16 Day Spiritual Southern India 2017 Itinerary
16 days
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Small Group Tour
2 Chennai, 2 Mahabalipuram, 1 Pondicherry, 2 Thanjavur, 2 Madurai, 2 Periyar National Park, 3 Kochi
Overview
Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Highlights
- Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals Travel to the cross-cultural village of DakshinaChitra, an open-air museum and treasure chest of art Visit the UNESCO site of Mahabalipuram, an ancient archaeological wonder rising on a rocky outcrop In Kanchipuram, "City of a Thousand Temples," tour the Ekambareswarar and Kailasanathar Temples Exclusive visit to a traditional silk weaving factory - meet with artists and learn how to drape and wear a sari Journey to enchanting Pondicherry, a former French settlement that retains its carefree French atmosphere At serene Auroville, visit the Meditation Center inspired by the teachings of the Indian yogi Sri Aurobindo Witness pilgrims immersing themselves in a ritual bath at Amma Mandapam on the banks of the river Tour the spectacular Maratha Palace with its priceless collections of Chola bronzes and stone carvings View the impressive UNESCO listed Lord Brihadeeswarar Temple, a magnificent architectural achievement In vibrant Madurai on the banks of the Vaigai River, view the 1000-year old Meenakshi Temple Visit the Gandhi Museum dedicated to this remarkable man lovingly called the "Father of the Nation" Join throngs of people at the spectacular candlelit Aarti Prayer Ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple Enjoy two nights at Periyar National Park, the best-known sanctuary in South India, home to Bengal tigers Attend a colorful Kathakali Dance performance that combines storytelling with music and physical strength Visit the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi the oldest existing Jewish synagogue in India Specially arranged cooking class in Kochi reveals some of the secrets of Indian cuisine In Alleppey, board a houseboat that cruises along the intricate network of canals, lakes, lagoons and rivers
What's this trip about?
2 Chennai, 2 Mahabalipuram, 1 Pondicherry, 2 Thanjavur, 2 Madurai, 2 Periyar National Park, 3 Kochi
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Details
Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed International flights New York-Chennai, Kochi-New York Other departure cities available. Please click on date of departure for selection and prices Airline taxes & fuel surcharges 14 nights accommodations
- 2 nights Chennai 2 nights Mahabalipuram 1 night Pondicherry 2 nights Thanjavur 2 nights Madurai 2 nights Periyar National Park 3 nights Kochi Hotel porterage All transfers and sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles 32 meals: 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners with wine♦ Bottled water provided during sightseeing excursions Services of English-speaking tour managers throughout Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring Active itinerary with unique cultural features ♦Due to regional laws, hotels and restaurants will not serve alcoholic beverages on the first day of the month and certain holidays. On these days, no wine or beer will be included with dinner
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Itinerary
DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for India
Depart for India
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Chennai
Welcome to India! Arrive in cosmopolitan Chennai on the Bay of Bengal, gateway to South India; transfer to the hotel. Time to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone or venture out to get acquainted with some of the city's extraordinary sights and the lively shops selling vibrant handmade silk sarees
Overnight: Chennai
DAY 3, Saturday - Government Museum, St. George Fort, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Elliot's Beach
After a welcome lunch at a local restaurant, begin your exploration of the city at the Government Museum, with its fascinating exhibits about ancient Chennai. Then, on to St. George Fort built in 1653 by the British East India Company, housing the Tamil Nadu's Legislativ...
DAY 4, Sunday - Village of DakshinaChitra, Mahabalipuram’s Temples
This morning, travel to the cross-cultural village of DakshinaChitra, an open-air museum, acknowledged as South India’s treasure chest of art and architecture. View the astonishing collection of reconstructed authentic historical houses. Walk the lanes of the preserved v...
DAY 5, Monday - Kanchipuram, "City of a Thousand Temples," Silk Weaving Artisans
Today, visit Kanchipuram, the "City of a Thousand Temples," one of Hinduism’s most sacred cities. Here, you tour the historically important Ekambareswarar Temple with its 540 pillars and the stunning Kailasanathar Temple with its elaborate carvings. Next, an authentic In...
