12 Days South India Tour

12 Days South India Tour

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12 Days From

$2644

$1058

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Tour Overview

Embark on a 12-day journey through South India's vibrant culture and scenic landscapes. Begin in Cochin, where colonial history and modern life harmonize. After exploring Cochin, travel to Alleppey to experience the serene backwaters, followed by a relaxing beach stay in Varkala. From Varkala, journey to Kanyakumari, where the confluence of the three seas offers breathtaking views. Continue to Madurai, famous for its majestic Meenakshi Temple, and then head to Trichy and Puducherry, where French colonial charm meets Tamil culture. Visit Mahabalipuram, renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures, before heading to Kanchipuram, known as the city of a thousand temples. Finally, conclude your trip in Chennai, a dynamic metropolis with a rich cultural heritage. This tour blends history, nature, spirituality, and architecture, offering a deep dive into the heart of South India. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • • Explore historic sites and markets in Kochi

  • • Experience a houseboat stay in Alappuzha

  • • Relax on the tranquil beaches of Varkala

  • • Visit the spiritual centers in Kanyakumari

  • • Discover ancient temples in Madurai

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival at Cochin

Location: Kochi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3 Star Deluxe

Meals Included: Breakfast

On the day of arrival at Cochin airport, our UncleSam Holidays representative will assist you at the airport and later transfer to your pre-booked hotel for night stay.

Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2 : At Cochin

Location: Kochi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3 Star Deluxe

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later proceed for full day sightseeing tour to Cochin visit, Fort Kochi, Jewish synagogue, St.Francis Church, Marine Drive, Hill Palace, Dutch Palace, Pareekshit Thampuran Museum, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Bolgatty Island, Indo Portuguese Museum.

In the evening time enjoy the kathakali dance show, one of India's most famous classical dances with lavish costumes, exotic makeup & masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 3 : Cochin - Alleppey (53 Kms / 1.30 Hrs)

Location: Alappuzha

Accommodation Name: Deluxe Houseboat

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later check out and proceed for backwater to enjoy the houseboat journey.

Upon arrival at Alleppey check-in to your pre-booked houseboat for night stay. Later proceed for backwaters & lagoons on Alappuzha, Enjoy your lunch and dinner at houseboat. Evening walk around the local street of Alappuzha.
Overnight at Houseboat.

Day 4 : Alleppey - Varkala (110 Kms / 3.30 Hrs)

Location: Varkala

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3 Star Deluxe

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today morning after breakfast at Houseboat, later check out and drive to Varkala. Upon arrival at Varkala check-in to your pre-booked hotel for night stay. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 5 : At Varkala

Location: Varkala

Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3 Star Deluxe

Meals Included: Breakfast, Breakfast

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later proceed for sightseeing tour to Varkala, visit Sivagiri, Janardhana Swamy Temple, Vishnu Temples, the Papasnanam Beach, Kappil Lake, Ponnumthuruthu Island (golden island).

Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 6 : At Varkala

Location: Varkala

Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3 Star Deluxe

Meals Included: Breakfast, Breakfast

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 7 : Varkala - Kanyakumari (135 Kms / 4 Hrs)

Location: Kanniyakumari

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3 Star Deluxe

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later check out and drive to Kanyakumari, via en-route visit to Padmanabhapuram palace at Padmanabhapuram. Upon arrival at Kovalam check-in to your pre-booked hotel for night stay.

After refresh yourself, later proceed for sightseeing tour to Kanyakumari, visit Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari mandir (One of the Fifty Two Shakti Peethas), Tri samudra milan, Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam also Sthanumalayan Temple.

Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 8 : Kanyakumari - Madurai (245 Kms / 4.30 Hrs)

Location: Madurai

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3 Star Deluxe

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later check out and drive to Madurai, via en-route visit to Chokkanathar Temple and Samanar Hills also known as Samanar Malai or Amanarmalai at Keelakuilkudi. Upon arrival at Madurai check-in to your pre-booked hotel for night stay.

After refresh yourself, later proceed for guided tour to Madurai, visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum and Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam.

After finish your guided tour to Madurai, later experience the evening prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 9 : Madurai - Trichy - Puducherry (354 Kms / 5.30 Hrs)

Location: Puducherry

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3 Star Deluxe

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later check out and drive to Puducherry, via en-route visit to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), visit Rock Fort Temple, Jambukeshwara Temple, Arulmigu Uchi Pillaiyar Temple and Sri Rangam Temple.

After finish your sightseeing tour at Trichy, later continue drive to Puducherry. Upon arrival at Puducherry check-in to your pre-booked hotel for night stay.

Evening enoy the heritage walk in the French colonies, will spot the beautiful yellow & white walls, European styles streets and a walk along the sea.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10 : Puducherry - Mahabalipuram (105 Km / 1.30 Hrs)

Location: Mahabalipuram

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3 Star Deluxe

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later check out and proceed for sightseeing tour to Puducherry, visit Auroville town, Aurobindo Ashram, Government Museum, The Sacred Heart Basilica, French War memorial, Mahe de Labourdonnais St and Pondy Bazaar. Also visit Memorial House, Manakula Vinayagar Temple and Vedapureeswarar Temple.

After finish your visit to Puducherry, later continue drive to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival at Mahabalipuram check-in to your pre-booked hotel for night stay.

Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11 : Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai (145 Kms / 4 Hrs)

Location: Chennai

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3 Star Deluxe

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later check out and proceed for sightseeing tour to Mahabalipuram, visit the Thirukadalmallai, Shore Temple, Pancha Pandava Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Caves, Krishna’s Butterball and India Seashell Museum. Also explore the Mahabalipuram Beach with surfing & Shore Temple views.

