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Must visit Temples of East & South India and Kerala Backwater

0/5
Duration

16 Nights/ 17 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

8 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a spiritual and cultural journey through the sacred landscapes of East and South India, complemented by a tranquil backwater experience in Kerala. Begin your adventure in colonial-era Kolkata, then explore Odisha’s architectural marvels including the Konark Sun Temple and Jagannath Temple. Witness the spiritual essence of South India through the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu, including UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples. Discover the French charm of Pondicherry and the majestic temple cities of Madurai and Trichy. Continue into the serene hills of Munnar and Thekkady’s spice-scented forests, before drifting through Alleppey’s magical backwaters on a houseboat. Conclude in Cochin with a cultural finale of Kathakali dance and historic coastal heritage.

Highlights

  • Explore the colonial charms and riverbank temples of Kolkata
  • Visit Odisha’s grand Konark Sun Temple and sacred Jagannath Temple
  • Discover Tamil Nadu’s UNESCO temples and spiritual architecture
  • Glide through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters on a traditional houseboat
  • Enjoy wildlife, plantations, and cultural dance in Kerala’s hill towns

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 43.4%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 42.2%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 49.9%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 47.8%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 54.0%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 52.0%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 57.1%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata

• Assistance upon arrival at Kolkata airport and transfer to hotel
• Time at leisure to rest after the international journey
• Overnight at hotel in Kolkata

Day 2: Kolkata City Tour

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Fort William, a colonial-era military structure by the Hooghly River
• Explore Victoria Memorial, a white marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria
• Tour Netaji Bhawan, the residence-turned-museum of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
• Cross the iconic Howrah Bridge, one of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world
• Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a riverside shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali
• Overnight at hotel in Kolkata

Day 3: Kolkata - Bhubaneswar (Flight)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to airport and board flight to Bhubaneswar
• Visit Parasurameshwar Temple, a classic example of early Odishan architecture
• See the exquisite carvings of Mukteshwar Temple, known as the ‘Gem of Odisha’
• Admire Rajarani Temple, famed for its sensual sculptures and sandstone work
• Explore Lingaraj Temple (view from outside for non-Hindus), a living temple complex
• Visit Udayagiri & Khandagiri Jain caves carved by King Kharavela
• See the Ashokan rock edicts at Dhauli, site of Kalinga War's aftermath
• Overnight at hotel in Bhubaneswar

Day 4: Bhubaneswar – Konark – Puri (60kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Puri, enroute visit Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO site built in 13th century
• Stop at Pipili village to see traditional appliqué handicrafts
• Explore Raghurajpur heritage village, home to Pattachitra artists
• Visit Ramchandi Temple & scenic Chandrabhaga Beach
• Visit Jagannath Temple (outer view for non-Hindus), one of the Char Dham sites
• Evening at leisure on the beach in Puri
• Overnight at hotel in Puri

Day 5: Excursion to Chilika Lake (55kms one way)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Satapada and enjoy a boat ride on Chilika Lake
• Spot migratory birds and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the brackish lagoon
• Return to Puri and relax at the beach or explore the local market
• Overnight at hotel in Puri

Day 6: Puri – Bhubaneswar / Chennai (Flight)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to Bhubaneswar airport and fly to Chennai
• Visit Fort St. George and the colonial-era St. Mary’s Church
• Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Dravidian style
• Explore Vadapalani Murugan Temple and Government Museum
• Visit Santhome Cathedral, resting place of St. Thomas the Apostle
• Drive past Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world
• Overnight at hotel in Chennai

Day 7: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (160kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Pondicherry via Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram
• Visit Kailasanathar, Ekambareswarar & Kamakshi Amman Temples in Kanchipuram
• Explore Mahabalipuram’s Five Rathas, Krishna’s Butter Ball, and Shore Temple
• Walk through Arjuna’s Penance and cave temples carved in granite
• Arrive in Pondicherry and check in at hotel
• Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry

Day 8: Pondicherry

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Auroville and the iconic golden-domed Matrimandir
• Explore Pondicherry Museum with its Chola bronzes and relics
• Walk through the French Quarters and admire colonial architecture
• Visit Promenade Beach and local churches like Basilica of the Sacred Heart
• Evening free to explore seaside cafes and boutiques
• Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry

