Southern India Cultural and Wildlife Tour
The fascinating and fun itinerary on this small group cultural and wildlife escorted holiday in southern India is one of the best Tourfind has seen in the whole tour sector. This two-week journey is the perfect introduction to India’s varied south. As we wind our way around the region we discover intricately carved temple complexes, ornate palaces and lush scenery in the tropical south-west. You also have the chance to explore the wonderful birds and wildlife of the region.
- Palaces and temples – Visit the ornate Maharajah’s Palace in Mysore and discover the colourful Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
- Bandipur National Park – Search for endemic wildlife including elephant, chital and bison
- Kochi and surrounds – The Portuguese influenced city including the Chinese fishing nets and cruise the nearby backwaters
Your Tour Includes
ACCOMMODATION
1 Nights simple boat
11 Nights comfortable hotel
1 Nights premium hotel
1 Nights simple overnight train
EXPERIENCES
Tour Leader
Boat Crew
Local Guide(s)
FOOD & DRINK
Breakfast: 14
Lunch: 3
Dinner: 4
Trip Pace
Moderate
DAY 1 Join trip in Chennai (Madras)
Meals Provided: None
DAY 2 Drive to Pondicherry via Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and discover the town's French Quarters
Meals Provided: Breakfast
DAY 3 Visit the Srirangam river island temples en route to Madurai
Meals Provided: Breakfast
DAY 4 The colourful Meenakshi Temple and Thirumalai Nayak Palace in Madurai
Meals Provided: Breakfast
DAY 5 Drive to Thekkady and learn all about Indian spices with a tour of a spice garden
Meals Provided: Breakfast
DAY 6 Board a houseboat and sail through the tranquil Kerala backwaters
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7 Travel to the fort city of Kochi. Afternoon optional Kathakali performance or a local cookery class
Meals Provided: Breakfast
DAY 8 Walk around fort Kochi and take a Sunset Cruise around the Harbour
Meals Provided: Breakfast
DAY 9 The well preserved 18th Century Palakkad Fort en route to Coimbatore
Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 10 Ride the toy train to 'Snooty Ooty' and drive to Bandipur National Park
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 11 Search for wildlife on two game drives in Bandipur National Park
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 12 Early morning optional safari and drive to Mysore for a sound and light show at Mysuru Palace
Meals Provided: Breakfast
DAY 13 Mysuru's colourful market and the impressive Mysuru Palace before taking an overnight train to Chennai
Meals Provided: Breakfast
DAY 14 Travel to the coastal town of Mamallapuram, home to the fascinating shore temples
Meals Provided: Breakfast
DAY 15 Trip ends in Mamallapuram
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Mamallapuram.
