Secure card payments

90% of customers would book again

Kerala and India's Beautiful South

18days from

£2,266^*per person

Overview

Explore an idyllic land of ancient ports, labyrinthine backwaters and forested uplands dotted with temples and tea-plantations.

Discover the colours and scents of Kerala – known affectionately by its inhabitants as God’s Own Country – and temple-dotted Tamil Nadu, on this leisurely journey that also takes in the cool heights of the Western Ghat hill stations and the dusty Mysore Plateau, the iconic setting to EM Forster’s novel – A Passage to India. Bookended by stays in bustling Bangalore and an elegant Bay of Bengal seaside town, this is the perfect introduction to India’s spectacular south.

Itinerary

Overnight flight to India - Fly overnight to Bangalore.
Travel to your hotel in Bangalore - Your tour manager will meet you as you arrive in Bangalore, and our coach will transfer to your welcoming hotel in this thriving city where modern developments surround the colonial remnants, parks and green spaces of the what was once known as the Garden City. Enjoy the chance to rest and relax before your first dinner at the hotel.
Included Bangalore tour - After an early breakfast, you’ll head out for a sightseeing tour of Bangalore. Highlights will include the vast Vidhana Soudha state ‘capitol’ – India’s largest civic building – the 16th-century Bull Temple, with its massive, granite Nandi bull, and the Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan. Following the tour you’ll travel across the plain to historic, charming Mysore, pausing en route to take in the island of Srirangapatna. The island was once the stronghold of the Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, who was finally defeated by the future Duke of Wellington, here, in 1799. An important Hindu temple draws pilgrims from across the sub-continent.
Included Mysore city tour - This morning’s tour begins with a short journey to an ornate temple atop the Chamundi Hills before returning to take in Mysore’s spectacular, domed, Maharaja’s Palace. This fusion of architectural styles has a striking interior whose highlight is the magnificent royal wedding hall. You’ll also see the Jaganmohan Palace, with its collection of Indian paintings and carvings, and visit the Railway Museum. This afternoon, re-board the coach for another short journey, this time to Somnathpur, where the Keshava Vishnu temple is one of the finest examples of the intricate style favoured by the region’s 13th-century Hoysala rulers. Return to Mysore, to take in the extraordinary sight of the illuminated Maharaja’s Palace, this evening.
Travel to Ooty - Board the coach for the memorably scenic journey into the foothills of the Western Ghat mountains. You’ll pass the forests of the Bandipur National Park and, by afternoon, you will have arrived in the Queen of Hill Stations, Udhagamandalam (otherwise known as Ooty). Spend the evening in this idyllic location, discovering the Kew-inspired Botanical Gardens, Gothic St. Stephen’s Church and crumbling colonial splendour.
Ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway - Board the historic, narrow-gauge Nilgiri Blue Mountain Railway to journey down through the spectacular hills to plantation town Coonoor for lunch. Tour a tea factory before returning to Ooty where you'll visit the quintessentially British botanical gardens and St Stephen's Church as well as the local market.
Rail travel to Kochi - After a leisurely morning, perhaps making use of your hotel’s facilities, you’ll head to Coimbatore Station and board the early afternoon Ernakulam Express, which will speed you in air-conditioned comfort into Kerala. Spend the next two nights here, in Kochi, the ancient trading seaport once known as Cochin.
Included tour of Kochi - Today, you’ll enjoy an included guided tour of historic Kochi. See the exquisite murals of "Dutch" Mattancherry Palace, the ancient Jewish synagogue and Fort Cochin – home to the famous Chinese fishing nets that have become one of India’s most-photographed sights. Elsewhere in the city, historic St Francis Church overlooks a village green straight from a genteel English scene. This evening, see for yourself the intricate choreography, glorious costumes and colourful make-up of a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Cruise on a traditional houseboat - Travel the short distance to Alleppey, and board a traditional, thatch-roofed Kettuvallam houseboat to lazily cruise a labyrinth of canals and waterways, lined with coconut groves, rice fields and dotted with temples. This landscape of tiny islands is home to fishermen, buffalo farmers, and coconut growers. This evening, enjoy a guided walk through a traditional Keralan village.
Travel to Periyar and visit a spice plantation - Bidding farewell to your floating home, you’ll journey up into a lush, rolling landscape dotted with tea- and spice-plantations, to Periyar. You’ll spend two nights here, close to the famous wildlife sanctuary. Check in to your hotel, then join your guide to explore a spice plantation and learn the mysteries and history of Indian tea and spices, which are grown in abundance on the slopes of the sanctuary. Enjoy dinner and a cooking demonstration at the hotel at the end of a fascinating day. This evening, you can also choose to go on an optional tour to Kalaripayattu in Periyar. Here, in a small venue with stadium seating, you'll be able to watch a traditional Indian martial arts performance.