DAY 6, Tuesday - Pondicherry's French Quarter, Auroville Meditation Center, Paper Factory
Your journey along the coast takes you to enchanting Pondicherry, a former French colonial settlement that still retains its carefree French atmosphere and architectural legacy. In the charming Old Quarter, with its tree-lined cobbled streets, colonial villas are draped ...
DAY 7, Wednesday - Chidambaram Temples, UNESCO Site of Darasuram, Thanjavur
Depart Pondicherry to Chidambaram, home to the massive temple complex of Nataraja, one of the holiest of all Shiva sites, a spectacular architectural marvel spread over 50 acres in the heart of the city. After time to relax over lunch travel to the outstanding UNESCO Wor...
DAY 8, Thursday - Amma Mandapam, Ranganathaswamy Temple, Maratha Palace, Lord Brihadeeswarar Temple
The early morning drive to Trichy is highlighted by a visit to Amma Mandapam, a religious bathing ghat on the banks of the Kaveri River. Witness pilgrims immersing themselves in a ritual bath before proceeding to worship at the sacred Ranganathaswamy Temple. Stop at this...
DAY 9, Friday - Chettinad’s Palaces, Meenakshi Temple, Madurai’s Bazaars
Your travels take you to Chettinad, land of the Chettiars, a community that dates back to the Chola period making its fortunes as money lenders, merchants and jewelry dealers. Here, see lavish palaces and mansions that reflect the opulence of a bygone era. Also known for...
DAY 10, Saturday - Madurai's Temples, Ghandi Museum, Aarti Prayer Ceremony
Don’t miss this morning's optional Vanakkam (means welcome in Tamil language) private interactive walking tour of Madurai! At the first light of dawn, walk the quiet streets as the city awakens. Observe first-hand how everyday life begins in this Indian city from prayer ...
DAY 11, Sunday - Periyar National Park, Spice Plantation
Today, drive to Periyar National Park perched high in the Cardamom Hills, the best-known wildlife sanctuary in South India, home to Bengal tigers, elephants, antelope, deer and many species of birdlife. Its variety of flora and fauna, pristine lakes and magnificent fores...
DAY 12, Monday - Periyar National Park
Thrilling activities await you today at the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Begin the day with a boat ride on the picturesque lake followed by a nature walk inside the National Park, observing animals drinking at the water's edge. A highlight of the day is your vis...
DAY 13, Tuesday - Kochi, Kathakali Dance Performance
Arrive in Kochi, a principle port and center of the Malabar Coast spice trade since the 14th century. Known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," it was here that the first European settlement in India was established by Vasco da Gama. Subsequently, the city was ruled alter...
DAY 14, Wednesday - Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Home Hosted Cooking Class
Today you’re treated to a specially arranged cooking class at a private home in Kochi. Join your hosts in the preparation of lunch while learning some of the secrets of Indian cuisine. After lunch, highlights of your exploration of Kochi include the Mattancherry Dutch Pa...
DAY 15, Thursday - Alleppey Back Waters, Houseboat Cruise, Farewell Dinner
The drive to Alleppey reveals this tranquil backwater region of Kerala. Boarding a houseboat, you cruise along this very intricate network of canals, lakes, lagoons and rivers called the "Venice of the East." Observe Kerala’s rural lifestyle as you glide past tiny villag...
DAY 16, Friday - Depart India
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Dates & Availability
Price From $1,799
Price per day$112
Last Updated: 4/1/2018
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Discovery Tours by Gate 1.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- *Not Included:Prices do not include optional tours, India visa fees and gratuities for guides/tour managers. Land only prices do not include arrival/departure transfers.
Accommodation
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
Vanakkam Madurai Tour Take an early morning walk through the narrow alleys of Madurai, the oldest city in South India, to get an up-close glimpse of everyday life. Discovering the morning rituals and daily activities in this ancient temple town is a fascinating and memorable experience. Witness people milking cows, cooking, and women cleaning and decorating their doorsteps with beautifully detailed Kolams (drawings) to welcome guests. Visit the local markets as they open, drink your morning tea in the twenty-four hour tea shop and enjoy sampling local snacks, including a Vada (savory doughnut). For a unique perspective into the local economy, interact with street vendors, visit the fruit and flower markets, and see a roadside hair salon.
