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Discover the magnificent temples, extraordinary spices, palm-fringed beaches, and breathtaking backwaters of India!
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Easy Tours are accessible for all travelers. There will be limited periods of standing or walking during sightseeing excursions as pre-booked transportation will take passengers between destinations.
Discover the most fascinating Jewels of Southern India with this tour! Prepare for extraordinary temples, magnificent cityscapes, exhilarating safari adventures, and delicious cuisine. Begin your journey in Chennai, the largest city in Southern India, from where you will travel to Mamallapuram. Pay a visit to Arjuna's Penance, with extraordinary views from two magnificent boulders and exceptional carvings of sacred figures. See the Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal before you depart for Kumbakonam, a breathtaking town with ancient temples situated between the Cauvery and Arasalar Rivers. Discover the Kumbeswarar and Sarangapani Temples and make your way to Tanjore, once the capital of the Chola Empire. Admire the Brihadeshvara Temple and the Nandi statue. Next, you will visit Trichy and arrive in Madurai for a unique and eco-friendly rickshaw ride. See the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Meenakshi Temple and travel to Periyar, situated high above sea level surrounded by forests of the Idukki District. Search for wildlife in the area and make your way to Alleppey, home to breathtaking lakes, wonderful canals, and sandy beaches. Cruise along the backwaters of Kerala and drive to Cochin, where you will end your tour of Southern India.
Please note: The prices shown are land-only, meaning international flights are not included.
To add international flights from any airport in the USA or Canada, simply select your preferred departure date below and click “Book Now.”
On the Booking Details page, you will be able to enter your departure city and see the updated total price including flights.
When you book your flights with us, we offer competitive and hassle-free airfare options, often with multiple choices to suit your schedule and preferences.
In addition, airport transfers are included at no extra cost when flights are booked through us.
Prices for this tour are per person, based on a twin / double room sharing basis
Single supplement is available, starting at USD 649 per person
| Extra night in Mamallapuram inclusive of breakfast and airport transfer: | |
|---|---|
| Charges for 1 Day(s) |
+ $175 |
| Rooming Charges | |
| Twin/Double Sharing Basis | +0 |
| Single Supplement | + $175 / person |
* Please note any deviation to the group dates will involve additional fee of USD 150 per person
| Extra night post-tour in Cochin including breakfast and airport transfer (Jan to Mar & Oct to Nov) | |
|---|---|
| Tour Extension for 1 Day(s) |
+ $195 |
| Rooming Charges | |
| Twin/Double Sharing Basis | +0 |
| Single Supplement | + $95 / person |
Make your own way to the International Airport to check in for your flight to Chennai. Enjoy in-flight meals and services.
Welcome to Chennai the largest city in South India. Established in 1639 as one of four divisions of the country under Imperial British rule, it is today is a significant gateway to southern India. The city grew up around the British settlement of Fort Saint George absorbing many villages and now Chennai is a blend of remarkable colonial architecture and strong Tamil influences. On arrival at the Chennai International airport, you will be met and transferred to Mamallapuram. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Mamallapuram is an enclave of sun, seafood, and sand. In addition to the beach, the town is famous for its ancient rock carvings, especially the Shore Temple that we will see tomorrow. Once the second capital and seaport of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a renowned center for stone carving. Listen and you’ll hear the constant tapping of hammers and chisels as artisans chip away at exquisite sculptures.
Overnight in Mamallapuram
This morning visit Arjuna's Penance. Nothing can prepare you for the wonderful bas-reliefs covering two huge boulders. The exquisite detail, dating from the 7th century, depicts the flow of the Ganges down from the Himalayan mountains as well as scenes from Indian daily life. You won't believe that the Five Rathas shrines are carved whole from an outcrop of rock. Each of the five temples is dedicated to heroes from the great epic of the Mahabharata. Spend time admiring the detail of the carvings which include gods, humans and elephants and wonder why the temples are incomplete and were never consecrated. Visit the Shore Temple and relish the delightful seaside location, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, and landscaped gardens surrounding the temple, a popular place for the locals to visit. Dedicated to both Vishnu and Shiva, the decorative beauty of the temple, built in Dravidian style, has suffered erosion by its proximity to the sea. After the tour enjoy a traditional thali lunch served on a plantation leaf.
