India Dravida

India Dravida

11 Days Starting in Chennai, India and ending in Kochi, India

Visiting: SUBHSA, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Madurai, Mlappara, Kochi

Tour operator:

Le Passage to India

Tour code:

254390

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 20

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish
From: $1865

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Join this elen-day tour and discover the mysteries of some of the India Dravid´s most enigmatic cities. Get the first insight into the Indian vibrant culture and delightful food in the charming capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai. Admire the “City of Thousands of Temples”, Kachipuram, located on the voluptuous banks of the river Vegavathy and get amazed by the astonishing architecture of The Great Living Chola Temples in Darasurum. Be taught about the glorious history of Madurai, one of the ancient cities of South India and get to know the mythology and legends of the Minakshi-Sundareshwara Temple. This trip will fill all your senses and will leave great memories for the lifetime.  

Highlights

  • Chennai: The capital of Tamil Nadu is considered the most important cultural and economic center of southern India

  • Mahabalipuram: The sand-colored temples of this area are on the Unesco World Heritage list and represent a glorious past of the Pallava dynasty

  • Thanjavur: Visit the best example of Chola architecture in Tamil Nadu with the Brihadeshwara temple on the outskirts of Thanjavur

  • Madurai: The great Hindu temple of Meenakshi and its more than 30,000 figures

  • Periyar: One of the most famous nature reserves in the country where, with a bit of luck, you will see elephants, a variety of birds and even wild tigers

  • Kochi: This coastal town boasts a lot of history and European influence that is perceived throughout the City.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival Chennai

Location: SUBHSA

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Residency Tower or similar 4*, Hyatt Regency or similar 5*

Once you arrive at Chennai Airport, you will be met by our tour representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Chennai (formerly Madras), the capital of Tamil Nadu, is located along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, and was established after 1639, when the British East India Company founded a fortress and a port. It was developed around the fortress of St. George. Many buildings are still reminiscent of the Colonial kingdom. The rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Chennai.

Day 2 : Chennai

Location: SUBHSA

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Residency Tower or similar 4*, Hyatt Regency or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before you leave for a half-day sightseeing tour of Chennai, which includes a visit to Fort St. George, completed in 1653 and today filled with reminders of the past, including St. Mary’s, the first church consecrated on Indian soil. You will stop at the National Museum of human history, culture (closed on Fridays) and also stroll along the Marina Beach, an elegant promenade and Chennai University, one of the three oldest universities in India, with its beautiful Senate House and the Nawab Palace. Then proceed to the old Indian section of Mylapore, where you will visit San Thome Basilica- the culmination of the enduring legend of Thomas Didymus, the apostle who doubted and who is believed to have lived and preached on Mylapore’s shores. The tour will be ending with the visit to the Temple of Kapaleeshwarar, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, who stands out for its thousands of colorful figures. Afterward, return to the hotel where you will enjoy the remainder of the afternoon free at leisure.

Overnight in Chennai.

Day 3 : Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (125 Km – 4.5 H)

Location: Mahabalipuram

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Grand Bay Resort or similar 4*, Radisson Temple Bay Resort or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before you leave Chennai and head to Mahabalipuram, with a stop en route to visit the ‘Golden City’ of Kanchipuram, which contains about 125 shrines dating back to the early Cholas of 200 BC. It was successively the capital of the Cholas, the Pallavas and the Rayas of Vijayanagara, and a testimony to this are its magnificent temples. Kanchipuram’s other claim to fame is its silk, renowned for more than four centuries. A unique system of weavers makes and sells Kanchi saris, the most sought-after saris in India. Later, continue with the drive to Mahabalipuram, and on arrival check-in at the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 4 : Mahabalipuram – Chidambaram – Darasuram – Thanjavur (270 Km – 6 Hrs)

Location: Thanjavur

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Great Trails River Resort or similar 3*, Svatma or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before you drive to Thanjavur. En route, stop at Chidambaram, and Darasuram. Chidambaram is an important pilgrimage center for the followers of God Shiva known for its famous Nataraja temple, an excellent example of the Dravidian architecture of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to the god Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. The dance represents the five activities of God: creation, preservation, destruction, vigilance, and blessing. We will continue to Darasuram, and we will visit one of the three ‘great living temples of Chola’, Airavetesvara Temple, whose complex was built by Chola Raja II and presents in the heart of the main enclosure an image of Shiva carved in stone. After the visit, we will continue to Thanjavur, whose region is referred to as the Tamil Nadu Rice Basin, and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day 5 : Thanjavur – Trichy – Thanjavur (60 Km - 2 Hrs)

Location: Thanjavur

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Great Trails River Resort or similar 3*, Svatma or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before you proceed for an excursion to the historical town of Trichy. Your first stop of the tour is at Rock Fort, which dominates the landscape at an altitude of 90 meters, followed by the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi. 434 steps carved into rock interspersed with shrines lead to this temple, while yet another flight leads to the temple of Lord Shiva. The ascent is rewarded with a magnificent view of the sacred Kaveri River. Then visit the island of Srirangam, a massive temple dedicated to Vishnu, which contains a bazaar within its walls. Its annual winter festival attracts thousands of devotees. After the tour, return back to your hotel.

Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day 6 : Thanjavur – Madurai (200 Km – 5.5 Hrs)

Location: Madurai

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Regency Madurai or similar 3*, Heritage or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, continue to your following destination, the holy city of Madurai, found in the heart of Tamil Nadu. Upon the arrival check in to your hotel. Then, join our tour of the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, detailed in a multitude of vivid colours. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with its 10 gopurams (towers) and more than 30,000 statues, then you will also visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th-century Indo-Saracenic style building. In the afternoon, you will attend a Hindu puja, a ritual where people give offerings to deities.

Overnight in Madurai.

Day 7 : Madurai – Periyar (145 Km – 4 Hrs)

Location: Mlappara

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Peppervine or similar 4*, Elephant Court or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart to Periyar, where you will check-in at around noon. Prepare to discover Periyar Nature Sanctuary and Thekkady Nature Park. The flora and fauna of Periyar’s wildlife sanctuary are absolutely thrilling, and the Periyar Lake is a paradise for nature lovers, the greatest delight it offers being the herds of elephants that come down to play in its waters. Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (PNP) is a protected area in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, India. It is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. Enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake (included) and contemplate the wildlife. Keep an eye out for sambhar, bison, spotted deer, tigers, leopards, Malabar flying squirrels, stripe-necked mongooses and more. Then we will visit a spice plantation to have an experience and learn about spices before returning to the hotel.

Overnight in Periyar.

Day 8 : Periyar – Alleppey (150 Km – 5 Hrs)

Location: Mlappara

Accommodation Name: Deluxe Houseboat

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy your delicious breakfast at the hotel and get ready for your following destination. You will depart to the “Venice of East” – Alleppey. Upon the arrival, you will be embarking on the traditional Boathouse. Get a new perspective from this boat trip among Kerala´s backwaters, lagoon, and canals. In the middle of the waterways, there are many hidden islands, towns, and cities and you will have a chance to get an insight into the profound lifestyle of the people living deep inside of these scenic surroundings. Enjoy your lunch on the board (included) and get yourself allure in this calm beautiful atmosphere. In the evening enjoy your dinner on the board (included).

Overnight on the Houseboat.

Day 9 : Alleppey – Kochi (60 Km – 1.5 Hrs)

Location: Kochi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casino Hotel or similar 4*, Le Meridien or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy your beautiful breakfast on the houseboat. After disembarking hop on your bus to depart for Kochi. Arrive in Kochi and check-in at the hotel. Enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in Kochi with a tour including the Jewish Quarter, a religion that came to Kochi in the 6th century BC. We will see the Mattancherry Synagogue and Palace. Then we move to the dock area with its Chinese fishing nets. We continue through the Dutch Palace built by the Portuguese in 1510. We also see the Church of San Francisco, the first Catholic church in India, built at the beginning of the 16th century and the final resting place of the explorer Vasco da Gama. At the end you will return to the hotel. The rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Kochi.

Day 10 : Kochi

Location: Kochi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casino Hotel or similar 4*, Le Meridien or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a leisurely breakfast in the hotel, step out into the vibrant streets of Kochi and enjoy a whole day exploring this fascinating location at your own rhythm. You can either wander around its colorful streets, sightseeing, shopping and trying local food, or relaxing at the hotel making the most of the available services. Today, you set the pace.

Overnight in Kochi.

Day 11 : Depart Kochi

Location: Kochi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to the Airport, where you’ll catch your connecting flight to your following destination.

What's Included

  • Tour Guide

    Operated with local English or Spanish-speaking guides.

  • Accommodation

    10 nights accommodation in various hotels and a deluxe houseboat.

  • Meals

    10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch (Day 8), and 1 Dinner (Day 8).

  • Transport

    Arrival transfer from Chennai International Airport to the hotel, departure transfer from the hotel to Kochi International Airport, and air-conditioned transportation on a shared basis.

  • Entrance Fees and Activities

    All monuments and parks as indicated: Government museum and fort in Chennai, Temples of Mahabalipuram, temples, and palace in Madurai, a sanctuary in Periyar, palace / Srirangapatnam in Mysore.

  • Other

    Meet & Greet on day 1 and porterage only in the airport.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals if not stated explicitly in the program.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions are not included.