Approximate tour duration is 2 hours. OnDay : 10 Price : $24 Vanakkam Madurai Tour Take an early morning walk through the narrow alleys of Madurai, the oldest city in South India, to get an up-close glimpse of everyday life. Discovering the morning rituals and daily activities in this ancient temple town is a fascinating and memorable experience. Witness people milking cows, cooking, and women cleaning and decorating their doorsteps with beautifully detailed Kolams (drawings) to welcome guests. Visit the local markets as they open, drink your morning tea in the twenty-four hour tea shop and enjoy sampling local snacks, including a Vada (savory doughnut). For a unique perspective into the local economy, interact with street vendors, visit the fruit and flower markets, and see a roadside hair salon.
Approximate tour duration is 2 hours. OnDay : 10 Price : $24 Vanakkam Madurai Tour Take an early morning walk through the narrow alleys of Madurai, the oldest city in South India, to get an up-close glimpse of everyday life. Discovering the morning rituals and daily activities in this ancient temple town is a fascinating and memorable experience. Witness people milking cows, cooking, and women cleaning and decorating their doorsteps with beautifully detailed Kolams (drawings) to welcome guests. Visit the local markets as they open, drink your morning tea in the twenty-four hour tea shop and enjoy sampling local snacks, including a Vada (savory doughnut). For a unique perspective into the local economy, interact with street vendors, visit the fruit and flower markets, and see a roadside hair salon.
Approximate tour duration is 2 hours. OnDay : 10 Price : $24 Kalaripayattu Martial Art Show with dinner Tonight, treat yourself to a Kalaripayattu martial art show. The martial art form of Kerala, dating back to almost 2000 years, is regarded as the oldest of its kind in the world. It derives its name from two words, 'kalari' which means combat arena and 'payattu' which means practice. Following preparation with an oil massage, the performers will execute the art, using weapons such as bow and arrow, swords, spears, and maces. Afterwards for dinner, travel to Spice Village, set in 15 acres of spice gardens and resembling a traditional tribal community. At the restaurant, enjoy the timelessness of the place with its antique rosewood furniture and old-world atmosphere. Savor delicious South Indian cuisine flavored by local spices, prepared with fresh ingredients from the organic farm on site.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. OnDay : 11 Price : $38 Kalaripayattu Martial Art Show with dinner Tonight, treat yourself to a Kalaripayattu martial art show. The martial art form of Kerala, dating back to almost 2000 years, is regarded as the oldest of its kind in the world. It derives its name from two words, 'kalari' which means combat arena and 'payattu' which means practice. Following preparation with an oil massage, the performers will execute the art, using weapons such as bow and arrow, swords, spears, and maces. Afterwards for dinner, travel to Spice Village, set in 15 acres of spice gardens and resembling a traditional tribal community. At the restaurant, enjoy the timelessness of the place with its antique rosewood furniture and old-world atmosphere. Savor delicious South Indian cuisine flavored by local spices, prepared with fresh ingredients from the organic farm on site.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. OnDay : 11 Price : $38 Kalaripayattu Martial Art Show with dinner Tonight, treat yourself to a Kalaripayattu martial art show. The martial art form of Kerala, dating back to almost 2000 years, is regarded as the oldest of its kind in the world. It derives its name from two words, 'kalari' which means combat arena and 'payattu' which means practice. Following preparation with an oil massage, the performers will execute the art, using weapons such as bow and arrow, swords, spears, and maces. Afterwards for dinner, travel to Spice Village, set in 15 acres of spice gardens and resembling a traditional tribal community. At the restaurant, enjoy the timelessness of the place with its antique rosewood furniture and old-world atmosphere. Savor delicious South Indian cuisine flavored by local spices, prepared with fresh ingredients from the organic farm on site.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. OnDay : 11 Price : $38
Additional Information
Accommodation Details: The Nov 2 departure will be accommodated at Xandari Harbour in Kochi.
Trip ID
discovery-DSCV-IN-16DSSIN-PKG-17
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