Overnight in Mamallapuram
This morning after breakfast depart for Kumbakonam en-route visit the Dharasuram Temple built in memory of the White elephant (AIRAVATH) from the Gods whose original temple name was Airavatheshwar. Continue on to Kumbakonam a picturesque temple town known for its age-old temples including the famous Kumbeswarar and Sarangapani temples. Kumbakonam literally means the place of pot (Kumbam). This beautiful town is naturally set between the Cauvery and Arasalar Rivers. This city was the capital of the historically important Chola dynasty who ruled the region during the medieval period.
Overnight in Kumbakonam
Today after breakfast depart for an excursion to Tanjore. Despite its important history and culture, Tanjore is surprisingly overlooked by visitors to South India. A bustling market town in one of the main rice-growing regions of Tamil Nadu, Tanjore was once the capital of the Chola Empire and, although many buildings from that period no longer survive, the town is still full of lovely temples visit the magnificent Brihadeshvara Temple, over 1000 years old and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, evoking the power of the Chola kings as it towers over the town. Study the detailed inscriptions which depict temple life and the dancers, musicians, potters, goldsmiths and astrologers who lived there. Enter the pavilion in the main courtyard to view the shining black Nandi statue, one of the largest in India, and weighing an astonishing 25 tons. With a history of traditional bronze casting in Tanjore enjoy the opportunity to view masters at work using the lost-wax method. This method, used to create sacred temple bronzes during the Chola period, is still practiced today and is being passed down through the generations to ensure that bronze casting continues to thrive.
Overnight in Kumbakonam
This morning embark after breakfast for Madurai en route visiting Trichy on the banks of the Cauvery River. Visit the famous Sriranganathaswami Temple at Srirangam, the most revered of the 108 pilgrimage shrines of Vishnu, and the largest temple complex in India. The temple is surrounded by seven concentric walls (the outermost wall having a perimeter of over 3 kilometers) and 21 towers called “Gopurams”. The most attractive among the Gopuras is the one at the entrance with a lot of colors and stands as one of the tallest amongst many other temple towers in Tamil Nadu. Srirangam enshrines a statue of Vishnu reclining on a great serpent. Then visit the local Gandhi Market before departing for Madurai. This vast, pulsating city, one of the oldest cities in South India, dating back 2500 years, sprawls along the banks of the River Vaigai. Wander through the fun, packed streets which are full of pilgrims, wandering cows, open-air kitchens and colorful bazaars.
Overnight in Madurai
Get right under the skin of this fascinating city and take a leisurely rickshaw ride, with a friendly wallah driving you, through the maze of streets. The Rickshaw pullers of Madurai were getting very unpopular with the locals, as the locals preferred the more modern mode of transport. The Cycle Rickshaw - the most eco friendly form of transport was fast being phased out, and the hundred and twenty rickshaw pullers of Madurai were being deprived of a lively hood as they were unable to buy the modern forms of transport like the auto rickshaw/taxi etc. To give these pullers another lease of life we have designed this tour as part of our commitment to promote responsible tourism. By taking this tour you are supporting the local rickshaw wallahs. At the same time, this encourages locals to use rickshaws and all of this in a very eco-friendly manner. Take in the sights and smells that surround you; pass through vegetable markets and see the locals haggling over the price; stop to admire the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a fusion of classical Indian and European styles; and spend time in the Gandhi Museum which charts India's freedom struggle. Join the locals thronging this bustling temple, one of the largest in India, and soak up the atmosphere. Something is always happening here – ceremonies, musicians playing, weddings, prostrating pilgrims, festivals – making it a compelling place to spend time and enjoy temple life. This evening visit Meenakshi Temple for the night ceremony where God Shiva (Meenakshi`s husband) is taken in a palanquin to the bedroom of Meenakshi. This is a daily procession and tomorrow early in the morning before sunrise God Shiva is brought back to his shrine within the temple complex.
