly and receptive to tourists.
Tour Overview
- Duration: 20 Days
- Starts: Mumbai
- Ends: Chennai
- Tour Guide: Yes, English speaking local guides available at all places
- Group Size: Min 2 - Max 20
- Minimum Age: 12 Years Accompanied By An Adult
- Hotel Ratings: Good 3 Star Hotels
- Country: India
- Meals Included: 19 Breakfasts
- Theme: Explorer & Cultural
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travelers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Please note:
To confirm your position on this trip we require your full name and date of birth at time of booking, to be able to secure tickets for included train tickets
Click on days for detail tour plan
Itineraries
Arrive at Mumbai Airport and you shall be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.
Meals: No Meals
Accommodation: Hotel
Made up of seven islands on the eastern periphery of the Arabian Sea, Mumbai attracts people from all over the country to its prosperous streets. Mumbai is also the abode of ‘Bollywood’, an industry that creates more films per year than any other city in the world.
After freshen up we will be exploring city this morning, watching the honey-coloured Gateway of India arch and the macabre Towers of Silence. Built by the Parsis escaping persecution in Persia during the 17th century, the Towers were a mortuary for the dead. Being Zoroastrians the Parsis were not allowed to bury or cremate their dead, so in its place they were left in these towers to allow nature to dispose of them. We also visit the municipal dhobi ghats and the Prince of Wales Museum, which has an outstanding compilation of Indian miniatures from the Moghal and Rajasthan schools, whilst at the Mahatma Gandhi Museum we’ll learn a slight of the great man’s life and ideas, because of an notable collection of books, photographs and letters
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3: Mumbai – Goa Beaches
Leaving the city timely this morning we travel by train to Goa, following the Konkan Railway to the station at Thivim. Travelling along this line offers us an occasion to rightly realize some of the most stunning scenery tendered by any of the Indian rail networks as we surpass through the amazing scenery of the Western Ghats. The palmfringed shores of Goa were colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, who seized the original Arab trade settlement and began building a city on the Arabian Sea sprinkled with houses, gardens monasteries and churches, lots of which unluckily no longer remain.
Goa ultimately became the commercial centre for East and West, where traders could purchase pearls, coral, rubies, golden jewellery, silks, China porcelain, lacquered furniture, ambergris and exotic spices. The Portuguese influence is still very much apparent – the main religion is still Roman Catholic and siestas are still widely applied in the hot afternoons. Like most parts in India, Goa also has its own food specialities, the most well-liked is pork vindaloo! You may also want to sample the locally prepared spirit feni – a spine-tingling drink made from coconut or cashew apples.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
We have a comfortable start to the day with the morning free before we meet in the afternoon and take a walk around the city of Panjim. While Goa is mainly known for the beaches that lure tourists during the year, the wide streets of Panjim are worth discovering.
The buildings are noticeably European in style with shutters, balconies and red tiled roofs though they are assorted with more traditional temples to form a rather unusual style. If you wish to spend some time on the beach it is just a short taxi ride away.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we will go to a local spice plantation, to learn a little of the spices and plants that grow between these fertile landscapes. This part of India has long been famous for its plentiful array of spices; indeed Christopher Columbus was en route to the spice rich Malabar Coast when he bounced into America by mistake. A journey of the gardens with a local guide will disclose the massive wealth of Goa’s aromatic treasures, containing pepper and nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon.
Night stay is in Goa
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning is free for your own activities.
Night stay is in Goa
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Your trip comes is ready for next destination. Board your train for Hampi. On arrival at Hampi check in at your hotel. Evening is free for leisure and rest.
Meals: Breakfast
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast have a visit to group of Hampi temples visiting Virupaksha temple, Lakshmi Narain Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple. Mesmerize yourself with art and architectures of Hampi site. In the evening opt for visit to local bazaar or stay at leisure. Night stay is in Hampi
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast, drive to Badami. Check-in to your hotel on arrival. Later drive further to visit the temples and sculptures of Pattadakal, Aihole & Mahakuta blended in Dravidian and Nagara style.
Overnight stay at Badami
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Visit Badami which is famous for its rock cut temples. Places to worth visit are: The Banashankari Temple and Badami Cave Temples dating back to the 06th& 07th centuries. Later return back to Hampi to board overnight train for Mysore. Night is onboard
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight Train Journey [Train is with basic beds]
Arrive at Mysore railway station and get transferred to your pre booked hotel in Mysore.
Today you will cover magnificient Mysore Palace, Jagmohan Palace. Evening is free or go for rickshaw ride in busy markets of Mysore. Night stay is in Myosre.
