16Nights / 17Days tour – Beyond backwaters and beaches.
Indulge yourself on this exclusive tour of South India, known for ancient, intricately detailed Hindu temples, resplendent backwaters, and secluded, pristine beaches. Experience the historical traditions, indigenous people, culinary delights and distinctive accommodations. Authentic Ayurveda treatments as and when you please. Robin, the founder of Serene Journeys, is your resident tour director, curating and looking after every aspect throughout the experience.
BANGALORE – HAMPI – MYSORE – CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY – CHIDAMBARAM – THANJAVUR – MADURAI – MUNNAR – KOCHI – BACKWATERS – KOVALAM – TRIVANDRUM
14thApril, Tue Bangalore arrival
Kindly advise your flight details.
Upon arrival, our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
VIP welcome (kindly look out for ‘Serene Journeys’ placard with your name on it as you walk out aerobridge (at Arrival Gate) including guiding you through immigration and baggage reclaim and on to your car.
Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka state of India. Situated in southern India on the Deccan Plateau, at an altitude of about 900 m (3,000 ft) above sea level, the city is acknowledged for its pleasant climate all over the year.
Welcome Dinner, at 7.30pm. The first round of toss is on us.
Overnight at hotel (D)
15thApril, Wed Bangalore – Hampi
Overnight train 16592, 2212/0710 +1
Early breakfast and we go on a guided sightseeing tour of Bangalore.
Visit Vidhan Sabha – the house of Karnataka’s State legislative assembly. The Vidhana Soudha and the centre of Justice of the city, The Attara Kacheri are two monumental buildings standing right in the heart of the City. The Neo Dravidian style Vidhana Soudha constructed using only pure Granite. Continue to Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, a walk through this heritage park reconnects you with nature, boasting a huge number of species of rich flora and fauna.
Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, this Historic monument supported by classical Teak wood pillars stands as an Indo-Saracenic architectural genius in the heart of the city of Bangalore. The 19th-century Bangalore Palace, a unique imitation of Windsor Castle.
End the tour with a blessing from the Bull temple. This temple display Nandi God statue carved on a monolithic rock measuring 15 feet high. This historic temple in the city dates back to the 15th Century and was built by the Vijayanagara Empire rulers. In the same yard, there is also a ‘Dodda Ganapathi temple’ which houses 18 feet high monolithic Ganesha statue which is also called as ‘Satya Ganapathi’ meaning God of Truth.
Later come back to the hotel for brief rest and freshen up before check-out at 8PM. Guarantee late check-out.
Transfer to the railway station to board your train to Hampi.
Overnight on train.
16thApril, Thu Hampi
Morning at 7.10AM we arrive at Hospet Junction, meet & greet and transfer to the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel.
Hampi’s monuments are yours to explore all day. These rocks dominate the landscape and are rarely out of sight. The tour includes visits to Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Monolith Bull, Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Hemakuta Hill temples, Big Shivlinga, Vithala Temple, Hazara Rama Temple, Queen’s Bath, Zanana Enclosure and the Lotus Mahal), Elephant Stables, Achyut Raya Temple, Statue of Ugra Narsimha, Virupaksha Temple, Mahanavmi Dibba, the Stepped Bath.
Evening is at leisure
Overnight at hotel (B)
17thApril, Fri Hampi – Mysore
Overnight train 16591, 2105/0920 +1
Today enjoy a full day excursion to Aihole, Pattadakkal and Badami. These significant centres of the Chalukya Dynasty, Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal have been frequently visited since the sixth century due to the temple architecture, stone artwork, and construction techniques. Rightly termed the Cradle of Hindu Rock Architecture, all three sites are absolutely must-visits for those interested in history and architecture.
Come back to the hotel, and brief rest. Guarantee late check-out at 7PM
Overnight on train (B)
18thApril, Sat Mysore
Morning at 9.20AM meet & greet at the railway station and transfer to the hotel and breakfast.
Brief rest, we go on a guided sightseeing tour of Srirangapatna.
Visit to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple dedicated to the Hindu god Ranganatha. It is one of the five important pilgrimage sites of Sri Vaishnavism along the river Kaveri for devotees of Ranganatha.
Tombs of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali (Gumbaz), The Gumbaz was raised by Tipu Sultan in 1782-84 at Srirangapatna to serve as a mausoleum for his father and mother. The original carved doors of the mausoleum have been removed and are now displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. The present doors made of ebony and decorated with ivory were gifted by Lord Dalhousie. The Gumbaz is designed in the Persian style, with a large rectangle shaped garden, having a path leading to the mausoleum.
On the way back, visit the Chamundi Temple, set on a hill high above the city.
Evening is at leisure.
Overnight at hotel (B)
19thApril, Sun Mysore – Chennai
By train 12008, 1415/2140
Leisurely breakfast and we go on a guided visit to the Maharaja’s Palace which is lavishly
decorated in a mixture of styles.
Continue to St. Philomena Cathedral, a Catholic church that is the cathedral of the Diocese of Mysore. It was constructed in 1936 using a Neo Gothic style and its architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. This is one of the tallest churches in Asia.