Overnight in Madurai
This morning after breakfast depart for Periyar also known as Thekkady, a breathtakingly beautiful sanctuary located nearly 1800 m above sea level in the dense semi and evergreen deciduous forests of Idukki district. Thekkady is a landlocked home for its myriad fauna and flora as well as for the Mannans, Palians, and Ooralie tribes who still continue their ancient methods of herding and beekeeping. On arrival, check in to the hotel. This afternoon enjoy a guided plantation tour to the nearby garden where various species of spices and other aromatic plants are cultivated. If time permits you will also have a visit to a nearby tea factory. If time permitting you will also be taken on a short elephant ride.
Overnight in Periyar
Rise early for the best chance to spot elephant, deer, wild boar, mongoose and colorful birds on a dawn walk. Your experienced guide will know the best places for game viewing and, if you are extremely lucky, you may even come across elusive leopard and tiger. After noon you may also (optional trip) Board a small boat for the chance to cruise the lake at the heart of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. From the tranquillity of the lake, enjoy the lush scenery all around you and keep a look out for animals that may come down to the water's edge – maybe a family of elephants, scurrying Wild Boar or the magnificent Sambar Deer.
Overnight in Periyar
This morning, transfer to Alleppey, coined the 'Venice of the East' and a highlight of most of the India vacation packages. Alleppey or Alappuzha is a mosaic of mirror-still lagoons, picture book lakes, palm-fringed canals, and a long sandy beach all brimming with glimpses into the daily life in the Kerala countryside. First, enjoy an afternoon cruise along the backwaters of Kerala. Meandering streams, chirpy birds, murmuring forests, and the slender breeze make you feel that heaven is here. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the landscape from the protection of the cabin. The locals’ whole life takes place here on the water. People sail, fish, swim, and bathe here. They do their washing and their washing up. They have become so adapted to the water that you can see people talking for an hour while they are up to their necks in water. Peddlers take care of the supplies, and public transport goes on the water. Countless water birds wait for their chance to catch a fish. The trip goes through a wonderful area full of palm trees, rice fields, and floating water plants that surround the boat like an emerald green island.
Overnight onboard the houseboat
After breakfast on board disembark and drive overland to Cochin the commercial capital of Kerala with its modern part Ernakulam and the old peninsular district of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, Cochin is situated on the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin was an important spice-trading center on the Arabian Sea coast from the 14th century onwards. It was the first European colonial settlement in India. First the Portuguese followed by the Dutch and the British ruled here until the 19th century. After checking in to the hotel; visit the old part of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturdays) at the heart of what is locally called Jew Town, the St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays) built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin King in the 16th century, the Fish market and the famous Chinese fishing nets, which are huge cantilevered nets believed to have been brought to Kochi by Chinese traders from Kublai Khan’s court in China. Early this evening see the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. Overnight in Cochin
Today you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight.
Ideal Beach Resort and Ideal River View Resort.. peace and beauty crystalized for you, a retired prize-winning tea planter a hotelier from Srilanka, by Mr Dharmalingam. An Entrepreneur who is enthusiastically supported by his son Mr Bose Dharmalingam and family that will make you feel at home the moment you step in.
INDeco Hotels Swamimalai near Tanjore in Tamil Nadu INDeco Hotels Swamimalai is a beautiful home built around late 1800s. An entire village of the 1800 has been restored carefully to create this unique heritage hotel for you. This hotel is India 's only winner of the Global Eco Tourism Award. INDeco Hotels Swamimalai contains three restaurants and many more dining spaces. There are 30 individually and ethnically designed comfortable suites at INDeco Hotels Swamimalai and no two rooms are similar. This is one of the finest Heritage Hotel facility available in the whole of Tanjore and is the best point to visit and is the best place to stay to visit destinations like Tanjore,Chidambaram etc.
Welcome to Heritage, Welcome to Madurai. A resort, one hundred years in the making, in the heart of a city that grew from drops of nectar that flowed from the locks of Shiva, as legend would have us believe. Enter the gates of the 17-acre resort, and experience the Madurai of distant past
The Elephant Court is an understated, elegant hospitality experience, both, for business and recreation. A pair of impassive, miniature elephants watch, as demure sari clad hostesses greet guests with jasmine garlands. The hotel is situated on four acres, over a landscaped hillock. The architecture establishes the cultural identity of the property and is a marriage of traditional design and responses to contemporary demands. It explores the relationship between the environment and individuals. The extensive use of teak all around keeps the spaces cool and one's senses are calmed by the connection with nature that wood provides. Subtle definitions of space provide a serene, yet dynamic environment.
