Kerala & The Southern Highlights

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Excursions & trips

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Contrasting vastly from the north, southern India is an intensely tropical and wonderfully laid back region to explore. The emerald jewel in India’s crown, Kerala boasts a rich heritage and mystical backwaters, flanked by rice paddies and coconut groves, and plied by rustic kettuvallam.

Places Visited

Ireland – Chennai (3N) – Bangalore (1N) – Hassan (1N) – Mysore (1N) – Coonoor (2N) – Munnar (1N) – Periyar (2N) – Houseboat (1N) – Kumarakom (1N) – Kochi (2N) – Ireland

Tour Highlights

Explore the colonial buildings of Chennai
Visit Shravanabelahola, one of India’s most revered Jain pilgrimage sites
Cool off in the Western Ghats at Coonoor Hill Station
Take a ride on the Ooty Toy Train
Discover South India’s extensive wildlife at the Periyar Wildlife Reserve
Take a cruise on the Kerala Backwaters on your private houseboat

Dates & Prices 2023

Contact us for details

Additional Price Information:

Prices are based on Dublin departures
Flight upgrades available on request
Land only from €3690 (Chennai – Kochi)
Single room from €840
Tipping paid locally USD 90

Tour Overview

Days 1-2

Fly to Chennai

Fly overnight to Chennai.

Day 3

Discover Chennai

Enjoy a city tour of Chennai starting with a visit to Marina Beach, which is the second longest beach in the world. We also visit Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church and the Shiva Kapaleeswarar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Day 4

Mahabalipuram

Journey to Kanchipuram for sightseeing at the many temples and a visit to the Shreenivas Silk House. You'll then continue to Mahabalipuram to see the stunning 7th Century rock carvings and Shore Temple before you return to Chennai.

Day 5

Train to Bangalore

Travel by Shatabdi express to the Garden City of Bangalore and visit the Bull Temple, Tipu Sultans Palace and Vidhana Soudha Legislative Building.

Day 6

Travel to Hassan

Travel to Hassan and visit Shravanabelagola, which is one of the most revered Jain pilgrimage sites in India and home to the world's tallest free-standing statue. You'll also visit the 12th Century temples of Belur and Halebid, a part of Karnatakas rich cultural heritage.

Day 7

Mysore

Continue to Mysore via Srirangapatna Fort. Visit the Maharajas Palace and drive up to Chamundi Hill to see the 12th Century Sri Chamundeshwari Temple. Later visit the Nandi Bull statue. That night you will see a traditional cooking demonstration, hosted by a local family.

Day 8

Coonoor Hill Station

We head to the hills and enjoy a scenic drive to the beautiful hill station of Coonoor. Enjoy a walk around this quaint town in the evening.

Day 9

Ooty Narrow Gauge Rail

Take the narrow gauge toy train to Ooty, also known as the Queen of the Blue Mountain. Upon arrival you'll visit the Botanical Gardens and walk to a small village, to gain an insight into the lives of the local people. see the amazing view over Ooty and the surrounding mountains before returning to Coonoor.

Day 10

Munnar

We continue our descent from the highlands with a full day of driving through the spectacular Western Ghats to Munnar.

Day 11

Tea Plantation & Periyar

Visit a local tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum. Later, travel to Thekkady which is renowned for its spice shops and located next to Periyar Wildlife Reserve.

Day 12

Periyar Wildlife Reserve

Walk through the reserve in search of wildlife: elephants, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer and the elusive Bengal Tiger. Visit a local spice village and market. Enjoy a traditional martial arts Kalaripayattu show in the evening.

Day 13

Kerala Backwater Cruise

Leave Thekkady and drive to Pallathururuthy. Board your houseboat (kettuvallam) and cruise through the Kerala Backwaters. Dine on your houseboat this evening.

Day 14

Kumarakom

Disembark from your cruise boat and drive to Kumarakom. En route, stop at Allepey where we will visit a coir factory. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.

Day 15

Kumarakom to Kochi

Drive to Kochi. After lunch, visit the Kumbalagi fishing village.

Day 16

Kochi

Sightseeing today includes a visit to St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi and the Jewish Synagogue. We also see the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and stroll through the nearby markets. This evening, watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

Day 17

Fly Kochi to Ireland

Transfer to Kochi airport and fly to Ireland, arriving home later the same or following day.

Why Book This Tour?

This tour is suitable for those with a reasonable amount of time and who are interested in travelling to the main sights of southern India. This tour includes travel on train, by road and a night on a houseboat, all of which will give a different perspective on the beautiful and exotic landscape of southern India.

What’s Included

all international airfares
all domestic transportation, departure taxes and current fuel surcharges
all accommodation
all meals
entrance fees, guides and daily tours
visa fees for Irish and EU passport holders