Note that check in time at hotel is around 1200 Hours. Room is subject to availably at the time of check in. In any case if room is not available then you can enjoy breakfast at hotel restaurant till the room is ready for check in.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast day is to explore bustling markets of Mysore on your own or you can relax in your hotel till you board your next overnight train for Madurai. Night will be spent onboard with basic beds.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight Train Journey [Train is with basic beds]
Arrive Madurai and get transferred to your hotel. On the way see the quiet streets as the city awakens. Observe first-hand how everyday life begins in this Indian city from prayer rituals at the temple to market shopping -- truly a total immersion into the culture.
Return for breakfast, followed by a visit with the group to the ancient Meenakshi Amman Temple, Shop at the bargain-filled bazaars bursting with treasures and jewelry shops galore before returning to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, head to the gigantic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace with its imposing courtyard, grand throne chambers and entry flanked by stone carved horses. Later visit a local dance school practicing Bharatnatyam. Meet with students to learn more about the dance and attend a performance
Note that check in time at hotel is around 1200 Hours. Room is subject to availably at the time of check in. In any case if room is not available then you can enjoy breakfast at hotel restaurant till the room is ready for check in.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
After the breakfast, start your travel to Chettinadu Traditional Trip, the native land of Tamil Nadu's rich merchant community "Chettiars" (The Nagarathars) who were capitalists voyaged far to make their fortunes. The houses built in the early 20th century reflect the social, ritual needs of the community as well as shows the economic status. The houses remain closed but still in use for any family ceremonies. Some of the interesting activities are Village Visit by Bullock Cart, Ceramic Tiles Making in Athangudi Village, Weaving Centre, Public School etc Overnight stay in Chettinad
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Start your drive to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli). Have a stop for Cultural Trip at 'Amma Mandapam' - the holy banks of River Cauvery, where you can see the Hindu rites after the cremation. It's quite interesting to see the rituals performed by the Hindus with the help of the priest.
Proceed your travel for Srirangam Mystical Tour. Often listed among the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam was built between the 6th and the 9th centuries by the Azhwar Saints. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and is the 1st of the 108 Divya Desams or Vishnu Temples in the world. The temple complex has a span of 156 acres and is built in the Dravidian style of architecture.
Rockfort Uchchipillayar Temple refers to an ancient fort and the temple which is situated in the fort's highest reaches. The temple was built by the Pallavas in 508 AD are the oldest structure in the fort and is also a must be seen attraction. Overnight stay in Trichy
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Finish your breakfast and travel to enjoy the Sculptural Tour in Tanjore (Thanjavur). Thanjavur Art Gallery, situated within the Thanjavur Royal Palace, is one of the main attractions of Thanjavur town. Thanjavur Art Gallery, which is housed in the Nayak Hall of the place, has an wide collection of stone and bronze statues and idols belonging to the Chola period (8th - 9th centuries). Bronze statues belonging to the Pallava period are also exhibited here.
Visit the famous Brihadeeswara Temple also known as Big Temple, built in the year 1010 AD by the mighty Chola Emperor Raja Raja Chola. It remains as one of the greatest glories of Indian architecture.
Also visit Darasuram Temple. This temple is a storehouse of art and architecture and has some attractive stone carvings. Although this temple is much smaller than the Brihadeeswara Temple or the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple, it is more exquisite in detail. This is because this temple is said to have been built with nitya-vinoda, "perpetual entertainment", in mind. Both the temples are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as 'Great Living Chola Temples'.
Check-in to the hotel and relax! Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Today you will be travelling to Pondicherry (Puducherry). Enroute stop and visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple. The person who can be credited with the creation of this temple is King Rajendra Chola, son of Raja Raja Chola. Rajendra built this temple to recreate his father's achievement, the Brihadeeswara Temple of Thanjavur. This temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as 'Great Living Chola Temples'.
Check-in to the hotel and start your Pondicherry City Trip. Visit the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Despite the crowd, the members maintain discipline within the complex, restoring its peaceful environment. The ideals of the ashram are based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and Mira Alfassa.
Visit the Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus, established in 1908 by the French missionaries and attained the status of basilica in 2011. This Catholic Church is one of the finest churches of Pondicherry and an excellent example of Gothic architecture.
In the evening, if you want then you can have Rickshaw Ride through French colonies and Commercial Streets. Overnight stay in Puducherry
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we will go to Kanchipuram Temple Tour. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Ekambareswarar Temple has been spoken about by Tamil poets who lived in the 2nd century. During the rule of Pallavas, the original structure was pulled down and new temple was built. During Chola dynasty, the temple was improvised. The temple in its present form was the work of Krishnadevaraya, the most famous Vijayanagar King of Hampi in the year 1509.