  • Airfare and Taxes

    Any airfare, airport taxes, a supplement for which are quoted separately if applicable.

  • Tips

    Tips to drivers, local guides, and hotel staff.

  • Flight Tickets and Visa Fees

    International or domestic flight tickets and airport taxes or visa fees.

  • Unlisted Services

    Any service not listed above.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in India. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

  • Hotel early check-out, early check-in, late check-in, connecting or adjoining rooms are all subject to availability and not guaranteed
  • In many hotels in India, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than international standards of triple room
  • Please note that hotel classification is as per Indian standards.
  • Temples in Kanchipuram closed from 12:00-16:00 and visiting hours are only until 12:00
  • No refunds for unused services. Splitting the package is not allowed.
  • The distances and travel times described in the itinerary may vary. 
  • Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the contents of the tour without prior notice, including possible changes of hotels and/or itinerary
  • Please note we are able to accept clients' requests for Vegan meals.  

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 2 Chennai:

  • Standard Hotel Category = The Residency Tower or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hyatt Regency or similar 5*

 Day 3 Mahabalipuram:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Grand Bay Resort or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Temple Bay Resort or similar 5*

 Day 4,5 Thanjavur:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Great Trails River Resort or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Svatma or similar 5*

 Day 6 Madurai:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Regency Madurai or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Heritage or similar 5*

Day 7 Periyar:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Peppervine or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Elephant Court or similar 5*

 Day 8 Alleppey:

  • Standard & Superior Hotel Category = Deluxe Houseboat

 Day 9-10 Kochi (Cochin):

  • Standard Hotel Category = Casino Hotel or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Le Meridien or similar 5*

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 2 Chennai:

  • Standard Hotel Category = The Residency Tower or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hyatt Regency or similar 5*

 Day 3 Mahabalipuram:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Grand Bay Resort or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Temple Bay Resort or similar 5*

 Day 4,5 Thanjavur:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Great Trails River Resort or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Svatma or similar 5*

 Day 6 Madurai:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Regency Madurai or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Heritage or similar 5*

Day 7 Periyar:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Peppervine or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Elephant Court or similar 5*

 Day 8 Alleppey:

  • Standard & Superior Hotel Category = Deluxe Houseboat

 Day 9-10 Kochi (Cochin):

  • Standard Hotel Category = Casino Hotel or similar 4*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Le Meridien or similar 5*

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Periyar?

    In Periyar, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, sambhar, bison, spotted deer, tigers, leopards, Malabar flying squirrels, and stripe-necked mongooses. The Periyar Lake is also a great spot to observe herds of elephants.

  • What activities are included in the tour of Periyar?

    In Periyar, the tour includes a visit to the Periyar Nature Sanctuary and Thekkady Nature Park, a boat ride on Periyar Lake, and a visit to a spice plantation.

  • What is special about the temples in Kanchipuram?

    The temples in Kanchipuram are significant because they date back to the early Cholas of 200 BC and were successively the capital of the Cholas, the Pallavas, and the Rayas of Vijayanagara. The city is also renowned for its silk, with Kanchi saris being highly sought after in India.

  • What can I expect during the houseboat stay in Alleppey?

    During the houseboat stay in Alleppey, you will embark on a traditional boathouse and enjoy a boat trip among Kerala's backwaters, lagoons, and canals. You will have lunch and dinner on board and get an insight into the lifestyle of the people living in these scenic surroundings.

  • What historical sites will I visit in Kochi?

    In Kochi, you will visit the Jewish Quarter, Mattancherry Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, the dock area with Chinese fishing nets, the Dutch Palace, and the Church of San Francisco, which is the final resting place of the explorer Vasco da Gama.

  • What is included in the meals during the tour?

    The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner. There are also optional half-board and full-board supplements available at an additional cost, which include 10 breakfasts and 10 dinners for half-board, and 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners for full-board.

  • What kind of accommodation options are available during the tour?

    Accommodation options vary by location and include standard and superior hotel categories. For example, in Chennai, you can stay at The Residency Tower (4*) or Hyatt Regency (5*). In Mahabalipuram, options include Grand Bay Resort (4*) or Radisson Temple Bay Resort (5*). In Alleppey, you will stay on a Deluxe Houseboat.

  • Are there any specific clothing requirements for visiting temples in India?

    Yes, visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Shoes should also be removed before entering a temple or private house.

  • What is the significance of the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai?

    The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is significant for its 10 gopurams (towers) and more than 30,000 statues. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its vivid colors and intricate details. The temple is a major pilgrimage site and a fine example of Dravidian architecture.

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Le Passage to India requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of le passage to india charges.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.