Day 9: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikondacholapuram – Darasuram – Thanjavur (220kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, a center for cosmic dance worship
• Explore Gangaikondacholapuram Temple, a grand example of Chola architecture
• Visit Darasuram’s Airavatesvara Temple with intricate stone carvings
• Arrive in Thanjavur and check in at hotel
• Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur

Day 10: Thanjavur – Trichy – Madurai (190kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a towering UNESCO World Heritage monument
• See Thanjavur Palace and Saraswathi Mahal Library
• Drive to Trichy and visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, India’s largest temple complex
• Visit Jambukeswarar Temple and climb Rock Fort Temple for panoramic views
• Continue to Madurai and check in at hotel
• Overnight at hotel in Madurai

Day 11: Madurai – Munnar (160kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple with colorful gopurams and sacred halls
• See Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, a fusion of Dravidian and Islamic architecture
• Visit Alagar Koil and Tiruparankundram, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan
• Drive through scenic Western Ghats to Munnar
• Arrive and check in at hotel in Munnar
• Overnight at hotel

Day 12: Munnar

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Pothamedu View Point and rolling tea gardens
• Explore Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point
• Visit Rajamala inside Eravikulam National Park to see Nilgiri Tahr
• Visit the Tea Museum to learn about Kerala’s tea industry
• Evening at leisure to enjoy mountain air
• Overnight at hotel in Munn

Day 13: Munnar – Ramakkalmedu – Thekkady (100kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Thekkady via Ramakkalmedu, famous for Kuravan & Kurathi statues
• Visit Frog Rock and the wind farm along the way
• Arrive in Thekkady and check in at hotel
• Evening free to explore local markets
• Overnight at hotel

Day 14: Thekkady

• Breakfast at hotel
• Boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to spot wildlife along the lake
• Visit a spice plantation growing cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper
• Optional cultural show or martial arts performance in the evening
• Overnight at hotel in Thekkady

Day 15: Thekkady – Alleppey (160kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat
• Sail through serene backwaters lined with coconut trees and villages
• Enjoy freshly cooked lunch and dinner onboard
• Watch the sunset from your private sun deck
• Overnight in deluxe houseboat with all amenities

Day 16: Alleppey – Cochin (60kms)

• Breakfast onboard, disembark at Alleppey jetty
• Drive to Cochin and check in at hotel
• Visit Fort Kochi, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue & St. Francis Church
• Explore local spice markets and antique shops at Jew Town
• Evening enjoy Kathakali dance performance with costume preparation demo
• Overnight at hotel in Cochin

Day 17: Cochin – Departure

• Breakfast at hotel
• As per your flight schedule, transfer to Cochin airport
• Board onward flight with memories of divine temples and serene landscapes

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 16 Nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Kolkata - Bhubaneshwar - Chennai flight fare approx. ₹15500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?

We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels, luxury resorts, boutique properties, or the best available quality options, especially in regions where premium hotels may be limited. All properties are chosen for their comfort, location, service standards, and unique guest experiences. In case a specific hotel is unavailable, a property of equivalent standard will be provided.

Hotels used or similar for this tour (16 Nights Accommodation):

Kolkata – 2 Nights: ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection / The Lalit Great Eastern
Bhubaneshwar – 1 Night: Mayfair Lagoon / Trident Hotel
Puri – 2 Nights: MAYFAIR Heritage / Mayfair Waves
Chennai – 1 Night: Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai / Hilton Chennai
Pondicherry – 2 Nights: Palais De Mahe / La Villa
Thanjavur – 1 Night: Svatma
Madurai – 1 Night: Courtyard by Marriott / The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
Munnar – 2 Nights: Chandys Windy Woods / Blanket Hotel & Spa
Thekkady – 2 Nights: Spice Village / Hills & Hues
Alleppey – 1 Night: Luxury Houseboat (Full Time AC)
Cochin – 1 Night: Kochi Marriott Hotel / Xandari Harbour

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

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