Belonging to the 8th century, Kailasanathar Temple is one amongst the oldest structures in the city and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pallava kings were famous for their love for architecture and one glance at the temple would suffice to understand the importance they attached to arts and architecture. The stone carvings with intricate and dedicated workings are beyond words.
Continue your drive to Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) and relax in the hotel. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
TStart your travel to UNESCO World Heritage Monumental Sites. Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram is a historic town that finds mention in ancient Hindu mythology and legends. It was a bustling port city from 1st century BC till the time of the Pallavas in 9th century BC.
You can experience the competitive art works like Sea Shore Temple, Five Chariots, Arjuna's Penance, Krishna's Butter Ball, Varaha Cave etc. These are the monuments included in UNESCO's heritage site lists. After visiting Mahabalipuram your drive to Chennai and relax in the hotel. Overnight stay in Chennai
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
This day you will be transferred to Chennai International Airport for your flight back home!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: No Hotel
Tour Inclusions
Tour Highlights
Note: The highlights and sightseeing's may change depending on the departure date you choose.
- See the Gateway of India in Mumbai
- Taste Goa's culinary delights on a Goa streets
- Enjoy the beach and exhilarating watersports in Goa
- Explore Ancient Hampi like never before
- Get in Mysore by exploring tree-lined streets and historic palaces
- Wander in Madurai, one of the oldest cities in the world and the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu
- Take in one of the world's tallest temples at Brihadeeshwara
- Relax in quaint Pondicherry, an ex-French colony
- Stroll through the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram
Included
- 19 Breakfasts as per tour plan
- 17 nights in 3 star hotels and 2 overnight train journeys
- Guided sightseeing at all places
- Spice plantation tour in Goa
- Cooking class in Hampi
- Rickshaw ride in Madurai
- Train fares for all sectors as per tour plan
- Air conditioned vehicles in entire tour plan
What's Not Included
- Tipping and Gratuities
- International Travel
- Any monuments fees as per tour plan
In the summer months, Rajasthan can get very hot. Be sure to drink lots of water, pack light cotton clothing and use suitable skin guard.
There are numerous early mornings on this trip, as many parts of India really become active in the dawn light.
It can get foggy between December and February, which can put a new twist on the already stunning panorama. Though, it may cause traffic congestion and delays.
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours.
Indian Rupee
Depends on Nationality. For more information of Tourist Visa visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
Yes -But have to pay extra cost. Please send mail to us at india@travelntoursindia.co.uk
Yes – mostly in all the hotels free Wi -Fi is available
3* Category Hotels
60 days prior to departure
About Accommodation
A variety of hotels are exercised in India. These can differ in terms of service, efficiency and cleanliness. In many occasions they might not be like what you are used to back home.
The hotel accommodation on this trip is in air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Though a number of hotels have generators there may be times when these won’t work. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
During the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, particularly if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in instantly on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and discover our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
Generally, Wi Fi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes it's free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for Wi Fi access.
If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel or local representative right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
TRANSPORT IN INDIA
Main roads in India are regularly very busy with an variety of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Surpassing on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. If you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your travel agent know immediately.
TRAVEL TIMES
Distances in India do not replicate the driving time and to cover 100km may take much lengthier than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
TRAINS
The best way to see India is at ground level on the railway system. In fact, no visit to India would be complete without the experience of travelling on a train and negotiating the busy railway stations. The chaos in the Indian Railway stations is a replica of the life in India. Indian trains are not merely a conveyance they are an odyssey so sit back relax, be patient and enjoy the show.
tti tours uses a combination of AC 2 tier, AC 3 tier (for overnight journeys) and AC Chair car or second class seats for day journeys.
There are no restaurant or buffet cars on Indian Railways, but on long distance trains a coach attendant will appear at your berth and ask you if you would like to order food. Regular stops are made at stations where food is also obtainable and on some trains many vendors board the train selling chai, cold drinks and crisps and biscuits.
Don't imagine pristine western standards anywhere in India, but you'll find AC2, AC3 and AC Chair class fairly clean by Indian standards, with both western-style and squat toilets usually in a reasonably sanitary condition. Bring your own toilet paper and hand wash soap or liquid.
Indian trains are quite safe to travel on, even for families or women traveling alone, and you are unlikely to have any problems. Having said that, theft of luggage, although rare is not unheard of, so just for peace of mind you may like to take along a chain and padlock to safe your bags (readily available at all Indian railway stations).
IMPORTANT NOTE: If travelling between December to February in Indian Trains
From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip may need to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your travel agent in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
FLIGHTS
Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
MEALS
Eating is a big part of traveling. Normally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating opportunities, to give you the maximum elasticity in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Vegetarians will be able to find a huge range of different foods - India is vegetarian heaven.
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