Kerala and the Southern Highlights
Kerala and the Southern Highlights
Kerala and the Southern Highlights
18 Days Starting in UK and ending in UK
Tour operator:
Tour code:
394
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Southern India offers an intensely tropical and laidback experience compared to the north. Travel from the stunning hill stations to the tranquil backwaters on this in-depth journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly To Chennai
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to the city of Chennai and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Discover Mamallapuram
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast and tour introduction, you will travel to Mamallapuram. On arrival you will explore this coastal temple town, seeing the fascinating 7th and 8th-century rock carvings including the magnificent Shore Temple and the impressive Varaha Cave.
Day 4: Chennai City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Chennai. Formerly known as Madras, the city was developed as a British trading post and so is home to a number of colonial sights. A city tour begins at the 13 kilometre Marina Beach before a stop at Fort St. George, established by the East India Company, and the British built St. Mary’s Church. The final stop is the colourful Shiva Kapaleeswarar Temple.
Day 5: Train To Bangalore
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early to catch the Shatabdi Express to the garden city of Bangalore. Take an afternoon city tour to see the Bull Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Vidhana Soudha.
Day 6: Mysore
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head to Mysore, stopping at Srirangapatna Fort en route. Visit the magnificent Maharaja's Palace and drive up to Chamundi Hill to admire the 12th-century Sri Chamundeshwari Temple and Nandi Bull. Tonight, enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration hosted by a local family.
Day 7: Ooty
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey up into the cool climes of the Western Ghats to the beautiful hill station of Ooty. Relax and appreciate the peace and natural splendour of this quaint town.
Day 8: Narrow Gauge Railway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
All aboard the miniature, narrow gauge 'Toy Train' to the 2nd hill station of Coonoor. Upon arrival you will tour the tea plantation and enjoy the stunning mountain views. Return to Ooty by coach, to visit the botanical gardens and walk to a small village to meet the locals, gaining insight into their lives.
Day 9: Travel To Coimbatore
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you will depart for Coimbatore, driving driving through the hilly roads for 3 and half hours. Enjoy an afternoon city tour, visiting Sri Svetambra Vimalanthar Jain Temple and Athar Jamid Mosque.
Day 10: Munnar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Munnar, a hill station enveloped by lush tea plantations. In the afternoon visit a tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum. This day is at altitude.
Day 11: Travel To Thekkady
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today explore Eravikulam National Park where you will have the opportunity to spot the local wildlife (closed Feb-Apr, an alternative light trek will be available). Continue your journey to Thekkady, home of Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. This day is at altitude.
Day 12: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Though designated a Tiger Reserve in 1978, the Periyar Wildlife Reserve is best known for its elephants. Take a walk through the reserve, keeping an eye out for its resident elephant population, as well as wild dogs, barking deer, mouse deer and the elusive Bengal Tiger. Visit a spice village and browse a local market before enjoying a traditional Kalaripayattu (martial art) show this evening.
Day 13: Drive To Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to the coastal town of Kochi. This evening enjoy an exuberant Kathakali dance performance.
Day 14: Explore Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a full day tour of Kochi. Start at St Francis Church, the first European church built in India, before a visit to Santa Cruz Basilica, where you can get excellent views of more Chinese fishing nets. Finish by admiring the synagogue in the heart of the Jewish Quarter and a stroll around the nearby markets.
Day 15: Backwaters Cruising
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Kumarakom where you’ll board your houseboat, stopping en route at Kumbalangi, a village created to highlight the lifestyle of fisher-folk in the area. Later board your houseboat a converted rice barge, known as a kettuvallam. Sit back and watch life on the water and the surrounding, untouched wilderness as you cruise unhurriedly along the canals. A delicious dinner of traditional cuisine will be served on board and you'll spend a comfortable night on the water.
Day 16: Discover Trivandrum
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take breakfast on your boat before disembarking and heading for the beach town of Kovalam. Stop on the way in Kerala's capital Trivandrum to discover the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Observatory and Sri Chitra Art Gallery.
Day 17: Kovalam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning take a walking tour of the town and visit the lighthouse. The rest of the day is yours to relax, or head to the beach, until a farewell dinner this evening.
Day 18: Fly Trivandrum To Uk
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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All meals
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Domestic transportation
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3* plus – 4* accommodation
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Touring with guides and entrance fees
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Visa fees for UK passport holders
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Drinks with Meals
Accommodation
Residency Hotel
The Residency Hotel is a short distance to the city’s corporate and shopping areas. The en-suite rooms feature modern amenities including, TV and and tea/coffee facilities. A breakfast buffet is served daily in the Spice Bar, which also offers lunch and dinner, with guests also having the option to order a la carte from the Chin Chin restaurant.