Discover the scenic backwaters and traditional villages of Kerala on a houseboat cruise, enjoy the view of canal systems and endless lagoons, Paddy fields, rivers joining the backwater, small houses on small stretch of land.
Nestled by Vembanad Lake, Crowne Plaza Kochi is a luxurious property catering to corporate and social gatherings. With modern design, exceptional hospitality, and a strategic location, it offers convenience for business and leisure travelers. Crowne Plaza Kochi is ideally located on the new business district of the city NH 47 Bypass and provides easy access to Info Park Kakkanad, Cochin Special Economic Zone, M.G. Road, Cochin Port, Shipyard, Naval Base, major sightseeing areas like Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and is 45 minutes away from Cochin International Airport. The hotel features 269 spacious rooms, versatile meeting spaces, and diverse dining options. The well-appointed rooms offer scenic views of the backwaters or cityscape, complemented by 24-hour in-room dining and indulgent spa and salon services. Guests can enjoy various dining options available throughout the day, including fine dining and specialty cuisine at on-site restaurants such as Aroma, Mosaic, Skygrill, and Zoka.
Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
India
Click here to check our recommended travel protection plan.
All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for children on escorted tours is 8. Minimum age on Safaris is 8. Minimum age for game drives in Kruger National Park (South Africa) is 12. Minimum age for Uganda programs is 15.
Please note that many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a person under the age of 18 years will be travelling with an adult other than his/her parents, or with only one parent, a notarized letter, granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel should be carried.
We offer many Solo-Friendly trips with no mandatory single supplement. For all other tours, a single supplement will apply for solo travelers.
For the rates on these tours, please refer to the Price and Dates section on each tour page.
Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
India
How do I book a tour with Indus Travels?
You can review How to Book a Tour page for more details.
How do I create an Indus Account?
Go to our website and click on the register button found on the upper right hand side to create your Indus Travel account and start booking tours!
If I don't remember my password, how do I log in?
Click the Forgot Password? link in the login form and it will lead you to a form to change your password. Simply enter your registered email address and you will be emailed a link to reset your password.
How do I view my invoice?
You will not be able to access your invoice immediately upon booking. You will be notified by email when it is available for you, normally within 48 business hours of booking. You can find your invoice and all other details of the tours you booked by logging on to your account and going to the Tour Booking History page.
How do I make payment online?
Simply login to your Indus Travel account, go to your tour of choice and click on Book Now. You will then confirm the details and your preferences about the tour and finally pay through our secure online payment platform.
What forms of payment does Indus Travel accept?
We accept US & CA Dollar check, bank check, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa, and Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned checks.
Where do I mail a cheque?
Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd and mailed to:
233 - 11951 Hammersmith Way,
Richmond, BC, V7A 5H9,
Canada
When is my final payment due?
Your exact final payment date is indicated on your invoice which may be viewed by signing into your account. In general, final payment is due 75 days prior to departure with some exceptions where payment is due earlier.
How much is my final payment?
The amount of your final payment will be noted on your invoice and can be accessed by logging into your account online.
Can I send a bank cheque or money order?
Yes. Indus accepts US & CA Dollar cheque, bank cheque, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa & Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned cheques.
To whom should I write the cheque?
Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd.
Can I pay with a debit card?
No. Indus does not accept payments with Debit card.
How do I know if Indus received my payment?
You will be notified by email that your payment was received and applied to your reservation. You may also access your reservation by logging into your account online
When will I receive my e-Documents?
Once final payment has been received and processed, documents will be sent via email approximately 21 days prior to the beginning of your tour services.
Can I get paper documents?
Paper documents may be sent upon passenger request. There is a shipping and handling fee of $30 for each set of paper documents: These paper documents will be delivered between 14-21 business days prior to the beginning of your tour. In some instances, a paper voucher/ticket is required by our vendor. In these instances, the costs for shipping and handling will be shouldered by Indus Travels.
How do I access and print my documents?
Your documents may be accessed by logging into your Indus Travel account and checking your Tour Booking History.
Do I receive anything else with my e-documents?
Indus e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
How do I know where to find my airline ticket?