Back to the hotel for brief rest
Later transfer to the railway station to board your train to Chennai.
Upon arrival, meet & greet and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (B)
20thApril, Mon Chennai
After breakfast and we go on a guided sightseeing tour of Chennai.
Once the most important seaport for the East India Company, and recognized as Southern India’s cultural, culinary and artistic hub, Chennai is a fascinating mix of old and new with a collection of urban villages and neighborhoods and a new cosmopolitan appeal seen in the assortment of boutiques, quirky cafés, contemporary restaurants, and a smattering of glamorous bars and clubs. Tour includes highlights of the ancient Shiva Temple; the San Thome Cathedral, where the remains of St. Thomas are said to be housed; Fort St. George, built in 1653 by the British East India Company; and the Government Museum which is home to one of the finest collections of bronze sculptures in the country.
Evening is at leisure
Overnight at hotel (B)
21stApril, Tue Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
This morning, we head to Pondicherry en-route visiting the ancient Pallava capital of Mahabalipuram to see its Group of Monuments, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Bhagiratha’s Penance, a bas-relief sculpted over enormous rocks that depicts life-size figures of animals, gods and saints, all watching the holy Ganges River flow from the Himalaya. Nearby, see its shallow mandapas (pillared halls), sculpted out of the rocky hillside and portraying stories of Indian mythology. Finally, stop at the Shore Temple, surrounded by gardens designed according to ancient texts and the site of some remarkable seaside monuments including the 7th century open-air Tamil art museum and the famous Shore Temple.
South Indian Lunch stop.
Pondicherry, known affectionately as Pondy, is one of India’s most tranquil cities and was a location in Ang Li’s film ‘Life of Pi’. Established as the headquarters of the French East India Company in 1674, it is awash with yellow and white houses and colourful bougainvillea. This afternoon we visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by the Indian philosopher, yogi, guru, poet and nationalist Sri Aurobindo in 1926. The ashram is home to 1,200 devotees, including the 400 students of the Centre of Education, who live and work in the complex. The focus of community life is the Ashram’s main building, in which Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator Mirra Alfassa, who came to be known as ‘The Mother’, dwelt for most of their lives.
At its centre, under a tree-shaded courtyard, lies the Samadhi, a white-marble shrine where their bodies are laid to rest. Later we wander through the 18th-century French Quarter, which is full of colonial mansions, tree-lined bicycle routes, parks, cafés and boutiques.
Overnight at hotel (B,L)
22ndApril, Wed Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Thanjavur
After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur en-route Chidambaram to visit the vibrant Natraja Temple, famed for its bronze dancing Shiva and one of the holiest of all Shiva sites. Observe the daily Brahmin rituals at shrines throughout the 40-acre complex before continuing our journey to Thanjavur.
Thanjavur is the home of one of India’s most spectacular temples, the ochre-coloured granite Brihadisvara Temple, which we’ll visit this morning. A UNESCO World Heritage site, built by King Rajaraja I to celebrate a military victory between 1003 and 1010, the temple exhibits architectural excellence: from the musical pillars, Chola-style murals and lime plaster frescoes to stucco sculptures of Lord Shiva’s various incarnations and ancient Tamil inscriptions. The central tower has 16 tiers rising to a height of 66 metres, making it one of the tallest of its kind in the world.
Several shrines dot the sprawling lawns of the complex, including one of India’s largest statues of Nandi (Shiva’s sacred bull) carved out of a single rock.
Later, we visit the magnificent 14th-century Tanjore Palace built for Maratha royalty and surrounded by huge fortress walls. Wander through its huge corridors, spacious halls and decorated rooms, and admire its beautiful stucco works, frescoed wall paintings and intricate carvings.
Overnight at hotel (B)
23rdApril, Thu Thanjavur – Madurai (5 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in South Asia, en-route, visit a Chettinad village and lunch at a local restaurant.
The temple town of Madurai is known as the ‘Athens of the East’ with its rich cultural heritage spanning more than 2,500 years. Madurai is home to a maze of markets and museums. This evening witness a Hindu prayer ceremony (‘aarti’) at the 12th-century Meenaskshi Temple, a multi-tiered, technicolor wonder of a building, heaving with carved mythical figures and devoted pilgrims.
Overnight at hotel (B)
24thApril, Fri Madurai – Munnar (5 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Munnar. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel.
Visit the tea factory. Enjoy the experience of witnessing the complete tea-making process from leaf picking to tea processing and then packaging. If you wish, you can be a part of the ‘Make your tea’ program where along the pickers; you pick the leaves from the estate and process it yourself in their miniature factory.
Overnight at hotel (B)
25thApril, Sat Munnar – Kochi (4 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Kochi and go on a guided visit to one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in India, decorated with blue ceramic Chinese tiles and surrounded by an aromatic spice market. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) and visit St. Francis Church, both of which were erected by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
Later check-in to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (B)
26thApril, Sun Cochin – Backwaters (2hrs)
After breakfast transfer to a 4-bedroom luxury houseboat, and sail on the backwaters. Indulge in a traditional Malayali meal freshly prepared by your own chef and traditionally served on a banana leaf. Discover the lakes, rivers, channels and the fascinating life along with waterfront
Lunch & dinner onboard.
