Destination

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Duration
18 Nights 19 Days
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Group Size
2 - 50 Pax

The Southern Splendour Sojourn (SS01)

mahabalipuram
India

Details

18 NIGHTS / 19 DAYS

ROUTING: CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY - TANJORE - MADURAI - MUNNAR - THEKKADY - ALLEPPEY - KOCHI

The Southern Splendour Sojourn is a captivating journey through South India’s most treasured landscapes, ancient temples, and cultural crossroads. From Chennai’s vibrant urban energy to the UNESCO rock-cut marvels of Mahabalipuram, this odyssey weaves through millennia of history and devotion. It continues through Pondicherry’s French-colonial charm, Tanjore’s Chola masterpieces, Madurai’s spiritual grandeur, Munnar’s misty hillscapes, Thekkady’s wildlife, Alleppey’s serene backwaters, and Kochi’s harbour steeped in multicultural heritage.

Explore Chennai’s rich culture by visiting historic temples like Kapaleeshwarar, colonial landmarks such as Fort St. George, and beautiful churches like San Thome Basilica. Enjoy Marina Beach, shop at T. Nagar, and explore museums showcasing South India’s heritage.

Optional: Cholamandal Artists’ Village, Authentic South Indian breakfast, Pondy Bazaar.

Accommodation:

  • Premium: Taj Connemara
  • Luxury: The Leela Palace

Drive approximately 2 hours from Chennai to explore the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram. Visit the magnificent Shore Temple, the iconic Pancha Rathas, the giant rock relief of Arjuna’s Penance, ancient cave temples with intricate carvings, and the famous Krishna’s Butterball. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the scenic Mahabalipuram Beach.

Optional: Seashell Museum, Stone Carving Artisans’ Workshops, Tiger Cave.

Accommodation:

  • Premium: WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach
  • Luxury: Kaldan Samudhra Palace

Drive approximately 2–3 hours from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry, a charming coastal town renowned for its French colonial heritage. Explore the picturesque French Quarter, stroll along Promenade Beach, visit the spiritual community of Auroville, seek tranquility at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, relax in Bharathi Park, and discover the city's rich history through its heritage museums.

Optional: Enjoy authentic French pastries, visit Paradise Beach, or participate in pottery and artistic workshops.

Accommodation:

  • Premium: Grand Hotel D’Europe
  • Luxury: Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay

Drive approximately 2.5–3 hours to Thanjavur, the cultural capital of the Chola dynasty. Visit the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brihadeeswara Temple, explore the historic Thanjavur Royal Palace, discover centuries-old manuscripts at the renowned Saraswathi Mahal Library, and admire exquisite Chola bronze sculptures at the Art Gallery.

Optional: Explore traditional Tanjore painting workshops, experience the rich heritage of Carnatic music, or shop for authentic handcrafted souvenirs.

Accommodation:

  • Premium: Great Trails Riverview
  • Luxury: Svatma

Drive approximately 3–4 hours to Madurai, one of India's oldest living cities. Explore the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, renowned for its towering gopurams and intricate Dravidian architecture, visit the grand Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, and wander through the vibrant bazaars surrounding the historic temple city.

Optional: Enjoy a traditional cycle rickshaw ride, join a guided heritage walk through the old city, or savour an authentic South Indian banana leaf meal.

Accommodation:

  • Premium: Gateway Madurai
  • Luxury: Heritage Madurai

Drive approximately 4–5 hours to Munnar, Kerala’s breathtaking hill station famous for its rolling tea plantations and mist-covered mountains. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the region’s tea heritage, stroll through Blossom Garden, enjoy panoramic views from Pothamedu View Point, experience the natural echo at Echo Point, and relax by the scenic Mattupetty Dam.

Optional: Visit the Rose Garden, explore a fragrant Spice Plantation, or spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park.

Accommodation:

  • Premium: Leaf Resort
  • Luxury: Spice Tree Resort

Drive approximately 2.5–3 hours to Thekkady, home to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Explore aromatic spice plantations, enjoy a scenic wildlife boat cruise on Periyar Lake, experience guided nature and jungle walks, and witness the thrilling martial art performance of Kalaripayattu.

Optional: Visit the local spice market, enjoy a traditional bullock cart ride through village trails, or take part in ethical elephant experiences.

Accommodation:

  • Premium: Greenwoods Resort
  • Luxury: Hills & Hues

Drive approximately 3–4 hours to Alleppey, the heart of Kerala’s enchanting backwaters. Board a luxury houseboat and cruise through tranquil canals, lush paddy fields, and picturesque villages while enjoying authentic Kerala cuisine prepared fresh on board. Experience the serene beauty of local life unfolding along the scenic waterways.

Optional: Take a guided village walk, try traditional fishing activities, or interact with local communities along the backwaters.

Accommodation:

  • Premium: Premium Houseboat
  • Luxury: Luxury Houseboat

Drive approximately 1–2 hours to Kochi, Kerala’s historic port city where diverse cultures have flourished for centuries. Explore the charming streets of Fort Kochi, visit the historic Dutch Palace, the centuries-old Paradesi Synagogue, wander through the aromatic spice markets, admire the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and conclude the day with a captivating Kathakali classical dance performance.

Optional: Visit the Kerala Folklore Museum, enjoy a scenic Vembanad Lake cruise, or savour authentic Kerala cuisine at a local restaurant.

Accommodation:

  • Premium: Dutch Bungalow
  • Luxury: Fragrant Nature

Private transfer to Kochi Airport for onward travel.

Optional: Ayurvedic spa, Cochin Heritage Gallery



 

Accommodation

Destination Premium Luxury
Chennai Taj Connemara The Leela Palace
Mahabalipuram WelcomHotels by ITC Kaldan Samudhra Palace
Pondicherry Grand Hotel D’Europe Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay
Tanjore Great Trails Riverview Svatma
Madurai Gateway Madurai Heritage Madurai
Munnar Leaf Resort Spice Tree Resort
Thekkady Greenwoods Resort Hills & Hues
Alleppey Premium Houseboat Luxury Houseboat
Kochi Dutch Bungalow Fragrant Nature

 

Package cost per person in GBP

Number of persons Premium Luxury
2 pax traveling together £ 2,554 £ 3,120
4 pax traveling together £ 2,159 £ 2,671

Validity: 01 Oct 2026 to 31 Mar 2027 (except 20 Dec 2026 to 20 Jan 2027)

 

 

Cost Includes Cost Excludes
  • Accommodation at the above-mentioned hotels/resorts
  • Daily breakfast at all hotels/resorts
  • Accommodation with all meals on the houseboat
  • Half-day English-speaking guide for sightseeing in Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai and Kochi
  • Kathakali dance performance in Kochi
  • Spice plantation visit in Thekkady
  • Kalari martial arts show in Thekkady
  • Wildlife boating in Thekkady
  • Transportation by air-conditioned car
  • Arrival assistance
  • Services of an English-speaking driver
  • Driver’s expenses, parking charges and toll fees
  • Fuel charges
  • All applicable taxes
  • Flight / Train tickets
  • Services or facilities not mentioned under Cost Includes
  • Extra meals and beverages
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Telephone charges
  • Laundry and other personal expenses

 

 

 

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