With a few exceptions, international airline tickets are issued electronically. The airline confirmation number and ticket numbers stated in your documents represent your airline "ticket(s)." Some domestic Arline tickets which can only be issued at destination will be given to you upon your arrival in the local destination.
If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
Please note: Passengers who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa.
How do I know if I need a visa?
Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.
How do I obtain a visa?
A visa may be obtained by using a visa service or by contacting the embassy or consulate of the nation you are visiting prior to departing from your home country.
Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.
How much does a visa cost?
There will be different costs that will be specific per embassy/consulate and whether you have used a visa service or not. These costs often change with little notice. We recommend that you contact the appropriate embassy or consulate directly for the most up to date information.
You may find the contact information for consulates/embassies in the Visa section of the Know Before You Go document available for the country you will be visiting.
What are optional sightseeing tours?
Optional tours are offered to travelers interested in additional experiences, sightseeing, meals or activities to supplement the included components of our tours. You may choose to participate in some, all or none of the optional tours which are priced individually. Complete descriptions and prices for each optional tour are listed on the itinerary section of the tours on our website.
When can I add optional tours?
Optional tours are available for purchase any time up to 45 days before departure.
Can I purchase optional tours locally?
Yes. When traveling on an escorted tour, optional tours may be purchased locally from the Tour Manager. However, Indus cannot guarantee the rate and availability of these services when purchased locally. Please note that tours purchased locally are subject to current exchange rates and may cost up to 10% more.
Can I add optional tours for only select individuals on my reservation?
Yes. For assistance on this matter, please contact Indus Travel sales and reservations staff.
What coverage does Travel Insurance provide?
For complete details on Travel Insurance, check our Travel protection page.
When can I purchase Travel Insurance?
American Residents can purchase Trawick Insurance with us at the time of booking or anytime prior to departure. After booking, Canadian Residents will receive an email with a referral to TuGo Insurance which can be purchased anytime prior to departure.
When is Travel Insurance active?
Travel Protection coverages will take effect on the later of 1) the date the plan payment has been received by the Policyholder; 2) the date and time you start your Covered Trip; or 3) 12:01 A.M. Standard Time on the Scheduled Departure Date of your Covered Trip.
I need to cancel my trip and have not purchased insurance, what do I do?
Penalties for cancellation will depend on the tour you have purchased and how close to departure you are at the time of cancellation. For more information, visit our terms and conditions.
Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport when booking a tour?
Due to increased travel security and policies around the world, it is now a requirement that your airline ticket matches your first and last name exactly as it reads on your passport. Please note that any changes to the details of your air booking, could be subject to a change fee, penalties or cancellation.
Can I reserve a seat assignment?
For our packages that include flights, we do not usually assign seats. In most cases, you can request specific seats, but this may incur a small fee payable to the airline. For more information, contact our sales and reservations staff.
Once confirmed, are airlines seats always guaranteed?
In most cases, seat assignments are firm. However, airlines may sometimes reassign seats for operational reasons. This often happens at the last moment and is controlled by airline staff, with Indus Travel not being notified. Passengers are encouraged to reconfirm their seat assignments and any other special requests directly with their airline prior to departure.
Should I check-in online?
It always recommended and more convenient to check in online. It will shorten your waiting time at the airport, secure your seat assignments and other reservations.
Can I request a special meal on the flight?
Requests may be made for special meals. These requests will be sent on your behalf to the airline so long as Indus receives these request prior to your documents being issued. The availability of special meals will be based upon the specific airlines and will be at their discretion.
Can I use my frequent flier miles?
Accrued frequent flier miles cannot be used toward the purchase of Indus Travels’ airfare or used for class upgrades. However, airfare purchased through Indus Travels may qualify to earn you additional miles.
What is required when I check-in?
Ticketed passengers must show correct identification at check-in. Children must have a parent present at check-in and all tickets must be in each passenger's name.
What is required with International travel?
An international trip may require valid travel documents such as passport, visa, re-entry permit, health certificate, inoculation record, a ticket for the return journey or continuance of your trip, or ANY combination thereof. Passengers are responsible for the proper documentation. Concerns about the required travel documents may be resolved by contacting the appropriate consulate or embassy.