Overnight Houseboat (B,L,D)
27thApril, Mon Backwaters – Kovalam (approx. 160 kms/4.5 hrs)
After breakfast, disembark and we drive to Kovalam. A beach paradise unlike any other.
Rest of the day at leisure / own activity.
Overnight at hotel (B)
28thApril, Tue Kovalam
Full day is at leisure/ own activity.
Evening go on a Sparkling sunset cruise through unspoiled coconut groves on either side of the river with a glimpse of rural life. The boat leads you up to Golden Sand Beach where you can see where backwater meets the Arabian Sea. Sip into chilled Sparkling wine as you enjoy the sunset from the comfort of the motorboat and enjoy a selection of Deluxe canapé’s that our Team has put together for you.
Overnight at hotel. (B)
29thApril, Wed Kovalam
Full day is at leisure / own activity.
Farewell Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (B)
30thApril, Thu Kovalam – Trivandrum – departure
Kindly advise your flight details.
Today, we transfer you to Trivandrum airport for your onward connecting flight.
HOTELS:
| DESTINATION | HOTEL |
| BANGALORE | TAJ WEST END (Heritage Colonial design) |
| HAMPI | EVOLVE BACK (Palatial style modern luxury) |
| MYSORE | ROYAL ORCHID METROPOLE (Luxury heritage) |
| CHENNAI | TAJ CONNEMARA (5 Star Luxury) |
| PONDICHERRY | PALAIS DE MAHE (Boutique luxury heritage) |
| THANJAVUR | SVATMA (Luxury heritage retreat) |
| MADURAI | THE GATEWAY PASUMALAI (Colonial style luxury) |
| MUNNAR | WINDERMERE ESTATE (Estate Retreat) |
| KOCHI | SECRET GARDEN (Boutique Heritage) |
| ALLEPPEY | SPICEROUTE / XANDARI (4-BR luxury houseboat) |
| KOVALAM | SURYA SAMUDRA (Boutique luxury Retreat) |
INCLUSIONS:
- 16 night’s hotel accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis unless specified.
- Arrival & departure assistance at airport & railway station
- VIP meet and greet on arrival in Bangalore
- FULL-time resident tour director.
- Transportation using an air-conditioned AC 10-seater Maharaja.
- Services of English-speaking local guides as per the program.
- Entrances fee to the monuments as per the program (01-time visit)
- Welcome dinner in Bangalore
- South Indian lunch in Mahaballipuram
- Visit to Chettinad village & lunch at a local restaurant
- Tea plantation experience in Munnar
- Sparkling sunset cruise in Kovalam
- Afternoon hi-tea at a secluded beach in Kovalam
- Farewell dinner in Kovalam
- Guaranteed late-check-out in Bangalore and Hampi.
- Train tickets for sectors Bangalore – Hampi, Hampi – Mysore, Mysore – Chennai (AC 2ndsleeper class but we will try for 1stAC)
- All presently applicable taxes
COST:
PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARING: $4605 INCLUSIVE TAXES
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: $1390
Payment Schedule:
- Deposit Per Person at Time of Booking: 50% (full-payment if within 120 days of departure).
- Final Payment Due: 120 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Fees Per Person:
- 121 days prior to departure or more: 10% of the tour price.
- 120-91 days prior to departure: 20% of the tour price.
- 90-61 days prior to departure: 50% of the tour price.
- 60 days prior to departure or less: 100% of the tour price.
Cancellations must be received in writing.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR:
- Travel Insurance; international airfares.
- Costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas.
- Excess baggage charges; gratuities to local guides / the Resident Tour Director.
- Meals other than those specified in the itinerary; room service, beverages other than those noted in inclusions above.
- Sightseeing not included in the published itinerary; and personal expenses such as laundry, telephone and optional activities (which are subject to availability).
HOTEL CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT:
Most hotels allow check-in to take place during the mid-afternoon while check-out is expected by noon. Should you wish to have a guaranteed room ready for your immediate check-in upon arrival or late-check-out, it can be arranged for an additional charge.
ROOM UPGRADES/SPECIAL REQUESTS:
Upgrades are available on request at individual hotels. Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking rooms and special dietary needs should be advised at time of booking. Please note that while every effort will be made to secure a special request, it cannot be guaranteed.
BAGGAGE:
Please note should your journey include internal/domestic flights, your luggage allowance may be less than two (2) pieces of baggage and weight/size restrictions. Standard check-in baggage allowance is 15Kg and additional costs may apply.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is not included in the price of the program and is recommended. Please purchase a good Travel Protection Program (which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or stolen or damaged luggage)
PHOTOGRAPHY DURING TRAVEL:
SJ reserves the right to take photographs and video during the operation of any tour and to use them for promotional purposes during the program and thereafter. By booking a program with SJ, guests agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs and video. Guests who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to their Resident Tour Director at the beginning of their program.