After finish your sightseeing tour at Mahabalipuram, later drive to Kanchipuram, visit the city of 1000 temples and one of the seven sacred Hindu cities in India, visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, The Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple and Ulagalanda Perumal Temple a houses a huge statue of Lord Vishnu.

After finish your visit to Kanchipuram, later continue drive to Chennai. Upon arrival at Chennai check-in to your pre-booked hotel for night stay.

Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 12 : Departure from Chennai

Location: Chennai

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later check out and transfer to Chennai airport to board the flight for your next destination / Home.

What's Included

  • 11 Nights accommodation based on double / twin sharing basis

  • Assistance during arrival and departure by UncleSam Holidays

  • Dining Inclusions

    11 Breakfast at Hotel, 1 Lunch & 1 Dinner at House Boat

  • All sightseeing including airport transfers by an AC vehicle

  • English speaking guide at Kochi, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram

    (Other languages guides are available on additional charges)

  • Enjoy Kathakali dance show at Kochi

  • One mineral water bottle per person per day

What's Not Included

  • Visas Fee (if applicable)

  • Monument entry fees

  • Tips (always optional, but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information pack you’ll receive after booking)

  • Beverages other than drinking water & any costs of a personal nature

  • Internal/International flights to/from the start/finish of the trip

Mode of Transport

All sightseeing including airport transfers by an AC Car MUV / SUV / Sedan car with an English speaking driver. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced with good knowledge of the road conditions and well trained. The type of vehicles provided are as follows :

Passenger Vehicle type
1-2 persons Air-conditioned medium car such as Etios / Dezire or similar
• 3-4 persons Air-conditioned large car such as Toyota Innova or similar
• 5-10 persons Air-conditioned mini-van such as Tempo Traveler or similar
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Accommodation

Accommodation at 3 Star deluxe hotels.
4 or 5 Star hotel upgrade are available on request basis.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    Yes

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Company Instant Book

    Yes

  • Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

    Absolutely. Every traveler is required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    On request basis.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Yes

  • What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

    100% departure if there is single traveler.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    3 Star

  • What is the maximum group size?

    10

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Healthy

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Tips always optional.

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    INR is local currency.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Only for foreign national travelers.

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Yes

  • How many people will be on my trip?

    UncleSam Holidays provide private and group tour it's completely depend on you which category you are choose. if you are choosing a group tour there is maximum 40 guests.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    UncleSam Holidays is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2011. So far, UncleSam Holidays work hard to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe

  • What are the coaches like?

    We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches – all with reclining seats and on-board restrooms. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city center.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    We select our hotels for their quality, impeccable service and comfort, with the majority of them having air-conditioning. Few hotels don't have air conditioning due to the colder climate.

  • How much luggage can I bring?

    You can bring one suitcase per person and weight not exceeding 23 kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescopic handles.

  • Are the travel guides experience?

    Our Travel Guides come from a variety of backgrounds but they all share a passion for travel. These experienced professionals show you what the guidebooks can’t – a true insider’s perspective of each destination. Each Travel Guide have at least five years’ experience under their belt.

  • What if I have special dietary requirements?

    We can accommodate guests who are vegetarian and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free and other medically-recommended diets. Please advise us at time of booking. Unfortunately, we’re unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements. We can’t provide salt-free, Kosher, Halal, requests for specific dietary supplements such as soya milk, and high protein or low-carb meals.

  • Will I need a visa?

    You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    We strongly recommend that all guests have a travel insurance policy to ensure your peace of mind before and while travelling. It's important that you protect yourself in case of trip cancellations, an interruption for any reason, baggage delays or loss of baggage and medical expenses.

Reviews of this operator

Sandra Gurvis  

Great trip to India

12-Nov-2024

Highly recommended to everybody for holiday packages in India. I really appreciate them for their management everything was well managed on every tour and will keep travelling with them in future also.

Julia  

Perfect Trip

16-Aug-2024

Very helpful staff helped me during my trip too regarding all bookings thanku fir making my trip a memorable one

Mike  

Well Mananged Services

02-Oct-2024

i dont have words to explain my excellent experience with unclesam holidays, I will travel one' again with your company and will share this valuable experience with friends and family

Want a private tour?

  • Personalise your trip

    Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method

  • Travel more exclusively

    Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group

  • Travel for a special occasion

    Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Wednesday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Monday - Friday

Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Wednesday - Sunday

Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Friday - Tuesday

Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Saturday - Wednesday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Monday - Friday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Wednesday - Sunday

Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Friday - Tuesday

Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Saturday - Wednesday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

Apr 20, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Monday - Friday

Apr 21, 2025 - May 02, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Apr 22, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Wednesday - Sunday

Apr 23, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

Apr 24, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Friday - Tuesday

Apr 25, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Saturday - Wednesday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 08, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Monday - Friday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 09, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Wednesday - Sunday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 11, 2025
$2644 $1058 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1586 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    UncleSam Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 80 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of unclesam holidays charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

12 Days South India Tour

12 Days Starting in Kochi, Kerala, India and ending in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Visiting: Kochi, Alappuzha, Varkala, Kanniyakumari, Madurai, Puducherry, Mahabalipuram, Chennai

Tour operator:

UncleSam Holidays

Tour code:

12DSIT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 10

Physical rating:

Low, Easy

Age range:

1-90

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Kosher, Jain, Halal

Tour operated in:

English , French , German , Spanish

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, History

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From: $2644 $1058 (USD) Operator discount: -$1586 -60%

NB: Prices correct on 02-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

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