The Ideal Beach Resort
Located along the Bay of Bengal and surrounded by 12 acres of lush greenery, The Ideal Beach Resort is the perfect place to relax after a day filled with adventure. Home to a private beach, finished with huts and hammocks, the resort will offer a truly Ideal holiday experience. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Ayurvedic massage centre and spa. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and offer tea and coffee making facilities, a safe and daily newspaper.
Adarsh Hamilton Hotel
Situated in a quiet neighbourhood off Richmond Circle in the heart of Bangalore's Central Business District, Adarsh Hamilton Hotel offers luxurious en-suite rooms featuring modern amenities including, TV, tea/coffee facilities and a safety deposit box. Superb facilities include a restaurant, free Wi-Fi and fitness centre.
The Grand Mercure
Conveniently located just minutes away from the Mysore Palace and Mysore Zoo, The 4* Grand Mercure Hotel sits within the heart of the city. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with a modern flare and is equipped with a rooftop pool, gym and all day dining restaurant. Other facilities include a bar, serving a sophisticated collection of cocktails, mocktails, spirits and wines.
Fortune Resort Sullivan Court
Located within the scenic surroundings of Ooty, the 4* Fortune Resort Sullivan Court is a modern-day tribute to the founder of the city, John Sullivan. The resort is just 1km from the city centre and provides a wide selection of facilities to guests, including restaurants, serving flavours of India as well as cuisines from around the world, as well as a contemporary bar, spa and gym. Rooms are beautifully furnished and equipped with a minibar, coffee and tea maker as well as air conditioning and flatscreen TV.
The Silvertips
With its convenient location, The Silvertips hotel offers easy access to Munnar’s must-see destinations. The hotel features 60 beautifully appointed en-suite rooms, many of which include a balcony/terrace, complimentary bottled water, TV and a coffee/tea maker. The hotel also offers access to a vast array of services, including free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and spa.
Poetree Sarovar Portico
Located in the midst of untouched land, the 4* Poetree Sarovar Portico resort allows guests to immerse themselves within nature, allowing for unforgettable views over the Periyar Forest, home to some of the most conservated wildlife in the country. Resort facilities include a spa and sanctuary, offering only the best Indian rejuvenation therapies, as well as a variety of dining options serving both Indian and international cuisines. Rooms here are inspired by warm tones and are equipped with air condition, mini bar and tea/ coffee making facilities plus much more.
Casino Hotel Kochi
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Fort Cochin, the Casino Hotel combines relaxed Keralan style with modern comforts. There is an outdoor pool, gym, lounge and shop, whilst the restaurants serve Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine and specialise in fresh fish dishes. There is also free Wi-Fi and an Ayurveda massage service. Bedrooms are bright and spacious with typically Keralan aspects and offer air conditioning, safe, minibar, television and en suite bathroom.
AC Deluxe Houseboat
Located in Allepy, the traditional 80 feet long crafts have been adapted into luxuriously furnished houseboats. Each houseboat is beautifully decorated with coir mattress on the floor. Modern comforts include a spacious living/dining area and sun deck, with an airy passage and neat kitchen. Clean towels and blankets are also provided.
Uday Samudra Beach Resort
Located by the famed beaches of Kovalam, 15 metres from the sea, Uday Samudra Beach Resort is an exclusive 5 Star leisure beach hotel - a destination by itself. The hotel boasts luxurious air-conditioned en-suite rooms with modern amenities and the restaurant serves a variety of delicious Chinese, continental and local dishes. Live cultural programmes also can be enjoyed during dinner time.
Experiences
Kumbalangi Village Life
Glimpse the traditional lifestyle of Kerala's fisher-folk with a visit to Kumbalangi, where you can see the villagers going about their day to day activities and discover traditional handicrafts.
Kalaripayattu Martial Arts
Marvel at the strength and agility of Kalaripayattu practitioners at a performance of Kerala's traditional art form. This old martial art combines defensive steps and stances with weaponry such as daggers, spears, maces and bows and arrows.
Kerala Cooking Demonstration
Hosted by a local family in their home, take part in a cooking demonstration of tasty, traditional treats, learning the skills and techniques needed to prepare delicious Keralan dishes.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Any dress restrictions?
When visiting temples or mosques, both men and women should dress in conservative, non-revealing clothing. Full-length trousers with a shirt or t-shirt for men; and trousers or skirts well below the knee with a top that covers the shoulders and upper arms for women. Women might also consider carrying a ‘modesty shawl’ in their daypack
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.