Periyar lake cruise with optional wildlife sanctuary excursion - Rest and relax in the cool surroundings of your hotel, this morning, or join our optional guided excursion into the Wildlife Sanctuary, in search of the endangered mammals (elephants, palm civets, giant squirrels and – for the lucky few – tigers and leopards) and 250-plus bird species that make it their home. This afternoon, complete your visit to Periyar with a boat ride on serene Periyar Lake. Sightings of elephants and colourful birds are possible here, too; though glimpses of the elusive tigers and leopards are the preserve of the very fortunate few.
Travel to Madurai - Journey east into Tamil Nadu, heading down onto the southern plains to spend the next two nights in Madurai. One of Asia’s oldest cities, Madurai stands on the banks of the River Vaigai and is famed for its extraordinary temples. Soak up the atmosphere of this unforgettable metropolis, which is dominated by the vast, colourful Meenakshi temple.
Included Madurai city tour - Today’s guided sightseeing tour introduces Madurai’s Old City, where the ornately carved façade, colonnades, shrines and quartet of towering gopurams of the Meenakshi temple are the breath-taking highlight. Marvel at the continual ceremonies and devotions, take in the bustle of the temple markets and stroll the labyrinth of corridors and walkways. This evening, head back out of the hotel to discover the city’s narrow, bustling streets and colourful market by cycle-rickshaw.
Travel to Pondicherry - A scenic journey through a landscape of rice-paddies and irrigated fields takes you to Pondicherry, a town of decidedly Gallic leanings that boasts an authentic Hôtel de Ville, where French is still widely spoken and where the "gendarmes" patrolling the beachfront promenade still wear kepi berets. Enjoy an overnight stay here, in a town that forms one of the backdrops to Yann Martel’s enchanting novel, Life of Pi.
Explore Pondicherry - This morning, pay a visit to the Pondicherry Museum, with its diverse collection of artefacts, before you join a cycle rickshaw ride through the colonial French Quarter. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.
Sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram - Journey north to coastal Mahabalipuram for a last night's stay. A sightseeing tour includes a visit to the extraordinary, 8th-century Shore Temple. This afternoon, rest and relax on the beach for a few hours before enjoying a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Explore Chennai before flying home - Bid farewell to your hosts and transfer to Chennai, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of India’s fourth-largest city. After the tour, you’ll be transferred to Chennai Airport for the return overnight flight home.
Fly back to the UK and arrive home - Arrive back in the UK, at the end of a colourful, enthralling journey.

What's Included

Holiday Highlights

Cruise through Alleppey’s verdant backwaters on a traditional thatched houseboat
Marvel at the Chinese fishing nets along Kochi’s harbour
Take in the garden city of Bangalore and explore the elegant Summer Palace, a former residence of Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan
Explore Periyar’s famous wildlife sanctuary in the foothills of the Western Ghats
Visit Mysore’s beautifully illuminated Maharaja’s Palace
Venture into Mahabalipuram’s temples and relax on its beachfront
Experience India’s French colonial gem, Pondicherry
Travel to Ooty, the queen of the hill stations, and take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Chennai’s diverse cultural sites, temples and bustling city streets
Glide through Kerala’s striking mountain landscapes aboard an express train to Kochi

Our Price Includes

14 nights' hotel half-board accommodation at hotels in Bangalore (1 night), Mysore (2), Ooty (2), Kochi (2), Periyar (2), Madurai (2), Pondicherry (2), Mahabalipuram (1)
One night’s full-board accommodation on a traditional Keralan houseboat
Porterage at all hotels
Return flights to India via Dubai
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
The services of a friendly, experienced Tour Manager on the tour
Tipping is included for airport and hotel porters, restaurant and monument staff, naturalists and rickshaw drivers. Tipping is at your discretion for your tour manager, driver and driver’s assistant
Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary

The Metro Travel Experience

Extraordinary travel and memories of a lifetime.

60+ Holiday Types
500+ Destinations
364,000+ Customers

Dates and Prices

Accommodation

Kerala and India's South Touring Hotel -

Introduction
You'll be staying in a series of well-located hotels, all of which will be of a four- and five-star standard. In all cases, rooms have private bathrooms and air conditioning.

Radisson Blu Atria, Bengaluru (night 2)
Conveniently located in the heart of Bengaluru, this sleek hotel offers first-class amenities to enjoy in between excursions within a stone's throw of Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace. There is an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a fine-dining restaurant, and a relaxed bar. Guestrooms are airy with tasteful décor, and include tea/coffee-making facilities, safe and mini-bars and hairdryers.

Grand Mercure Hotel, Mysore (nights 3-4)
Located just minutes from Mysore Palace, this hotel is based in the heart of the city and offers a rooftop swimming pool, a fitness suite and a spa. There is also a speciality restaurant, serving authentic North Indian cuisine, as well as a casual bar. Guestrooms encompass mini-bars, tea/coffee-making facilities, safes, and hairdryers.

Fortune Resort Sullivan Court, Ooty (nights 5-6)
Surrounded by green lawns and a pretty garden, this hotel has a restaurant and, in colonial style, a charming bar. The guest rooms are comfortable, and each has tea/coffee-making facilities and a safe.

The Fern, Kochi (nights 7-8)
This hotel has spacious grounds and a swimming pool, and is set around a central courtyard. There is a restaurant and bar, and the hotel also has an Ayurveda Centre, whose traditional therapies form an important part of Indian life, where you can relax with a treatment or massage. Rooms here are light and airy.

Keralan Houseboat (night 9)
Stay in a traditional thatched houseboat with two or three cabins, all with private facilities. Three crew members (including one chef) will take care of you throughout your stay on board. Cruising will take place during daylight hours and the vessel will be moored at night.

Greenwoods, Periyar (nights 10-11)
This property is very close to the wildlife park, and has a restaurant and bar as well as a swimming pool and spa. There is even a coffee shop set high in a tree house. Rooms are in small blocks around the grounds and have good facilities. Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in conveniently located, alternative hotels of a similar standard.

The Taj Gateway Hotel, Madurai (nights 12-13)
A colonial-style hotel located at the base of the Kodai Hills and ringed by a tropical garden. Refined guestrooms, with views of the gardens, hills or city, feature TVs, tea/coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. There’s a casual lounge bar serving pub classics, a fitness centre, and an outdoor swimming pool.

The Residency Towers, Pondicherry (night 14-15)
A stylish hotel in the heart of the city and close to trendy White Town. The property has three restaurants, a spa and indoor swimming pool. All guestrooms have TV, mini-bar, safe and tea/coffee-maker.

ITC Mahabalipuram, Mahabalipuram (nights 16)
Positioned on the shore of the Bay of Bengal Coast, this sleek beach resort is near several ancient sites. Enclosed by tropical gardens, air-conditioned guestrooms, with neutral décor, feature safes, hairdryers, mini-bars, TVs, tea/coffee-making facilities, and Wi-Fi. There is a poolside grill on an elevated deck, a café, which opens onto the gardens, and a relaxed bar. Guests have access to basketball and volleyball courts, an on-site gym, a spa, and an infinity swimming pool. Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in conveniently located, alternative hotels of a similar standard.

Other Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Assisted travel

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the venue you're visiting. For this tour specifically, it is important to note: - Anyone with limited mobility may struggle to experience the itinerary to its full. - Historic sites and temples are not well equipped for those with mobility considerations. - Should you have walking difficulties, getting around may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. This tour is therefore not recommended for those with limited mobility. If you have any queries, please do contact us prior to travel.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Road conditions

In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Alcohol sales in Kerala

Local laws prohibit some hotels in Kerala from selling alcohol.

Holiday code

N474

Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays (for Metro Travel Offers)

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.

View Terms and Conditions